SYRACUSE -- We keep tossing around the number $ 9 billion when referring to the depth of the deficit in Albany.  No sooner do we mention this year's deficit we hear from another legislator that next year's budget will be even more difficult. The deadline for passing this year's deficit reducing budget was last week, April 1st. When the elected leaders took their vacation there was no sign of a deal that would neatly wrap up the major issues.

Despite calls for reform from both parties over the years the Albany operation is looking again like a process of secret negotiation that results in a rush to pass a giant stack of bills that few in the chambers get a chance to read.  Adding to the log jam is a governor who was so unpopular and handling so many controversies that he had to promise not to run for office in the fall just to stay in the Executive Mansion for another nine months.

School districts across Central New York have suffered through a challenging spring crafting budgets based on significant reductions in state aid.  They have plans in place not knowing what final aid numbers will be - because the budget has yet to pass. The delays in Albany leave the schools on the local level in the lurch.

Then there are the silly pieces to the budget on both the revenue and expense cutting side. Closing or cutting State Parks and increasing user fees hits families looking for affordable recreation right in the wallet. The Soda Tax idea is still hanging around under the premise that more expensive soda will cut into childhood obesity. It's really just another tax.

That hidden tax strategy, raiding of funds intended for other purposes and cuts in odd places are all part of the continuance of Albany's same old ways of doing business. What would be really refreshing would be a process that features true transparency. Tell the people of New York how bad the problems are - then tell us exactly how to the budget would get balanced. The governor could do one of those televised addresses and explain this is the year everything gets on track. Be honest about cuts and any tax increases needed.

They could not have accomplished that on April 1st because everyone would have thought it was an April Fools joke.

Any questions or comment please forward them to mattsmemo@CNYcentral.com.   I may even use some of your thoughts on Action News at 5:00,  the 10:00 News on CW6 or on CNYcentral.com.                                 

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