Gary D. Finch

For Release: Immediately March 26, 2007
Contact: Jeff Pirro (518) 455-5981

FINCH: ‘BUDGET CLOCK’ COUNTS DOWN TO APRIL 1st
Renews call for passage of an on-time budget
 

     Assemblyman Gary D. Finch (R,C-Springport) joined members of the Assembly Republican conference to announce they are using their symbolic ‘budget countdown clock’ to urge state leaders to pass an on-time budget this year, as they have done for the past two consecutive years.

     “The ‘budget countdown clock’ is a symbolic reminder that time is running out for us to pass a fiscally sound, on-time budget and prevent our local governments and school districts from once more being in limbo regarding how much state aid they will receive,” said Finch. “It’s my hope the clock will encourage the Assembly Majority to come to the negotiating table and work towards preventing another late budget New Yorkers had come to expect prior to two years ago.”

     According to Finch, the disagreement over the governor’s health care cuts, property tax plan and backdoor tax increase on businesses are hindering agreement on the budget. Finch also thinks each of the budget proposals spends too much money.

     “With April 1st less than seven days away, there’s not much time left to settle our differences. We need to approach that date with a sense of urgency,” said Finch. “I hope the one thing that hasn’t changed since ‘Day One’, is our commitment to passing an on-time budget.”

     The Assemblyman is also calling for essential reforms that will guarantee a sound fiscal plan is adopted by the state on or before the deadline every year:

     • Require two-year education funding

     • Provide a plain language summary of the budget 48 hours prior to a vote;

     • Put the previous year’s budget in place no later than 72 hours after the start of the new fiscal year to ensure an      on-time budget;

     • Prohibit consideration of non-budget bills after April 1 until the budget is adopted
 

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