Belt Tightening is Welcome, Tax Increases are Not

Media reports indicate that Governor Spitzer will be calling for further belt tightening in the state budget. While this is welcome news and something I strongly support, I am concerned that the spending reductions reportedly would be coupled with $75 million in new taxes. I’ve said it before and I’ll continue to speak out against any effort to raise taxes on our state’s residents and businesses whether it be in the form of fees, surcharges, loophole closures, or any other euphemism for a tax increase. Reducing state spending while simultaneously raising taxes is like going on a diet by eating more Twinkies. It just doesn’t make sense.