Zebrowski: Concensus on New State Budget Could Be Near

As the state Legislature voted Monday to avoid a shutdown of the state government, Assemblyman Kenneth Zebrowski, D-New City, suggests that an agreement on a new state budget could be near and a final consensus can be reached by this weekend

"I am happy that we averted a crises and have always thought that a government shut-down  would make a bad situation worse," Zebrowski said. "However, a government shutdown was only possible because of the same factors that has helped make this budget late. The fear of a shut down started last week when you had two senators, not coincidentally two familiar players from last year's coup and "four amigo's" circus, make statements that they were no-longer voting for extenders.  If similar assembly members had made that statement no-one would have feared a shutdown because we have consistently been able to function amidst this fiscal crises. In the Senate, on the other hand, all 30 Republican Senators have found it politically expedient to just vote "no" on everything and force the Democrats to make sure every single member of their conference votes "yes" to provide the 32 votes necessary to pass a bill.

"This is hard enough in a legislature as diverse as New York's but when you are dealing with the likes of Espada and Diaz it has become almost impossible," Zebrowski said.  "Toss in a governor who isn't running and has no impetus to compromise, a $9 billion deficit and it is a real challenge to forge a consensus.    I have had many differences with the governor on this budget, including school funding; cuts to services to Jawonio, Venture and ARC; park closures; his changes to the STAR program; the sugar tax and wine in grocery stores, etc. However, I recognize that we have a governmental structure where all three sides must agree, you can't dig your heels in the sand and refuse to compromise.  I have been pushing my conference to meet the governor half way on our differences and I recognize that in order to make a final agreement I may have to accept some things I am not thrilled with.  But, thus is life in government, taking your ball and going home isn't an option."

Zebrowski's district includes Clarkstown, Haverstraw and part of Ramapo.