6thstreetradio.org

Recently I've been watching New York Now, the PBS show on NY politics. I think it's an interesting show; no more elietist than your average PBS show, and the only one I know about that actually follows the politics of one of the most powerful states in the union.

Their show from last week had a good analysis of Gov. Cuomo's proposed budget:

Watch the full episode. See more New York NOW.

As a Cuomo, and an Albany insider, I have a real hard time beliving this man when he talks. However, if he's serious, and he actually stands up to the unions like he says he will, then I'd say the people may have picked a winner.

Some key points:

• Governor "promises" no new taxes, and no borrowing.
• He actually talks about REAL CUTS in medicaid and education, not just a reduction in increases. He actually spends time explaining that there's a builtin 13%/year INCREASE in these programs' budgets, and that the farce of "reduced increase" == "budget cuts" is just that: a farce. (!!!)
• 9,800 (!!!) state worker layoffs are on the table.
• Union bosses, like CSEA Pres. Danny Donohue, are mostly unwilling to
  even come to the table unless "other issues" are addressed first. They say "we're not the problem, but we're willing to be part of the solution."
• CSEA supports the "reimportation of drugs" plan, which says we should get our prescriptions from Canada and Mexico. What that has to do with civil services employees, I'm not sure.
• (big-C) Conservative party is supporting the Gov's budget, and the tea party" is as well. Propaganda is being drummed up by none other than Michael Caputo, the campaign manager for one Carl Palidino! Ain't politics grand?

-dave

PS:
G-Cuom's budget pitch to the internet: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0w3Fp0u9EHI