A Special Budget Message
Facing a $10 billion deficit, it was no secret that this year's budget was a tough one. It was essential that we not only tackle this year's financial shortfall, but implement solutions to fix the long-term structural problems in New York State's budget. We need a budget that functions not only in times of prosperity, but also ensures that services aren't devastated in future recessions. I believe this budget took major steps to accomplish those goals. We had to balance making hard choices, while ensuring that we provide essential services.
I am happy to report that Title XX, which is used by the City of New York to fund our Senior Centers, was included in the budget. Without the restoration of Title XX funding, many of New York City's wonderful senior centers, like Lenox Hill Neighborhood House, would have been forced to close their doors. Now, they can keep their doors open and continue to be an irreplaceable lifeline for our older New Yorkers and their families. It is now up to Mayor Bloomberg to show New York City's seniors the respect they deserve. The Mayor must ensure that the Title XX funding is used properly and senior centers throughout New York City are kept open.
I am also pleased to report that I was successful in defeating one of the most egregious proposals in the Governor's budget plan - cutting the funding to New York State's schools serving high-needs children. For more than 190 years, New Yorkers have relied on the expertise of schools that provide private, state-supported educational services to children who are deaf, blind and physically disabled. Currently, 90 percent of the cost of each pupil is covered by a state appropriation through the Education Department. The Governor's proposal would have required local districts to pick up the tab, which would have had dire consequences for these students and their families. We cannot afford to compromise the education of this State's most vulnerable students in an attempt to cut corners in spending.
Although many strides were made in reforming Albany's budget practices, I am disappointed that his budget failed to include the adoption of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP). GAAP accounting is nearly universal in the private sector, but most governments are held to looser standards. Its rules prohibit "cash budgeting" tricks - like rolling this year's expenses into next year's budget and using next year's cash to pay this year's bills. In the past, I have supported the creation of a Financial Review Board that could ensure that the state budget meets GAAP standards, while forcing it accept the kind of transformative ideas that will prevent deficits and make government work better for all New Yorkers.
Contact My Office:
District Office of Assembly Member Micah Z. Kellner
315 East 65th Street New York, NY 10065
T: (212) 860-4906 F: (917) 432-2983
Hours: M-F 9:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.
Roosevelt Island Hours: Every Thursday, 3:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
(At the RIOC offices, 591 Main Street)
Email me: KellnerM@assembly.state.ny.us
Visit my website: www.MicahKellner.com