wnyc.org / 93.9fm / am 820

Comments

• [1] Jenn from Brooklyn August 13, 2008 - 01:13AM

  I think almost every program has some waste in it... that includes Medicaid. I mean we hear that the Governor is looking for a billion dollars in cuts, which sounds like a huge number and all the special interests are up in arms, but the reality of it is that means only about 30 bucks per resident of the state... come on, there is far more that can be cut guys!

  New York state places one of the highest tax burdens on its residents -- the highest if you include NYC and residents and business are suffering and moving out because of it and I don't think we get services that are so much better then other more competitive states some of which have no income tax at all.

  There had better not be a single penny of tax increases. The City and State must learn to tighten its belt like everyone else and that means hard choices...

  
  
• [2] O from Forest Hills August 13, 2008 - 09:33AM

  I recall on the NPR newscast last week that there were 30,000 people found in audit that are collecting Medicaid in NY but have moved out of state and are now living in another state, on that state's Medicaid and still collecting Medicaid.

  I don't think these cuts will be so bad at this point. Nobody else has health insurance, you have to make $1000 or less per month to get Medicaid, if you have a minimum wage job you make too much, so what is the point?

  There is none. Balance the budget and let's not waste money.

  
  
• [3] Christopher from NYC August 13, 2008 - 09:59AM

  Unforunately cuts by Albany will be shifted to localities, counties and towns & villages. There are too many layers of government in NY and also too many school districts. Local control really means surplus bureaucracy. Parents should have to pay for bus transporation to school not the ordinary taxpayer then you would see competitive bidding and lots of soccor moms and dads car pooling.

  
  
• [4] hjs from 11211 August 13, 2008 - 10:20AM

  caller says let them eat cake

  
  
• [5] julie August 13, 2008 - 10:21AM

  I just had to write in and respond to your guest who just said that corporations and wealthy New Yorkers are being taxed to death. What?? How can he say that, with the report yesterday that so many businesses are paying *no* taxes? Your guest a few weeks ago pointed out that the top tax rate is 40,000 in New York. Why is it out of the question to have a higher tax rate for people making 500,000 a year or more, like in New Jersey? Why would they rather cut hospitals and schools? How do they expect to get re-elected when protecting a small group of people at the expense of so many more who will be hurt by cuts?

  
  
• [6] Susan from Kingston, New York August 13, 2008 - 10:22AM

  This caller only speaks of her experience in New York City. What about the rest of the state? For one thing, walking to school in upstate New York is not all that easy. Secondly, vocational education costs money too! There will be no savings moving students from one type of education to the other.

  
  
• [7] Joanna from Brooklyn August 13, 2008 - 10:27AM

  I've been listening to the show about budget cuts and the last question was about vocational rehab/ I work for Vocational and Educational Services for Individuals with Disabilities (VESID) and that question was just ignored. We're having a hard freeze on hiring which will make our serices suffer. Additionally, I have to let a temp. with a disability go at the end of this week because we don't have the money to renew her contract.

  I'm depressed

  
  
• [8] Adam from Brooklyn August 13, 2008 - 10:30AM

  The two approaches to health care that are currently going head-to-head boils down to market driven vs collective responsibility. Fair arguments pointing out inefficiencies have been leveled on both side: profiteering and careless waste.

  But it is possible to combine the two approaches "synergetically." Set up a government run heath care system and outsource the oversight to private companies (multiple vendors) with incentives tied to savings.

  
  
• [9] jawbone from Parsippany, NJ August 13, 2008 - 10:32AM

  I kept hoping someone would ask how the cuts only, no tax increases, no deficit spending (is that part of the plan?), differs from Hoover's and the Republicans' approach to The Great Depression?

  How does the tax cap, which seems similar to California's tax cap on local real estate taxes, differ from the situation in California which has lead to a first gradual and now precipitous decline in the quality of their education system?

  And, re: walking to school--Yes, a mile and a half is not all that far, but in many localities the roads are not designed for walkers, only auto traffic, which is why so many kids do not walk or ride bikes to school. Just one consideration. Put in sidewalks, have crossing guards--then walking/biking becomes much more feasible. Oh, costs money, right?? Ooops.

  My first questions are based on just how all the responses today sounded--I am not an expert on state and local taxation. But is did ring some discordant bells for me.

  
  
• [10] jawbone from Parsippany, NJ August 13, 2008 - 10:35AM

  Concerning cuts to nursing homes and the hospital system: I think it's high time to consider the Soylent Green solution. We oldsters cost the healthcare system more, then we just eventually die anyway.

  How about developing a system to allow us to make one last contribution to society? Could our fats contribute to an energy source? Our weakening muscles to a protein concoction? And, our old bones to a calcium source for all those kids who parents must choose between a gallon of milk, a gallon of heating oil, or a gallon of gas?

  Ain't the Magic Hand of the Market just great?

  (With a nod to Swift)

  
  
• [11] Simon from New Hyde Park, NY August 13, 2008 - 10:51AM

  I teach as an adjunct at Queens College, CUNY. While the pay is adequate to cover my minimal expenses, some people support their families this way. I want it to be clear to people what we make according to our contract. Pay begins at $58.58/hr per hour taught (maximum 15 hrs/week), with a $2-$3 increase every six semesters (2-3 years). The union recently negotiated a contract that increases the wage which is waiting approval by union members. Nevertheless, some people within are complaining that the gains by the contract are still not enough.

  For many people, CUNY is their only option for an education. It is important that we ensure we retain quality educators. Secondly, I'm enrolled in the Ph.D. program at the Graduate Center. My professors regularly state that support for basic research in the USA is in decline. Part of the strength of a university is its research component, and, once again, to keep CUNY strong, we must give it the proper support.

  
  
• [12] O from Forest Hills August 13, 2008 - 10:54AM

  Simon,

  That's good money. I thought those poor souls made $20/hour.

  That's good money.

  
  
• [13] Simon from New Hyde Park, NY August 13, 2008 - 11:08AM

  I'll admit that I'm not one to judge what is good money or not since I don't have to deal with many of the expenses most people deal with, but let's do the math: $60/hr * 15 hrs/wk * 40 wks / yr, if you can actually teach 15 hours in the fall, spring, summer I and summer II sessions, which is highly unlikely, equals $36,000/year. If I was teaching 15 hrs/ week, I'd be working at least 30 hrs/week, but more likely 45 hrs/week, because I still need to prepare, grade, and deal with students. That comes to $30/hr or less. Additionally, I've been told that I was fortunate to even get 10 hrs/week of teaching time in a semester, maybe because I've only been teaching 6 years and don't have a Ph.D.

  
  
• [14] O from Forest Hills August 13, 2008 - 11:10AM

  That is still good. Try having your marriage ripped apart as you make $15/hour while you watch rich people making like $200k per year between the two of them brag about their 4th vacation this year. That's annoying! I know snobs like that that don't have the time of day for us but they sure have time to brag and rub it in your face.

  That's good money. I went to Queens College and it is a great school. You teachers do a great job.