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Op Ed
State Budget
Repeal the Film Tax Credit, But Don't Expect Savings Just Yet
Even if this wasteful program is killed in 2018, its expenditures will continue for years
December 13, 2017
The Citizens Budget Commission is a long-time critic of the New York State Film Tax Credit program and supports its repeal. However, due to some unusual provisions of state tax law, repeal of the credit will not yield immediate state savings.
Letter
Economic Development
Governor Cuomo Should Veto Bills Expanding Economic Development Programs
November 20, 2017
CBC recommends Governor Cuomo veto three bills that would expand an economic development program.
Testimony
Economic Development
Testimony on Economic Development Programs
Given to the New York State Assembly Standing Committee on Economic Development, Job Creation, Commerce and Industry, and the Standing Committee on Small Business
November 13, 2017
Testimony on economic development programs that leverage state funds to translate technological advancements into viable long-term business development and economic growth.
Letter
State Budget
CBC Urges Governor to Veto Expensive Benefit Sweeteners
October 12, 2017
CBC calls on Governor Andrew Cuomo to veto 16 bills that would provide expensive enhancements to government employee and retiree benefits.
Statement
State Budget
Statement on the NYS FY2018 Adopted Budget
April 10, 2017
Despite fears of substantial cuts in federal aid, the nine-day tardy adopted budget includes excessive spending without needed reforms.
Statement
State Budget
Statement on NYS Emergency Budget
April 03, 2017
Achieving a fiscally sound budget is more important than an “on time” budget, but issues could and should have been resolved as part of a more effective process.
Statement
Health Care
Statement on the "Collins Amendment"
March 22, 2017
The recent addition of the “Collins Amendment” to the House of Representatives’ American Health Care Act provides a strong incentive for New York’s Governor and Legislature to eliminate the mandated local share of Medicaid costs, a policy change long advocated by the Citizens Budget Commission.
Op Ed
Education
Fix NY's broken formula for distributing school aid
March 22, 2017
How much more funding should New York state provide to Syracuse public schools? A report by the Citizens Budget Commission, for which I was the primary author, says that an increase of $83 million is needed for the City of Syracuse school district.
Letter
State Budget
Advocating Procurement Reforms in the Executive Budget
March 13, 2017
We write to recommend additions to the portions of the Good Government and EthicsReform Article VII bill in the 2018 Executive Budget pertaining to procurement reform.
Op Ed
Education
How Much More State Education Funding Is Needed?
March 08, 2017
With reforms to the way funding is distributed, the State can fund a "sound, basic education" with $569 million more in annual funding.
Letter
State Budget
Recommendations for Legislative Action on the Governor's Executive Budget for FY2018
February 28, 2017
The CBC’s recommendations for proposals to support, modify, and reject.
Letter
City Budget
Letter to Governor on 5¢ Plastic Bag Fee
February 08, 2017
CBC urges Gov Cuomo to veto A.04883/S.04158, which would place a moratorium on a 5 cent fee on certain plastic bags in New York City until January 1, 2018.
Testimony
Economic Development
On Economic Development Proposals in the NYS Executive Budget for FY2018
Submitted to the Joint Legislative Conference on Economic Development
January 31, 2017
The growth of economic development costs should be halted until the effectiveness is demonstrated through standardized performance measures and transparent reporting.
Letter
Pensions & Benefits
CBC Encourages Governor Cuomo to Veto Five Benefit Sweetener Bills
November 11, 2014
In 2012, Governor Cuomo achieved significant pension reforms that curbed taxpayer costs and provided appropriate benefits for retirees. The CBC urges the Governor to protect those savings by vetoing these bills.
Op Ed
Health Care
Fiscal Challenges for NYC's Health and Hospitals Corporation
November 10, 2014
In fiscal year 2013, the Health and Hospitals Corporation (HHC) ran a deficit of $668 million. Final numbers for fiscal year 2014 have not been released, but the estimated deficit is $645 million.
Op Ed
Capital Spending
What New York Should Do With $4B
July 23, 2014
New York State will soon receive more than $4 billion in settlements from large financial institutions. It is an unprecedented windfall and it is generating discussion about what to do with the money.
Statement
Pensions & Benefits
Statement on Commissioner Linn's Response to CBC Letter on NYC Health Agreement With the MLC
June 09, 2014
The CBC appreciates receiving Commissioner Linn’s response to CBC President Carol Kellermann’s letter relating to potential savings from health insurance reforms under the recent agreement with the Municipal Labor Committee.
Letter
Pensions & Benefits
CBC Urges Mayor de Blasio to Oppose Bill That Would Reverse Pension Reforms
June 09, 2014
A bill in the State Legislature would reverse recent pension reforms and greatly increase New York City’s required future pension fund contributions. The CBC urges Mayor de Blasio to oppose the supporting home rule message under consideration in the City Council and the bill itself.
Letter
Pensions & Benefits
CBC Proposes Guidelines for Determination of Health Insurance Savings Between City and MLC
Letter to Commissioner Robert Linn
June 05, 2014
This letter suggests guidelines for effective implementation of the agreement between the City and the Municipal Labor Committee to generate $3.4 billion in health care savings between fiscal years 2015 and 2018.
Op Ed
City Budget
Issues Remain In Mayor de Blasio's New Budget
May 08, 2014
For months, the biggest fiscal uncertainty for the city has been how Mayor de Blasio would handle negotiations with the municipal unions that have been working without contracts.