SNUG deserves a chance to work
Our opinion: Killing anti-gun violence program that has barely gotten started in cities around the state is shortsighted. Money could be found if the Legislature’s priorities were straighter. It’s easy...
View ArticleN.Y.’s priority: mandate relief
Our opinion: After cutting state aid and enacting a tax cap, the state needs to help schools and local governments trim costs by freeing them from rules that only make them spend more money. Maybe if...
View ArticleJust what is economic development? (updated)
We opine today on an $84 million allocation in Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s budget for Buffalo, a sum that could include money to keep the Bills NFL team in that city. While we recognize the intrinsic value of...
View ArticleSome lessons in compromise
Our opinion: A better state budget would incorporate both Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s incentives for schools and more money for poorer districts. So here we are, well into March, amid indications that the...
View ArticleNew York shows it can work
Our opinion: The budget is on time, but lawmakers have a long way to go for make up for outrageous broken promises. An early state budget, with barely 2 percent growth, and more money for schools and...
View ArticleSmoked pork and mirrors
Our opinion: Whether you call it member items or bullet aid, legislative largesse doesn’t belong in an honest state budget. Whether you’re talking Kosher food or state budgets, you can’t claim to be...
View ArticlePen is mightier than the pork
Our opinion: Gov. Andrew Cuomo was right to nix a raft of new pork in the budget. But what’s needed is a permanent ban Visitors to Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s Web page lately have been greeted with a picture...
View ArticleMr. Cuomo’s budget overture
Our opinion: The governor proposes limits on spending and no new taxes. This year’s legislative battle could be a less contentious one. Gov. Andrew Cuomo talked of the twin goals of fiscal stability...
View ArticleA budget, and just that
Our opinion: The Senate GOP leader wants the casino issue out of state budget negotiations. New York’s fiscal affairs are more than enough for state leaders to worry about. Imagine if April 1 comes and...
View ArticleEarly budget, at a price
Our opinion: The governor and others hail the state’s compliance with the April 1 deadline. Couldn’t a timely budget be a better one. too? Monday came in New York with a state budget in place and Gov....
View ArticleAn incomplete on schools
Our opinion: Can New York afford to continue in austerity mode when it comes to its children’s future? If a State of the State address is the poetry of governing, we can only hope that the prose of...
View ArticleAnte up on election reform
Our opinion: The governor’s budget offers the opportunity to turn his promises on campaign finance reform into reality. Public financing of campaigns. Independent enforcement of election law. Greater...
View ArticleTax cuts or education?
Our opinion: As the Legislature reviews the governor’s budget, it needs to consider whether short-term tax relief is worth the cost to children’s education. The big question confronting the Legislature...
View ArticleWhen are cuts too deep?
Our opinion: The state’s rise in overtime raises the question — is a reduced workforce putting workers and the public at risk? Governments exist to provide that which individuals cannot provide on...
View ArticleLetter: State budget good for N.Y. business
For the fourth year in a row, New York has a state budget that controls spending growth that is less than 2 percent, illustrating the commitment of Governor Cuomo and the legislative leaders to keep...
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