Chamber Passes Resolution Opposing Proposal One

Hudson, NY – The Columbia County Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors has passed an official resolution opposing Proposal One, the Constitutional amendment on this year's New York State ballot which would virtually guarantee late budgets every year, increase the frequency of large budget gaps, and lead to even higher taxes and debt.

“We believe the proposed Constitutional amendment on this year's statewide ballot would lead to more government spending. That would mean even higher taxes, more budget gaps and more government debt imposed on our children and grandchildren. The proposed amendment would give the Legislature a strong incentive not to enact annual budgets on time, by giving lawmakers extraordinary new power over state spending whenever they do not adopt the budget on time. Such an incentive would virtually guarantee a late budget every year,” the resolution states.

“Proposal One will only lead to more runaway spending and higher taxes. This is not budget reform by any means,” stated Rick Bianchi, Chairman of the Columbia County Chamber of Commerce. “This proposal would make the fiscal situation worse in New York State. The passage of this proposal would allow for more out-of-control spending and late budgets, which our businesses and citizens cannot afford,” stated Bianchi.

The proposed amendment would:

• Snuff out the law that holds legislator's pay when the budget is late
• Give legislators an incentive to never pass the budget on time by giving them unprecedented control only if they are late
• Allow the final budget to be drafted in secret
• Bypass the requirement for a balanced budget
• Cut the governor's power to veto excess spending.

According to the Public Policy Institute of New York State, New York State taxes and debt are already far out of line with the rest of the nation. State and local spending in New York is 43% above the national average, higher than any state except Alaska. This makes taxes the highest in the nation at 48% above the national average per capita. The debt, over $10,000 per person, is 75% above average.

The proposed amendment has been passed twice by the State Legislature, as is required by the State Constitution. Proposal One now goes before voters November 8, 2005 for final approval.

The Chamber concluded the resolution with a firm statement of support for real budget reform, “The Columbia County Chamber of Commerce supports real budget reform in New York State. Real reform would promote timely budgets, responsible spending, and the opportunity to reduce our high taxes.  The proposed amendment fails to meet those goals. For these reasons, the Columbia County Chamber of Commerce opposes the proposed amendment, and urges New Yorkers to vote “no” on Proposal Number One on Election Day.”

The Columbia County Chamber of Commerce, with its 850 members, is the leading voice of business in Columbia County, providing advocacy, promotional and benefit solutions for its members. Those seeking more information concerning the Columbia County Chamber of Commerce and membership can contact the Chamber at (518) 828-4417 or visit the website at www.columbiachamber-ny.com .

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