The Fig File for 12.10.08 by: Mike Figliola

The Fig File for 12.10.08 by: Mike Figliola

The Fig File: Don’t’ Cut Rebates, Just Make Cuts.

Atta girl! Thanks to City Council Speaker Christine Quinn, there is finally some basis in reality, at least on paper, that will allow for this City to send the already late Home Rebate checks out to the soon-to-be impoverished populace. Impoverished once the MTA plan is put into place.

 Speaker Quinn, who was a guest today on The John Gambling Show, said that she has a contingent plan of cuts that will ease the Mayors mind to release the rebates - despite the fiscal woes facing the city. One such cut to help raise the 256 million needed to send out the rebate is a 1% tax on Hotel rooms (which comes out to about an extra 3 dollars a night in most hotels) and that would generate significant revenue for the city. Not bad. Another potential cut is to the DOE’s Data Inquiry Teams. Never heard of that one right? Me either. Data Inquiry Teams assists schools in data-driven decision-making by integrating components of standardized testing. That cut is worth 13 million alone. Sound like a good call to me. Although these cuts turn into little cash, at bare minimum, it’s something.

And that’s the point: someone is taking a step, namely Speaker Quinn, for the unfortunate who are waiting for their rebate check, those who have been counting on that money for Christmas, to knock off a credit card debt, to stash it away in a rainy day fund - to just feel better about the economic downturn in their homes and gripping their city, their nation. I know that those who make six or seven figures a year aren’t cognizant of the instant elation and feeling of victory a measly 800 bucks does for the average New Yorker. Getting that check eases the sense that each and every day one is getting whacked by the Government in some way and that somehow, you beat the system and even made out a bit.

Christine Quinn wants to make cuts. Good for her. Cut away Madam Speaker. And fight on for that promised rebate check; win back some morale for the meek of this town
 
Odds and Ends: Race to The Raceway and Give A Coat. Speaking of the meek - here is a chance to do something good this holiday season and even have a little fun. Empire City Gaming at Yonkers Raceway is hosting the “Christmas Spirit” program on Sunday, December 14, when patrons are asked to bring new or gently used coats anytime from 10:00 am to 2:00 am. The coats are going to the Catholic Charities supported agencies for the Christmas Holidays. While you’re up there giving, why not try to take a little back home with you? Hit any one of the 5,300 slot machines and stay for dinner at the Empire Terrace Restaurant.

For more info email info@YonkersRaceway.com or call 914 968-4200;
or for Catholic Charities, contact Patricia O'Callaghan, Director of Communications,
Catholic Charities, 212-371-1000, extension, 3640.