New York State must cut costs so that we can drastically reduce taxes, fees, and assessments on our businesses and residents.  It’s simple! Lowering taxes means more business… more business means more jobs!

I have a comprehensive plan that will cut expenditures and reduce harmful taxes that are driving businesses and residents out of New York State.

 My plan will:

Establish strong welfare and Medicaid anti-fraud measures

Face-to-face interviews, fingerprinting, and asset tests must be used to determine eligibility for assistance.  I support harsh penalties for anyone found guilty of welfare fraud, and we must continue to explore ways to prevent the waste of any taxpayer dollars.  I was recently appointed to serve on the Medicaid Fraud and Abuse Task Force which will provide me the opportunity to promote fiscal responsibility and accountability in our Medicaid system.

 Eliminate administrative waste

While many of our State’s agencies, especially those that deliver vital services to our residents, have faced tremendous cuts, the number of administrators in Albany and their excessive salaries continue to grow.  New York State must begin with top-down reductions in every single agency and department.

 Cap State Spending

If a constitutional spending cap had been in place, New York State would not have had to create over 100 new taxes and fees in the 2009-2010 budget.  I have authored legislation that would prevent spending sprees in New York State from ever happening and would force Albany to live within its means.

 Slash General Fund Spending

New York State has continued to expand discretionary spending despite the current recession.  We must begin to look at every dollar that our State spends with a critical eye and reduce spending.  Albany can not spend beyond its means any more!

 Eliminate the 2% Energy Tax

New York businesses and residents cannot afford to be nickel and dimed at every turn.  The utility tax is the perfect example of a tax that costs the State more than it brings in.  It was the last straw for many Upstate manufacturers and forced some to close their doors permanently.  We must repeal this tax immediately!

 Repeal Healthcare Taxes

It is unacceptable that New York State would raise taxes on a basic necessity such as healthcare.  The healthcare tax on health benefits must be removed now before more residents are forced to drop their coverage because of this onerous tax.

 Roll Back the Fees on Hunting and Fishing Licenses and DMV Charges

There is no question that Upstate New Yorkers drive more, hunt more, and fish more than Downstate residents.  These increased fees are perfect examples of fees that hurt our Upstate.  I will fight to roll back all of the new increases in these fees.