In this one-hour dialogue with New Yorkers hosted by Rafael Pi Roman, the Governor addresses the state’s worst financial crisis in decades. Questions were submitted via Thirteen.org and in person, and encompass a wide range of topics, including cuts in education programs, property taxes, healthcare coverage, and support for small businesses.

Having called an emergency legislative session for later this month, the Governor then promised that there will be no tax increases but plenty of budget cuts. He also ruled out borrowing money because he is concerned that the state’s credit rating would be downgraded. The Governor called on legislators to make tough choices, calling for a change in “Planet Albany… a dysfunctional place that really needs some kind of redress”.

This program originally aired on November 6, 2008.

These are the questions asked by New Yorkers, and at what time during the program they were asked:

Question 1, on Taxes, at 5:39:

“With regards to the state’s deficit, why is the burden of this crisis being put on those who can least afford it, people with disabilities, school children, seniors, and poor people in general who depend on the state’s services? Given the president elect’s commitment to rework the tax system so that each will be expected to contribute based on their ability, will you now consider us take a tax increase on the wealthiest New Yorkers so that the burden can be shared?”

Question 2, on Taxes, at 8:44:

“As a small business owner I find it more difficult to conduct business due to higher taxes. Additionally as a resident, I find myself in the same boat, with higher taxes and no relief in sight. When the businesses leave the state of New York, there will be a revenue gap. How do you plan on attracting more businesses to the state of New York to offset the gap or will it fall on the shoulders of the residential property taxpayer?”

Question 3, on Energy, at 11:35:

“Will there be money to invest in clean, cheap domestically produced energy to meet demand throughout the state?”

Question 4, on Government, at 13:12:

“How can we tie together New York state priorities with President Obama’s national and international priorities?”

Question 5, on Transportation, at 13:12:

“What is the status of the critical highway and bridge projects like the Tappan Zee Bridge?”

Question 6, on Transportation, at 18:18:

“What real improvements if any can New York City subway riders expect, especially those not living in Manhattan expect in the next three or four years?”

Question 7, on Government, at 26:19:

“Last Tuesday the Democrats won control of the State Senate, they will be in control as of January, is that going to change Planet Albany at all?”

Question 8, on Medicaid, at 27:56:

“How will the next budget impact older adults who are receiving services from Medicaid in the community?”

Question 9, on Medicaid, at 31:56:

“I’ve read a number of surveys and they all seem to indicate that New York State spends about 70% more on Medicaid per beneficiary than the national average. Does this indicate that there is room to cut in Medicaid or does it indicate something that we don’t see in the statistics?”

Question 10, on Health Insurance, at 33:20:

“For many years the cost and availability of health insurance has been a top small business concern. Only half of businesses with fewer than ten workers offer health benefits to their employees. According to the bureaus of the census, firms with fewer than 20 employees, employee over 21 million workers. How can our government assistant these small businesses with the high cost and availability of health insurance?”

Question 11, on Education, at 34:54:

“How can we work together to make sure the gains we’ve made under Commissioner Mills are not rolled back especially for the neediest students that we serve?”

Question 12, on Education, at 39:17:

“As you well know, the legislature has been very reluctant to make any cuts in education, are you satisfied that the current economic crisis will change that dynamic?”

Question 13, on Government, at 40:54:

“What should I tell my clients who need our services when the state has cut the funding for those services?”

Question 14, on Financial Crisis, at 43:12:

“The state got about 20% of its money from Wall Street, is that gone forever and what can make up for it if it’s gone?”

Question 15, on Housing, at 46:04:

“Funding for badly needed affordable housing projects is difficult to come by in good times, so we are worried. What do you foresee in this area in the coming months and years in this new economic climate?”

Question 16, on Budget, at 47:21:

“Nearly every incumbent legislator in New York State was re-elected yesterday. Given this fact, how do you change the culture of a body from one of excessive spending to one of fiscal restraint?”

Question 17, at 50:30:

“Is it just simply that your job has changed or is it the crisis that we face, is it both, is it other?”

Take our Poll on what method the Governor should use to balance the budget.