NY Deserves a Special Election for US Senate Seat Vacancy

While Governor David Paterson prepares to announce the candidate he has chosen to replace Senator Hillary Clinton as New York’s junior U.S. Senator, I unveiled legislation that would end the pattern of “accidental” elected officials who entered into office without a mandate from the people of New York State.

With the Governor, Comptroller and now a U.S. Senator coming into office through appointment as opposed to democratic election, I introduced a bill that would amend the State’s Public Officers Law to require Special Elections for any vacancies in the office U.S. Senator for New York State.

My bill requires the Governor – within ten days – to call a Special Election within 90 days of the occurrence of a vacancy. If the vacancy were to occur less than 100 days before the annual Primary or General Election, the Special Election would then be held during the regular election cycle. 

My Opening Remarks on the Assembly Chamber Floor Regarding this Year's Legislative Session

My Reaction to the State of the State

GOVERNOR PATERSON'S 137 TAX AND FEE INCREASES WILL COST THE AVERAGE NEW YORK FAMILY $3,875.48, COULD LEAD TO THE LOSS OF 1-IN-10 JOBS

The 137 tax and fee increases within Governor Paterson's 2009-10 Executive Budget will cost the average New York family an extra $3,875.48 annually. This is a "gut punch" to New York's middle class already hurting from a terrible economy, home foreclosures and loss of real wages.

The analysis, compiled by the Assembly Republican Ways and Means Committee, found that Governor Paterson's 137 tax and fee increases - imposed on everything from digital music downloads to soda - could potentially lead to the loss of one-in-ten jobs.

These 137 tax and fee increases sought by Governor Paterson mean state government is digging even deeper into the pockets of New York's middle class families, many of whom are already reeling from the recession. His tax and fee hikes send absolutely the worst possible message, at the worst possible time, for middle class families who are losing their jobs, losing their houses and seeing their incomes and home values decline.

While families cut back and make sacrifices, Governor Paterson would have state government take even more, ultimately deepening and prolonging the recession. All these tax and fee hikes are like declaring war on New York's middle class families.

The following are some of the products and services Governor Paterson's Executive Budget would raise taxes or fees on: cable and satellite television; pay per view movies; cigars; discount coupons; haircuts; beauty salons; health clubs; weight loss programs; fishing; camping; malt-flavored beverages; digital music downloads; drinks from non-diet soda to Gatorade, Hawaiian Punch and Hi-C; beer; wine; car rentals; limousine services; taxis; movies; health
insurance; seed dealers; parents of children with special needs; boilers; explosives; horse entrance fees; sporting events; gasoline; clothing; jewelry; footwear; automobile purchases; registration and driving fees.

According to Stephen Kagann, former state chief economist, every $100 million in new taxes imposed during a recession leads to a loss of 11,400 private sector jobs. Governor Paterson's tax and fee hikes total $6 billion, meaning a loss of 600,000 jobs. When added to the administration's forecast of 180,000 jobs expected to be lost in 2009, it is a very real possibility that one-in-ten jobs in New York State could be threatened. That isn't doomsday - it's an economic apocalypse.

ITEMIZED BREAKDOWN OF THE $3,875.48 COST TO THE AVERAGE NEW YORK FAMILY FROM GOVERNOR PATERSON’S TAX AND FEE INCREASES.
(Click on the chart to enlarge)

How to Save the State Billions of Dollars

In November, I sent a letter to Governor Paterson including the Assembly Republican Conference's proposals to address New York’s fiscal crisis. They are listed below:

- Eliminate Member Items: There is approximately $200 million per year allocated for Member Items for the Legislature and Governor. Elected officials in State government should lead by example and cut the pork;

- Collect sales taxes on Native American lands: New York State needs to enforce the law and collect taxes from purchases made on Native American lands. It is estimated that doing so would generate over $1 billion annually;

- “Sweep” fund balances: To enhance transparency of the budget process, we propose State Agencies provide timely notification – when projects or lines in the State budget are completed – if a fund balance exists, or when a shortfall in funding has occurred. This will allow us to identify any unused or residual taxpayer monies;

- Freeze State employee hiring: To increase State efficiencies and reduce costs, we should continue to support a hard hiring freeze of all State employees;

- Suspend State employee travel: As another method of increasing State efficiencies, all employee travel should be suspended, except for health and safety purposes, until this current financial crisis is resolved;

- Suspend State vehicle purchases: The State should suspend the purchase of new State vehicles, except for health and safely purposes. This could save taxpayers over $500,000 annually;

- Merge State Agencies: Merging the Insurance and Banking Departments into the Office of Financial Services; the Consumer Protection Board with the Department of Law; the Crime Victims Board with the Office for the Prevention of Domestic Violence and the Racing Reform Program into Racing and Wagering could save nearly $9.8 million;

- Enact a 15% Non-Personal Service (NPS) cut: A 15 percent reduction in all General Fund Non-Personal Service appropriations in every State agency, board, office or department, should be made. This reduction does not seek to eliminate any State workforce jobs. But it would reduce State spending by $416 million;

- Implement the “State Agency Fiscal Efficiency” (S.A.F.E.) Program: This initiative would empower State Agencies to temporarily transition to a four-day work week, where employees would take one day off without pay. Discussion with labor leaders would be necessary. The program would be voluntary;

- Eliminate Reappropriations: After five fiscal years, all cash reappropriations should be eliminated, except for capital projects. If an organization can’t spend all of its appropriated funding within five years of it being provided, those funds should be eliminated; and

- Eliminate “Ghost Ship” Commissions: Our Conference established a W.A.S.T.E. (Waste At State Taxpayer’s Expense) Taskforce, to identify all the State Commissions that still receive State funding even though they have finished their assigned task or are no longer relevant. Eliminating these Commissions would save taxpayers hundreds of thousands, if not more. We all understand Commission members can make a case to continue, but our economic condition must take precedence.

Certainly, this list is by no means exhaustive. Nevertheless, these proposals can serve as a starting point for our continued deliberations as we face one of the most challenging budget cycles in recent memory.

I am confident that if we can set politics aside and move toward bi-partisan solutions, we will ensure our state emerges from the current crisis stronger than ever. Our Assembly Republican Conference is ready, willing and able to meet this challenge by returning fiscal responsibility to state government and, in the process, guaranteeing a better and brighter future for all New Yorkers.

My Response to the Governor's Budget

Governor Paterson today unveiled his 2009-10 Executive Budget for the Legislature's consideration, nearly a full month before he was constitutionally required to do so. I commend the Governor for bringing a quick start to this budget process. With a state deficit approaching $15 billion, this budget process will be decidedly difficult and painful. The reality is that there are no easy answers or quick fixes.

I am approaching this budget process and the Governor's budget with a focus on three core principles: no new taxes or tax hikes, the need to invest in our Upstate and suburban economies and reining in the size, cost and reach of government. Regrettably, on the first principle, the Governor's budget falls short. Governor Paterson's budget raises taxes - and even imposes new taxes - on middle class families and small businesses by almost $4 billion.

Instead of raising taxes, we need to be reducing them. Cutting taxes, providing overtaxed homeowners a real property tax cap, and investing in jobs to grow our hurting economy - especially in Upstate and the suburbs - those areas should command our attention.

Throughout this upcoming session, I will work with the Governor. New York cannot afford legislators from either party acting as agents of delay or obstruction. We need real leadership, real solutions. We are the Empire State and we will get through this crisis and emerge stronger than before.

EPA’S PROPOSAL TO TAX LIVESTOCK GAS AND FLATULENCE IS AN IDEA THAT STINKS

I’m calling on the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to stop any consideration of a proposal that would impose a tax on “livestock emissions. This measure would add another burden on New York’s already beleaguered family farmers.

A recent Associated Press news article reported that, in the wake of a 2007 United States Supreme Court ruling that livestock gaseous emissions may contribute to global climate change and thus constitute a form of airborne pollution, the EPA is exploring the possibility of assessing a tax on certain farmers and ranchers.

The proposal, still in its preliminary stages, would impose a tax on farms or ranches having over 200 hogs, 50 cattle or 25 dairy cows. It would require them to pay a yearly charge of approximately $20 for each hog, $87.50 per head of cattle and $175 per dairy cow. The tax is applicable to farms whose livestock operations produce over 100 tons of carbon emissions annually and are subject to the Clean Air Act.

At the same time our state endures an economic recession, the EPA thinks it’s wise to impose a new tax on family farms and agri-businesses? If ever there was need for a crystal clear example of a federal agency completely out-of-touch with reality, the EPA just filled that bill.

This proposal from the EPA would only add to the financial challenges facing family farmers and New York’s agri-businesses. Why the EPA would seek to impose new taxes – while Upstate farmers are struggling in one of the worst economies in recent years – is simply beyond me. New York’s Congressional delegation should ensure this ludicrous plan goes nowhere fast.

My Quick Take on the Property Tax Cap

Governor Paterson Needs to get Silver on Board for Needed Property Tax Cap Relief

The State Commission on Property Tax Relief has delivered its final report to Governor Paterson and the State Legislature. They have done an outstanding job and have made their recommendations carefully and thoughtfully. As my Assembly Republicans Conference and I carefully review the Commission’s final report, at first glance I support many of its suggestions, most importantly the need for a real property tax cap. The Commission’s recognition of the significant role that unfunded mandate relief must play in reducing property taxes is also important and should similarly command the Legislature’s attention.

If the Governor is seriously about making the property tax cap a reality for New Yorkers, he needs to include the Commission’s recommendations in the 2009-10 Executive Budget. If he gives us a budget that includes these key changes to New York’s property tax system, he will be sending a clear message of his intentions and his support for a property tax cap.

Over the years, my Republican Conference and I have warned of New York’s growing property tax crisis and the immediate need for a real property tax cap. We have been pushing for the passage of the “New York State Property Taxpayer Protection Act,” legislation that would cap property taxes. The fact that New Yorkers are paying some of the highest property taxes in the nation is unacceptable.

For this to change, Albany must change. This is not a partisan issue; Speaker Silver needs to recognize that New Yorkers need property tax relief now. He’s the only leader in Albany who has opposed the cap; he needs to let the property tax cap issue come to the Assembly floor for a vote. The Senate passed a property tax cap back in August, and the Assembly has failed to do so, this clearly illustrates Albany’s need for change.

It is sad, but not surprising, that the Speaker turned a deaf ear to the pleas for help from New York homeowners being crushed by property taxes. New York is deep in an economic crisis and the Commission’s final report should be the catalyst to push the Speaker to act. Governor Paterson should use his power and appeal to the media and the public to encourage the Speaker to end his opposition to the property tax cap. The Speaker can use our tax cap bill – Assembly Bill A.8775-A – as a starting point.

I again want to commend the Commission on its hard work, bringing their recommendations for property tax relief to Albany. Chairman Tom Suozzi and the Commission have done a great job advancing the cause of property tax relief by proposing the adoption of a property tax cap to solve New York’s tax crisis.

More Inaction From Speaker Silver

Today I sat down at a five-way meeting with the Governor and the Leaders of the Senate and Assembly to try to address the State’s looming budget deficit. I hoped we would be able to bring some proposals to the table and discuss any ideas that would help close the budget gap. I brought with me a lot of ideas that I think could really help the present situation, but Speaker Silver hardly spoke up, he didn’t offer any new ideas or even which of Governor Paterson’s ideas he was supporting.

The only thing Speaker Silver mentioned was his sudden opposition to one-house bills. The reality is that the Speaker brought 1,153 one-house bills to the Assembly floor last year. It is amazing to me that the Speaker today condemned against such actions, when he passed a bill in the August 19 special session that would have created a $1.75 billion job-killing tax. Why, when it comes to trying to figure out how to reduce spending, one-house bills are off the table, yet he eagerly supported a bill that would increase state taxes?

Speaker Silver has long been a supporter of increased spending and has helped put New York in its present fiscal crisis. The State is in an economic ditch, and the media should demand that he explain his contributions to New York’s budget problems.

Today’s special session was pointless and accomplished nothing, but it cost New York’s taxpayers $40,000. Webster’s Dictionary may want to consider redefining the word ‘irony’.

The Governor needs to lead by example. He should have asked the Speaker directly which cuts he was supporting and he should have asked for at least one idea from him to address our fiscal problem. The Governor let the Speaker off the hook.

Today was a circus. I’m sad to say the dysfunction in New York State government has gotten worse. For the good of the taxpayers, this trend must change immediately.


Here's a small segment of the meeting where all the leaders had a chance to argue their positions. I came in towards the end.

END "GHOST SHIP" COMMISSIONS OPERATING WITH TAXPAYER DOLLARS

In response to news that the State Commission on Local Government Efficiency and Competitiveness still operates with a $400,000 appropriation - even though it issued its final report back in April, I'm calling for an investigation into whether other commissions that have also concluded their missions continue to operate on the taxpayer's dime.

Jay Gallagher of Gannett News first reported on the State Commission on Local Government Efficiency and Competitiveness still operating with taxpayer monies. I wrote to State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli to determine if other state commissions - paid for by New York taxpayers - continue to function in a similar inefficient and wasteful manner.

New York State is in the midst of a fiscal crisis, the likes of which we haven't seen in quite some time. We have a budget deficit of $5.4 billion. Our debt is over $52 billion. Wall Street continues suffering aftershocks from the sub-prime mortgage meltdown and credit crunch. State government is considering further budget cuts and some interest groups are pushing billions in crippling, new taxes. Without question, it's imperative that state government lead by example in tightening its belt to ferret out any waste and inefficiencies.

One place to begin is investigating how many state commissions continue operating, despite having served their original purpose. Case in point is the State Commission on Local Government Efficiency and Competitiveness, which was convened by former Governor Spitzer back in 2007 and issued its final report in April of 2008. With New York State mired in fiscal crisis, is there any reason why this commission - with a budget of $400,000 - continues being paid for by New York taxpayers? It boggles the mind.

This is a 'ghost ship' commission. It continues to operate even though its work was already completed. I have a sinking feeling that this ghost ship commission isn't the only one sailing on the taxpayer's dime.

When our Assembly Republican Conference talks about cutting out all the 'fat' and inefficiencies from state government, this is exactly what we are referring to. Who knows how many millions in taxpayer dollars have been wasted on these ghost ship commissions? We need answers because taxpayers deserve accountability.

My Appearance on the Glenn Beck Show

Last night I went on the Glenn Beck show to speak about New York's budget crisis and about Speaker Silver's failure to address the problem.

My Comments at the Press Conference Addressing New York's Budget Crisis

Cutting the budget by $427 million is a good start, but more needs to be done to control New York's spending.

TEDISCO: SPEAKER SILVER REFUSES TO ENACT TAX CAP, BUT PUSHES $2.6 BILLION IN NEW TAXES

today I characterized Speaker Sheldon Silver's failure to pass a real property tax cap during the Special Session - and instead attempt to ram through another $2.6 billion in tax hikes - as defying the will of a majority of New Yorkers and Governor David Paterson.

It's the height of irresponsibility for the Speaker to have again blocked a real property tax cap from becoming law. Not only did the Speaker refuse to act on the property tax cap, he tried to raise New York's already crushing tax burden by another $2.6 billion. That isn't just rearranging deck chairs on the Titanic, it's dropping anchor.

This behavior leads me to one of two conclusions: either Speaker Silver is unaware of New York's fiscal crisis - and what it will take to actually fix it - or, he is more concerned with advancing a political agenda than helping people. Regardless of the motivation, it is the overtaxed, overburdened, fed-up families across New York who will pay the price for his unwillingness to lead.

The Speaker and his entire Conference will have to answer for the tax slap they gave homeowners. The hollow arguments being advanced by the Speaker and his Conference to justify raising taxes by an additional $2.6 billion have gone from laughable to surreal. Everyone knows New York doesn't have a revenue problem - it has a spending problem. The reason New York faces a $6.4 billion budget deficit, a $54 billion debt and has seen thousands of our best and brightest leave is not because taxes are too low. It is because Albany is broken and hopelessly addicted to taxing, spending and borrowing.

Majority Leader Skelos guided the State Senate in enacting a property tax cap almost two weeks ago. Today was a perfect opportunity for the Assembly to follow suit. Yet, the Speaker thought it more important to keep the property tax cap from ever reaching the Assembly floor.

New York's Credit Cards Are Maxed Out

With a growing budget deficit, the time is now for New York State to tighten its belt. The best way to achieve this is to cut spending instead of raising taxes. The governor realizes this and I applaud him for being forward-thinking. I will stand shoulder to shoulder with the governor as we look to right New York's ship.

Families across the state are cutting back on spending. We, as a state, must do the same. Lawmakers must be problem-solvers and I urge my colleagues to take the measures needed to work on eliminating the budget deficit.

A Positive Way To Keep Kids Safe

Today, at the Glenville Police Station, I launched the 11th annual Safe Summer Program. Officers from nearly two dozen capital region police departments will be out issuing tickets to youngsters on their bikes throughout the summer. With the help of Stewart's, Friendly's and Ben and Jerry's, children spotted wearing a helmet will receive a ticket for free ice cream. We want to keep things positive and reward them for exhibiting safe behavior.
Bike riding is a fun activity, but without proper gear it could be dangerous. Helmets can help prevent serious injury and even save the lives of bike riders. The children there today were all wearing the right safety gear and were very happy to receive their coupons.

WILL SPEAKER SILVER LISTEN TO THE PUBLIC?

A massive convoy of hundreds of truckers made their voices heard today as they converged around the State Capitol. The truckers are fed up with New York's excessive gas prices and gas taxes. They were blowing their air horns in sheer frustration with the pain at the pump. I urge Speaker Sheldon Silver to hear the truckers' concerns and do something about fuel costs.

For months, my Assembly Republican colleagues and I have been calling on Speaker Silver to do something about rising fuel costs. The record prices are having a negative financial impact on truckers, motorists, businesses and consumers. Rising fuel costs have driven up the price of practically everything from a loaf of bread to a gallon of milk, along with nearly every other basic necessity that families depend on.

Our Conference sponsored legislation that would provide these truckers, and all motorists, with a much-needed summertime gas tax holiday. The measure would provide a savings of nearly 33-cents per gallon of gasoline and 31-cents per gallon of diesel fuel for motorists to help reduce the sticker shock too many drivers receive when they fill their tanks.

The question remains: will Speaker Silver and his Assembly Democrat Conference listen? New York can't afford their continued delays. Motorists and consumers deserve relief and they should get it before this session ends.

ASSEMBLY REPUBLICAN LEADER JIM TEDIS*COW*

June is National Dairy Month. In recognition of that, I and my Assembly Republican colleagues held our annual Dairy Day Reception. The event recognized New York's dairy farmers and the vital role they play in our state's economy. We brought them together to showcase their high-quality products. There was also an appearance by a calf who captured the attention of everyone who came. Even the dairy cow was there. As a non politician, he didn't "utter" a word.

This is a video of my introduction to the calf.

TAX RELIEF FOR NEW YORKERS

The end of the legislative session is fast approaching. There’s only one full week left before lawmakers leave for summer vacation. Now is the time to take action and cap property taxes at 4 percent or the rate of inflation – whichever is lower.

I don’t have to tell you that New Yorkers pay some of the highest property taxes in the nation. The Governor is on board. Senate Majority Leader Joe Bruno and Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver have said they’re ready to do it.

PROPERTY TAX RELIEF

“By recommending the adoption of a real property tax cap, the State Commission on Property Tax Relief has confirmed what countless overburdened homeowners, small businesses and family farmers have known for years: property taxes in New York have reached a crisis level. Our state’s dubious distinction of having some of the highest property taxes in the nation is proof positive that these crushing burdens represent the single biggest threat to the quality of life for New York homeowners.

Our Assembly Republican Conference realized this years ago – and has been calling for a real property tax cap ever since. Some of the Commission’s recommendations mirror our ‘New York State Property Taxpayer Protection Act’ – Assembly Bill A.8775-A. Our initiative should serve as an effective starting point for any serious and substantive discussions on how our state can make achieving a real property tax cap a reality. Failure to enact a property tax cap before our Legislative session concludes on June 23 would send a terrible message to overtaxed homeowners being crushed in a painful ‘middle class squeeze’ of high property taxes, Thruway tolls, food and fuel costs.

I commend Governor Paterson and Commission Chairman Suozzi for their political courage in supporting a property tax cap. Our entire Conference will work with them in a bi-partisan, cooperative manner to achieve adoption of a much-needed, and long overdue, real property tax cap.”