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Statement by Councilman Timothy Mazzei on Governor Paterson’s State of the State Address

News from Town of Brookhaven Offices of the Town Council
1/07/09

ALBANY, NY –Councilman Timothy Mazzei issued the following statement regarding Governor David Paterson’s State of the State Address in the Capital Building.

“Governor Paterson today said that we need to create jobs, strengthen education and cut property taxes during his State of the State Address. Unfortunately, his budget proposals will do exactly the opposite in Brookhaven.

“Several weeks ago, my colleagues and I on the Town Board were confronted with similar budget challenges in Brookhaven. We addressed these problems by eliminating waste, cutting spending, abolishing appointed positions and other efficiencies, without raising taxes or reducing services. I urge the Governor to do the same.

“There is no question that the runaway spending practices of Albany need to be changed and reigned in to close our state’s budget gap. And I applaud the Governor’s call for stimulus and infrastructure programs, and to address this problem in a bi-partisan matter. However, Governor Paterson’s budget, would severely impact Brookhaven Town. His plan to unfairly place the burdens of the state to the shoulders of our Town taxpayers is something our residents simply cannot afford.

“Brookhaven residents would lose more than $105 million combined in school aid and STAR rebate cuts alone under the Governor’s proposed budget. Last year, nearly 105,000 Town residents received STAR rebate checks totaling approximately $62 million. In addition, Governor Paterson has proposed changes to the Town’s Empire Zone, which threatens more than 40 companies with over 1,400 existing full time-employees and 250 part time positions.

“At the time when our taxpayers need help the most, the Governor plans to take more than $62 million out of our local economy from these STAR rebates, and hurt local businesses instead of helping our Town to create jobs. The proposed reduction of over $43.5 million in state aid to the 18 school districts in Brookhaven will also cause property tax increases at a time when many people are struggling to make their mortgage payments.

“This budget eliminates tax relief, hurts job growth, and adds a slew of new taxes at a time when our residents can least afford it. I plan meeting with local business, school and community leaders within the next two weeks to fully assess the impact the Governor’s plan will have on Brookhaven, and work towards alternative solutions that will reduce the impact on our taxpayers”