Unshackle Upstate recently blasted leaders of the legislative majorities for returning to their old ways of closed door sessions and failing to address the budget gap in a fiscally responsible way.

"Yesterday's (Nov. 7) display was an affront to New York taxpayers and is a clear indication that many of our elected officials are not in touch with the financial perils facing upstate New York," said Brian Sampson, executive director of Unshackle Upstate.

"Over the past decade, the State budget has grown at an unsustainable level," said Sampson. "Our lawmakers have had months to prepare a plan on how to address the State budget shortfall. Yet in true photo op fashion lawmakers returned to Albany - on the taxpayer dime - and once again delayed rightsizing New York's budget. This is simply unacceptable and taxpayers have every right to be angry and demand immediate action."

Unshackle Upstate calls on lawmakers to step up to the plate and deliver a comprehensive proposal that will vastly improve New York's long-term fiscal vitality and close the state budget gap without being dependent on increased taxes.

Unshackle Upstate released a list of spending cuts and repeals in late September for a $9.5 billion reduction in state spending, which included: a 3-percent cut in state operations; state payroll lag, consolidation of state agencies; and holding school funding flat for 2010-11. View the complete list of cuts here.

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