While most of the attention was in Washington D.C. with NFIB’s historic court case, a budget deal was made here in Albany.   I think, and most observers agree, it is a rather ho-hum quiet affair.  Not to say that anytime Albany enacts a responsible spending plan is not important, especially when it happens two years in a row.  It really is a case that resolution on some of the bigger issues took place a few weeks ago (Tier VI, casino gambling, etc.)  and really took the air out of the balloon.

I think the Governor and legislative leaders should receive kudos for compromising on a sound state budget for 2012-13 and an early one at that (not exactly the norm around here).

For some details on this agreement, you can see the Governor’s press release here.

I also offered some comments, which are below.

“As details from this afternoon’s budget agreement have emerged, the National Federation of Independent Business applauds Governor Cuomo, Senator Skelos and Speaker Silver for presenting a second straight fiscal plan that embraces fiscal responsibility. 

 This agreement continues last year’s standard of responsible spending and takes yet another step in restoring New York’s economic prosperity. This budget stays the course in avoiding increases in taxes and fees, funds the New York Works Program, which will create jobs and rebuild the State’s crumbling infrastructure and maintains the commitment to strategic economic development utilizing the Regional Economic Development Councils.

 I continue to be supportive of the Governor and legislative leader’s commitment to restore New York’s fiscal health and urge continued focus in removing the existing barriers to further job creation and economic investment.”

Mike Durant, State Director of National Federation of Independent Business/New York