NY GOV. CUOMO: $136.4B BUDGET

NY Gov. Andrew Cuomo 
photo provided

Albany, N.Y. -- Gov. Andrew Cuomo has proposed a $136.4 billion budget plan today that increases spending by 1.9 percent and closes an estimated $1.35 billion deficit.

Cuomo’s budget proposal, due by March 31, the end of the fiscal year, would increase education spending by 4.4 percent and all funds Medicaid spending would grow 6.7 percent.

For what has been his signature victory so far in 2013, Cuomo is proposing $35.9 million to implement the NY SAFE Act, his gun control bill. Of that, $32.7 million is being set aside for an electronic database of gun permit registration. 

Education

Cuomo would increase education spending by $889 million, or 4.4 percent, with aid increases again tied to the implementation of a teacher evaluation system in local districts, with total spending at $21 billion.

The budget sets aside $20.8 billion in school aid, a 3 percent increase, along with $25 million proposed for full day pre-kindergarten that would be part of a competitive grant process for high-need school districts. The governor also is proposing $20 million in extended learning time for districts that meet certain criteria.

The budget includes $110 million in competitive grant money for SUNY 2020 and CUNY 2020.

Superstorm Sandy

Cuomo envisions that state spending more than $50 billion in federal aid for storm reconstruction, infrastructure, costal recovery and universal protocols for emergency response. He’s also calling for a stockpiling of emergency supplies in order to respond quickly to the next disaster.

Local governments

The proposal keeps direct aid to municipalities flat from the current fiscal year at $714.7 million, but allows for local governments and school districts to lock-in long term stable rate pension contributions for an undetermined period of years.

Taxes

The film production tax credit would be extended for another five years at $420 million a year.

Cuomo is also seeking to close a variety of tax loopholes and seek to vigorously enforce the state’s cigarette tax regulations, as well as innovation hot spots that would be paid for over a period of several years, along with tax-free sales for areas that sell New York-made products.

Overview

Overall, much of Cuomo’s budgeting is hinging on enacting what he calls inefficiencies-- consolidating state functions and offices and rooting out waste and abuse in the system. As of this posting, we know that Cuomo has proposed to close Bayview prison in Manhattan and one in Dutchess County. The D&C is reporting as many as four correctional facilities will be impacted. The Voice Reporter will be closely monitoring any changes that will impact unionized workers.Stay tuned to further developments.