In an attempt to highlight a gap between revenues raised from taxes and money allocated to Long Island, New York from the New York government, Suffolk County, Long Island Comptroller Joseph Sawicki and Dowling College agreed to launch a new feasibility study on the economics of Long Island seceding to become the 51st state.

"It's time for us to begin to think outside the box. In our case, it's that sandbox in Albany that we must look beyond," said Sawicki, adding later, "If we were getting our fair share of education aid from the state, we wouldn't be here talking about this."

Sawicki announced the six-month study Friday before local businessmen and government officials while admitting that a secession from New York could be tough to sell to the rest of the state.  Nonetheless, the political stunt will emphasize the fact that Long Island yields $2.9 billion more than it is budgeted to receive in state funding. 

It's nice to see such logical, well thought out solutions coming from our leaders in government.  Clearly it's easier to just secede than to make a compelling, political argument or even strike up a lawsuit when your town or county isn't getting what it wants.   What's next, Greenwich Village residents filing for statehood?  More...