some common ground - corporate welfare

[belcffub]

http://www.buffalonews.com/city/capital-connection/albany/article590929.ece

Court hears arguments in suit challenging state subsidies for business

ALBANY -- In a case that unites liberal and conservative causes, the state's highest court today will hear arguments over a lawsuit seeking to end the state's direct cash subsidies to corporations as part of Albany's economic development programs.

....

The state's constitution -- in Article VII, Section 8 -- states that "the money of the state shall not be given or loaned to or in aid of any private corporation or association, or private undertaking." Critics say besides directly violating the ban in annual budget appropriations, the state has used public benefit corporations, authorities and other off-budget ways to steer money to companies.

so there is some common ground... perhaps a place to start...

[belcffub]

1. any time warner customers watch YNN @ 8 or 11

should be an interview about this case...

[belcffub]

2. ok so no comments

There is an area where there is common ground and we got no comments...

here is the video from YNN

http://capitalregion.ynn.com/content/video_stories/560210/group-suing-state-over-tax-funded-corporations/?ap=1&MP4

[belcffub]

3. more coverage

from the wsj

http://online.wsj.com/article/APc76e3f35ac2a4343a7d8e006abc95b5c.html

The taxpayer group cited a provision in New York's constitution that says: "the money of the state shall not be given or loaned to or in aid of any private corporation or association, or private undertaking; nor shall the credit of the state be given or loaned to or in aid of any individual, or public or private corporation or association, or private undertaking." It has an exception for funds or property used for education and mental health.

Defendants countered that the funding for public purposes through state-designated economic development agencies is supported by law and precedents and doesn't violate the constitution.

"Doesn't that just invite evasion?" Judge Robert Smith said. "All you've got to do is put an intermediary between the state and the recipient?"

Where common ground exists we should embrace it... This is one area where there does seem to be a common cause...