Journal:Storm clouds gather over St. Lawrence County budget

Property or Sales Tax Increase

County Just Keeps Borrowing

Sounds like the County just keeps increasing the amount they borrow. Legislators have to come up with a plan to stop this downward spiral. It will either be an increase in property taxes or increase sales tax rate. Most are looking for a sales tax increase which would distribute the cost of government to everyone. NYS is one of the highest taxed states in the country. Something has to give and until then those that have will end up paying.

The legislature is looking to pass a bill that would allow Counties to increase the sales tax on their own. This will allow the Counties some leverage in balancing budgets.

Journal County

Journal:Ogdensburg approves housing grant application

The Applies for More Block Grant $$$$$

By the skin of their teeth the City submits a grant processed for up to $400,000 from the Federal Community Development Block Grant funds. It appears the City will administer and manage the grant money, that is if they get it. After the last turmoil and political boondoggle it has to get better.

Journal block grant

Journal:Ritchie employs more staff members than most state senators

Senator Ritchie Staff Budget is in the Middle of the Pack and Under Budget

This is an interesting article and could be spun a couple of ways. I believe the Republicans were elected into the majority because the democrats lack of leadership, too much criminal activities among members, circus charades on the senate floor, and the democrats inability to spend within their means. During the last election the democrats did run up considerable deficits and it was left for the new majority to hammer out a balanced budget.

Senator Ritchie is in the middle of the pack when it comes to spending in the Senate and she has a very large area to cover. She has offices in Oswego, Jefferson, and St. Lawrence County to reach her constituency which is what every Senator should be doing. She is under budget, a conservative, and is looking out for you and I.

Journal Staffing