Anyone want to take a wild guess what Spitzers budget will be this year? Last year he jumped it up 11 Billion. With all he promised this year, it will surely grow by at least that amount. But no new taxes?

`No new taxes?’ Don’t bet on it even if it’s a sure thing

ALBANY, N.Y. - Gov. Eliot Spitzer wants to help pay for higher education by cashing in now on some future profits from the state lottery, which Wall Street says would likely come from middle class and poorer households.

Meanwhile, tolls and fares to cover the cost of the Thruway, New York City subways, to cross bridges, travel through tunnels and take commuter trains are going up or are proposed to go up.

But don’t worry. Albany promises no tax increases.

On Tuesday, Spitzer’s 2008-09 budget proposal to the Legislature will likely reveal more ways New Yorkers will pay for no increase in taxes.

His budget is expected to pay for his proposals to add billions of dollars to higher education and economic revival proposals as well as cover a $4.4 billion deficit. He’s expected to do it in part by increasing fees _ like the kind that families pay to hit state beaches and parks _ and “loophole closers,” which a year ago extracted millions more in tax revenue from companies.

But the boldest proposal of its kind in years_ both for its potential benefit and risk _ is the leasing of the lottery.
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