A tax credit from Sen. Kemp Hannon, R-Garden City, has been proposed to help writers secure jobs on television shows and movies. On Wednesday he introduced a bill (SB 4199) that would amend the Empire State Film Production Credit to include writer salaries.
His bill's memo argues that productions are already drawn to the state, where they take advantage of a 30 percent tax credit on qualifying production costs. Unfortunately for New York writers, this credit hasn't generated many opportunities for them. This fact was demonstrated by the fact that in 2008 there were 15 major television productions in the state, which employed a total of 122 writers, but only 24 of them were from New York.
The inclusion of writers into the Empire State Film Credit would bring New York into competition with states like Connecticut and Michigan that allow writers to qualify.
The proposal from Hannon would either be capped at $50,000 per writer on the amount of the credit that may be claimed or lifted entirely by the hiring of a minority or woman writer when more than three writers are hired.
Wednesday, March 23, 2011
Low Probability of Low-Sulfur Delay
(The following is based on an internal memorandum secured by the New York Times)
Low sulfur-oil for heating appears likely to be implemented on time in July 2012, as the Senate may drop their support of a delay until 2014. A decision to end their opposition would most likely stem from the revelation that the switch has no fiscal impact.
Originally, the Senate’s position revolved around their argument that the transition would be costly, with Republicans opposing the initial bill when they were in the minority. Supposedly, the Republican Majority may drop their proposed delay as industry officials have indicated that they already have invested in distribution infrastructure to accommodate a smooth transition within the current deadline.
This logic seems questionable, as oil industry and environmental groups repeatedly highlighted the low costs in switching, but the argument appeared to fall on deaf ears during its inception.
The Assembly’s position has not been formally announced, but it is now clear that the Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s administration is opposed to the delay. The delayed implementation was originally proposed by the governor’s Mandate Relief Team, although it wasn’t included in the executive budget.
Low sulfur-oil for heating appears likely to be implemented on time in July 2012, as the Senate may drop their support of a delay until 2014. A decision to end their opposition would most likely stem from the revelation that the switch has no fiscal impact.
Originally, the Senate’s position revolved around their argument that the transition would be costly, with Republicans opposing the initial bill when they were in the minority. Supposedly, the Republican Majority may drop their proposed delay as industry officials have indicated that they already have invested in distribution infrastructure to accommodate a smooth transition within the current deadline.
This logic seems questionable, as oil industry and environmental groups repeatedly highlighted the low costs in switching, but the argument appeared to fall on deaf ears during its inception.
The Assembly’s position has not been formally announced, but it is now clear that the Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s administration is opposed to the delay. The delayed implementation was originally proposed by the governor’s Mandate Relief Team, although it wasn’t included in the executive budget.
NY Feeling Better with Obamacare
With the one year anniversary of the Health Reform Law on Wednesday, the White House outlined the impact of the act on the state of New York.
The Obama administration stressed the reduction in costs for seniors as the result of a strengthening of Medicare. They noted that 252,288 New York residents who were impacted by Medicare's “donut hole” for prescription drugs received $250 in tax rebates, with an eventual 50 percent discount on brand-name prescription drugs when they hit the donut hole this year.
They also highlighted the fact that 74,600 young New Yorkers under the age of 26 are allowed to stay on their parents' health insurance as the result of changes from last year's law. Additionally, about 1.1 million kids in New York with pre-existing conditions will be able to get insurance, as most insurance companies are now banned from denying coverage to children because of a pre-existing condition.
The issue of costs were also addressed, as the Obama administration touted the creation $340,358 in tax credits for small businesses in New York to help offset the costs of purchasing coverage for their employees.
Finally, they noted that New York has $156 million from the Affordable Care Act. Grants to New York include:
· $1.8 million to support a consumer assistance program
· $1 million to plan for a Health Insurance Exchange
· $27 million to develop an “Early Innovator” Exchange IT model
· $1 million to crack down on unreasonable insurance premium increases
· $30.1 million to support capital development in community health centers
· $34.6 million from the Prevention and Public Health Fund
· $48 million in Therapeutic Discovery Project Program Tax Credits and Grants
· $1.7 million for Medicare improvements for patients and providers
· $6.1 million for demonstration projects to address health professions workforce needs
· $250,000 for Nursing and Home Health Aides Training Programs
· $4.1 million for Maternal, Infant and Childhood Home Visiting
The Obama administration stressed the reduction in costs for seniors as the result of a strengthening of Medicare. They noted that 252,288 New York residents who were impacted by Medicare's “donut hole” for prescription drugs received $250 in tax rebates, with an eventual 50 percent discount on brand-name prescription drugs when they hit the donut hole this year.
They also highlighted the fact that 74,600 young New Yorkers under the age of 26 are allowed to stay on their parents' health insurance as the result of changes from last year's law. Additionally, about 1.1 million kids in New York with pre-existing conditions will be able to get insurance, as most insurance companies are now banned from denying coverage to children because of a pre-existing condition.
The issue of costs were also addressed, as the Obama administration touted the creation $340,358 in tax credits for small businesses in New York to help offset the costs of purchasing coverage for their employees.
Finally, they noted that New York has $156 million from the Affordable Care Act. Grants to New York include:
· $1.8 million to support a consumer assistance program
· $1 million to plan for a Health Insurance Exchange
· $27 million to develop an “Early Innovator” Exchange IT model
· $1 million to crack down on unreasonable insurance premium increases
· $30.1 million to support capital development in community health centers
· $34.6 million from the Prevention and Public Health Fund
· $48 million in Therapeutic Discovery Project Program Tax Credits and Grants
· $1.7 million for Medicare improvements for patients and providers
· $6.1 million for demonstration projects to address health professions workforce needs
· $250,000 for Nursing and Home Health Aides Training Programs
· $4.1 million for Maternal, Infant and Childhood Home Visiting
Cuomo's Budget will be "Good"
Following a press conference on Tuesday, Gov. Andrew Cuomo answered questions about the ongoing budget process, concluding that he will deliver a good budget for the people of New York.
He argued that in all his campaigning to become governor, his argument was that the state needs a good budget. On Tuesday, Cuomo said the state will get a good budget, whether on-time or through budget extenders that he introduces after the April 1 deadline.
According to Cuomo, the three areas holding up the budget are prison closures, education funding and health care plans. Prison closures have become a major stumbling block for Senate Republicans, who are the majority and seem hesitant to blindly accept his prison closure task force. The governor acknowledged that he is concerned about the issue of prison closures holding up the budget process.
Cuomo went on to say that he was optimistic about passing a budget on time. “I’m optimistic because I have to be,” he said. “We’re going to do what hasn’t been done in decades.” He argued that it was policy holding up the budget this year, as there weren’t a lot of money issues to debate, considering “we don’t have any money.”
The governor also reiterated previous statement about his support for including rent control legislation and a property tax cap in the budget, but acknowledged that he was doubtful about this possibility. “I don’t think it will happen,” he concluded.
One area of contention going forward could be the SUNY five-year tuition plan, which was voted on by the SUNY honchos on Tuesday. They were adamant about retaining SUNY money in the system and not using it for other state projects, which the governor coldly suggested had "merit" and was worth further discussion. Cuomo's reluctance to commit to this sort of "lock box" most likely stems from the popularity of sweeping SUNY funds into other areas.
Cuomo als addressed the push back he was getting on his proposed regional economic development councils from the legislature and revealed that the leaders have mentioned their concerns. “We took money that was theirs,” he said about the leaders’ rationale for opposing his plan. When a reporter suggested not spending the capital investment money at all, Cuomo got very protective of his pet project and said that he needs money for economic development projects.
He argued that in all his campaigning to become governor, his argument was that the state needs a good budget. On Tuesday, Cuomo said the state will get a good budget, whether on-time or through budget extenders that he introduces after the April 1 deadline.
According to Cuomo, the three areas holding up the budget are prison closures, education funding and health care plans. Prison closures have become a major stumbling block for Senate Republicans, who are the majority and seem hesitant to blindly accept his prison closure task force. The governor acknowledged that he is concerned about the issue of prison closures holding up the budget process.
Cuomo went on to say that he was optimistic about passing a budget on time. “I’m optimistic because I have to be,” he said. “We’re going to do what hasn’t been done in decades.” He argued that it was policy holding up the budget this year, as there weren’t a lot of money issues to debate, considering “we don’t have any money.”
The governor also reiterated previous statement about his support for including rent control legislation and a property tax cap in the budget, but acknowledged that he was doubtful about this possibility. “I don’t think it will happen,” he concluded.
One area of contention going forward could be the SUNY five-year tuition plan, which was voted on by the SUNY honchos on Tuesday. They were adamant about retaining SUNY money in the system and not using it for other state projects, which the governor coldly suggested had "merit" and was worth further discussion. Cuomo's reluctance to commit to this sort of "lock box" most likely stems from the popularity of sweeping SUNY funds into other areas.
Cuomo als addressed the push back he was getting on his proposed regional economic development councils from the legislature and revealed that the leaders have mentioned their concerns. “We took money that was theirs,” he said about the leaders’ rationale for opposing his plan. When a reporter suggested not spending the capital investment money at all, Cuomo got very protective of his pet project and said that he needs money for economic development projects.
Bullet Control from Sen. Smith
In the vein of a joke from Chris Rock, Democratic Sen. Malcolm Smith has proposed (SB 4152) a form of bullet control, which would require customers to complete an application form.
His proposed law would require people buying bullets provide their names, date of birth and address. Additionally, they would be required to note the caliber, make, model and serial number on the gun that they are purchasing bullets for.
This bill, according to its memo, is a product of the gun violence in our society. Theoretically this bill would stop those who possess illegal, unlicensed and unregistered firearms from buying bullets.
This proposal has never been popular in the New York Legislature, having not received a vote in the last 4 years and Smith's version lacking an Assembly companion. Luckily, Chris Rock's jokes live on forever.
His proposed law would require people buying bullets provide their names, date of birth and address. Additionally, they would be required to note the caliber, make, model and serial number on the gun that they are purchasing bullets for.
This bill, according to its memo, is a product of the gun violence in our society. Theoretically this bill would stop those who possess illegal, unlicensed and unregistered firearms from buying bullets.
This proposal has never been popular in the New York Legislature, having not received a vote in the last 4 years and Smith's version lacking an Assembly companion. Luckily, Chris Rock's jokes live on forever.
Mandate Relief for Libraries
With New York's public libraries facing a potential 10 percent budget cut, they're endanger of violating maintenance of effort (MOE) statutes, which could cost them federal and state aid. In response to this looming dilemma, Senator Hugh Farley, R-Niskayuna, has introduced a bill (SB 4102) on Friday that would allow waivers for some of these MOE statutes so libraries won't lose state aid.
He proposes letting the state Education Commissioner grant waivers so that local libraries don't jeopardize 25 percent of their state funding by failing to meet certain standards.
Farley's bill memorandum argues that this loss of funding would have a "crippling effect" and would impact persons who are disabled, speak English as a second language, are incarcerated, are institutionalized or unemployed. The memo suggests that the waiver process has a successful past.
It's not clear what standards libraries would be exempted from, but that they would be determined on a case by case basis.
He proposes letting the state Education Commissioner grant waivers so that local libraries don't jeopardize 25 percent of their state funding by failing to meet certain standards.
Farley's bill memorandum argues that this loss of funding would have a "crippling effect" and would impact persons who are disabled, speak English as a second language, are incarcerated, are institutionalized or unemployed. The memo suggests that the waiver process has a successful past.
It's not clear what standards libraries would be exempted from, but that they would be determined on a case by case basis.
Zeldin Wants the Real Deal
At 11:30 a.m. the Senate Consumer Protection Committee is set to consider a bill (SB 4074) from Republican Senator Lee Zeldin that would attempt to curtail the fake electrical products market.
His bill would ensure that merchants selling defective electrical products sold with fraudulent labeling will receive training to help them distinguish labeling, with the the treat of "stiff" fines if the mistake is repeated.
The new bill comes in the wake of fires have been attributed to extension cords that with fraudulent labels. This law would not only increase the penalties for selling those cords, and other fraudulent electronics, but it would also provide training to prevent further incidents.
This proposal has previously maneuvered through the Senate, but it has not been very popular in the Assembly, where it again exists (AB 672) and has sat for two months.
His bill would ensure that merchants selling defective electrical products sold with fraudulent labeling will receive training to help them distinguish labeling, with the the treat of "stiff" fines if the mistake is repeated.
The new bill comes in the wake of fires have been attributed to extension cords that with fraudulent labels. This law would not only increase the penalties for selling those cords, and other fraudulent electronics, but it would also provide training to prevent further incidents.
This proposal has previously maneuvered through the Senate, but it has not been very popular in the Assembly, where it again exists (AB 672) and has sat for two months.
NRC Wagons Circle Indian Point
On Tuesday, the Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced that the Indian Point nuclear power facility will be the top priority of the federal government's Nuclear Regulatory Commission. He emphasized this point by noting that it's not "a priority," but the "top priority," as promised to Lt. Gov. Robert Duffy during a phone call.
During his press conference, Cuomo reiterated his position on the nuclear facility, which is that Indian Point is risky and should not operated.
He articulated his contention with the NRC, arguing that he believes their authorization procedures are not stringent enough, as they haven't evolved over time and do not fully reexamine the whole facility each year.
Going forward, Cuomo revealed that the big concern for Indian Point is the seismic risk, which has become a major concern in the wake of the devastating impact a earthquake had on a Japanese nuclear facility. The governor highlighted the fact that he has been focused on this threat since 2007, as evident by a letter he shared that he had written to the NRC in 2007. "This is not a new situation. It is not a new issue," concluded Cuomo.
If the governor does get his way with the Indian Point facility, this will create a major power vacuum for New York city, which he said would be replaceable. When pressed on where that power would come from, though, Cuomo said it could be found, even if there aren't any plans to find replacement power in the works.
During his press conference, Cuomo reiterated his position on the nuclear facility, which is that Indian Point is risky and should not operated.
He articulated his contention with the NRC, arguing that he believes their authorization procedures are not stringent enough, as they haven't evolved over time and do not fully reexamine the whole facility each year.
Going forward, Cuomo revealed that the big concern for Indian Point is the seismic risk, which has become a major concern in the wake of the devastating impact a earthquake had on a Japanese nuclear facility. The governor highlighted the fact that he has been focused on this threat since 2007, as evident by a letter he shared that he had written to the NRC in 2007. "This is not a new situation. It is not a new issue," concluded Cuomo.
If the governor does get his way with the Indian Point facility, this will create a major power vacuum for New York city, which he said would be replaceable. When pressed on where that power would come from, though, Cuomo said it could be found, even if there aren't any plans to find replacement power in the works.
Golden Retirement Plan
On Wednesday, the Senate Civil Service and Pensions Committee will consider a bill (SB 3402) from Sen. Marty Golden, R-NYC, increase the percentage of assets that may be invested by public employee retirement systems in real estate from five percent to ten percent.
The bill's memo argues that over the years that with aging baby boomers, the public employee retirement systems are experiencing an influx of retirees and a growth in the retirement payroll that must be funded. This need has created a demand for new investments in the types of capital assets that can provide steady income, which is where real estate investments come in.
Real estate is attractive in this area because a considerable portion of the investment return can be realized from rent.
Current law, though ,limits investments in real estate to 5 percent of a system's assets. At the behest of the Retirement Board, Golden's memo supports raising that cap to 10 percent.
This bill previously passed the Senate when it was introduced by Indy Dem Diane Savino, but has never gone anywhere in the Assembly.
The bill's memo argues that over the years that with aging baby boomers, the public employee retirement systems are experiencing an influx of retirees and a growth in the retirement payroll that must be funded. This need has created a demand for new investments in the types of capital assets that can provide steady income, which is where real estate investments come in.
Real estate is attractive in this area because a considerable portion of the investment return can be realized from rent.
Current law, though ,limits investments in real estate to 5 percent of a system's assets. At the behest of the Retirement Board, Golden's memo supports raising that cap to 10 percent.
This bill previously passed the Senate when it was introduced by Indy Dem Diane Savino, but has never gone anywhere in the Assembly.
Tuesday, March 22, 2011
Chance of Marriage? Martins Edition
In our ongoing series about the chance of same-sex marriage passing the Republican controlled Senate, we are now going to examine the potential vote of freshman Jack Martins.
Martins, a Long Island Republican, defeated Craig Johnson in the fall, which means he now occupies a seat formerly held by an ardent supporter of same-sex marriage. In fact, now, the seat is held by someone who is likely to vote no on same-sex marriage if it ever came up in the Senate.
In December edition of Capital Tonight, Martins espoused his objection to same-sex marriage and added that these types of issues should be put off until after the budget is dealt with.
He did say, though, that same-sex marriage does need to be addressed.
We have now covered all the seats in the State Senate that flipped on the issue of same-sex marriage, and the result is the status quo. There are three yes votes that were no votes and there are three no votes that were yes votes.
But fear not, because there is still more to this story. There is already some rumblings about Democrats, who had voted against same-sex marriage in 2009, possibly changing their positions. We'll be exploring this possibility and other relevant questions in the future about same-sex marriage in the Senate.
Martins, a Long Island Republican, defeated Craig Johnson in the fall, which means he now occupies a seat formerly held by an ardent supporter of same-sex marriage. In fact, now, the seat is held by someone who is likely to vote no on same-sex marriage if it ever came up in the Senate.
In December edition of Capital Tonight, Martins espoused his objection to same-sex marriage and added that these types of issues should be put off until after the budget is dealt with.
He did say, though, that same-sex marriage does need to be addressed.
We have now covered all the seats in the State Senate that flipped on the issue of same-sex marriage, and the result is the status quo. There are three yes votes that were no votes and there are three no votes that were yes votes.
But fear not, because there is still more to this story. There is already some rumblings about Democrats, who had voted against same-sex marriage in 2009, possibly changing their positions. We'll be exploring this possibility and other relevant questions in the future about same-sex marriage in the Senate.
Millionaire's Tax in Senate. (Updated)
A bill (SB 4171) from Republican Senator John Bonacic has appeared that:
This sounds a lot like the true millionaire's tax that Bonacic had promised he would introduce. More to follow as bill language and bill memo are made public.
UPDATED!
According to the bill's memo, the extension of the millionaire's tax will continue for actual millionaires until 2013. It says these funds will be used to serve as a "circuit breaker" for people making under $250,000 a year, who pay a disproportionate share of their income in property taxes.
The revenue would also be used to offset education cuts.
Fiscal Implications:
Relates to creating the middle class circuit breaker tax credit, and to the tax rate of certain taxpayers earning over one million dollars.
This sounds a lot like the true millionaire's tax that Bonacic had promised he would introduce. More to follow as bill language and bill memo are made public.
UPDATED!
According to the bill's memo, the extension of the millionaire's tax will continue for actual millionaires until 2013. It says these funds will be used to serve as a "circuit breaker" for people making under $250,000 a year, who pay a disproportionate share of their income in property taxes.
The revenue would also be used to offset education cuts.
Fiscal Implications:
The fiscal implications of the circuit breaker legislation are estimated not to exceed $2.3 billion. The revenue derived by the State by maintaining the current income tax rate, on those earning more than $1million, would equal an estimated $3.362 billion.
Subcommittee's SUNY Hike
On Monday the issue of SUNY tuition increases were addressed by the budget subcommittee on higher education, which basically agreed to continue behind doors negotiations.
One positive sign for SUNY was the emergence of a consensus that the state should not continue the practice of sweeping money away from higher education into other areas, as the state has recently done to cover insufficient areas. There was a certain level of disagreement about the tuition increases, though, as Republican Chair Ken LaValle endorsed a rational progressive tuition hike, while Democratic Chair Deborah Glick was more hesitant about proceeding with increases. She said that it would be important to get an idea of what SUNY officials consider a "rational" increase.
SUNY Chair Nancy Zimpher previously addressed the need to reconsider tuition rates at a previous budget hearing, when she expressed the need for a five-year tuition plan.
Additionally, she noted that over the last 48 years SUNY has only raised its tuition 13 times, to the point where it is $4,970 now.
Zimpher has never really addressed what kind of plan she would want to see, but at Monday's meeting, Glick said she heard that SUNY officials want a 75% increase over the next five year. Glick supported increases to ensure a premier education system and though that a tuition plan needs to be addressed in the future.
(Editor's Note: Reporting by Sean Ewart of StateWatch)
One positive sign for SUNY was the emergence of a consensus that the state should not continue the practice of sweeping money away from higher education into other areas, as the state has recently done to cover insufficient areas. There was a certain level of disagreement about the tuition increases, though, as Republican Chair Ken LaValle endorsed a rational progressive tuition hike, while Democratic Chair Deborah Glick was more hesitant about proceeding with increases. She said that it would be important to get an idea of what SUNY officials consider a "rational" increase.
SUNY Chair Nancy Zimpher previously addressed the need to reconsider tuition rates at a previous budget hearing, when she expressed the need for a five-year tuition plan.
Additionally, she noted that over the last 48 years SUNY has only raised its tuition 13 times, to the point where it is $4,970 now.
Zimpher has never really addressed what kind of plan she would want to see, but at Monday's meeting, Glick said she heard that SUNY officials want a 75% increase over the next five year. Glick supported increases to ensure a premier education system and though that a tuition plan needs to be addressed in the future.
(Editor's Note: Reporting by Sean Ewart of StateWatch)
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)