WXXI: Groups Ask Legislature to Consider Alternatives to Cuts (2008-11-14)

Groups who would suffer the most from the $2 billion dollars in cutbacks that Governor Paterson has proposed are urging the legislature to consider alternatives, before saying yes to the governor's ideas. In interviews, and at a series of hearings by the Assembly, they listed a number of options that they say the governor has so far ignored.

State worker unions, who met with the governor a few weeks ago, say they offered numerous suggestions, which did not become part of Paterson's proposals. Ken Brynion, President of the Public Employees Federation, says the state could save hundreds of millions of dollars by eliminating private contractors, and letting state workers perform the tasks, like inspecting bridges, promoting tourism, or offering IT advice.

"It's a complete waste of money," Brynion said.

Schools warn that the governor's proposed mid year school aid cuts would be an "unmitigated disaster". Tim Kremer, executive director of the State School Boards Association, has recommended for months now that the governor use the opportunity of the budget crisis to get rid of some costly state mandates that schools must pay for, and let schools consolidate services, and even school districts.

Steve Allinger, Legislative Director for the teacher's union NYSUT, was a top aid in the Assembly in 1990, the last time school aid was cut mid year. He predicts widespread disruption in school programs if the legislature agrees to the cuts now, with the end of goals like universal pre- Kindergarten.

"Pre-K isn't mandated so that would get thrown overboard," Allinger said.

He says classes would get bigger, and kids at risk would no longer be helped through after school and summer school programs.

The teacher's union suggests using money from the state's rainy day fund instead of cutting schools half way through their year.

Other ideas include revamping the state's costly economic development programs. Critics have long contended that companies do not have to prove they actually create jobs with the funds from Empire Zones or Industrial Development Agencies. Many have mentioned enforcing laws that require the collection of sales tax on cigarettes sold on Indian lands.

Fran Turner, with the state worker union CSEA, joins others in saying that perhaps personal income taxes should be restructured to extract more money from the state's wealthiest.

Turner had another idea as well, selling the state's large collection of modern art, on display at the Empire State Plaza, adjacent from the Capitol. It was collected by former Governor Nelson Rockefeller, and is estimated at over $1.5 billion dollars in value.

"We could have a museum purchase the art, but we would still be able to display the art," Turner told Assemblymembers at a budget hearing.

"Or maybe we could even change it, after seeing the same art for so many years," Turner said, as some in Assemblymembers and those in the audience chuckled.

Lawmakers have been listening to the groups, and weighing at least some of their suggestions. While Senate Republicans have ruled out mid year school aid cuts, Democrats have not made a commitment either way, and say everything is still on the table.