On the heels of Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s 2013 State of the State address, Assemblyman Michael Fitzpatrick (R,C,I-Smithtown) today warned that state government must dramatically slash spending and enact comprehensive debt reform to lower the astronomical taxes and fees placed on New York’s residents and businesses.

“A recent analysis released by State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli shows that our state currently has the second-highest level of debt in the country and is approaching its legal borrowing limit. This will force further cuts to services such as roadway maintenance and construction, school aid and development, and local government services. State aid will be diverted to continue paying for our outstanding debt. This is unacceptable, and must be addressed this year.”

“As the state’s debt rises, so do the costs that are passed on to businesses and families who can ill afford them,” Fitzpatrick continued. “Comprehensive reform of New York State’s capital planning process must be addressed during this year’s Legislative Session to ensure that our critical infrastructure needs are met in a responsible way.”