CBC

Growth of Special Education Spending and Enrollment in New York since 2000-01

Jun 08, 2012

Rising special education costs are a concern for all types of school districts in New York State – urban, rural, suburban, wealthy and poor. In some districts instructional spending per pupil on students classified for special education services tops $40,000 per year. Onerous State mandates that far exceed federal requirements are costly. New York also relies on intensive service models, as reflected in the student-to-staff ratios for many special education job titles.

Interactive Charts: Growth of Special Education Spending and Enrollment in New York since 2000-01

Jun 07, 2012

Testimony Before New York City Council Finance Committee on the Executive Budget for FY 2013

Jun 06, 2012

This testimony stresses two points. First, the Council should focus on structural changes to municipal finances that will make budgeting easier in future years. Second, the Council should phase out the unusual practice of reimbursing retired municipal workers for their Medicare Part B premiums.

The Legislature Should Pass the Special Education Mandate Relief Package Now

Jun 05, 2012

New York State imposes 227 distinct special education mandates above and beyond those required by federal law. Last November the New York State Board of Regents approved a package of special education mandate relief measures as recommended by Governor Cuomo’s Mandate Relief Redesign Team. These reforms, included along with some other mandate relief measures in S6688/A10290, have been introduced in the legislature, and S6688 is on the Senate education committee agenda for today.

Cleaning up NY's Garbage Disposal

Jun 04, 2012

New York City generates more than 25 tons of garbage per minute. That's 14 million tons per year, and the city's Department of Sanitation spends $2 billion annually to collect and dispose of about a third of it.

Taxes In, Garbage Out: The Need for Better Solid Waste Disposal Policies in New York City

May 31, 2012

This report makes the case for a significant change in New York City's solid waste disposal practices, a shift from heavy reliance on long-distance exporting to landfills to greater reliance on use of local waste-to-energy facilities.

Infographic: Taxes In, Garbage Out

May 30, 2012

School Expenditures: New York Compared to U.S.

May 15, 2012

Today New Yorkers around the state begin to vote on their school district budgets for the next school year. Most school districts are cutting back to stay within the growth levels allowed by the new property tax cap. To help keep school spending levels in perspective, here are some comparative stats on New York's school spending compared to national norms. The figures show that New york spends significantly more on salaries and fringe benefits for instructional staff than the national norm.

CBC Breakfast with NYS Thruway Authority Executive Director Thomas Madison

May 10, 2012