AMY PAULIN IN THE NEWS

Thursday, December 03, 2009
Lawmakers: State Should Go on a Pork Less Diet

Politics on the Hudson Blog

Assembly members Sandra Galef, D-Ossining; Amy Paulin, D-Scarsdale, and George Latimer, D-Rye, said they are proposing legislation that would prohibit member items, aka pork, in the 2010-11 state budget. The ban would save the state $140 million to $200 million, they estimate.

This week’s deficit-reduction plan to close $2.7 billion of a $3.2 billion hole in the state budget cut member items by 12.5 percent for the rest of the fiscal year, which ends March 31.

“Difficult times require difficult measures; it is clear that our focus must first be on funding essential state programs with our reduced revenues,” Latimer said in a statement.

“Discretionary spending – however merited – must be eliminated in years of such great economic crisis.”

New Yorkers have cut back on purchases that aren’t vital, and the state should take that approach with member items, Galef said.

“We must act now to address New York State’s growing budget deficit. Even if we can’t pass this legislation, I will be rejecting member items next year,” Paulin said. “While I recognize the positive aspects of this funding we are in the midst of an unprecedented fiscal crisis and can no longer afford business as usual.”

The lawmakers held a news conference today at the Business Council of Westchester in White Plains, which is supporting the legislation.