By Mark Scott
http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/wbfo/local-wbfo-807334.mp3
Buffalo, NY – State Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli made a brief stop in the Buffalo area Wednesday. He was asked about the proposed state budget that Governor David Paterson released this week.
Comptroller DiNapoli appeared at the Hebeler Corporation plant in Tonawanda. Hebeler manufactures renewable energy systems for a Potsdam-based company, ZeroPoint Clean Tech. DiNapoli is investing $1.5 million from the state's retirement fund in ZeroPoint.
But it was Paterson's proposed budget for 2009-2010 that dominated the question and answer session with reporters. It includes painful cuts, especially in school aid and health care spending. DiNapoli said the cuts are necessary.
Paterson's proposed reforms of the state's Empire Zone program were not playing well at this event. Tonawanda Town Supervisor Anthony Caruana said a number of companies are benefiting from the financial incentives the program provides.
DiNapoli responded that he agrees with the Governor that companies should be held more accountable for the job creation numbers they promise to obtain incentives. He says his staff is currently doing an in-depth budget analysis, which he hopes to make public by the end of the month.
Click the audio player above to hear Mark Scott's story now or use your podcasting software to download it to your computer or iPod.