By Mark Scott
Albany, NY – The State Legislature Tuesday approved a $1.6 billion package to close the deficit in the current year's state budget.
The package includes the so-called "sweep" of $300 million from the New York Power Authority to help close the gap. And revenue from a $620 a year tuition increase for SUNY students will go toward deficit reduction rather than being used for their education.
State Senate Majority Leader Malcolm Smith said the budget changes are necessary.
"We're prepared to take fiscally sound actions to get the state back on track," Smith said, surrounded by 18 Democratic colleagues. "We understand there's been very little faith in the people of the state of New York in the government acting responsibly."
Republicans complained they were left out of the leaders meetings on the deficit reduction. Minority Leader Dean Skelos said the package was designed by three Democrats from New York City and that it was done without transparency.
State Assemblyman Jim Hayes of Williamsville said the package does nothing to slow the runaway growth of state spending.