Andrew Cuomo looks to aid economy

Governor Andrew Cuomo proposed a $132.5 billion budget that links an increase in education spending to a new teacher-evaluation system and raises the retirement ages for future workers, a plan already drawing opposition from unions.
Cuomo’s spending plan for fiscal 2013 closes a $2 billion deficit with no new taxes in part by finding $1.14 billion in savings from consolidating purchasing and human resources, he said today in Albany, the capital. A tax deal reached last month that raised rates on those earning $2 million or more added $1.5 billion in revenue.
The proposal follows through on Cuomo’s pledge to raise spending on Medicaid and education by about 4 percent. The boost in school aid will be tied to compliance with a new statewide teacher-evaluation system, a plan similar to one proposed last week by New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg. The governor suggested he expects opposition from the teachers’ unions.


The plan also calls for a new pension tier for new government workers and proposes that the state pick up the growth in Medicaid costs currently paid by counties.


Cuomo framed the budget as a way to spur job growth and reform government amid the state's economic malaise. The mandate relief would help limit property taxes, which are among the highest in the nation, he said.


"How does government spur private-sector job creation in a down economy while limiting spending and maintaining fiscal discipline? That really is the challenge that we face," Cuomo said in a roughly 45-minute budget address.


The effort at mandate relief was appreciated in Monroe County.


"If approved by the Legislature, these measures stand as the most significant progress toward real mandate reform in recent memory," County Executive Maggie Brooks said in a statement. Brooks has been a vocal proponent of mandate relief.