While it may feel as if we entered the Twilight Zone, we are still in New York (see map).
In an attempt to answer your many questions about the status of the state budget, I assembled a number of quotes directly from the policy makers engaged in the budget process. I hope this helps.
“We have finished the business of the Session,” Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver.
“I’m just stunned that it’s even being insinuated that this is the end of session. It’s just the most amazing moment I think I’ve ever had sitting here in on the floor of the Senate chamber,” Senator Dean Skelos.
“We have done our job; we have done the budget,” Senate President John Sampson, who quickly added, “we have an outstanding piece – the revenue plan.”
“Folks in the Senate are going to go home and won’t be back until there’s a deal,” Senator Antoine Thompson.
“I’m not negotiating with anybody,” Governor David Paterson.
“Like E.T., I want to go home. I want to get paid,” Assemblyman Jose Rivera.
“We should not be leaving Albany. We should be completing the budget,” Senator Steve Saland.
“All in all, [the budget] is a mess. The entire budget scenario is a disgrace and an outrage,” Senator Frank Padavan.
“I’m not talking to them ever!” Governor David Paterson.
“In the face of fiscal uncertainty, New Yorkers need action. Stay in Albany and get the job done,” State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli.
“We never got to discuss the budget. The process has to change. This is a bad course that Albany once again is going down,” Senator Joseph Addabbo.
“If this were a reality show it would have been canceled after one week and not allowed to run on for three months,” Assemblyman Jim Tedisco.
“There is still work to be done,” Senator Kevin Parker.
“It’s possible that we may have a $1 billion hole,” Senate President John Sampson.
“In one of the most irresponsible and shameful moves ever seen in Albany, [they] decided to adjourn rather than finishing the state budget,” Senator Cathy Young.
“We are staying today and we are leaving. We will pass everything that we have to pass to have a balanced budget and we are completing our work,… and we will be leaving. I don’t know what the senate plan is, I have not yet spoken to Sampson,” Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver.
“See you… whenever,” Assemblyman Richard Gottfried, while leaving Albany July 1.
I hope that helps clarify the situation.
Related posts:
