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Blog
Education
Making the Grade
New York State Should Ensure that Massive School Funding Increase Drives Results
September 15, 2021
New York’s schools open this year slated to receive more aid than ever from the State plus $11.4 billion in one-time federal pandemic aid that can be spent over four years.
Op Ed
State Budget
Our New Governor’s Budget-Balancing Act
New York Daily News
September 01, 2021
Tackling these crises requires swift action. It is encouraging to hear Hochul emphasize performance and transparency. Her next step should be to convert those pledges into action.
Special Feature
City Budget
5 Year Pocket Summary
Fiscal Year 2021-2022, 74th Edition
June 28, 2021
The Pocket Summary features a five-year snapshot of economic and fiscal data of New York City and New York State.
Op Ed
State Budget
Enough waiting for transparency
Albany Times Union
May 15, 2021
Ten years ago this week, Governor Andrew Cuomo’s Spending and Government Efficiency (SAGE) Commission opened a portal for New Yorkers to “suggest ways to improve the efficiency and quality of government services.”
Blog
State Budget
And State Spending Growth Resumes
Buoyed by Revenue Strength and Federal Aid
March 26, 2021
Governor’s Fiscal Year 2022 Executive Budget proposes to increase State Operating Funds spending an average of 3 percent per year over the next four fiscal years.
Op Ed
City Budget
Fed aid is a bridge; stable shore needed: American Rescue Plan good for NYC only if used prudently
New York Daily News
March 13, 2021
The American Rescue Plan will not only provide tremendous support to individuals, families, businesses and organizations, but can be a game-changer for New York state and city government. Success, however, is far from guaranteed.
Blog
State Budget
NYS Should Not Borrow for Operations Without Spending Restraint, Fiscal Stability Plan, Enhanced Oversight, and Transparency
February 10, 2021
Using long-term debt to fund operations can be a tempting way to close budget gaps, but it should be a last resort.
Blog
State Budget
What to Look for in the NYS FY 2022 Executive Budget
January 15, 2021
Balancing the fiscal year 2022 budget will require some combination of spending cuts, additional revenues, and other actions
Blog
State Budget
Don’t Get Too High on Potential Marijuana Revenues
December 13, 2018
There is significant revenue potential from the marijuana industry, but research suggests that many months or years of careful planning precede consistent revenues.
Blog
State Budget
Hold Your Bets
Four Guidelines for Legalized Sports Betting in New York State
September 05, 2018
State leaders should consider these four guidelines as they decide whether and how to expand sports betting in New York.
Blog
State Budget
Reallocate Settlement Payments to Boost Rainy Day Funds
July 09, 2018
NYS has wom more than $11 billion in litigation settlements since FY 2014-2015. The spending of some of the settlement funds have more merit than others, but one major shortcoming is that none of the funds were allocated to boosting reserves.
Blog
Pensions & Benefits
Bitter Truth
Many Benefit Sweeteners Lack Required Fiscal Estimates
June 06, 2018
To date the New York State Legislature has introduced 138 bills in this session that enhance the benefits of state and local public employees. How much these bills could cost taxpayers is unknown.
Op Ed
Transportation
Four years after 'Bridgegate,' Port's fiefdoms are coming back
Crain's New York Business
May 30, 2018
The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey is a crucial agency, but it is badly governed and in need of reform.
Blog
State Budget
The State Budget Cap Has Lost Its Meaning
May 29, 2018
Keeping with Albany tradition, the state's leaders adopted the budget on the final day of last fiscal year in the wee hours of the morning with little debate and no transparency, once again proclaiming the budget complies with a 2 percent growth cap.
Blog
Pensions & Benefits
Four Egregious Benefit Enhancement Bills
2018 Benefit Sweetener Scorecard Update
May 18, 2018
The 135 active bills identified on the Citizens Budget Commission’s 2018 Benefit Sweetener Scorecard this session could cost the State and local governments at least $428 million.
Op Ed
Education
New York keeps shortchanging poor students
And Cuomo’s Foundation Aid formula will do little to fix it
March 19, 2018
Fixing the existing Foundation Aid formula would allow the state to fully fund a sound basic education with current resources.
Blog
Capital Spending
Rightsizing and Right Timing New York City’s Capital Plan
March 14, 2018
Despite a pledge to collaborate with the City Council on a realistic Capital Commitment Plan, the City's overly ambitious proposal is neither realistic nor transparent.
Blog
Health Care
Three Strikes Against the Governor’s Proposed Conversion Revenue
March 13, 2018
Counting on the revenue from health insurance company conversations is not prudent for three important reasons.
Blog
State Budget
California Dreaming
NY Should Build Reserves to Prepare for a Rainy Day
March 12, 2018
California is a leader in funding reserves for a rainy day--New York State should follow its example.
Blog
Education
Governor’s Education Proposal Pierces Cap And Lacks Needed Reforms
February 20, 2018
The NYS FY2018-2019 Executive Budget increases school aid by $769 million, or 3 percent, to $26.4 billion- twice the increase allowed by the school aid cap.