DEAL OR NO DEAL?
They’re baaaaack! Well, not yet…and we don’t necessarily know when, but they’re coming. The Senate, that is. They are scheduled to vote on our state’s revenue legislation. Why didn’t the Senate vote on this before leaving Albany? It reminds me of when I was younger and I was told that I couldn’t have my juice [...]
Time To Grit Our Teeth and Make The Tough Calls
New York’s next governor can learn a lot from his colleague in New Jersey about how to make tough calls that will lower taxes and improve the state’s economy.
Albany Needs to Make the Right Cuts
There is no question that Governor Paterson and members of the Legislature are confronting very difficult decisions in trying to put together a budget that doesn’t further burden New Yorkers. But the pain of these decisions is largely self-inflicted and that is the problem.
For years, and across party lines, leaders have done their best to [...]
NY Taxpayers: Time to Talk About the Budget
A late state budget is better than a bad one, but Unshackle Upstate worries we might get both. Let’s work the lateness to our favor: You still have a chance to voice your concerns about the budget and make sure our elected officials hear them.
The Great NYS Property Tax Debate
Unshackle Upstate agrees with our NYS elected officials that something must be done to lower property taxes. But we differ greatly on the solution – and think their ideas fall way short.
New week, same old budget story
A new week dawns in Albany, but don’t expect the state Legislature – just back from a 10-day break – to agree to a 2010-11 budget anytime during these next seven days. The budget was due April 1.
Why I Can’t Support More State Borrowing to Balance the Budget
I was asked to support Lt. Gov. Ravitch’s plan to fix the state’s fiscal problems, but given the state’s history of budget shell games and uncontrolled spending, I’m just not comfortable with provisions in it that call for up to $2 billion more borrowing each year for the next three years.
We Know Times Are Tough, But Every Little Bit Helps
Unshackle Upstate answers some questions raised about why we are seeking contributions to fund our campaign to save New York state.
New York State of Disarray
Regrettably, the lyrics have changed to the once popular “NY State of Mind” song. It’s now “NY State of Disarray” which includes new phrases such as “A state that can’t seem to stop spending increases” and “Having representatives that no longer serve the interests of the State.” Moreover, recent verses have just been added that include “Politicians that violate the citizen trust” and “Voter apathy in NYS that seems ever increasing.”
Mandate reform must go the distance
Recently, a proposal aimed at relieving the pressure of “property tax fatigue” on local school districts and taxpayers was passed by members of the Senate. While recognition of the need for such a plan seems long overdue, any proposal that can offer real and sustainable property tax relief is a step in the right direction.
The proposal offers [...]