In our ongoing series of posts weighing the possibility of gay marriage passing the New York Senate, we're taking a look at Queens, where Democrat Tony Avella now occupies the seat that was held by Republican Frank Padavan.
This represents a win for the proponents of same-sex marriage, with Padavan's no vote shifting to a yes vote with Avella.
With the revelation of Zeldin's no vote, this new yes vote brings the measure back to even.
Stay tuned for the next edition...
Wednesday, March 9, 2011
Chance of Marriage? Zeldin Edition
On Wednesday, Gov. Andrew Cuomo met with same-sex marriage proponents to lay out a strategy going forward to make their shared goal a reality. In the aftermath of the meeting, the governor said it was one of many meetings that will be held and argued that the current limit on same-sex marriage isn't fair.
"To me this is more than just a piece of legislation. This is about the lives of people who I have known for many years, who currently are without the rights to which they are entitled. I look forward to working with lawmakers and stakeholders to make sure that New York joins the growing number of states that allow the freedom to marry for all couples," said Cuomo.
His biggest obstacle, though, is a Senate that has continuously failed to pass this measure. Most recently it failed by a vote of 24-38, with Democrats squandering their slim majority.
Now, with Senate Majority Leader Dean Skelos, R-Rockville Centre, promising that the measure could come up for a vote, its time to re-examine the bill's chances. We'll start by examining the views of a freshman Sen. Lee Zeldin, R-Long Island, who succeeded Democrat Brian Foley, who voted for the measure.
When Foley did vote for the measure, Zeldin announced that he would have opposed the measure. "Personally, I happen to believe that marriage should be defined as between a man and woman… And I know many people who are gay and that is their business and I respect that," wrote Zeldin when the measure failed.
This means that Zeldin is a no. Stay tuned for additional installments of "Chance of Marriage?" as we wait for a same-sex marriage bill to be introduced.
"To me this is more than just a piece of legislation. This is about the lives of people who I have known for many years, who currently are without the rights to which they are entitled. I look forward to working with lawmakers and stakeholders to make sure that New York joins the growing number of states that allow the freedom to marry for all couples," said Cuomo.
His biggest obstacle, though, is a Senate that has continuously failed to pass this measure. Most recently it failed by a vote of 24-38, with Democrats squandering their slim majority.
Now, with Senate Majority Leader Dean Skelos, R-Rockville Centre, promising that the measure could come up for a vote, its time to re-examine the bill's chances. We'll start by examining the views of a freshman Sen. Lee Zeldin, R-Long Island, who succeeded Democrat Brian Foley, who voted for the measure.
When Foley did vote for the measure, Zeldin announced that he would have opposed the measure. "Personally, I happen to believe that marriage should be defined as between a man and woman… And I know many people who are gay and that is their business and I respect that," wrote Zeldin when the measure failed.
This means that Zeldin is a no. Stay tuned for additional installments of "Chance of Marriage?" as we wait for a same-sex marriage bill to be introduced.
Superintendent Salary Cap Advances
Late Wednesday the Assembly introduced Gov. Andrew Cuomo's proposal to cap superintendent salaries. The proposal (AB 6226) was introduced by the Education Committee chairwoman Cathy Nolan.
According to Bob Lowry, the deputy director of the NYS Council of School Superintendents, which opposes the proposal, the introduction in the Assembly was not a surprise. He said it was somewhat customary for the governor's bills to be introduced in each chamber. "It doesn't come as a complete surprise," said Lowry.
He acknowledged, though, that the Assembly opting to introduce this bill makes its prospects that much more realistic. "It's one more step," said Lowry. "We have no choice but to take it seriously."
When the Senate version (SB 3655) of the salary cap was introduced, Lowry's organization had this to say:
According to Bob Lowry, the deputy director of the NYS Council of School Superintendents, which opposes the proposal, the introduction in the Assembly was not a surprise. He said it was somewhat customary for the governor's bills to be introduced in each chamber. "It doesn't come as a complete surprise," said Lowry.
He acknowledged, though, that the Assembly opting to introduce this bill makes its prospects that much more realistic. "It's one more step," said Lowry. "We have no choice but to take it seriously."
When the Senate version (SB 3655) of the salary cap was introduced, Lowry's organization had this to say:
As it is now, school districts have found it increasingly difficult to get candidates to take on the job of superintendent. A cap would make it much harder.
Superintendent salaries in New York State are on par with the average for the nation, despite our state’s higher than average cost of living and overall education costs. Last year, the average superintendent salary in New York State was $163,000. The average nationally was $160,000.
The Governor had to make hard choices in putting together his proposed state budget and we respect that.
However, this proposal is a distraction from the difficulties his budget would now cause for schools and the students they serve.
The Administration estimates the proposal would save school districts $15 million. The proposed cut in School Aid is $1.5 billion, the largest ever recommended by a Governor. In fact, all central office spending by all districts does not match the size of the proposed cut in state aid to schools.
Superintendents must do what state officials do – put together budgets that balance needs against resources, in our case, balancing what students need and what taxpayers can afford. In the weeks ahead we will continue to advocate for a state budget that helps our schools strike the best balance possible.
Senate Indys on Inspector General
The Senate Independent Democratic Conference held a press conference on Wednesday afternoon to announce a plan to streamline the state's Inspector General system of operation and save taxpayers millions of dollars.
Sen. David Valesky, D-Cuse, said their report addressed the possibility of saving money by eliminating redundancies in the Inspector's office without limiting their ability to perform their job. He estimated that their recommendations will save tens of millions of dollars.
Sen. Jeff Klein chimed in that one plan would be to remove the exemption that prevents the Inspector General from investigating agencies that already have an inspection unit. He added that another measure would be the creation of a dedicated MTA Oversight Unit within the State Inspector General’s Office. Klein noted that former Inspector General Fisch had previously stated that he would investigate the MTA if he had the statutory authority to do so.
Sen. David Carlucci said that the MTA is a multi-billion dollar agency, which means it is important to ensure its money is wisely spent.
Senator Diane Savino stated that their plan for consolidation could save a combined $37 million.
During questions, the conference ducked questions about the millionaire's tax, but Klein said he supports the tax and wants the funds used toward property tax relief. Savino also said she supported an extension of the tax. She stated that she supports extension of the tax and sees it as a matter of fairness.
Senator Valesky waffled on the question and waxed on about right sizing and tough decisions.
Sen. David Valesky, D-Cuse, said their report addressed the possibility of saving money by eliminating redundancies in the Inspector's office without limiting their ability to perform their job. He estimated that their recommendations will save tens of millions of dollars.
Sen. Jeff Klein chimed in that one plan would be to remove the exemption that prevents the Inspector General from investigating agencies that already have an inspection unit. He added that another measure would be the creation of a dedicated MTA Oversight Unit within the State Inspector General’s Office. Klein noted that former Inspector General Fisch had previously stated that he would investigate the MTA if he had the statutory authority to do so.
Sen. David Carlucci said that the MTA is a multi-billion dollar agency, which means it is important to ensure its money is wisely spent.
Senator Diane Savino stated that their plan for consolidation could save a combined $37 million.
During questions, the conference ducked questions about the millionaire's tax, but Klein said he supports the tax and wants the funds used toward property tax relief. Savino also said she supported an extension of the tax. She stated that she supports extension of the tax and sees it as a matter of fairness.
Senator Valesky waffled on the question and waxed on about right sizing and tough decisions.
Mandate Relief = Property Tax?
Tucked into the Mandate Relief Team's preliminary report are two potential new property taxes that could be imposed by local municipalities.
The first suggestion is an update of the condominium assessment methodology, which could potentially raise $400 million. Because current Real Property Laws treat condos as "rental properties," which is unique in NY, according to the report, assessors must disregard property sales price and determine artificial valuations based on hypothetical rents.
The team's report suggests assessing properties based on their market values, so that low valuations can be avoided.
The team's second suggestion would be the institution of a $50 fee for property tax appeals that could generate between $12.5 million and $15 million annually.
Citing about 250,000 to 300,000 appeals for assessments in recent years, the team argues that local governments should charge an appeals fee to help with the cost of processing the appeals. They acknowledge that many appeals are warranted, but feel that the advent of tax-appeals industry has sparked many pointless claims, which creates the need for the fee.
The first suggestion is an update of the condominium assessment methodology, which could potentially raise $400 million. Because current Real Property Laws treat condos as "rental properties," which is unique in NY, according to the report, assessors must disregard property sales price and determine artificial valuations based on hypothetical rents.
The team's report suggests assessing properties based on their market values, so that low valuations can be avoided.
The team's second suggestion would be the institution of a $50 fee for property tax appeals that could generate between $12.5 million and $15 million annually.
Citing about 250,000 to 300,000 appeals for assessments in recent years, the team argues that local governments should charge an appeals fee to help with the cost of processing the appeals. They acknowledge that many appeals are warranted, but feel that the advent of tax-appeals industry has sparked many pointless claims, which creates the need for the fee.
Military Protesters Face Permit Setback
In the wake of the Supreme Court case of Synder v. Phelps, which found that protests at
military funerals, are viewed as constitutionally protected free speech, state Sen. Lee Zeldin, R-funnynameville, has introduced a bill (SB 3901) that requires a permit for any protests near a military funeral.
His bill requires that any protests 500 to 2,500 feet from a military funeral must have a permit from the Division of Military and Naval Affairs.
In his justification, he argues that the supreme court decision recognizes a state's right to regulate this issue, as Maryland currently does. With this in mind, Zeldin created the buffer protection zone that he believes was articulated by the Snyder ruling.
Zeldin's bill said:
military funerals, are viewed as constitutionally protected free speech, state Sen. Lee Zeldin, R-funnynameville, has introduced a bill (SB 3901) that requires a permit for any protests near a military funeral.
His bill requires that any protests 500 to 2,500 feet from a military funeral must have a permit from the Division of Military and Naval Affairs.
In his justification, he argues that the supreme court decision recognizes a state's right to regulate this issue, as Maryland currently does. With this in mind, Zeldin created the buffer protection zone that he believes was articulated by the Snyder ruling.
Zeldin's bill said:
It is through the establishment of this buffer zone, that this bill seeks to balance the constitutionally protected free speech rights of protesting individuals with the need for protection and privacy of mourning friends and family of deceased military personnel. In providing this program, this bill attempts to strike the correct balance, and address this very important issue.
Thursday, March 3, 2011
PEF Prez Pffts on Budget
Testifying on Wednesday before the Joint Legislative Budget Committee, PEF President Kenneth Brynien lambasted Gov. Andrew Cuomo's budget for unfairly demanding sacrifices from state workers.
"Public servants didn't cause this deficit, and it begs the question why state workers, school employees, and health care workers should be asked to bear the brunt of the sacrifice to address this fiscal crisis," said Brynien.
"The Executive Budget wants state employees to make more than $1 billion in concessions and cuts in SFY 2011-12 or face the possibility of 9,800 layoffs on top of the 35,000 positions already lost since 1990," Brynien said.
He argued that the state's workforce is not bloated, but actually rather lean compared to neighboring states.
In lieu of cuts to the state workforce, Brynien had a few of his own proposals, which included restoring corporate tax rates to their 2000 level for $1.3 billion in additional revenue and extending the temporary increase in tax rates for high income earners to net $1 billion this year.
Additionally, he suggested reduced public authority expenditures, reducing the cost of private consultants (Oh, how they hate consultants)
"Public servants didn't cause this deficit, and it begs the question why state workers, school employees, and health care workers should be asked to bear the brunt of the sacrifice to address this fiscal crisis," said Brynien.
"The Executive Budget wants state employees to make more than $1 billion in concessions and cuts in SFY 2011-12 or face the possibility of 9,800 layoffs on top of the 35,000 positions already lost since 1990," Brynien said.
He argued that the state's workforce is not bloated, but actually rather lean compared to neighboring states.
In lieu of cuts to the state workforce, Brynien had a few of his own proposals, which included restoring corporate tax rates to their 2000 level for $1.3 billion in additional revenue and extending the temporary increase in tax rates for high income earners to net $1 billion this year.
Additionally, he suggested reduced public authority expenditures, reducing the cost of private consultants (Oh, how they hate consultants)
Wednesday, March 2, 2011
Sunny With A Chance of $155 Million
The Consensus Economic and Revenue Forecast Report is out and the conclusion is that the state will end the next fiscal year with $155 million more in revenue than projected by Gov. Andrew Cuomo's budget.
This number is about $300 million less than the Senate anticipated and about $200 million more than was estimated by the Assembly, with the variations based on differing opinions about economic growth.
According to the Consensus Report, the outlook for the economy and revenue generated have improved, but remain shrouded in ambiguity. It argues that the greatest risk to the consensus forecast are conditions in the labor and financial market, with Wall Street representing the largest source of volatility in state tax collections.
No word yet on whether the governor's 30 day amendments on Thursday will take into account this funding, but Comptroller Tom DiNapoli is just happy that this big first step was taken, as he suggested that it signaled the state could pass a responsible budget on time.
This number is about $300 million less than the Senate anticipated and about $200 million more than was estimated by the Assembly, with the variations based on differing opinions about economic growth.
According to the Consensus Report, the outlook for the economy and revenue generated have improved, but remain shrouded in ambiguity. It argues that the greatest risk to the consensus forecast are conditions in the labor and financial market, with Wall Street representing the largest source of volatility in state tax collections.
No word yet on whether the governor's 30 day amendments on Thursday will take into account this funding, but Comptroller Tom DiNapoli is just happy that this big first step was taken, as he suggested that it signaled the state could pass a responsible budget on time.
Not Relieved by Relief
Embodying the ire of the business community in New York, Unshackle Upstate has voiced its discontent with the proposals released earlier this week by Gov. Andrew Cuomo's Mandate Relief team.
“The report put forth by the Mandate Relief Redesign Team (MRRT) has us asking one simple question: ‘Where’s the relief?" wondered Brian Sampson, the executive director of Unshackle Upstate.
He argued that his group expected more from the team in terms of reduced mandates and regulations on local governments and school districts.
Sampson did voice his support for a new pension tier that was proposed by the mandate team to help municipalities and school districts deal with rising pension costs. This change, though, would only impact future employees and wouldn't alter the obligations the state already has.
This was why Sampson said the team's proposals fell short, as they failed to address the Taylor Law and its Triborough Amendment, which he characterized as "archaic mandates."
Sampson concluded with the threat that rank-and-file legislators will embrace the hard choices if the mandate relief team (and more subtly the legislative leaders) aren't willing to.
“The report put forth by the Mandate Relief Redesign Team (MRRT) has us asking one simple question: ‘Where’s the relief?" wondered Brian Sampson, the executive director of Unshackle Upstate.
He argued that his group expected more from the team in terms of reduced mandates and regulations on local governments and school districts.
Sampson did voice his support for a new pension tier that was proposed by the mandate team to help municipalities and school districts deal with rising pension costs. This change, though, would only impact future employees and wouldn't alter the obligations the state already has.
This was why Sampson said the team's proposals fell short, as they failed to address the Taylor Law and its Triborough Amendment, which he characterized as "archaic mandates."
Sampson concluded with the threat that rank-and-file legislators will embrace the hard choices if the mandate relief team (and more subtly the legislative leaders) aren't willing to.
Budget Protesters Arrested at Capitol
17 activists were arrested by Capitol Police on Tuesday for disorderly conduct when they refused to move a protest that was blocking entrances and hallways in the building.
According to a press release from New York Stimulus Alliance, over a hundred grass roots activists came to capitol to protest Governor Andrew Cuomo's proposed budget, which they said favors corporate interests and unfairly cuts needed areas.
Here is a brief video from the event:
The protesters included members from CAAAV, Community Voices Heard, FUREE, Picture the Homeless, Queers for Economic Justice and VOCAL-NY.
According to a press release from New York Stimulus Alliance, over a hundred grass roots activists came to capitol to protest Governor Andrew Cuomo's proposed budget, which they said favors corporate interests and unfairly cuts needed areas.
Here is a brief video from the event:
Millionaire's tax civil disobedience in Capitol from VOCAL-NY on Vimeo.
The protesters included members from CAAAV, Community Voices Heard, FUREE, Picture the Homeless, Queers for Economic Justice and VOCAL-NY.
Tuesday, March 1, 2011
Espaillat No on LIFO
Sen. Espaillat released the following statement regarding his position on LIFO:
“As a parent and New Yorker who benefited from our public school system, I understand the value of supporting our teachers and keeping experienced educators in the classroom. Just as importantly, I know that any bill that unilaterally undermines collectively bargained rights is a blow to all public employees and threatens to roll back hard fought progress on labor protections. That’s why I will be voting against S. 3501 and urging my colleagues to do the same.
“Even in these harsh economic times, we must withstand political pressures to abandon our principles. Together, we must continue to fight for our children’s education and make sure that any changes made to the current structure promote workers’ rights as well as educational excellence.”
Assembly Sees Red
The New York Assembly's outlook for the upcoming fiscal year isn't as rosy as the bleak picture presented by Gov. Andrew Cuomo and the slightly optimistic vision laid out by the Senate.
The Assembly announced on Monday that they forecast the state's revenue as $37 million below the governor's forecast, and about half a billion below the Senate's projection. This is in addition to a $49 million shortfall for this year, which is twice what the Senate believes the executive's budget for 2010-2011 is off by.
They note the primary decline in revenue is the loss in $1 billion from the Personal Income Tax Surcharge.
According to the report, "employment recovery has been slow with only 11.6 percent of the lost jobs regained as of January 2011. It also points to the uncertainties surrounding Wall Street and the financial industries as they emerge from the recent economic crisis and the impact it may have on the state’s economy."
Their predictions also include the enforcement of current laws regarding reservation sales of cigarettes to non-Indians in the next fiscal year. They also note that the instability in oil prices could negatively impact the state's economic recovery, which would skew all of their predictions.
All of this seems to represent the hard line in the sand that the Assembly is trying to draw for budget negotiations. They may not be able to get the PIT surcharge back, but they could combat additional tax cuts with their position on the state's ever increasing deficit.
The Assembly announced on Monday that they forecast the state's revenue as $37 million below the governor's forecast, and about half a billion below the Senate's projection. This is in addition to a $49 million shortfall for this year, which is twice what the Senate believes the executive's budget for 2010-2011 is off by.
They note the primary decline in revenue is the loss in $1 billion from the Personal Income Tax Surcharge.
According to the report, "employment recovery has been slow with only 11.6 percent of the lost jobs regained as of January 2011. It also points to the uncertainties surrounding Wall Street and the financial industries as they emerge from the recent economic crisis and the impact it may have on the state’s economy."
Their predictions also include the enforcement of current laws regarding reservation sales of cigarettes to non-Indians in the next fiscal year. They also note that the instability in oil prices could negatively impact the state's economic recovery, which would skew all of their predictions.
All of this seems to represent the hard line in the sand that the Assembly is trying to draw for budget negotiations. They may not be able to get the PIT surcharge back, but they could combat additional tax cuts with their position on the state's ever increasing deficit.
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