We were hoping that Governor Paterson would be the solution to our quarreling state legislature. With a wish and a prayer, David Paterson was confirmed on Monday, but by Wednesday, our hopes for a smooth resolution of the state budget were destroyed, when the Senate opposed the proposed tax increase on those making over $1 million:

Oh, for what might have been.

The revenue issue seemed to have been resolved earlier this month when both the Democrat-led Assembly and Republican-led Senate agreed that the state would have $250 million less to spend than the $124 billion budget projected by then-Gov. Eliot Spitzer. That accord was reached under last year’s reform measure that set a deadline for achieving a revenue consensus.

But now that the budget deadline is only 10 days away, the old standoff over revenue has been revived, with Assembly Democrats and Senate Republicans at odds over how to raise enough revenue to close a projected $4.7 billion deficit, and where the money will come from. Assembly Democrats want to impose a temporary income tax surcharge on those earning $1 million or more — a reasonable proposal. But the Senate’s Republican majority opposes raising taxes. Regrettably, Governor Paterson appears to be leaning that way, too, although he has dismissed the idea.

The millionaires’ tax, as it has come to be known, would raise $1.5 billion a year and go a long way toward soaking up the budget’s red ink. The main arguments against the surcharge — namely, that it would make New York less competitive and perpetuate its image as a high-tax state — are weak. When former Gov. George Pataki ultimately rescinded a similar surcharge after he took office, there was no great exodus of businesses from New York.

So, the Republican Senate is against raising taxes on the rich. I think an interjection of, “thank you Captain Obvious”, belongs here someplace. But, couldn’t we get it right, just this one time-this crossroads in New York State history deserves better than this.

ISSUE:State leaders are at an impasse on the budget.THE STAKES:A timely accord is needed to restore confidence in government.

Come-on Senator Bruno, let’s end the partisan bickering and do what’s right for the state budget and ultimately better for the people who live here.