PRESS RELEASES
Thursday, December 03, 2009
Paulin, Galef and Latimer To Reject Member Items for 2010-2011
For Immediate Release-- December 3, 2009
Contact-- Allison Esposito, Press Secretary, Assemblywoman Amy Paulin (914) 723-1115 and Allison.Esposito@gmail.com
Assemblymembers Paulin, Galef and Latimer Reject Member Items in the 2010-2011 Budget
Proposed Legislation Estimates Savings at $140-200 Million
New York State Assembly Members Amy Paulin, Sandy Galef and George Latimer announced the introduction of their legislation which prohibits member items in the 2010-11 New York State Budget.
Their announcement came at a press conference today at the headquarters for The Business Council of Westchester in White Plains.
This proposal will save the state between $140 and $200 million.
The three state legislators have heard from constituents on the need to implement cost-savings at the state level and have decided to take this important action.
The recent passage of the Deficit Reduction Plan included a twelve and a half percent cut in member items for the 2009-10 state budget. This new bill would go even further to eliminate member items entirely for the next fiscal year.
“We must act now to address New York State’s growing budget deficit,” said Assemblywoman Paulin, “Even if we can’t pass this legislation, I will be rejecting member items next year. 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.”
Assemblywoman Galef said, “It is necessary for the legislature to lead again as families around New York State have cut back on purchases that are not vital for the well-being of their families. It is time for New York to take that same approach and lead by example. Sacrifice is needed for New York to come out of the recession and sustain a strong foundation for its future.”
Assemblyman Latimer said, "Difficult times require difficult measures; it is clear that our focus must first be on funding essential state programs with our reduced revenues. Discretionary spending - however merited - must be eliminated in years of such great economic crisis."
“The Business Council of Westchester commends Assembly Members Sandy Galef, Amy Paulin and George Latimer for their sponsorship of legislation to prohibit member items in next year’s budget,” said Dr. Marsha Gordon, President and CEO of The Business Council of Westchester, the county’s largest business organization. “Given the current financial crisis the state faces, this is an excellent example of leadership by example.”
###