WXXI: Democrats Resist Parts of Spitzer's Budget (2008-01-30)

Governor Eliot Spitzer is running into some resistance from his fellow Democrats in the legislature over some proposals in his new budget.

Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver has been supportive of Governor Spitzer, even when Spitzer railed against Assembly Democrats last year for thwarting him in his choice for state comptroller. Following Spitzer's budget presentation this year, Speaker Silver said he was "pleased" with the spending plan. But in the days since, Silver has become more critical of some of the proposals.

The Governor created a study commission to structure a cap on the sky-high property taxes in the state. Spitzer also wants to sell the state lottery, or lease it out in exchange for projected future profits. Silver says he has concerns about both proposals, and how they might constrain sources of education funding. He says the lottery sale, which would generate a fixed income for the state each year, also could be considered a cap, and might not leave enough money to fund schools.

"Who's going to pay if we cap property taxes, we cap the lottery?" Silver asked.

Senate Democrats, who in the past have not been known for their penny-pinching ways, say they disagree with the governor's budget because it spends too much money. Senate Minority Leader Malcolm Smith says the spending plan may need to be pared down, given the declining financial markets.

"I think we're spending much too much," Smith said.

Senator Smith also suggests that unused funds at public authorities can be raided to help balance the budget. He estimates those pools of money could total nearly half a billion dollars.

Republicans have been more vocal in their opposition to Spitzer's budget, ever since the Governor first introduced it on January 22nd. State Senate Majority Leader Joe Bruno says he objects to a long list of fee increases, and the closure of tax loopholes, as well as the governor's plan to freeze property tax rebate checks at last year's levels.

"The governor is unwinding," Bruno said.

Governor Spitzer says he's not surprised that no one is happy, given the tight fiscal times. He may be trying to sweeten the legislator's attitudes by offering them a pay raise. The governor was circumspect when asked about whether he might soon introduce a legislative pay increase bill. In the past, Spitzer has said lawmakers would have to earn a pay raise, by agreeing to his campaign finance reform bill. Now, though, the governor does not seem to be tying a possible pay increase to any other issue.

"This isn't a day where I'm linking ten issues, creating a rubric's cube of interconnectedness," said Spitzer.

Assembly Speaker Silver defends the need for pay increases for legislators, saying it's been nearly a decade since lawmakers have received even a cost of living increase.

"There are many legislators who work very hard, work extremely long hours," said Silver, who said many lawmakers are available to their constituents "almost on a 24 hour basis".

Silver says if the pay raise is to happen, it will have to be approved in the open, before the November elections. He says he's not in favor of a special session next December after legislators are safely reelected, to approve the pay raise.

While Governor Spitzer may not be overtly linking a possible pay raise to any other issues, the governor could well expect more cooperation on his budget, from both Democrats and Republicans, in exchange for his gesture of good will.