From the Mayor: Major Policy Initiatives Included in, and Omitted from, the 2018-19 New York State Budget
By Mary C. Marvin, Mayor, Village of Bronxville
Apr. 4, 2018: New York State passed a budget late Friday as legislators headed home for Easter and Passover celebrations.
The approved budget incorporates a deficit of $4.4 million, largely due to changes in the recent federal tax laws that affect New York State. The governor sought $1 billion in new taxes to help offset the loss but only a tax on prescription opioids paid by the manufacturers made it into the final budget. An Opioid Prevention and Treatment Fund will be started with the $127 million of projected first-year revenues.
Governor Cuomo was able to get bipartisan approval for tax credits for charitable contributions to public education and certain health care programs. To further ease the federal tax impact, the governor’s provision to allow employers to replace the income tax currently paid by employees with a payroll tax paid by the employer with salaries adjusted accordingly was agreed upon by the Senate and Assembly. (It does appear the IRS is ready to challenge his plan.)
Intertwining budgetary needs with new policy initiatives has become the new norm in most state capitals, including our own.
Now new legislative goals are funded at the front end in budget projections rather than as bills brought before the legislature during normal debate.
As an example, the concept of congestion pricing. Mayor Bloomberg, who last brought it up in New York State in 2008, could never get a bill out of committee on the subject. In the present state budget, a new revenue line was created that places a surcharge of $2.75 per ride on Uber and Lyft and $2.50 per ride on taxis traveling south of 96th Street in the city. Though the imposition of congestion charges for most vehicles in London and Stockholm works well, drivers groups, commercial truckers, and electeds from outer boroughs lobbied together to limit the surcharge in New York City to for-hire vehicles only.
In the ongoing internecine battle between the mayor of New York City and the governor, the governor was able to get the legislative leaders to give him added oversight of the mayoral-controlled NYC public school system; a $250 million state stipend to repair public housing; a directive to require the city to contribute $418 million of its budget to emergency subway repair; and a state legal right to direct the development near Penn Station.
Other new policy initiatives that were incorporated into the budget-funding process included a sexual harassment policy that requires contractors bidding on state projects to have an approved policy on the subject. State and local government workers will also be held to uniform standards including the divulging of confidentiality agreements unless the victim objects. The major criticism of the negotiated policy is that no women were included in the final language deliberations.
As a corollary, forensic rape kits must now be preserved 20 years vs the current requirement of only 30 days.
Equally important are the items that dropped out during the frenzied negotiations. The budget was on time but at the cost of transparency. The governor signed, at the legislature's request, “a message of necessity” that allows state government to bypass the constitutionally mandated three-day waiting period between the introduction of a bill and a vote on it. Bills were then negotiated behind closed doors all without any release to the public.
The entire budget process was also stalled for a time until Senator Felder of Brooklyn received waivers for yeshivas to meet certain state education department regulations, as he is pivotal in the current delicate balance of power.
Major items omitted included the reform of the Child Victim’s Act, which is one of the most restrictive in the nation. The goal was to raise the age from 23 to 28 for victims to bring felony actions against purported abusers and to 50 years old for civil claims. The bill also contained a controversial “one year look back” litigation window to allow victims to sue regardless of the year of the alleged abuse. The proposed revisions of the act were opposed by the Boy Scouts of America, the Catholic Church, some yeshiva groups, and an insurance company lobby.
New York is one of only 13 states with no early voting; a provision to require counties to make polling arrangements for balloting up to 12 days prior to an election was defeated largely because no provision was made to cover the $6.4 million in local costs to implement.
Judicial reform also faltered, including the proposed elimination of bail requirements in low-level criminal cases; the requirement that prosecutors share basic evidence prior to the first day of a trial (New York is one of only ten states that currently allows the withholding); and the requirement that defendants are not held unnecessarily due to prosecutorial delay.
A version of the Dream Act, offering tuition assistance to undocumented immigrants who arrived in the U.S. as children, did not receive the needed support, nor did an ethics reform measure that would remove the LLC loophole that currently allows donors to circumvent contribution limits by donating through limited liability corporations.
Though these items were left on the cutting room floor, many advocates are not completely disheartened by the failure of initiatives to receive traction, as the process has served to bring the issues to the public consciousness, and with it, garner perhaps future support for the concepts.
Editor's note: As a public service, MyhometownBronxville publishes press releases, statements, and articles from local institutions, legislators, and candidates. MyhometownBronxville does not fact-check statements therein, and any opinions expressed therein do not necessarily reflect the thinking of its staff.
Financial & Legal Assistance Directory
D'Arcangelo & Co., LLP
Certified Public Accountants & Consultants
Partner
Barbara Greene, CPA,CFP
3000 Westchester Ave.
Purchase, NY 10577-2538
914-694-4600
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
www.darcangelo.com
Hymes & Associates, CPA, P.C.
Our firm provides outstanding service to our clients because of our dedication to the three underlying principles of professionalism, responsiveness, and quality.
Listed as one of the 10 largest firms by The Westchester Business Journal, we serve clients throughout the tri-state area. By combining our expertise, experience, and
the energy of our staff, each client receives close, personal and professional attention.
Our high standards, service, and specialized staff spell the difference between our outstanding performance and other firms. We make sure that every client
is served by the expertise of our whole firm.
Hymes & Associates, CPA, P.C.
55 Pondfield Road
Bronxville, NY 10708
914-961-1200
914-961-1715 (Fax)
Website: www.hymescpa.com
Bertine, Hufnagel, Headley, Zeltner, Drummond & Dohn LLP
Established in 1929, Bertine, Hufnagel is "a general practice law firm, offering clients expertise in both individual and commercial matters." Their broad range of services include the following: Wills, EstatePlanning and Taxation, Probate and Estate Administration, Elder Law, Real Estate (commercial, residential, condominiums and cooperatives), Commercial Law and Transactions, Litigation and Banking Law.
700 White Plains Road
Suite 237
Scarsdale, New York 10583
(914) 472 7700
(914) 472 1946 (fax)
www.bertinehufnagel.com
Griffin, Coogan, Sulzer & Horgan, P.C.
Attorneys and Counselors at Law
Located in Bronxville, New York, Griffin, Coogan, Sulzer & Horgan, P.C. takes great pride in providing our clients with comprehensive, high quality legal services in a responsive manner. The firm concentrates its practice in real estate law with a primary focus on issues relating to real estate tax litigation (also known as tax certiorari), real estate transactions, valuation law, real property taxation and tax planning and real property tax exemption matters throughout New York State.
The firm serves as general counsel for several local cooperatives and represents clients in various issues relating to wills, trusts and estate planning.
51 Pondfield Road
Bronxville, NY 10708
(914) 961-1300
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Suzanne M. Bloomer
Wills, Trusts, Estates and Real Estate
85 Pondfield Road
Bronxville, New York 10708
914-337-0142
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Nobile, Magarian & DiSalvo LLP
We are hardworking and dedicated attorneys who, combined, have more than 150 years of experience delivering quality legal advice. Our cutting edge is our ability to enter both the conference room and the courtroom with strength. Our law firm provides legal representation and counsel for both individual and business clients on issues related to estate planning and administration, real estate law, litigation, and business law. Our practice areas include: Commercial Litigation, Business Law, Real Estate, Wills, Estate Planning, Trusts, Estate Administration, Living Wills, Health Care Proxies, Powers of Attorney, Not For Profits, and Employment Law.
111 Kraft Avenue
Bronxville, NY 10708
914-337-6300
Veneruso, Curto, Schwartz & Curto, LLP
Veneruso, Curto, Schwartz & Curto is dedicated to providing businesses and individuals with exceptional legal services customized to each client's needs and objectives. Practice areas include litigation, real estate, not for profit, wills and estate planning, land use and zoning, business and corporate, cooperative and condominium and real estate tax assessment litigation.
The Hudson Valley Bank Building
35 East Grassy Sprain Road, Suite 400
Yonkers, New York 10710
914-779-1100
Peter W. Williamson
Attorney At Law
Trusts & Estates, Elder Law
141 Parkway Road
Bronxville, New York
914-337-3434 (tel)
914-337-3392 (fax)
Aegis Capital
Full Service brokerage firm. Stocks, bonds and mutual funds. Specializing in tax free bonds and other income
generating investments.
Steven Ircha
26 Paxton Avenue – 2nd Floor
Bronxville, NY 10708
914-361-1099
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
www.aegiscap.com
Ameriprise Financial Services, Inc.
You have dreams and goals, and we'll work together to help put them more within reach. As an advisor living and working in your community, I'm available to work with you in a way that meets your needs.
Michael P. Mazzilli, CFP® ChFC®
Private Wealth Advisor
111 Brook Street, 3rd Floor
Scarsdale, NY 10583
(914) 341-1482 ext. 200
Capital Preservation Partners, Inc.
Your Wealth Made Easier
Local Registered Investment Advisors Who Have Fiduciary Obligations To You, The Client
When you partner with CPP you join your neighbors. We are located in Westchester County, yet are ready to respond to your needs with our 70 years of combined experience. We are always available to answer your questions and concerns. Unlike giant banks and brokerage firms, you will speak to the same advisor who is thoroughly familiar with your portfolio and life circumstances.
SEC registered – Fee only planners – no commissions or hidden fees
Expert Professional Advice from our staff of qualified CFP's, CPA's & Attorney's
Offering Comprehensive Wealth Management, Estate & Financial planning
Capital Preservation Partners, Inc.
55 Pondfield Road
Bronxville, NY 10708
914-337-2272
914-961-1715 (Fax)
Website: www.cpp.bz
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
James Van Metter & Associates
James W. Van Metter, CFP, MBA
Financial Planning & Investment Management
81 Pondfield Road, Suite 4
Bronxville, New York 10708
Call 914-793-1213 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
www.JimVanMetter.com
MDIC Investment Company
Mutual Funds, Stocks & Bonds, Financial & Estate Planning, Investment & Advisory Services, Life & Health Insurance
Daniel S. Macdonald, Jr.
116 Kraft Avenue, Ste. 8
Bronxville, New York 10708
Call 914-793-4095 or call This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Allstate
Auto, Home, Business and Life Insurance
Exclusive Agents:
Debbie M. Stockton
George L. Petronella Jr.
108 Kraft Avenue
Bronxville, New York 10708
914-961-7200
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
http://agent.allstate.com/DSTOCKTON2/Welcome/
John L. Vorbach Company, Inc. Insurance Brokers
Manhattan Media & Technology Center
65 Broadway, 9th Floor
New York, New York 10006
212-294-4900 x 112
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
www.vorbach.com
MDIC Investment Company
Mutual Funds, Stocks & Bonds, Financial & Estate Planning, Investment & Advisory Services, Life & Health Insurance
Daniel S. Macdonald, Jr.
116 Kraft Avenue, Ste. 8
Bronxville, New York 10708
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
www.mdicinc.com
Palmer-Tanno Agency, Inc.
Independent Insurance Agents since 1948
Greg Tanno
141 Parkway Road, Suite #11
Bronxville, New York 10708
914-793-6603
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Personal Risk Management Solutions
Focuses solely on personal insurance and
provides unique, customized solutions that save
money and time and create peace of mind.
Linda Graef Jones, Private Client Sales Executive
6 East 43rd Street
New York, New York 10017
914-645-3951
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Ranieri Insurance Agency
Auto, Home, Business & Life
Over 50 Years' Experience
Paul D. Ranieri, CPCU
457 Palmer Road
Yonkers, NY
914-376-2560
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
The Rollins Agency, Inc.
Insurance and Risk Management Solutions
Since 1910
800 Westchester Ave. Suite N-311
Rye Brook, NY 10573
914-337-1833
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Financial Legal Assistance Recent Articles
Quick Links
Newsletter
MyhometownBroxnville reserves the right to monitor and remove all comments. For more information on Posting Rules, please review our Rules and Terms of Use, both of which govern the use and access of this site. Thank you.
The information presented here is for informational purposes only. While every effort has been made to present accurate information, myhometownBronxville, LLC, does not in any way accept responsibility for the accuracy of or consequences from the use of this information herein. We urge all users to independently confirm any information provided herein and consult with an appropriate professional concerning any material issue of fact or law. The views and opinions expressed by the writers, event organizers and advertisers do not necessarily represent those of myhometownBronxville, LLC, its officers, staff or contributors. The use of this website is governed by the Terms of Use . No portion of this publication may be reproduced or redistributed, either in whole or part, without the express written consent of the publisher.
Copyright © 2009 myhometownbronxville.com, All rights reserved.