| Releases & Statements
Public Advocate Betsy Gotbaum said:
"Today New York State begins yet another fiscal year without an approved budget. Since Pataki's election in 1995, the importance of passing a budget on time has slipped farther-and-farther away from his priorities. During his campaign and in the early months of his administration, the Governor made repeated promises to pass the state's budget on time, but has failed to deliver on this promise every year.
"Adherence to the state's April 1st budget deadline is an important goal. In order to balance its own budget, New York City depends on knowing how much money to expect from the state. Our city faces difficult fiscal times and is relying on the Governor to provide the financial assistance we desperately need and deserve. A delayed state budget places New York City's economy in even greater uncertainty.
"Under Governor Pataki, the state set a record for passing the latest budget in state history in 1997 when the budget was passed an astonishing 126 days late. This year, Governor Pataki must break his bad habit and set a different kind of record. Instead of delaying the budget and then slashing and burning programs New Yorkers need to survive and succeed, Pataki must immediately step up to the table and work with legislative leaders to pass a budget that protects working New Yorkers and their families."
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