Wednesday, January 7, 2009

Slash and Burn Paterson


Today's State of the State address by governor Paterson was more of the same. Governor Paterson would have been a great general during the Russian conflict with the Germans in the World War II era. He is a slash and burn specialist.

Increases in user fees at a time when unemployment numbers continue to climb and us city residents are just trying to keep our heads above water. Reduction in education assistance for city students and increases in tuition at the City University of New York (CUNY). Great going governor Paterson.

What's more troubling is the deafening silence and lack of outrage from interest groups and city residents who will face even more stringent times during this current recession. I have a budget idea governor. Why not cut the salaries of Albany Fat Cats who are quietly earning six figure annual salaries.

We know that the state earns some 25% of its tax revenue from the financial services sector. Thus, whenever Wall Street goes to hell in a hand basket, the state coffers has a huge gaping hole. So why not diversify and reduce the dependence on Wall Street tax revenue? Besides, just how did the state find itself in such a huge hole anyway?

But that will not happen. Instead, you keep taking and taking from those who can least afford it. Hail to the Chief of Slash and Burn. You're doing a fantastic job governor.

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