"Governor Paterson's support for a cap on state spending is a welcome development, as it echoes our Assembly Minority Conference's continued call for fiscal responsibility and accountability to restore New York's economic competitiveness and lead to the creation of more private-sector jobs. In fact, dating back to 2002, our Conference has repeatedly introduced legislation - presently Assembly Bill A.5743 - which would limit the year-to-year increase in All Funds spending to the percentage increase in the rate of inflation for that same period.
Breaking Albany's endless addiction to increased spending will require the combined efforts of Members from both political parties who believe it is time state government finally learned to live within its means. Enactment of a spending cap is just one of the many bi-partisan solutions that can help rein in the explosive growth of government and improve the quality of life for all New Yorkers. The Governor has the strong support of our Conference in this critical effort."