Paterson: NY Not Broke (But Close To It!)

Governor Paterson was saying "I told you so" yesterday when discussing NY State's finances. After grim news that there was a shortfall in the state's general fund, Paterson said that there was a $600 million shortfall in that fund (you know, the one used to pay for state operations, etc.) but there was $883 million available, "I want to be sure everybody in the state understands we are not running out of money," adding, "I will not let the state run out of money as long as I can stand on two feet. What we have been trying to point out since we introduced the deficit reduction plan in September is the fact that our state is spending beyond its means."

The Post says this is the first time the general fund has ever closed out the year in the red. Paterson has repeated criticized the Legislature for not passing more aggressive cuts and used the state's financial problems to justify withholding $750 million in payments to municipalities and schools districts, "The types of choices that I’ve had to make are the toughest choices I’ve had to make in my life. Who wants to delay payments to school districts? Certainly not me."

State Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli said, "New York dropped the ball. The state's New Year's resolution must be to make better budget decisions."

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By Jen Chung in News on January 1, 2010 11:20 AM

Comments [rss]

JLRodP

New York is not broke... New York's government is broke. The hard working people of this state do not represent the ineffiency of the government.

ANGRYGOD11

He really only has 3 options: Raise taxes, cut spending or go into further debt. So far, his decisions haven't impressed anyone. But, he seems to realize how bad it is and is pressing the cuts Albany doesn't want.

Stewart

time to cut entitlement spending

HOTCUP

does this make him a good governor or a bad governor?

LB

Sadly, We are in a serious funk of a way . New York lost a lot of money when the ecconomy took a dive . We lost more when the Housing market hit the skids . I blame in all on the Federal Government ! Why ? Because it's their job to police the states spending through taxes . How does that work ? You have people in the payroll watching out for scams disguised as legit business dealings . Like say what Bernie Madoff did and others that followed him . You catch, and persecute them for there crimes against the people by imposing harsh prison terms . You then cut unnecessary programs that have either out lived there usefullness, or NEVER worked to begin with ! Example of a program that needs serious attention Medicade, The State loses millions of dollars every year due to faulty procedures . Example, Paying for dental services for people with no teeth . WTF is that about ??? Allowing Doctors and medical billers to charge the fund multiple times for one transaction . All wasted funds that could be used for those that really need it . Hell if that program was run properly, We might have ended up with a surplus for other issues this city has to brave ! But until the local Government gets it shit together, Patterson is going to have to do the best he can to try this sinking boat afloat !

LB

No, It makes him an average governor . It's not his fault were in this mess now . But I would be better off if "Certain" People in positions of power had just let the real Governor do what he did best . By the way , that would be weed out all the corruption in local government .

unsunghiro

he's good for blowing the whistle, he's bad for alienating so many politicos that he's basically powerless and of no use to the rest of us.