Senate stalemate could cost state billions

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July 3, 2009

By JOE LoTEMPLIO The Press Republican Sat Jul 04, 2009, 12:33 AM EDT

PLATTSBURGH — The prolonged stalemate in the State Senate could wind up costing residents of the state billions of dollars.

State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli issued figures this week showing that inaction in the Senate because of the stalemate could cost New Yorkers $2.9 billion.

The figure is alarming to many.

"The Senate leaders and members of both parties need to immediately stop this nonsense and do what is right for all taxpayers," City of Plattsburgh Mayor Donald Kasprzak said Friday.

DiNapoli's figures show that local governments could miss out on about $741 million if sales-tax extenders and other revenue-generating initiatives are not dealt with by the Senate.

Also, New York City could lose about $902 million if a proposed sales-tax increase is not approved and a change in business taxes is not dealt with.

Another $1.3 billion could be lost if there is no approval for programs such as education air for people with disabilities, funding for affordable housing and money for energy cost-saving measures and veterans programs.

Sen. Betty Little (R-Queensbury) said she believes these programs and the sales-tax extenders will eventually be settled despite the problems.

"This could be a problem if it goes on a lot longer, but I certainly hope it doesn't."

Little said she hoped Friday's meeting, brokered by Gov. David Paterson, will help find a long-term solution to the stalemate.

"I hope we can settle this and come up with a better and more bi-partisan way, where members have more power to get their bills through.

"It's been both sides (causing the problem), and that's what makes this so dysfunctional."

Kasprzak said residents are getting sick of the drama in Albany.

"I hope every voter remembers how this unacceptable inaction affects their lives, when they enter the voting booth in 2010."

Little said she has heard that sentiment, too.

"I think if we get some of the things we've put forth for reform, it really will be better."

E-mail Joe LoTemplio at: jlotemplio@pressrepublican.com