The Mothership Returns

The General Conference Committee on the state budget (known as the Mothership), made up of leaders from both sides of the aisle and both houses of the legislature, met again today to begin to flesh out the details of the budget framework we agreed to last night. Here's my comments at that meeting.

A Framework of A Budget In Place

Here's my comments at a press conference late last night with Gov. Paterson, Senator Bruno, Speaker Silver and Senator Smith on what can only be described as a herculean effort to get this done.

March Madness Predictions

In recent weeks, I've been right on target with my predictions, whether it be the Giants winning the Super Bowl by 3 points, hitting the bulls eye in an ax-throwing competition, or predicting how much money the state will have to spend for next year’s budget. Here's my pick to win the NCAA March Madness Men's Basketball Tournament.

Tedisco in 60: Budget Update

This week, I discuss where I believe we're at with a little more than a week to go before the state budget is due on April 1.

The Mothership Has Landed...

The "Mothership" is the nickname for the General Conference Committee on the state budget. The first such meeting for this year's state budget was held last night. Here's my comments from that inaugural meeting.

TEDISCO RIGHT ON TARGET

I was out in front of the State Capitol participating in an ax-throwing competition with lumberjacks from Paul Smith's College.

These young lumberjacks were extremely impressive. They're a good group of young kids, very athletic and energetic. They're obviously good teachers because they taught me how to throw an ax.

Today is a special day. I got to throw an ax. Not only did I get to throw an ax, I showed I was pretty much on target because I hit the bullseye. Hopefully I can be as effective and helpful with our new governor at hitting the bullseye in helping him get a budget in place in two weeks.

My Take on Gov. Paterson

This is from a press conference I held shortly after Governor Paterson's swearing in ceremony.

MY MEETING WITH GOVERNOR DESIGNATE DAVID PATERSON

I met with Governor Designate David Paterson during a media availability at the State Capitol. Paterson will be officially sworn-in as New York State's 55th Governor on Monday, March 17, 2008.

We discussed the upcoming State Budget and outlined some of our top legislative priorities, including providing real property tax relief, controlling spending and improving the quality of life for all New Yorkers.

David Paterson is a good friend, a respected colleague and a dedicated, inspirational public servant who can reach across Albany's partisan divide and help move our state toward a better and brighter future for all its citizens. I, and our entire Assembly Republican Conference, look forward to working with David Paterson to find common ground and real solutions that will help make New York a better place to live, work and raise a family.

Spitzer's Resignation

A NEW CHAPTER FOR NEW YORK

David Paterson's life story is, in a word, inspirational. His public record is one of overcoming obstacles, showing true character in the face of daunting adversity and being able to bridge Albany's bitter partisan divide that has, regrettably, widened into a chasm in recent years.

Governor Paterson knows the meaning of honor and has shown in both his deeds and words that he is a man of the highest public and personal integrity. His inherent decency and desire to put advancing the interests of the 18 and a half million New Yorkers we represent ahead of political partisanship will truly be a breath of fresh air.

I, and our entire Assembly Republican Conference, are ready, willing and able to work with Governor Paterson to get our state back on track by passing a responsible budget that provides real property tax relief, controls spending and meets the real needs of the New Yorkers we collectively represent. We have serious work to do and it is time for New York to put the scandal behind us and for State government to get back to work. David Paterson's ascension to the governorship is the first step in that direction.

Spitzer Scandal Press Conference Video

Here's video from my press conference today where I called on the Governor to resign in light of his purported involvement in a prostitution scandal.

Governor Spitzer's Scandal

“Today’s news that Eliot Spitzer was likely involved with a prostitution ring and his refusal to deny it leads to one inescapable conclusion: he has disgraced his office and the entire state of New York. He should resign his office immediately. Public service is a public trust – Eliot Spitzer violated this trust and has forsaken his oath of office. For the good of his family, for the good of our state, for the good of the governorship, Eliot Spitzer must resign immediately. He is unfit to lead our state and unfit to hold public office.”

Tedisco in 60: Stop The Brain Drain in New York State

My Appearance on Capital News 9 To Talk Budget Issues

Last night, I appeared live on Capital News 9 to discuss the state budget and this weekend’s revenue consensus among state leaders. The fact that we have been able to work together and reach a bi-partisan consensus on state revenue marks a significant step forward. It’s turning a page on the type of bitter, partisan acrimony that, quite frankly, New Yorkers are sick and tired of. Here’s an excerpt from the Capital News 9 story:

www.capitalnews9.comLow budget numbers could have an upsideUpdated: 03/03/2008 08:12 AMBy: Web Staff

ALBANY, N.Y. -- Assembly Minority Leader Jim Tedisco said that although there may be less money, a challenging budget could benefit New Yorkers in the long run.

"But that may give us the opportunity for once as a legislature and with the executive to stand up and make those tough decisions which can be a standard for future budgets and that is we can't create a perfect world, we can't say yes to every group, but we can have a better quality of life here if we stick to funding those priorities of the people we represent," Tedisco said.