iiiFebruary 7, 2011Dear Colleagues:On Tuesday, February 1, Governor Andrew Cuomo proposed his Executive Budget for StateFiscal Year 2011-2012. The context into which this budget proposal fits is similar to that of thepast two years. We are still dealing with the aftermath of the most serious economic crisis sincethe Great Depression, and State revenues continue to trail the rate of spending increases built intothe budget. The result is a projected $10 billion deficit.As the Governor’s proposal attempts to address this reality, it relies almost exclusively onspending cuts to close this deficit. In so doing, it places virtually the entire burden of balancingthe budget on the backs of the State workforce and those who rely on State government toprovide them with vital services.There is no doubt that this budget will entail significant pain for New Yorkers. As such, theLegislature has an obligation to the public to review the Governor’s proposal and finally enact abudget which shares that pain fairly across the many segments of our population.The data prepared by Finance Committee staff and provided in this document will providegreater insight into specific proposals within the Executive Budget which must be discussed indepth and modified when necessary. This process will ensure an equitable budget which creates jobs, controls spending and, ultimately, continues to address the day-to-day needs of NewYorkers and protect the most vulnerable residents of our State.Sincerely,Senator Carl KrugerRanking Minority Member,Senate Finance Committee