|
|
 |
|
|
Measure Will Allow Funds For Community Projects & Organizations and Economic Development Projects To Go Forward
Tuesday, September 16, 2003
The New York State Senate today passed legislation, reflecting an agreement with the Governor and the Assembly, that would clarify and make technical changes to the 2003-04 state budget so that important funds for economic development projects, as well as for community projects and nonprofit organizations, can be released.
"This bill resolves questions and concerns that have been raised about the 2003-04 state budget and will allow critical funds to be released for community projects, services and organizations," Senate Majority Leader Joseph L. Bruno said. "The agreement will also provide for $60 million in economic development funds to go forward so it can be invested to help create new jobs."
Senator Bruno said the Senate has already approved legislation that would clear the way for the investment of the economic development funds and that, as part of the budget cleanup agreement, the Assembly will pass that bill.
"This legislation includes many technical changes and clarifications that address issues that have been raised since the adoption of the state budget earlier this year," Senator Owen H. Johnson, Chairman of the Senate Finance Committee said. "I�m pleased that we were able to work out an agreement so that we can move forward with these important investments in our communities."
Important provisions of the budget cleanup bill include the following:
> Authorizes the release of $200 million in member initiative money for critically important community projects and for nonprofit organizations that depend on them to pay vital community services. One hundred million of the funds can be spent this year, the other half can be spent next year.
> Puts into law, a mandate relief measure for local governments that eliminates the requirement that counties repay the State a total of nearly $172 million that was previously advanced to counties over the past several years. Since 1992, the State advanced funds to assist counties in addressing the cash flow impact on local governments associated with the conversion of certain mental health services to Medicaid, specifically rehabilitation services provided to residents of certified community residences. This bill ensures that counties will not have to repay these funds to the state and that they can be used for local fiscal relief;
> Extends for one year, a pilot program that enables part-time CUNY students to receive money from the Tuition Assistance Program;
> Continues a Home Care Demonstration Program that provides important benefits to health care workers; and
> Makes various technical amendments and clarifications to tax law changes included in the 2003-04 state budget.
The bill was sent to the Assembly.
[BIOGRAPHY] [DISTRICT MAP] [PHOTO GALLERY] [LEGISLATION] [CONSTITUENT SERVICES] [YOUR OPINION COUNTS] [GUESTBOOK] [PRIVACY POLICY] [SENATE INSIDER] [CONTACT INFO] [HOME/NEWS]