changing the culture: a look at new york governor cuomo’s ambitious agenda presentation by robert...
TRANSCRIPT
Changing the Culture: A Look
at New YorkGovernor Cuomo’s ambitious agenda
Presentation byRobert B. Ward
Deputy Director, Rockefeller Institute
January 31, 2011
Caveats Governor Cuomo issues his budget today;
it will include the bulk of his key fiscal proposals – but perhaps not all
This presentation focuses on the budget and structure of government – the Governor has also identified other priorities, including ethics
I do not represent the administration
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The problems on the table Economic growth lagging behind the
nation for most of the past half-century And people ‘voting with their feet’
A tax burden among highest in the nation The highest, by some measures
Like many other states, a large structural gap between spending and revenues
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A strong anti-tax message ‘New York has no future as the tax capital
of the nation,’ Governor Cuomo says
One priority: A tough property-tax cap Tax levy limit: lesser of 2% or CPI Particularly tough on school districts,
which would need 60% vote to override School spending has been rising 5.6%/yr Also covers municipalities except NYC
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A dramatic change in budgeting? Governor Cuomo attacks formula-driven
budgets as ‘a sham’ E.g., education formulas drive a $2.9B
increase; is a $1B increase a $1.9B cut?
Anyone in the business of state government knows this – but voters don’t
At least a rhetorical attack on spending; perhaps a legislative one as well
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Executive branch restructuring Hails back to last such, under Al Smith
A sainted figure in New York history
Spending and Government Efficiency (SAGE) Commission to lead consolidation If Legislature approves creation, its
recommendations would automatically take effect unless affirmatively rejected
McKinsey, Rockefeller Institute are helping
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Restructuring Medicaid Emulate Wisconsin model
Stakeholders assigned to find savings
Governor’s budget sets the target Redesign team including legislators to find
solutions by April 1 budget deadline
Largest Medicaid program; many interests Did it really work in Wisconsin? If it works in NY, it can work anywhere!
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Cutting mandates to cut local costs An executive-legislative-stakeholder team
Led by a top aide to the Governor Also legislators, municipalities, school
boards, unions
This will be especially interesting Costly mandates involve labor: benefits
continuing after contract expires, binding arbitration, prevailing wages
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Budgeting for performance $250 million for school districts that raise
student performance
And $250 million for those that find administrative savings with efficiencies
New state aid to encourage consolidation of municipalities
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Contact information
Robert Ward
518-443-5831
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