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WelcomeWith less than a month to go before the legislative session adjourns on June 23, the Governor, Senate and Assembly have begun to narrow down their end of session priorities. We have delineated below some issues that are under discussion. To learn more about Hinman Straub, please visit our website. New York State Commission On Property Tax Relief Releases Preliminary ReportOn January 23, former Governor Eliot Spitzer signed Executive Order No. 22 which created the New York State Commission on Property Tax Relief. The bipartisan commission was assigned the task of examining the root causes of high property taxes, identifying ways to make the State’s property tax system fairer, and developing a fair and effective school property tax cap to hold the line on property tax growth. The commission, chaired by Nassau County Executive Thomas Suozzi, deliberated and issued its report on June 3. Click here to read the preliminary report. Governor Paterson Introduces Legislation to Cap Property Taxes Based on this report, Governor David A. Paterson announced that he is accepting the Commission’s principal recommendation and plans to introduce school property tax cap legislation to address the unsustainable growth in property taxes. The cap would apply to all school districts outside the “Big Five” cities (New York City, Buffalo, Rochester, Syracuse and Yonkers). Click here for more information. Click here to read a statement from Speaker Silver re: theCommission's Report. Governor Paterson Unveils Campaign Finance Reform PackageGovernor David A. Paterson announced legislation aimed at addressing campaign finance reform in New York State. Some of the provisions included within the proposal include: lowering contribution limits, eliminating the ability of LLCs to contribute up to the individual limit of $150,000; restricting contributions from lobbyists; increased transparency and accountability; and, adding a fifth member to the state Board of Elections. Click here for more information. Economic Security Cabinet Regional Town Hall MeetingsGovernor Paterson's Economic Security Cabinet announced regional town hall meetings to receive comments on New York State's efforts to protect and enhance the economic security of low-income families. The Economic Security Cabinet was formed in 2007. It brings together more than 20 separate state agencies to provide a new focus on the needs of working families such as: reducing New York State’s high cost of Living; expanding educational opportunity in New York State’s increasingly knowledge-based economy; strengthening New York State’s social safety net and share economic risk; and, bringing good jobs to New York State. Click here for the schedule and location of upcoming town hall meetings. Partnership for Coverage Releases Interim ReportIn July 2007, New York State Commissioner of Health Richard F. Daines, M.D., and New York State Superintendent of Insurance Eric R. Dinallo began exploring the development of a comprehensive strategy for achieving quality, affordable health insurance for all New Yorkers. On May 28, Commissioner Daines, and Superintendent Dinallo released an interim report to Governor David A. Paterson describing the Departments' progress to date in developing proposals to achieve universal coverage. Click here to view the press release. Click here to read a complete copy of the report. Cigarette Tax Increase Goes into EffectAs part of the 2008-09 enacted state budget, a provision was included that would increase the tax placed on cigarettes. This new tax took effect on June 3. The state tax on a pack of cigarettes now totals $2.75. New York City has an additional $1.50 tax bringing its total tax to $4.25 per pack – the highest cigarette taxes in the nation. Cigarettes will now cost more than $8 in New York City and more than $6 across the rest of the state. Click here for more information. Tightening the Budget BeltFollowing the enactment of the 2008-09 state budget, Governor David A. Paterson announced that he has tasked the Division of the Budget (DOB), working with other key Administration staff, to develop recurring and responsible budget proposals to significantly reduce State spending growth for the 2009-10 budget and beyond. On June 4, DOB posted the first 23 approved financial management plans submitted by executive commissioners in response to Governor Paterson’s call for a 3.35 percent reduction in projected agency spending. Click here to read the press release. Click here to read the the Division of Budget's spending plans. While New York State has created a balanced budget for 2008-2009, D.O.B is projecting a $5 billion budget gap for the 2009-10 fiscal year. Click here for more information. In anticipation of the rough road ahead, Governor Paterson has created a working group to find budget cuts and has asked state leaders to reduce next year’s budget. Click here for more information. After a state commission presented ways for local governments to improve efficiency, the Governor announced grants to help reduce local government costs. Click here for more information. Governor Paterson Nominates Robert G. Wilmers to Lead the Empire State Development CorporationGovernor David A. Paterson announced that he has nominated Robert G. Wilmers, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of M&T Bank Corporation, to serve as Chairman of New York State’s economic development agency, the Empire State Development Corporation (ESDC). Wilmers, who will be based in Buffalo and have complete oversight of economic development issues throughout New York State, will now participate in an active search to identify two leaders who will be in charge of the Downstate and Upstate divisions of ESDC. Both individuals will report to Wilmers. Click here for more information. Governor Paterson Calls for Greater Access to CareGovernor David A. Paterson today applauded the work of New York’s hospitals and called them critical partners in continuing the State’s push to improve access to quality and preventive health care. Click here for more information. Going GreenOn April 26, Governor Paterson signed an executive order to make state government “green”, by establishing a New York State "Green Procurement and Agency Sustainability Program," to promote policies within State agencies and authorities that reduce the consumption of materials and energy and reduce potential impacts on public health and the environment. Click here for more information. Assembly Posts SFY 2008-09 Legislative InitiativesThe New York State Assembly today posted on its website proposed disbursements from the Assembly's share of the 2008-09 Community Project Fund (CPF). The Assembly proposes to allocate significant portions of the CPF to program areas including HIV/AIDS programs, legal services for the poor and various cultural and economic development purposes. Other areas of spending include services for seniors, child care, drug and alcohol treatment, volunteer firefighters and other community-based initiatives. Click here for more information. Upcoming Legislative Public HearingsClick here for the New York State Legislature Public Hearing Calendar. |
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4/17/08 Edition of Plugged In |