"While Mayors, Governors, and other leaders come and go over time, CBC is an ever-present organization that presents a consistent and vital message that is so important for the state and the city." NYS Department of Financial Services Superintendent Ben Lawsky
Over the weekend the State Division of the Budget released the financial plan report accompanying the enacted fiscal year 2014 budget. The financial plan includes details of the budget for the current fiscal year and its implications for the next three fiscal years through March 31, 2017. The report tells a troubling story.
On February 12th the Spending and Government Efficiency Commission, or “SAGE” Commission, submitted its final report to Governor Andrew Cuomo. With most state leaders and observers focused on budget negotiations, this comprehensive report on streamlining and modernizing State government was largely overlooked. But it deserves attention, and its many worthwhile recommendations should be implemented.
Last night the state aid allocations for school districts were released just in time for the State Senate to vote on the budget. The final agreement allocates $20.8 billion, approximately $7,700 per student, in formula-based school aid for school year 2014. This represents an increase of $937 million, or 4.7%, over school year 2013.
New York is on track to pass an on-time budget that appears to limit state-funded spending to 2% growth for the 3rd consecutive year. That is good news for New Yorkers.
However, while the details are still emerging, one proposal is particularly disappointing.
In a letter to the state legislature the CBC made recommendations for the fiscal year 2013-14 New York State budget. There are two general points that are made:
Overall, there is much to like in the prosed budget; it continues progress in reducing the long-standing structural deficit by restraining expenditure growth and avoiding additional tax burdens.
“Fine tuning” the proposed budget by rejecting or revising some misguided initiatives would enhance its effectiveness in using New Yorkers’ tax dollars wisely.
Competitive grants are an important element in Governor Andrew Cuomo’s approach to state aid for education. The new approach began on a small scale last year, and a review of the experience in the first year suggests the proposed expansion may be premature.
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