NY Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli is not totally on board with Governor Paterson’s proposed 2009 budget, but his reasons may not be the same as yours.

You probably shudder at the thought of sticking it to the poor with Medicaid cuts, nickel-and-diming the middle class with new taxes on haircuts, movie tickets and cable TV, while giving a total pass to the ultra-wealthy — who will continue paying the same tax rate as you and me on incomes over $40,000 per year. That’s your beef.

Mr. DiNapoli bases his criticism on arithmetic, not ideology. According to his just-released report, the numbers simply don’t add up.

Number One, DiNapoli says, the Governor relies too much on ideas for which the legislature hasn’t had any stomach in the past, such as collecting sales tax on clothing purchases under $110, and raising vehicle registration fees. Unlike previous years, this time we don’t have any cushion if any of the ideas are rejected again.

Number Two, DiNapoli says, the budget is “structurally” out of balance.

“Structural” is Albany talk for stuff such as obligations to employee retirement plans, and paying interest on the record-high NY Debt.

Yikes! We are in deep doo-doo. I know it probably isn’t your cup of tea, but take 15 minutes to look over the report.

Related posts:

1. What’s that smell? The new budget stinks, says N.Y. Comptroller
2. NY Budget: Bambi sacrifices, but fat cats are still sitting pretty.
3. NY Comptroller: IDA’s costing more & producing less
4. COMIDA decision on Tuesday - Is it Thumbs up or Thumbs Down
5. Paterson to NY’s Middle Class and Poor: Eat Cake