Statement From Senator Carl Kruger Chair, Chair Of The Senate Finance Committee

Senate Democrats oppose unfunded mandates, plain and simple. And we'll work this year on an integrated proposal on cost-savings for school districts and local governments together with property tax relief for hard-pressed taxpayers.
 
That said, it seems illogical the Governor is so unwilling to end unfunded mandates once and for all, and is instead content with a temporary moratorium that allows for reinstatement. Setting that aside, however, taxpayers cannot look past the fact he has foregone a comprehensive property tax relief plan and introduced a proposal that is scatter-shot and unfocused.
 
As a conference, we are focused on creating jobs, controlling spending, reducing taxes and restoring faith in government; proposals like this make it that much harder for taxpayers to take Albany seriously.
 
I thank the Governor for including many initiatives introduced by Senate Democrats in his plan, but also believe he failed yet again to connect the dots in a way that is fiscally responsible.