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Cuomo unveils $135B state budget

Jan 22, 2013 3:55 pm

Casey Seiler of the Times Union provided a rundown at Capitol Confidential of the proposals contained in Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s executive budget presentation at The Egg this afternoon. Among the highlights:

A boost in the state's minimum wage from $7.25 to $8.75 per hour, effective July 1.

An allocation of $75 million to support several educational reforms, including full-day pre-kindergarten programs for high-need students in low-income communities, programs to extend the learning the day, community schools that also provide social services to families and stipends for top-performing math and science teachers.

A total of $55 million for another round of NYSUNY 2020 grants, and another $55 million for a new NYCUNY 2020 competition.

Privatization of the Long Island Power Authority, the target of much criticism for its lackluster performance after Superstorm Sandy.

Cost of living increases of 1.4 percent for certain health care and family-services providers will be deferred.

The plan sets aside $35.9 million to implement the NY SAFE Act, including the addition of staff for the State Police and other agencies.

The new fiscal year begins April 1. Read the full story at Capitol Confidential, a Times Union blog.

The Daily Freeman is reporting Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo is expected today to propose $132 billion in spending for the state's 2013-14 fiscal year. The address will include plans to pay for initiatives outlined in the state of the state speech earlier this month, notably in education and economic development. The Governor is also expected to put forward the potential in expanded casino gambling as a source of state revenue, in addition to hydraulic fracturing for natural gas, a possible revenue source not yet approved by state regulators. Cuomo's presentation can be heard live on WGXC 90.7-FM, beginning at 2 p.m. Read the full story in the Daily Freeman.