As we participate in the 2010 Census, there are some frightening realities for New York State. From an October 2009 Empire Center Research Bulletin, NY has lost 1.5 million citizens over the past decade, approximately 8% of our population. This was the largest loss in the entire nation. Of those moving out their incomes were 13% higher by average than those moving in, causing a $4.3 billion tax loss. Our continued tax and spend attitude is a primary cause of this flight.

Secondly, as politicians redraw districts, we will be losing seats in the U.S. House of Representatives and therefore our voice in Washington. If the Democrats retain power in NYS in the upcoming election, you know they will try to eliminate conservative districts. The only saving grace is that the five counties of New York City lost 1.1 million people, so its negative impact might not be as great on the rest of the state.

Unless we can change business as usual in Albany, remember the old saying, "Could the last one out please to turn off the lights." That is if they don't get shut off.