“Cut government waste, keep taxes down to end deficits” says Schatz 

(Washington, D.C.) – Citizens Against Government Waste (CAGW) today applauded New York Gov. George Pataki (R) for proposing a budget for his state that does not raise “job killing” taxes over the next five years and pledges to rein in out-of-control government spending and waste.

“In a time of economic weakness and rising deficits, it takes a leader of strong pro-taxpayer convictions to refuse to raise taxes and to instead challenge the big spenders in government and their special interests,” CAGW President Tom Schatz said.  “Gov. Pataki’s bold plan sets an example for other governors who are facing a shortfall in their own states.  Instead of a short-term fix, he has chosen future growth, which will create more jobs, put more money in the hands of taxpayers and businesses, and reduce more wasteful spending than would a budget with tax increases.”

CAGW also suggested the governor create a state government waste commission to root out unnecessary spending.

“We propose that Gov. Pataki establish a state Budget Realignment Commission, modeled after President Reagan’s federal Grace Commission, to root out unnecessary, duplicative, and mismanaged

state programs and agencies,” Schatz said.  “Composed of business leaders, scholars and citizens, this commission would go over the state budget with a fine-toothed comb, uncovering waste and suggesting programs for elimination and privatization.  Those recommendations could be written into a stand-alone legislative bill, subject to an up-or-down vote in the House and Senate within a specific time period.  This would have the effect of preventing the special interests from undermining reform, allowing the taxpayers of New York to be the winners.”

“In the mid-1990s, Gov. Pataki helped lead New York back to prosperity by cutting taxes and reducing spending,” Schatz continued.  “In short order, the state was attracting new businesses and new jobs, and prosperity set in.  Then, spending began to rise, the economy stalled, and Sept. 11 happened.  Now that times are tough, the governor is exactly right to return to his pro-growth roots.”

Citizens Against Government Waste is a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization dedicated to eliminating waste, fraud, mismanagement and abuse in government.  Please visit www.cagw.org for more information.