March 13, 2008
N.Y.'s problems are huge—probably too big for Paterson (Op-Ed)
By Steve Malanga
To say that the reform agenda that Eliot Spitzer campaigned for as a gubernatorial candidate has been largely unachieved would be an understatement. Whether Spitzer's replacement, Lt. Gov. David Paterson, can now bring big changes to Albany is an open question—but the early indications are not promising.
When Spitzer ran for governor in 2006, lack of confidence in Albany was widespread, with 58% of New Yorkers saying they were dissatisfied, according to a poll commissioned by the Manhattan Institute's Empire Center for New York State Policy. Nearly half of poll respondents said that either they or a family member had considered leaving the state—perhaps not surprising, considering that New York led the 50 states in outmigration in the 2000 census.
. . .
In 2006, legislators and the governor divided some $200 million in such "member items" among themselves.
Not content with this taxpayer-funded cookie jar, the state has also created a bevy of public authorities and commissions—at last count, a staggering 640 or so—that operate mostly outside the state budget. They have accumulated an incredible $100 billion in debt.
. . .
All this has helped create a knee-buckling tax burden that has dramatically weakened the state economy. A recent Tax Foundation study found that nine of America's 10 most heavily taxed counties—out of a total of 783—are in New York State. [Read the full article.]