Possible NYS Shutdown Would Wreak Havoc

1
>>Follow Matzav On Whatsapp!<<

paterson1New details emerged Friday about just how many people could be hurt if the New York Legislature shuts down the government. A decision could come as soon as Monday from the Albany “circus.”

With the budget standstill continues in New York, officials estimate the shutdown threatened by Gov. David Paterson could be crippling.

“Certainly would be a significant disruption, a very hurtful circumstance for people in the state. It certainly won’t help our economy in a time when we are struggling,” said Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli.

If a shutdown does happen, 565,000 unemployment recipients would not get their checks because 153,000 state employees – including those that work the unemployment computers – couldn’t come to work. They wouldn’t be paid either. Welfare, food stamps, and other assistance would be frozen.

Schools would not be paid for for full-day kindergarten, educating homeless children, and bus driver training.

“It needs to be avoided at all costs,” said DiNapoli. “It could be the height of irresponsibility if we allow their budget delay to get out of hand to the point where state government has to close down.”

All this comes as negotiations on the now 72-day late state budget continued behind the scenes and no one was willing to predict what will happen. Some told CBS 2 progress on the entire budget is being made.

But Paterson still intended to submit an emergency budget bill that sources said will include $150 in cuts to mental hygiene and $175 million in cuts to human services. That’s a problem because renegade Democrats said they won’t vote for it.

“I refuse to cut any more. I will not cut any more. The governor doesn’t have to shut the government, the governor could send a straight, straight extender without cuts,” said Sen. Ruben Diaz Sr. (D-Bronx).

Republicans could prevent a shutdown by providing some votes, but Friday they played it close to the vest.

“Hopefully this coming week we will have a budget, but a budget that does not increase taxes or spending,” said Sen. Republican leader Dean Skelos.

Sources in Albany tell CBS 2 that progress has been made in the past few days, enough progress that some are suggesting the state borrow the last billion dollars or so instead of making more cuts.

{WCBS-TV -NY/Noam Amdurski-Matzav.com Newscenter}


1 COMMENT

  1. all my kids want to know is: will there be nys education department regents if there is a shutdown? anybody know?

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here