New York has a problem: there’s no budget. The budget was due on April 1. Almost four months later, the budget still sits on the table, with no resolution in sight. It has not put Governor Paterson in a good mood. Addressing the press, he said, “I know it’s summer and everyone is tired of this, but everyone is tired of this because they have acted unprofessionally. At this point, I’m not in the negotiating mood … until the job is done, I think the Legislature is delinquent.”
The legislature continues to stick its tongue right back out at Paterson. They’ve been called back into session by Paterson more than any other governor has called a legislature back in modern times. Out of apparent revenge, the legislature has held brief sessions without actually doing anything. The spring passed without any resolutions and then it was time for vacation. After the June break, legislators went back to doing what they do best: campaigning. Months later, New York still doesn’t have a budget. What they do have is a $9.2 billion deficit.
Since the legislature can’t seem to agree on anything, Paterson has tossed everything back on the table. Among the items that were previously rejected that are now back up for consideration: a tax on sugary drinks and allowing wine to be sold in grocery stores.
Senate Majority Leader John Sampson has said, “The Senate is ready to finalize a fair and responsible budget and looks forward to working with the governor and Assembly to get the job done.” Umm, New York, don’t hold your breath.
