The New York State fiscal year 2023 budget agreement resulted in unprecedented budget balance, plans to save for a rainy day, and a significant increase in State spending. CBC's new blog, "Late Addition: $1.6 billion of Capital Pork Served Up" shows that the agreement also included servings of capital 'pork' added in the final days of negotiations. 

Analysis of the enacted budget bills and supporting documentation reveals that $1.6 billion for capital projects was included in the enacted budget, despite having not been included in any previous budget proposals from the Executive, Senate, or Assembly. Our latest blog details these late additions, which range from targeted grants for individual projects to broadly defined lump sum pots to be spent over the coming months and years. CBC recommends that the State discontinue the practice of approving lump sum pots, utilize the best practices for holistic capital budgeting, and provide transparency for existing lump sum pots.