State Budget: Where do things stand? And what's ahead?
New York state is facing its worst economic crisis since the Great Depression. NYSUT and its members, through faxes, e-mails, phone calls and face-to-face lobbying, are working hard to make sure lawmakers make the right decisions in these tough times - that includes maintaining a strong commitment to education and health care. Stay up-to-date on the state budget and NYSUT advocacy at the Capitol at www.nysut.org/budget.
| Executive Budget proposal | Where it stands | What's ahead | |
| K-12 school aid | Would cut aid to schools by $2.5 billion (including $1.9 billion required under terms of the Campaign for Fiscal Equity lawsuit). Would freeze funding to the state's Universal Pre-K program at the current level and delay the full phase-in of the program to 2014-15. Would eliminate funding to teacher centers ($40 million) and the Mentor Teacher Intern Program ($10 million). |
- The state deficit now totals more than $14 billion. - New York is set to receive $24.6 billion over two years in federal stimulus funds, including about $2.5 billion for education. Other allocations: $940 million for Title I; $760 million for IDEA; $61 million for education technology; $556 million in flexible relief, which may be used for any government service. - After discussions with Sen. Chuck Schumer, Gov. Paterson has said he will use thestimulus funds as intended. |
- After discussions with Sen. Chuck Schumer, Gov. Paterson has said he will use the stimulus funds as intended. - NYSUT continues to advocate for education, higher ed and health care. On March 24, more than 700 members will converge on the Capitol for the union's Committee of 100 Lobby Day. |
| Higher education | - Would cut aid to the SUNY four-year colleges by $201 million; CUNY colleges cut $64.6 million. - Would cut community college aid by $46 million at SUNY; $17 million at CUNY. - Would increase undergraduate tuition by 14 percent at SUNY and 15 percent at CUNY. - Funding to SUNY hospitals would be cut by $25 million. |
- The recently signed federal stimulus plan includes money for higher education. The governor's stimulus task force is determining how much aid is available. The state did receive $180 million for increasing the maximum Pell Grants (aid to high-need undergraduate students) by $500. | - Members of United University Professions at SUNY, the Professional Staff Congress at CUNY and the state's community colleges will lobby in Albany against devastating cuts. |
| Health care | - Would cut $3.5 billion from the health care budget through a mix of cuts and taxes to hospitals, home health services and nursing homes. | - The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act includes $87 billion in funds to help states meet their Medicaid obligations. New York's share is about $12 billion. | - Members from the health care professions will lobby during the Committee of 100 Lobby Day March 24 in Albany and at a separate Nurse Lobby Day June 2. |
| Revenue boosters | - The governor's proposal calls for 137 new or increased taxes, including the so-called "fat tax" on non-diet beverages. - NYSUT supports several measures to increase revenue, including restoring progressivity to the income tax system; tapping the state's "Rainy Day Fund"; closing loopholes in the state's bottle bill; and reducing outsourcing of state work. |
- Support is growing for "Fair Share Tax Reform," increasing the personal income taxes paid by the wealthiest New Yorkers. Sen. Eric Schneiderman, D-Bronx, introduced a bill in the Senate; Assemblyman Darryl Towns, D-Brooklyn, introduced a bill in the Assembly. | - Rallies in support of Fair Share Tax Reform are scheduled to take place at several sites across the state March 5. |
Compiled by Clarisse Butler Banks