Tight Fit

Governor Tom Dewey, who prides himself on an efficient administration, submitted his new budget for 1948-49. It was the highest in New York history. Inflation, which he blamed on the "serious confusion in national finances," had driven all costs upward. The budget called for appropriations totaling a whopping $799 million, $128 million more than last year.

But, said Dewey defensively, "appropriations are not the best figures to use for proper comparison," since they include deficiency allowances and authorizations for money that will not be spent until next year. Estimated expenditures would be $753 million, he said, up only $46 million.

Carefully, Dewey dealt out $56 million more for education, $20 million extra for a cost-of-living raise for state employees. He allotted $54 million for increased costs of social welfare, but observed tartly: "The investigation of public welfare administration in New York City raises serious question as to whether irresponsible local administration is not to blame. . . ." He firmly drew the line against any but the "most urgent" construction and public works projects.

Despite his caution and record revenues, the prospect for a balanced budget was "precarious." Estimated surplus was a slim $5,000,000. The Governor was firmly against any tax cut.

Since Tom Dewey is still the front runner in the race for the GOPresidential nomination, his budget was scrutinized by politicos of all parties. In demanding a bigger budget and no tax cut, he had taken a stand opposite to that of Republicans in Congress, who want both a budget and tax cut. With a startling lack of political savvy, New York Democrats pounced on the Dewey budget, calling him a "champion fiscal juggler." Said the New York Times, which never rushes to overpraise Dewey: "A businesslike budget."

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