As part of his plan for allocating $5.4 billion in one-shot windfall funds, Governor Cuomo wants to spend $500 million to expand the availability and capacity of broadband Internet access across New York. But given pressing traditional infrastructure needs, should broadband rate a high priority? Do we really need it? The governor's case, on closer inspection, is less than compelling. Read More
A little-noticed section of Governor Cuomo’s State of the State “Opportunity Agenda” calls for investing another $100 million in state money in startup companies—even as federal auditors probe Innovate NY, the state’s original dalliance with venture capital (VC). Read More
The city’s elevator repair bills are going through the roof. Each of the 3,330 elevators in the city’s housing projects goes out of service an average of once a month, officials said. Elevator failures and shutdowns for maintenance — along with huge raises for elevator mechanics — have caused costs to skyrocket. Read More
Legislative testimony recommends permanently enacting property tax cap, among other reforms. Read More
Changes made last year to the Corporation Franchise Tax and Estate Tax codes will help make New York a more attractive and competitive place to live, work and do business. However, there remains much to do. Read More
Florida is luring more than just New York’s residents. It’s also absorbing a growing pile of cash from the state’s largest pension. Read More
More than $700 million in tax breaks and other state resources awarded to developers last month in exchange for promises to create jobs included more than $3 million for a LegoLand theme park in the lower Hudson Valley, $1.5 million for a National Comedy Center in Lucille Ball’s hometown of Jamestown and $4.7 million to build a commercial building next to the Wyandanch rail station. Read More
The agenda in almost every capital this legislative year will include a discussion about how – not if – to increase spending on roads and bridges. Read More