By Karen DeWitt
http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/wrvo/local-wrvo-882306.mp3
Albany, NY – The leader of the State Assembly, Sheldon Silver, offered his
harshest criticism to date of Governor David Paterson, calling the
governor's proposal to cut aid to college students a "mistake".
Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver decried Governor David Paterson's
plan to reduce student aid, saying it would severely hit the "budgets
of low income and working families". Paterson wants to reduce the
Tuition Assistance Plan, or TAP awards for two year and four year
degrees, and to eliminate all student aid for graduate students.
"Cutting TAP is not a smart measure", said Silver, to applause.
Silver spoke at a rally for the 35th anniversary of the TAP program,
and the 40th anniversary of a program to help disadvantaged students
obtain college degrees, known as the Higher Education Opportunity
Program.
The governor also recommends cutting state aid to public colleges and
universities by over $100 million dollars.
The Speaker pledged to restore the money in the legislature's version
of the budget.
"We'll do what we can to rectify it," said Silver.
The relationship between Paterson and legislators, including the
Assembly Speaker, has grown increasingly strained, as the governor
has frequently criticized and ridiculed the legislature in recent
months. After his speech, Silver denied that he meant anything
personal by the criticisms, calling Paterson a "friend".
"He doesn't agree with everything the Assembly does, and he's not shy
about saying it," said Silver. "I'm not shy about saying he made a
mistake here."
Senate Leader John Sampson also spoke at the rally. Saying he was a
product of public education and benefited from student aid programs,
Sampson also promised to try to restore the funds to college
students, likening the student aid programs to the civil rights
movement. Sampson also appeared to be taking a swipe at Paterson,
saying politicians' actions must speak louder than their words.
"Enough with the rhetoric, it's about action," said Sampson.
Senator Sampson also says his democratic members will likely reject
Paterson's proposed new taxes on cigarettes and sugared soft drinks,
saying New Yorkers are "tired" of taxes. Speaker Silver says he's
"not ruling out" the proposed cigarette and soda taxes.
Both Majority Party Legislative Leaders admit that the state is
facing a nearly $8 billion dollar budget deficit, and that they will
have to find ways to close it in the final budget plan.
Senator Sampson says legislators will have to think of alternative
ways to balance the budget.
"It's all about being creative and innovative," he said.
Senator Sampson says an earlier plan to refinance New York's tobacco
bonds might be revived as a means of generating a one time revenue
source to help close the budget gap.