Communities in Crisis: Jones, Kink and Mauro Talk Budget Cut Impact

Frank Mauro, of course, knows the numbers better than anyone and always has substantive comments to make. In addition he is scrupulously fair and represents what’s best for all the people of the state, not just one segment.
Frank is the most trusted expert on fiscal matters in NYS. He points to the important fact that the state must support education (as a constitutional responsibility) and should not  cap its funding at will as it has done.
The other panelists made the case for fairer taxation and closing corporate loopholes. Thusfar the Governor has not shown an inclination to reform taxes-particularly property taxes which continue to be an intolerable burden. Nor has he asked anything much from the pampered uber-rich. The proposed tax reform commission (mentioned by Mr. Kink) has guidelines which do not include property taxes-arguably the most unfair middle class tax of all. Also  the Gov. insists -in advance of any deliberations- that any reforms be   revenue neutral. So much for evening up the responsibility by getting more from the 1% who have given so very little and taking some pressure off the rest of us who have given so much.
Ms. Jones always makes the case for protecting our children’s education so well that I cannot imagine why our state government is so deaf to reason on this issue. As usual a terrific, intelligent  offering  from our favorite moderator, Liz Benjamin.