ALBANY - Gov. Pataki unveiled a proposed $105.5 billion state budget yesterday that hits gamblers, drivers and shoppers in the wallet, but left critics wanting more.
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The plan tries to rein in the massive $44.5 billion Medicaid program by trimming health care services for the poor
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Pataki's plan would also make it more expensive to attend the state's public universities, boosting tuition at CUNY by $250, bringing the annual cost to $4,250, and pushing tuition at SUNY to $4,850, a $500 increase.
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Pataki's plan to keep the sales tax on clothing - rather than let it expire on June 1 - would cost New Yorkers $460 million, Democrats said.
"He's really sticking it to the middle class by refusing to eliminate that tax and raising dozens of fees and surcharges," said Assemblyman Mike Gianaris (D-Queens).
Our Gov. Elmer G Fudd has decided to place his bets on gambling. He has even increased the budget for treatment of problem gamblers from $1 mil to $5 million. He keeps a 4 percent sales tax on clothes & shoes worth $100 or less. Increased the cost of vehicle registration by 33%, increased fees on use of campgrounds, ATV. Wants eight more gambling palaces for video slots (the new one in Sullivan County)can't even reach a break even point and bus's from the city no longer make the trip north. Has tinkered with TAP, tuition assistance program so now a student will only get 1/2 half the amount due each year until they graduate. Eliminates the tax increase now for people making more that $100k. Adds a 28 cent tax per liter on wine. He figures since he recently won in court over the legislatures exerting control over the budget he has total authority to do what he wishes. Last year we finally got a budget in NY in August, when the law states it must be in place by April 1st. Well in any event New Yorkers once again are screwed by both the Republicans who control the Senate & the Democrats who control the Assembly and the head of the mob, (president want-ta-be George Pataki) also know as Elmer G. Fudd.
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