Winners and losers in NY state budget plan

3/31/11
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By Erik Ortiz

Winners and losers in NY state budget plan

Gov. Andrew Cuomo is “winning.”

With the state budget passed by Albany lawmakers after 1 a.m. Thursday, Cuomo trumpeted his success in corralling Senate and Assembly leaders to agree on a $132.5 billion budget before the April 1 deadline.

While there was still some last-minute tweaking, Cuomo got the majority of his agenda through while eliminating a $10 billion budget gap.

The budget melee provided several winners and losers:

Winning

Legislature: Cuomo lauded lawmakers for allowing state government to “’function’ so well at this difficult time.” It’ll help public perception that Albany can work together.

Taxpayers: Unlike years past, the fiscal year 2011-12 budget didn’t rely on raising taxes and instead offered budget cuts. Wealthy New Yorkers also will be spared the continuation of a tax surcharge.

Senate Majority Leader Dean Skelos: Got $230 million in school aid restored, including about $53 million to New York City.

Losing

New York City: Mayor Michael Bloomberg needed Albany’s help to close a $600 million budget gap, but didn’t receive municipal funding and now city agencies must make more cuts.

Chief Judge Jonathan Lippman: The state’s court system is being cut by $170 million, which he says means layoffs and program cuts for the courts.

Education: While some education money was restored, it doesn’t erase cuts to SUNY and CUNY or prevent school boards across the state from sending out pink slips to thousands of teachers.
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Winners and losers in NY state budget plan

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