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A More Flexible Pension Plan

Jan 26, 2012

Part of Governor Andrew Cuomo’s “Tier VI” proposal to make pension benefits for public employees of New York’s State and local government more affordable and sustainable over the long term is an optional 401(k)-style plan.

NY Retirement Systems: Still Out of Line

Jan 26, 2012

Today, the U.S. Census Bureau released new figures on public retirement systems.[1] A quick look at the data underscores why New York’s pension system is costly, how it is out of line with others and why reform is needed.

Improving the Way New York Pays for Medicaid

Jan 25, 2012

Governor Andrew Cuomo’s budget proposals for fiscal year 2012-13 include an important first step towards fixing a longstanding flaw in the way New York pays for its Medicaid program.

Jump Starting Performance Management in New York State Government (Again)

Jan 10, 2012

Last month, the Spending and Government Efficiency Commission (SAGE Commission) appointed by Governor Cuomo issued its final report. One notable recommendation is that a renewed effort be made to improve the accountability of State government through the creation of a performance management system.

Balancing the State Budget – Halfway There, But Running Out of Gas?

Dec 20, 2011

This month’s overhaul of New York’s tax code was an important step in closing the estimated $3.2 billion gap in New York State’s fiscal year 2012-13 budget.

NYC vs. San Jose: Engineers and Our Metro Peers

Dec 19, 2011

Mayor Michael Bloomberg is poised to announce which university has been selected to develop an applied science and engineering campus in New York City. The City of New York will provide land and infrastructure investments worth up to $100 million to the winner. Time will tell whether the campus will serve as the catalyst for transforming the New York metropolitan area into the

The Tax Hike’s Silver Lining

Dec 08, 2011

Deals that come together quickly in Albany should always be viewed with some skepticism, but the one announced on Tuesday has a silver lining.

The Dos and Don’ts of PPPs

Dec 05, 2011

Yesterday, in a widely circulated op-ed, Governor Andrew Cuomo proposed the creation of an infrastructure fund that would promote public-private partnerships (PPP) to construct and repair assets across the state as part of a new job creation program. PPPs are important tools for building and managing infrastructure, and the right partnership can deliver and operate capital assets – includ

New York City Is Not Alone

Nov 17, 2011

The Office of the New York City Actuary is expected to recommend changes to the assumptions used to calculate the City’s annual pension costs. These changed assumptions will have an impact on the amount the City is required to contribute to its employee pension funds.

Needed Mandate Relief on the Way?

Nov 02, 2011

New York State imposes more than 200 special education mandates above and beyond those required by federal law.[1] Some were put in place to protect due process or guarantee timely services, while others limit class sizes and caseloads. All translate into higher costs and help fuel rapid spending growth.