Spin Cycle

Erik German in our Albany bureau has begun scouring the new state budget, and already finds these critical spending initiatives that recession-buffeted NYS can't afford to do without:

$2,000 for Long Island Sled Hockey (despite the odd-sounding name, it's apparently a program for physically or mentally challenged adolescent athletes).

$200,000 for expenses related to advertising campaign promoting Long Island Wine.

Not to mention the $150,000 for programs to promote maple syrup.

A $98,000 grant to Cornell University for a purpose described only as "onion research."

And a $200,000 grant to build deer fencing in Suffolk County.

Your money, ladies and gentlemen.