On the upcoming Nov. 8 Election Day, voters will be asked to decide
on two propositions. The first amendment on the ballot, Proposal Number
One, an amendment, has created a spark of controversy over whether or
not this amendment will benefit or hurt the New York State budgeting
process.
In response, a number of local business organizations are rallying together to see to the defeat of this proposal.
“This proposed budget reform amendment heads New York in the wrong
direction,” said Rob Robinson, president and CEO of the Otsego County
Chamber.
Stating that approval of this amendment could hinder the budget
process even more, the Chamber is urging “voters to say ‘no’ to
Proposition One.”
Information provided by the Chamber states that the provision
outlined in this proposition grants the legislature permission to adopt
a contingency budget if the actual budget is not passed on time. The
chamber believes this would give the legislature an incentive to miss
the budget deadline, as it would “reduce the governor (George Pataki’s)
ability to craft a balanced budget and in return provide legislators
with a greater capacity to shape a budget without the governor’s input.”
Another concern stated by the Chamber is that if the law is passed,
the current provision holding back legislator’s pay until a budget is
approved will be removed, further taking away incentive to pass any
proposed budget.
“It also gives the governor power to veto spending that has already
been agreed to by the majority of both houses,” according to the
Chamber.
Seven New York business associations have joined in this effort,
forming a coalition called “Stop the Amendment.” This coalition,
chaired by former governor Hugh Carey, is comprised of former state
budget officials, business groups, fiscal-policy experts, think tanks
and good government groups.
Locally, businesses and chambers of commerce that have joined with
the coalition include the Otsego County Chamber, the Mohawk Valley
Chamber of Commerce, the Manufacturers Association of Central New York
and the Greater Syracuse Chamber of Commerce. The Business Council of
Westchester, the Orchard Park Chamber of Commerce and the
Plattsburgh-North Country Chamber are also members.
Other coalition members include The Business Council of New York
State; The Citizens’ Budget Commission; the National Federation of
Independent Business, and three state budget directors who once served
under former governor Mario Cuomo.
“We believe that showing lawmakers they cannot take over the
budgeting process is the fist step in taking back our own power as the
taxpayers. Saying ‘no’ to lawmakers will make them sit up and pay
attention,” said Matthew Stubley, president of the Mohawk Valley
Chamber of Commerce.
For more information check out www.hightaxesnewyork.com and www.otsegocountychamber.com.
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