Assembly member Sam Hoyt has announced the start of a campaign to reject Governor Paterson's proposal to withhold state tax refunds in order to balance the state budget.
"This is your money. Many people rely on the timely return of their state refund to balance their own check books," says Hoyt. According to Hoyt the state's fiscal crisis can't be balanced on the backs of taxpayers. "It's certainly not fair to the people of New York State," he says.
"We can find other ways to reduce the spending," Hoyt said. He is currently involved in sponsoring a bill that would require the state to give the tax payers of New York their tax refund that's owned to them within 30 days.
Hoyt wants Albany to hear directly from the constituents, saying,"I am prepared to vote "No" again, but I would rather vote "Yes" for a budget that is based on principals of change and reform. If you can take just a few minutes of your time and voice your support, it will help me in my fight," said Hoyt.
Hoyt suggests Buffalonians call Governor David Paterson, asking him to support meaningful reform at 518.474.8390. "Tell him to hold the line on new taxes and fees. Sign the petition," Hoyt asks.
You can also sign in person at Hoyt's district office at 936 Delaware Avenue, Suite 005. Call the office of Sam Hoyt at 885.9630 if you want to get more involved with this effort.
Another publicity stunt by Sam Hoyt. A few months ago, his last publicity stunt concerned utility rates and natural gas prices. BR gave Sam free publicity for that also. Next thing will be Sam saying he is against anyone who is against "god, motherhood and apple pie." These stunts should not be confused with leadership.
Since Sam Hoyt has been in the legislature for over 10 years he should be made to give us 10 ideas to cut the New York State budget deficit from $8 billion to $0 without raising taxes or fees. I do not think that ONE IDEA FOR EVERY YEAR he has been on the job is to much for the taxpayers to ask. His only plan on consolidating public agencies only saves hundreds of millions and falls far short of helping to solve this crisis. The problem is in the billions not the millions. Ten ideas cuts him some slack. If he is looking for ideas because he lacks insight into New York's problems, he could visit the website of the Manhattan Institute of Public Policy and look at the document by E.J.McMahon,http://www.empirecenter.org/Reports/2010/01/blueprint2010410.cfm
As an after thought why don't we ask every local legislator for a list of changes or cuts?
You can find a list of twenty-seven proposed cost-saving measures at Sam's website under the "issues" menu. http://www.samhoyt.com Many of them are agency cuts and consolidations, but there are a number of other recommendations as well.
Could you total up the total cost savings for these ideas, if they are implemented, for next years budget? I am sure that they don't add up to billions in savings. I would guess that the greatest effect on the deficit could occur if there were significant medicaid changes and reduction in workforce size across every level of government. Neither of these ideas seem to have much prominence in his list.