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Letter
Economic Development
CBC Encourages Governor Cuomo to Veto New Tax Credits for Music and Digital Gaming Media Production
November 17, 2016
This bill would create new tax credits for music production and digital gaming media production, with both credits costing $25 million annually for the next three years. The total cost is estimated to be $150 million.
Letter
Economic Development
Letter from Good Government Groups On Economic Development Contracts
October 26, 2016
In order to restore the public’s faith in state economic development contracting, end the role of state-affiliated non-profits and SUNY in awarding those contracts, and transfer all economic development procurement, contract awards, and management to ESDC.
Op Ed
Economic Development
Economics of State's Initiatives
October 23, 2016
Recent indictments have put a major New York state economic development initiative — the so-called Buffalo Billion — in the forefront of the media and raised questions of alleged bid-rigging.
Letter
Economic Development
Watchdog Groups Call for Fundamental Reforms
Change Needed in the Aftermath of Massive State Bid Rigging Scandal
September 29, 2016
We write in the aftermath of the recent federal and state criminal complaints against many of the major players involved in New York’s Upstate economic development program to call on you to undertake major reforms.
Testimony
Economic Development
Testimony on Regular Evaluation of Tax Expenditures
Submitted to the New York City Council Committee on Finance
September 22, 2016
The impact of tax expenditures should be regularly assessed to determine whether they are inducing behavior or subsidizing activity that would happen anyway.
Testimony
Economic Development
Testimony on Economic Development Programs
Delivered to the NYS Assembly Committee on Economic Development
August 03, 2016
Project-specific appropriations for economic development should cease at least until eligibility criteria are established and accountability mechanisms enhanced.
Op Ed
Health Care
Improving Medicaid Further In New York Is Challenging But Vital
June 20, 2016
The State’s Department of Health and its Medicaid Redesign Team have developed and implemented strategies that have yielded significant quality improvements and savings, but much more is needed.
Op Ed
City Budget
A Mixed Budget Message
May 02, 2016
Mayor Bill de Blasio’s executive budget and accompanying four-year financial plan send a mixed message about New York City’s fiscal outlook. For the short term, economic performance and local revenues are exceeding expectations this year.
Testimony
Pensions & Benefits
Testimony on Health Care Savings Under Recent Collective Bargaining Agreements
Delivered to NYC Council Committees on Finance and Civil Service
February 26, 2016
CBC has been monitoring New York City's efforts to find health savings. CBC has long advocated negotiating changes to health insurance as part of collective bargaining and applauded the labor-management agreement that committed to meet annual savings targets.
Letter
State Budget
Recommendations on the FY 2017 Executive Budget
February 25, 2016
CBC offers recommendations for legislative action on the Governor’s Executive Budget for fiscal year 2017. The recommendations cover four proposals that deserve support, five proposals that should be modified, and four proposals that should be rejected.
Statement
Transportation
Statement on MTA Funding Agreement
October 09, 2015
The announcement of an agreement for funding the MTA’s 2015-2019 capital plan is an important step in maintaining and enhancing the region’s most vital transportation assets. However, additional steps must be taken.
Op Ed
Transportation
Funding the MTA Capital Plan: Avoiding a False Choice
July 30, 2015
Funding the next five-year capital plan for the MTA is a priority for the NYC region, and fortunately the funding gap has narrowed. The real question should be: how much funding should come from motorists versus taxpayers and commuters?
Letter
Economic Development
CBC Urges Governor Cuomo to Improve Practices of Industrial Development Agencies
July 13, 2015
This letter calls on the Governor to sign A7915/S5867, which would improve the effectiveness of millions of dollars in tax breaks awarded by Industrial Development Agencies (IDAs).
Op Ed
City Budget
New York City Should Be Cautious About Increasing Its Debt
June 16, 2015
New York City has more outstanding debt than ever before, and Mayor Bill de Blasio has proposed a 10-year capital plan that will increase it substantially.
Testimony
Capital Spending
Testimony On Ten-Year Capital Strategy and Capital Budget
Delivered to NY City Council Committee on Finance
May 18, 2015
The Mayor's Ten-Year Capital Strategy totals $83.8 billion- a $30 billion increase from the prior plan. CBC has two main concerns about the Strategy: there is insufficient information available to judge the investments, and the investments will add to the City’s high debt burden.
Op Ed
Economic Development
What's the Return on Investment for New York's Economic Development Efforts?
March 22, 2015
New York State's economic development programs have long been the subject of debate because it is difficult to measure the benefits they produce. Are the State's considerable investments worthwhile? Although their political value is clear, their economic value is not.
Letter
State Budget
Recommendations on the FY 2016 Executive Budget
February 25, 2015
CBC's recommendations to the State legislature cover six proposals that deserve support, three proposals that should be improved, and three proposals that should be rejected.
Op Ed
State Budget
Ten Key Takeaways from Governor Cuomo's Executive Budget
January 28, 2015
Last week, Citizens Budget Commission listed the Top Ten Things to Look for in the NYS 2016 Budget. Here is how they fared in the Executive Budget Proposal outlined by Governor Cuomo on January 21.
Op Ed
State Budget
Priorities for Governor Cuomo's Next Budget
December 17, 2012
Governor Andrew Cuomo and the New York State Legislature have successfully tackled serious budget issues in recent years, but important challenges remain. These must be addressed in his next budget in order to improve the state's fiscal condition and give local governments better tools to manage their structural deficits.
Testimony
City Budget
Testimony on the NYC Executive Budget for FY2013
To NY City Council Committee on Finance
June 06, 2012
First, the Council should focus on structural changes to municipal finances that will make budgeting easier in future years. Second, the Council should phase out the unusual practice of reimbursing retired municipal workers for their Medicare Part B premiums.