By John Otano
Long Islanders worried about the impact that proposed cuts to the New York State budget may have will be able to air their concerns on Tuesday in Farmingville. 
Sen. Brian X. Foley (D-Blue Point) and Sen. Carl Kruger (D-Brooklyn), chairman of the Senate Finance Committee, will hold a public hearing on New York Gov. David Paterson’s proposed $3 billion mid-year budget cuts, which could have significant ramifications on areas such as healthcare, education, service agencies and the non-profit sector. The hearing on Gov. Patterson’s Deficit Reduction Plan (DRP) for the fiscal year 2009-10 will be held at Brookhaven Town Hall.
Among some of the individuals and agencies that will be testifying at the public hearing include: Representatives of local schools and colleges, 1199 SEIU, Long Island Contractors Association, Catholic Charities, Long Island Progressive Coalition, Alliance of Long Island Agencies, Nassau Suffolk Law Services, Long Island Nature Conservancy, Development Disabilities Insitute, NYSUT and the New York State Homecare Association.
“In light of the formidable challenges we face during this unprecedented economic crisis, these hearings will give us the opportunity to hear what New Yorkers want and need in order to maintain the quality of life they have come to expect,” Kruger said in a statement.
The Finance Committee released Monday a detailed analysis of the Governor’s proposed DRP projected impact on local programs and services. Kruger called the analysis a working document that can be updated to reflect changing market trends and other economic fluctuations. Copies of the analysis are available to the public at the hearings and online at www.nysenate.gov/senator/carl-kruger.
Brookhaven Town Hall is at 1 Independence Hill in Farmingville. The hearing will be held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Oct. 27.
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