SCHENECTADY Block grant cuts focus of citizens Tonko addresses group, opposes GOP-led reductions BY DAVID LOMBARDO Gazette Reporter Reach Gazette reporter David Lombardo at 395-3134 or dlombardo@dailygazette.net.
In response to a proposed 62 percent cut by the House of Representatives in the planned $3 million block grant for the city of Schenectady, community activists and local politicians gathered on Saturday afternoon in the city to voice their opposition to a reduction in funding, said U.S. Rep Paul Tonko, D-Amsterdam. He said that the people at the Presbyterian Church on State Street expressed serious concerns about the threat of removing over $1.5 million from the CDBG program, which is responsible for economic development and funds programs that provide housing, offer improved living environments and create economic opportunities. Tonko questioned whether this was a good direction to head in and characterized these types of cuts as damaging to the community’s future, which will require investments so that the country can avoid a “dangerous path.” He was encouraged by the community dialogue, he said, as he argued that block grants can be the lifeblood of local governments and said that the House shouldn’t attack domestic programs. Acknowledging the tight budgetary times that exist at all levels of government, Tonko said that he was all for fiscal belt tightening, but suggested the focus should be on waste and fraud. Additionally, he said that the House should be rethinking “handouts” for oil companies and should close corporate tax loopholes, so that the government could fund programs for seniors and young children. It was these people who are benefi ting from and rely on federal spending that Tonko said should become the face of future budget battles, so that officials recognize the consequences of their actions. . ...........................>>>>.....................>>>>............http://www.dailygazette.net/De.....r01203&AppName=1
Tonko questioned whether this was a good direction to head in and characterized these types of cuts as damaging to the community’s future, which will require investments so that the country can avoid a “dangerous path.”
So, Mr. Tonko's first reaction is that you don't know how to spend your own money, and doesn't think that if you want this funded, you would turn around and take the money that the government would have originally taken from you and give it directly to this group. If he's so concerned, then maybe he should take a portion of his paycheck and give it to them instead. I'm guessing he won't do that.
Acknowledging the tight budgetary times that exist at all levels of government, Tonko said that he was all for fiscal belt tightening, but suggested the focus should be on waste and fraud. Additionally, he said that the House should be rethinking “handouts” for oil companies and should close corporate tax loopholes, so that the government could fund programs for seniors and young children. It was these people who are benefiting from and rely on federal spending that Tonko said should become the face of future budget battles, so that officials recognize the consequences of their actions.
If there are THAT many folks in need of government hand-outs, to the point where it is busting the budget, than it is clear that all municipalities have not upheld their duties on providing and maintaining infrastructure, jobs, safety, low taxes and affordable housing. Sure there have always been folks that need assistance........but not at this magnitude!!
The government continues to dig a deeper hole at the taxpayer's expense. Perhaps Mr. Tonko could spend his time more wisely proposing ways to improve infrastructure, jobs, safety, lower taxes and affordable housing.
When the INSANE are running the ASYLUM In individuals, insanity is rare; but in groups, parties, nations and epochs, it is the rule. -- Friedrich Nietzsche
“How fortunate for those in power that people never think.” Adolph Hitler
how sad. Less government money. How did our nation ever get established without huge government hand outs?
"While Foreign Terrorists were plotting to murder and maim using homemade bombs in Boston, Democrap officials in Washington DC, Albany and here were busy watching ME and other law abiding American Citizens who are gun owners and taxpayers, in an effort to blame the nation's lack of security on US so that they could have a political scapegoat."
how sad. Less government money. How did our nation ever get established without huge government hand outs?
they had self pride and they worked!!!
When the INSANE are running the ASYLUM In individuals, insanity is rare; but in groups, parties, nations and epochs, it is the rule. -- Friedrich Nietzsche
“How fortunate for those in power that people never think.” Adolph Hitler
I read on a differnt blog one Greek guy stating that the "social welfare net and government created infrastructure made America great." Of COURSE it was from someone of Greek heritage. What would you expect from them!
"While Foreign Terrorists were plotting to murder and maim using homemade bombs in Boston, Democrap officials in Washington DC, Albany and here were busy watching ME and other law abiding American Citizens who are gun owners and taxpayers, in an effort to blame the nation's lack of security on US so that they could have a political scapegoat."
the government just keeps banging the gong for "oh those poor poor folks, we will take care of you. just roll into my bed and I will nourish you and keep you." that is the government's lingo......they never met a human spirit that they didn't want to crush the drive to survive and take away the soul of Pioneering Americans, so the machine can take it....then dole it out like crumbs......
nice things dont come from government....
...you are a product of your environment, your environment is a product of your priorities, your priorities are a product of you......
The replacement of morality and conscience with law produces a deadly paradox.
STOP BEING GOOD DEMOCRATS---STOP BEING GOOD REPUBLICANS--START BEING GOOD AMERICANS
Nice, a cut of 60+% ... guess they can't afford the Erie Blvd project now?
The DEM morons will still push it through. So what if no business wants it? "The bike path and traffic calming are part of the unified economic development team plans." Nothing is more sacred than the deal.
Logged
Tonko never saw a tax or fee he didn't want to hike. He is consistent-wrong on every issue. He should stick to building bridges to nowhere. 
The DEM morons will still push it through. So what if no business wants it? "The bike path and traffic calming are part of the unified economic development team plans." Nothing is more sacred than the deal.
