April 20, 2010

9th Legislative District Update

County Executive Ed Mangano and the new Legislative Majority have inherited a county with chronic financial problems. County Comptroller George Maragos just issued his 2009 year end analysis, and the results are startling. Pursuant to the Comptroller, “…the County had an operating structural budget deficit of $248.9 Million” in 2009. The structural deficit is the difference between recurring revenues and expenses.

The new Legislative Majority and the new County Executive are already taking measures to fix the fiscal mess we inherited from the prior administration and the old Democrat Majority on the Legislature. I am proud of my vote to repeal the onerous Home Energy Tax. The repeal takes effect June 1st, which was the earliest effective date permitted by State law.  I also joined with County Executive Mangano to announce $49 Million in spending cuts to fill the gap in the 2010 budget. These cuts include $22 Million eliminated from the county payroll.

Along with the administration, we are also exploring options to reform the broken assessment system. Last year, the county paid out over $117 Million in tax refunds due to erroneous assessments. The county borrowed $67.3 Million for last year’s refunds, and the county’s debt for tax refund payments is now a staggering $1.13 Billion. We expect to take action later this year to finally begin reforming the assessment system in Nassau County.

In a time when so many have lost their jobs, we must also focus our attention on retaining and creating jobs. The county is exploring many ways to attract new businesses and keep existing businesses here in Nassau.

Please join my “E-Team” to receive messages and updates on our progress. To join, please visit my website at: www.nassaucountyny.gov/LD9.

As always, please feel free to contact me to have your voice heard on the issues facing our county, or if there is any way I may be of assistance.