March 20, 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)

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.
Inner City Press
Inner City Press, headquartered in the South Bronx of New York City, engages in investigations and journalism regarding human rights, transparency, corporate accountability, community reinvestment, predatory lending, environmental justice, fair housing, social exclusion and related topics.
Governmental Research Association
Links to organizations across the nation
Good Jobs New York
Good Jobs New York, a project of the Fiscal Policy Institute is a watchdog examining "retention deals" that give companies subsidies to stay in the city. This Web site has an overview of how the city's economic development funds are controlled, and a database of the largest subsidies ever offered by the city, topped by a $940 million deal offered to the New York Stock exchange in 1998 that was never completed. The "who's applying for a subsidy this month" section is diligently updated - visitors can also sign up to receive the monthly updates via email.
Searchable Campaign Finance Database
This database, part of the Campaign Finance Review Board Web site, allows visitors to search campaign contributions going back to 1989, when Rudolph Giuliani received 1047 contributions worth more than $1000. It can be searched by election cycle, candidate, donor, intermediary, and type and size of donation.

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