April 6, 2007
2007-08 Enacted State Budget and the Impact on County Government
On the morning of April 1st, the Senate and Assembly completed action on the 2007-08 State Budget. According to Governor Spitzer's estimates, the final spending plan totals $120.9 billion, an increase of 7.3 percent over last year.
According to a NYSAC analysis, I am pleased to report that the final Budget preserves funding to counties while minimizing cost shifts and other aid reductions. Of major importance to county officials, the Budget provides for the full implementation of the local Medicaid Cap and restores most of the reductions that would have negatively impacted county owned nursing facilities. During negotiations NYSAC was able to work with the Legislature to strengthen many specific human services proposals and defeat others that would have increased local costs or reduced flexibility.
In addition, the State Budget preserves many of the Governor’s funding priorities, while responding to legislative requests for additional education spending and significant restorations to health care. Highlights of the new spending plan include:
- $1.76 billion in new Education funding, bringing total funding to $19.64 billion,
- more than $1 billion in Medicaid cost savings,
- $165 million over two years for an expansion of the Child Health Plus program and a streamlining of Medicaid enrollment policies,
- property tax rebate checks totaling $1.3 billion, including an income-based benefit targeted at middle class homeowners and additional benefits for senior homeowners, and
- $50 million in municipal aid ranging from 3-to-9 percent targeted to cities, towns and villages.
The following report highlights significant budgetary actions impacting counties and can be downloaded here--2007-08 Enacted State Budget: Impact on County Government--PDF.
Register Today for the May 2-4, 2007 Annual County Finance School
The New York State Association of Counties, the Office of the State Comptroller, and the New York State County Treasurers and Finance Officers Association will hold the 41st Annual County Finance School from May 2nd through the 4th at the Syracuse University Sheraton Hotel and Conference Center.
Questions regarding the 2003 County Finance School should be directed to Juanita Munguia by email at jmunguia@nysac.org or by calling the NYSAC office at 518.465.1473. (Ken Crannell)
Visit the NYSAC Web site for county-specific information and publications
NYSAC’s recently redesigned Website provides an array of resources designed to support the day to day work of elected and appointed county officials in New York State.
Visit www.nysac.org for publications, research, our legislative program, conference information, daily news articles, county histories, county job opportunities, as well as other information geared toward today’s county official. (Mark LaVigne)
Charting the Future: Workforce Training with a Focus on Older New Yorkers
According to the 2000 Census, the number of New Yorkers 60 years old and older ranks third in the nation at 2.8 million and growing. That number will almost double when Baby Boomers reach the 60 to 79 year old range. This future is filled with tremendous opportunities and challenges—for county programs and services, workforce training and economic development programs.
A spring listening tour has been designed to develop creative solutions to the challenges and prepare for the opportunities brought about by the growing numbers of older New Yorkers. The sessions are being provided by The State Society of Aging of New York, in co-sponsorship with the New York State Office of the Aging in partnership with Alfred University, Ithaca College and Fordham University.
- April 19th—Alfred University, Alfred, NY
- May 15—Isabella Geriatric Center, Manhattan
- May 23rd—Ithaca College, Ithaca, NY
- May 24th—Fordham University Law School
For more information contact Jennifer Rosenbaum at 518-473-4936.