New governor, new budget, new challenges

By KENNETH BRYNIEN
Until Gov. Eliot Spitzer introduces his Executive Budget, divining his intentions is like reading tea leaves.

In his inaugural speech and State of the State address he set out an ambitious and promising agenda for reform, transparency, investment in infrastructure and reducing the state’s “cost structure” — goals PEF has championed.

We have led the fight on reform of public authorities and shadow agencies. For years, PEF has recognized that the reliance on countless public authorities and shadow agencies dilutes the level of public oversight.

We have called for the state to stop taxpayer abuse by ending wasteful spending on pricey consultants. We are hopeful Gov. Spitzer will implement his campaign budget plan to reduce the use of private-sector consultants and save hundreds of millions of dollars each year.

We will ask the governor to address the final piece of our Go Public campaign by enacting the Cost-Benefit Analysis Bill supported by PEF, either through Executive Order or by signing the legislation that may make it to his desk.

We know the value in both cost and quality of the services we provide to the state’s taxpayers and are confident we will withstand the scrutiny that the consultants are so afraid of.

We are mindful, however, that where there is change come opportunities, challenges and risks. We must be prepared to address the change and fight for what is best for our members as well as the citizens of the state. We must remain vigilant that the governor’s efforts to achieve his agenda do not squeeze the budgetary resources required to maintain and enhance the vital services we provide.

By the time this message reaches your home, we will have an understanding of the effect the proposed budget may have on our members and will be in the process of taking whatever action may be necessary to protect them.

We look forward to working with Gov. Spitzer and are confident he recognizes the important role our members play in the vitality of the state of New York.

The Communicator Feb. 2007

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