EDITORIAL: Don't blame Paterson for loss of member items

Gov. David A. Paterson's sweeping vetoes of lawmakers' member items leave many good causes on Long Island short of funds - a shortage that's going to hurt individuals. But when the finger of blame is finding its aim, it shouldn't rest on the governor, but on lawmakers.

It's easier all around to blame the governor. Groups such as Literacy Suffolk, Long Beach Latino Civic Association and Long Island Women's Agenda usually receive thousands of dollars each year from legislators, and they may well apply again next year. Member items are pots of money allocated to each lawmaker, who usually award them to community groups. Many give the money to local schools.

But do-nothing legislators brought about this year's cuts themselves. The governor has been trying to balance a wildly out-of-whack state budget. Last year alone, Albany ran up $11 billion more in spending than the year before; the federal stimulus accounted for only $6.75 billion of it.

This year, the Senate and Assembly rejected several sources of revenue increases, such as sales of wine in grocery stores. They didn't cut enough spending. Then lawmakers allowed the budget clock to run until Paterson found a way to force some decisions.

As the election nears, legislators may try to say the big, bad governor cut community programs. But lawmakers abdicated their role, and they have only themselves to blame. hN