Generations of young (mostly male) Americans have schooled themselves in basic auto mechanics, saving thousands of dollars in the bargain, by teasing years of service out of high-mileage cars given up for dead by their previous owners. For that guy Read More
"New York recently paid almost $50 million to private stock managers to actively invest part of the state's massive public pension fund, and they lost more than $1 billion, a worse performance than stocks that were essen Read More
exemplifies the federal stimulus bill at its worst. It's basically a helicopter drop of cash justified on the grounds that, after all, these folks need the money and will spend it--which, when you come right down to it, is justification enough for Read More
Today's Times about how the nation's governors are worried that Congress will expand Medicaid without giving states more resources to pay their part. This part requires further inquiry: "Connie Baugh received a letter ... from [Washington Read More
Earlier this week, Mayor Bloomberg unveiled the first big proposal of his try for a third term: a "." Over at City Journal, . Read More
Who says you need to change your spending habits in the midst of the worst economic downturn since the Great Depression? The state Legislature approved over 8,000 “member items”—New York’s version of pork-barrel earmarks—adding up to jus Read More
The Empire Center today marked the first anniversary of its government transparency web site, SeeThroughNY.net, with the posting of $148.3 million in legislative pork barrel member items for 2009-10. The online database, which also includes $148.1 million in member items for 2008-09, is searchable by legislator, locality and recipient. Read More
Earlier today, bond analysts at S&P downgraded to junk status $33 million worth of mortgage debt issued nine years ago by the Dormitory Authority of the State of New York (DASNY). DASNY had raised the debt to complete hospital construction projec Read More