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There’s more to the late state budget
Adoption of the budget on time is what the state Legislature and governor get paid to do. This budget continues to be negotiated behind closed doors between Gov. Kathy Hochul, state Senate Democratic Majority leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins and Democratic state Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie. Only they, their key aide and many of the infamous Albany State Street lobbyists representing various special interest, Pay to Play groups are privy to the details.
Republican State Senate Minority Leader Robert Ortt and Republican State Assembly Minority Leader William Barclay along with most members of the state Senate and Assembly are left out in the cold. Hochul’s proposed budget includes $14.8 billion in spending whose purpose is undefned. This opens the door for waste, fraud and abuse of taxpayers’ dollars. So much for honest, above-board, transparent and open government promised by Hochul, Stewart-Cousins and Heastie. Too many members view the funding of member item pork barrel projects as a path to grease the wheels of re-election or a run for higher ofce. Like a monkey on their back, they appear to be addicted to this spending. Stewart-Cousins and Heastie both use this as a tool to keep their respective loyal focks in line. Vote as directed by the “leadership” for adoption of the new budget and you will receive your share of the several hundred million member items pot of gold. Those few
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Democrats who have to run in competitive races receive “extra” earmarks from Heastie, courtesy of taxpayers. Will members of the Legislature take an Evelyn Wood speed-reading class to absorb over 1,000 pages contained in the fnal spending bill? They usually receive these only hours before being asked to vote up or down.
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"Fearless Girl" is a bronze sculpture by Kristen Visbal, originally on Broad Street across from the New York Stock Exchange Building in the Financial District of Manhattan in New York City. A replica stands on the SHA campus and has come to symbolize the strength and perseverance of female leaders.
