2015-16 New York State Budget Initial Summary Points New York State Association of Counties. March 31, 2015

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2015-16 New York State Budget
Initial Summary Points
New York State Association of Counties.
March 31, 2015

Budget Positives

  • Upstate Revitalization Initiative—$1.5 billion of the bank settlement funding will go toward economic development. The competition will go on as the Governor proposed, but all regions will receive nearly $100 million.
  • Broadband — $500 million plus $500 in private money to be allocated over the next 3 years.
  • Water and Sewer projects have been earmarked for $200 million.
  • Brownfields cleanup program has been extended, includes a new $100 million appropriation and extends the state’s superfund cleanup fund for 10 years.
  • The Oil Spill Fund is increased to $40 million with state staff resources also being directed to emergency prepared tied to the rail transport of oil.
  • Medicaid cap is firmly in place. State is picking up all Medicaid increases.
  • Community College Funding—Includes modest increase in state aid for community colleges.
  • Youth Placement Relief—Budget caps county liabilities for retroactive and prospective reimbursements back to the state for youth placed in state facilities operated by OCFS. Waives excess retroactive billings to counties, all within the parameters of the current State Financial Plan.
  • Regional rates for Preschool Special Education providers.
  • CHIPS – Continues last years’ level, which includes funding to account for the increase devoted to fix roads damaged by severe winter weather.

Awaiting Post Budget Details

  • Raising the Age of Criminal Responsibility—the budget includes funding for the state and counties to implement raising the age of criminal responsibility, but the details of that proposal are still being worked out.
  • Circuit Breaker—Income Tax Relief tied to Property Taxes—Not included in the final spending plan are the Governor’s proposed circuit breaker or the Senate’s STAR rebate plan. We expect this issue to be negotiated when lawmakers return form their recess.

Negatives

  • No direct investment in upstate road and bridge infrastructure from the bank settlement funds. We will be advocating that localities apply for funding through their regional economic development councils, as this is a critical piece of upstate revitalization.
  • There is no reduction in State mandated programs and expenses imposed on county governments.