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Testimony
Economic Development
Testimony on Empire Zone Program
Submitted to NY City Council Economic Development Committee
November 24, 2009
The CBC argued that the Empire Zone program's mission has been lost, the program's objectives are not measured consistently, local agencies do not hold firms accountable for the economic commitments they make, and the program is failing to meet the targets firms set when they are approved for benefits.
Report
City Budget
The City's Budget Gap Since 9/11
Factors That Caused It, and Plans to Close It
March 03, 2003
This report identifies the causes of New York City’s unprecedented budget gap for fiscal year 2003-2004 and recommends solutions to close it.
Testimony
Energy & Environment
Testimony on NY Power Authority Economic Development Programs
Delivered to a Joint Session of State Committees
September 23, 2009
A testimony before a number of State Senate and Assembly committees which reviews the findings of a recent CBC report on the efficacy of NYPA's economic development programs.
Testimony
Economic Development
Testimony on Economic Development Programs
Delivered to the NYS Assembly Committee on Economic Development
August 03, 2016
Project-specific appropriations for economic development should cease at least until eligibility criteria are established and accountability mechanisms enhanced.
Report
Economic Development
Overhauling the New York Power Authority's Economic Development Programs
September 22, 2009
This report focuses on the numerous subsidized power programs for economic development run by the New York Power Authority. It is the second in a series, the intent of which is to identify ways that New York's current tools can be used more effectively.
Blog
City Budget
The Citywide Savings Program: Bolder Steps Needed to Make Government More Efficient
May 24, 2016
Mayor Bill de Blasio's latest Citywide Savings Program proposes multiyear savings of $5.4 billion compared to just $2.9 billion proposed in last year’s Executive Budget. The $5.4 billion represents 1.7 percent of city-funded spending over the financial plan period; this is in the range of savings in Mayor Michael Bloomberg’s plans for each of the last four years of his administration. While this may seem like a bold stride, the new CSP still falls short in the nature of its savings proposals.
Video
Economic Development
State Economic Development Programs: Are We Getting Our Bang for Our Buck?
TWC News
September 29, 2016
Allegations in state government are bringing more light to the state's economic development - the cost of many programs continues to rise but the rate of return doesn't hold up. CBC's Dave Friedfel explains.
Letter
State Budget
10 Do's and Don'ts for Spending the Federal Stimulus Funds
February 25, 2009
This letter to the Legislature warns that the federal aid to New York is limited and temporary, suggests ten do’s and don’ts for using the federal funds and closing the budget gap while avoiding harmful cuts and tax increases, and highlights possible allocation of the funds.
Blog
City Budget
An Insufficient Savings Plan
February 24, 2016
Mayor Bill de Blasio's FY2017 budget proposal increased city-funded spending by $2.7 billion and included a Citywide Savings Program, or CSP, it was small relative to the size of the budget and savings programs of past years and insufficient to meaningfully offset the cost of new initiatives or to boost reserves.
Report
Economic Development
Increasing Without Evidence
NYS Economic Development Spending Update
September 26, 2016
This report tracks growth in NYS' economic development programs between 2010 and 2014. Little progress has been made on improving transparency and demonstrating effectiveness.
Report
State Budget
Review of New York State Fiscal Year 2009-2010 Budget
April 30, 2009
The CBC reviews and assesses the 9 bills that comprise the FY 2009-10 New York State Budget. The key points of this assessment include: 1) Spending remains high and few cuts were achieved; 2) no concessions were agreed to by public employee unions; 3) Large tax and fee increases help support the enlarged spending; 4) Temporary federal stimulus aid is relied upon to sustain recurring spending commitments, creating a risk of large future budget gaps; and 5) a few positive steps were taken to reduce wasteful or poorly targeted programs.
Report
Education
A Better Foundation Aid Formula
Funding Sound Basic Education with Only Modest Added Cost
December 12, 2016
This report explains why Foundation Aid, a need-based State school aid program, was developed, what is wrong with it, and how to make it better.
Report
Transportation
Access-A-Ride
Ways to Do the Right Thing More Efficiently
September 20, 2016
This report identifies strategies and options the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) can pursue to improve the financial outlook and quality of Access-A-Ride, the paratransit program.
Letter
State Budget
Recommendations for FY 2009-2010 State Budget
February 02, 2009
This letter to the state legislature suggests two strategic directions to guide budget policy and offers a roadmap that avoids harmful tax increases and makes spending better serve New Yorkers by suggesting reforms in five key areas: Medicaid, school aid, correctional facilities, public employee benefits, and programs like STAR and Empire Zones.
Blog
State Budget
6 Things to Look for in New York State’s Mid-Year Budget Update
October 30, 2016
What are the important things to look out for in The Mid-Year Update to the FY 2017 Financial Plan? Coveres revenue projections, economic development, collective bargaining, medicaid, minimum wage, and budget gaps.
Report
State Budget
Fixing New York State's Fiscal Practices
Five Problems That Hurt New York State and What Can Be Done to Fix Them
November 09, 2003
This report highlights 5 major fiscal issues facing New York State: 1) New Yorkers are the most heavily taxed Americans; 2) the State’s debt burden is among the highest in the nation; 3) New York has large and recurring budget gaps; 4) the budget process lacks timeliness, transparency, and responsibility; and 5) improvements in fiscal practices are hampered by unresponsive governmental institutions. In addition, the report offers solutions to these important issues.
Letter
Economic Development
CBC and Others Urge the State Legislature to Reform Empire Zones
February 11, 2009
This letter to the State Legislature, written in conjunction with the NYS AFL-CIO, the Metropolitan Development Association of Syracuse and Central New York and the Partnership for New York City, is in support of Governor David Paterson's proposal to scale back the almost $600 million-a-year Empire Zone Program.
Report
State Budget
Predicting the Peak, Preparing for the Trough
An Examination of the Impact of a Possible Recession on New York State
June 20, 2016
The impact of a possible recession could be as high as $59 billion, or 18.2 percent of tax revenues over four years.
Report
Education
Is It a Good Deal?
How New Yorkers Should Judge The Next Teachers' Contract
November 11, 2009
The New York City teachers’ contract expired on October 31, 2009. A new agreement may be reached soon. As the City faces a $5 billion budget gap for the next fiscal year and key educational reforms remain unfinished, here are key questions parents and taxpayers should ask to judge whether the next contract is a good deal for them.
Report
Energy & Environment
Can We Have Our Cake and Compost It Too?
An Analysis of Organic Waste Diversion in New York City
February 02, 2016
This report examines the feasibility and the cost of options for expanding the Department of Sanitation's organic waste program.