Issues: EPIC (Elderly Pharmaceutical Insurance Coverage Program)

Budget Comes Early, Controls Spending and Holds The Line On Taxes

Senator Patrick M. Gallivan hailed the 2012 state budget today as lawmakers approved the spending plan ahead of the April 1st deadline, marking the second consecutive year New York State will enact an on-time budget.

“Passing a second on-time budget in as many years is indicative of the larger progress we’ve seen lately in Albany. Just as late budgets were once a symbol of dysfunction, on-time budgets are symbolic of continued progress,” the Senator said. “Even more important than passing an on-time budget, is that we passed a fiscally responsible budget that respects New York’s taxpayers and keeps the State moving forward.”

The New York State Legislature has completed passage of an on-time budget for the second year in a row. Though it was another challenging budget, requiring the closure of a $3.5 billion deficit, we were able to balance the budget without tax increases or fiscal gimmickry. In addition, overall spending was reduced for the second straight year, the frist time this has happened in at least three decades. 

Some highlights include:

Governor Cuomo released the following announcement on March 27, 2012:

The Budget continues the Governor’s commitment to fiscal responsibility while creating jobs and strengthening communities across the state. It closes a multi-billion dollar deficit with no new taxes, fees or gimmicks, limits spending growth to two percent or below for the second year in a row, and launches the New York Works Task Force to invest billions of dollars to rebuild the state's roads, bridges, parks, and other infrastructure and create tens of thousands of jobs.

ALBANY, 03/27/12 -- State Senator James L. Seward (R/C/I – Oneonta) today commented on the state budget agreement:

“The announced budget agreement sets New York on course to approve an on time spending plan for a second consecutive year.  More than the timeliness, the plan meets upstate needs, provides incentives for private sector job growth and closes a $3.5 billion budget gap without raising taxes.

“One item I fought hard for was funding for our rural, low-wealth school districts and additional aid was included in the final agreement.  Community colleges also benefited, ensuring quality, affordable higher education for our young people.