Thomas DiNapoli will soon get his second chance as state comptroller to dissect a spending plan from his former peers in the Legislature, this time under a new governor.
Even with the budget unfinished, everyone expects the former Nassau Assemblyman’s evaluation, due within weeks, to prove more stinging than last year’s. The economy is tanking, spending is up, and steadily eroding numbers may force lawmakers to close another ugly gap before the year ends. But the later the cuts occur in a fiscal year, the deeper they must go to achieve balance.
Speculation swept the Capitol last week that the final plan could prove too flimsy for DiNapoli to sign off. But fiscal officials note the comptroller’s role is limited and he cannot just block a budget. Barring a shock, the bottom line is: Lawmakers will act, DiNapoli will sharply critique its gimmicks, and tensions and life will go on.
Dan Janison