Cuomo Weighs In On State Budget Process, Blasts Lawmakers
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For the second day in a row, gubernatorial candidate Andrew Cuomo weighed in on the state budget battle Tuesday where he took sharp aim at legislative leaders. NY1's Bobby Cuza filed the following report.Andrew Cuomo is not pulling any punches. His criticism of state legislative leaders seemingly grows louder by the day. And while he didn’t mention any leaders by name Tuesday, it’s clear how he feels about their failure to enact a budget.
"When you look at what the legislators say they accomplished well, we restored this aid, we restored that aid. No, you didn’t. Because the governor vetoed it. So you didn’t accomplish that. So then the question is, what did you accomplish?" Cuomo said.
On Tuesday, Cuomo, the state attorney general, was on Long Island to announce more social networking sites have signed on to his anti-child pornography initiative. But for the second straight day he fielded questions on the budget.
On Monday, Cuomo blasted legislators for failing to budget for the possibility that federal Medicaid funding won’t come through.
"I think the Legislature is dreaming on this one," Cuomo said.
A day later, Cuomo pointed to the need for a property tax cap.
"There was all sorts of talk this year that it was going to happen. Then it doesn’t happen again. So that’s why legislators are elected. Go back to Albany and finish the job," Cuomo said.
The tough talk marks something of a shift for Cuomo, who waited until late last month to announce his candidacy. Until recently, he generally steered clear of budget matters -- something Republican opponent Rick Lazio has hammered him on. And while Cuomo may risk antagonizing the very legislative leaders he’ll have to work with if elected, the strategy may play well with voters.
"Tactically, Cuomo is making it clear that he sides with Paterson. And frankly, I would think that as a political matter, that’s the smart thing to do," said E.J. McMahon of the Manhattan Institute.
Indeed, Cuomo warned lawmakers Tuesday the voters will hold them responsible -- the same voters he hopes will sweep him into office in November.