March 21, 2010 · www.gothamgazette.com

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State's Debt Burden
This new report by the Citizens Budget Commission says the state's debt burden is in the 'danger zone' and points out that only three other states have higher levels of debt. It finds that the state is paying $5.6 billion in debt service, and that will grow to more than $7.1 billion in four years, which equals one out of every ten dollars paid in taxes. (March 11, 2010)

Public Spending Per-Student at Charter Schools
Per-student public spending on children in charter schools is similar to that spent on public school children, according to this new report by the Independent Budget Office. Per-student general education spending at traditional public schools totaled $16,678, the study found, while children attending charter schools housed within public schools got only $305 less per student. Over two-thirds of charters are located in public school buildings. However, charter schools located in private space received only $13,661 per student, the IBO noted. (February 25, 2010)

Cutting Costs, Raising Revenues
At this time of fiscal distress, the city Independent Budget Office presents 63 possible ways to save money in "Budget Options for New York City." While not endorsing any proposal, the plan sets forth a number of ideas, how much money they would save, and arguments pro and con. The options include eliminating runoff elections, charging people for garbage collection based upon how much they throw away, several plans to reduce pension costs, restoration of the commuter tax, putting a tax on plastic surgery and bringing back the fare for the Staten Island Ferry. (February 24, 2010)

The Capital Budget
Just in time for budget season, the city's Independent Budget Office has released "A Guide to the Capital Budget," a 16-page primer on what that budget is and how the funds are raised and allocated, as well as tips on how to read the budget and a glossary of terms. (February 9, 2010)

Unemployment Across the City
A new report from the Fiscal Policy Institute found the unemployment rate in New York City varies greatly from neighborhood to neighborhood. For example, the unemployment rate was 5.1 percent in the third quarter of 2009 on the Upper East and West Sides of Manhattan, but it was 15.7 percent in the South and Central Bronx and 19.2 percent in East New York in Brooklyn. Citywide it was just over 10 percent. (December 22, 2009)

Governmental Research Association
Links to organizations across the nation
Open Book New York
This site, created by the New York state compotroller, is designed to help visitors find out how the state government spends taxpayer dollars. The site allows searches of current state contracts and of how much various state gencies spend on salaries, travel and other expenses.
NYC Office of Management and Budget
The Mayor's budget, the 10-year capital strategy and answers to some of your basic budget questions.
Citizens Budget Commission
The Citizens Budget Commission is a 75 year old nonpartisan, nonprofit civic organization devoted to influencing constructive change in the finances and services of New York City and New York State government. Their no-nonsense (and no frills) site has all of their latest press releases, reports and findings.
NYC Vendor Search
The city recently added Vendor Search to its official Web site. Visitors can search the database by entering the name of an individual or a business. The site will then give basic information about the business itself and detailed information about its city contracts. Great for learning about items such as the $178 million worth of business that the city has done with Forest City Ratner.

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