Badge of Honor

Here is the Badge of Honor that Darrel Aubertine and the rest of the Senate Democrats can display proudly. 

Paterson / Silver Budget Will Make New York’s Taxes Worst in Country 

In our 2009 State Business Tax Climate Index, New York rated as having the second-worst tax climate for business in the country, with New Jersey taking top honors.  However, once this plan is enacted, New York will leapfrog New Jersey to claim the mantle of America's worst tax code for business.

And on the elimination of STAR Rebate and other hidden tax and fee increases.

As I've written before, that program is flawed and its elimination is probably a relatively good way to raise revenue; however, it is still extra money out of New Yorkers' pockets next year.  Finally, the plan imposes sundry tax and fee increases, including higher taxes on utilities, car rentals, beer, wine, and cigars; higher tuition at state universities; and increased fees for things like hunting and driver's licenses.

This tax increase would be less annoying if it were truly necessary to produce a balanced budget.  However, as the New York Times noted in a news analysis piece yesterday, the budget's 8.7% spending increase "could hardly be called austere."

If you are looking for a list of 3,558 pork projects included in this budget then click here, hardly anything that represents the severe times that we face.

It is laughable to watch Sens. Aubertine and Valesky, as well as their staff, attempt to defend this budget, they appear to be shouting in a phone booth when so many from their own party are decrying this budget as disastrous for upstate.

Simply put - they put party politics ahead of their constituents!