February 13, 2009
2009 Legislative Conference Provides Information, Insight and Direction
More than 800 officials attended NYSAC’s 2009 Legislative Conference in Albany this week. They participated in policy forums, workshops and training sessions; received briefings on the state of New York’s economy and budget; heard from the state’s elected leaders; shared information with colleagues from across the state; and adopted resolutions that will direct NYSAC’s legislative efforts.
On Wednesday, delegates voted to prioritize a resolution introduced by the Standing Committee on Taxation and Finance calling on reductions in State spending without shifting costs to local property taxpayers. The Resolution calls for a strengthened state and local partnership in an effort to reform some of the out dated or inefficient programs that that do not maximize benefits to the state, municipalities or the recipients of these services. The resolution also addresses stimulus funding for local governments and the need for additional mandate relief for counties.
For a copy of this resolution visit http://www.nysac.org/Legislative_Action_Center/2009_Priority_Reso.php.
Economic Crisis was Front and Center at the Legislative Conference
The future of New York’s economy was the focus of Wednesday’s conference closing plenary session, which included addresses from State Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli and the Federal Reserve’s James Orr. A reaction panel addressed the speakers’ comments.
For a copy of James Orr’s PowerPoint presentation, click here.
NYSAC Launches Gathering Storm and Updates Economy Watch
This week, NYSAC launched The Gathering Storm: Challenges Confronting the Future of New York, a research report that examines how the business climate and changes in population pose new challenges for our communities.
Excerpt:
"There are warning signs everywhere of the gathering storm we are about to confront. The state’s population trends indicate that we are losing young families and have an aging population, an increasing percentage of who are senior citizens on fixed incomes. The state exceeds all of the national percentages of people living in poverty. At the same time, we are losing private sector jobs and business investments are on the decline.
These challenges demonstrate clearly that New York State must fundamentally change the way it does business if the State is to prosper once more."
Click here for the full Gathering Storm report.
Click here for the Executive Briefing.
Economy Watch shows increasing unemployment, dismal consumer confidence
The latest edition of NYSAC’s Economy Watch, which includes month ending information for December 2008, shows that the state lost 49,300 private sector jobs in December and 102,900 in the last quarter of 2008 alone. Consumer confidence rose slightly in December because of lower gas prices, but the future projections in consumer confidence indicate sharp declines.
For a copy of the Economy Watch, visit NYSAC at www.nysac.org.
Pelletier Institute Graduates 10 on Monday Night
NYSAC recognized ten county officials on Monday with a Certificate of Achievement from the Dennis A. Pelletier County Government Institute. The Pelletier Institute is an educational program established by NYSAC in conjunction with Cornell University. It is designed to enhance the knowledge, skills and abilities of county officials, allowing them to engage in informed, constructive and civil discussions on the challenges they face as public servants.
The ten graduates include: Wyoming County Supervisor Jerry Davis; Erie County Legislator Michelle Iannello; Fulton County Supervisor Linda Kemper; Chemung County Director of Public Information Karen Miner; Warren County Administrator Hal Payne; St. Lawrence County Legislator Donald Peck; Albany County’s Lillian Smith, director of the Division for Children with Special Needs; Oswego County Director of Personnel Maureen Sullivan; Albany County Legislator Sean Ward; and Saratoga County Supervisor Joanne Yepsen.
The Institute's curriculum includes an extensive curriculum on government ethics, building consensus in a political environment, principles of county budget and finance, and public sector labor/management relations. These are supplemented with electives, training sessions and continuing education courses designed to assist county leaders to more effectively serve the public.
”Pelletier graduates have demonstrated a special commitment to county public service and we are proud of their distinction,” said NYSAC Executive Director Stephen J. Acquario. “Education provides the means to make informed decisions, and now more than ever, with scarce resources and service needs on the rise, these decisions are critical.”
Next Week
Monday is President’s Day and the State Legislature will not convene next week in honor of the holiday.
Pelletier Institute
Continuing Education
The Dennis A. Pelletier County Government Institute
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