Director of State Studies Elizabeth Lynam makes two recommendations regarding the FY 2012-13 Executive Budget's economic development proposals. First, the legislature should not authorize additional funds for another round of regional competition until the “hydra” of economic development is tamed.
Choices about public spending should be made using good data about the outcomes of investment, and citizens should be able to obtain this information easily in order to hold their lawmakers accountable. CBC's 2006 report "Giving Taxpayers More Bang for the Buck” analyzed the types of data provided in the MMR on agency operations and identified some serious shortcomings. The Mayor's office has made considerable improvement since this report was released, but more needs to be done.
New York is being wasteful in its waste management practices. We could save tens of millions, perhaps even hundreds of millions, of dollars without harming the environment by more sensibly managing New Yorkers’ solid waste. An improved system for waste collection and disposal could prevent further reductions in education and other essential services in coming budgets.
Savings can be achieved without denying needed care to low income New Yorkers through three strategies: (1) reducing non‐competitive rates paid to institutional providers, notably hospitals and nursing homes; (2) rationalizing utilization of services, notably reducing unnecessary hospitalizations through managed care and reducing the unusually high average hours of personal care provi
As the City begins a fragile economic recovery, this financial plan presents a crucial opportunity to take actions that will place the City on a firmer fiscal footing and ensure its competitiveness for the long-term.
Testimony before the New York State Senate Standing Committees on Corporations, Authorities and Commissions and Investigations and Government Operations on the MTA's 2010-2014 capital plan.
A testimony before a number of State Senate and Assembly committees where Deputy Director of Research Elizabeth Lynam reviewed the findings of a recent CBC report on the efficacy of NYPA's economic development programs.
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