The Empire Center’s unique online “Explore Your State Budget” app has been updated to reflect financial data in Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s proposed 2016-17 Executive Budget.

The database of New York state budget information, which is accessible through the Center’s SeeThroughNY website, includes actual results, estimates and projections for major spending and tax categories from 2012 until fiscal 2020. In addition, the tool contains annual disbursements dating back to 1984 and tax receipts since 1976.

“We compiled all the governor’s financial plan numbers into a unique tool for understanding New York’s state budget,” said E.J. McMahon, the Empire Center’s president. “Using our app, New Yorkers can get both a short-term and long-term view of how their money is being raised and spent.”

Historical spending and tax data are presented both in nominal and inflation-adjusted terms. In addition, data can be downloaded and saved in spreadsheet form. Here is a small sampling of important Executive Budget trends revealed by the Explore Your State Budget database:

• The number of state Medicaid recipients is expected to reach 6.3 million people in fiscal 2017.
• State school aid would increase 4 percent next year and by a total of 20 percent over the next four years.
• The state’s employee health insurance costs are expected to rise next year by $229 million, or nearly 7 percent.

The direct web address for Explore Your State Budget is SeeThroughNY.net/nysbudget.

Learn more about the Empire Center and its efforts to make New York a better place to live and work by visiting EmpireCenter.org.