NEW YORK STATE RURAL ADVOCATES

Have you had a chance to visit with your state legislator at home? Staffers in Albany have been holding down the fort. How long can they resist the pressure to cut the preservation program?  The longer the new budget delays, the harder it will get to “defend” as the fiscal condition worsens every day

In an effort to get something on the table before the legislative recess, the Assembly and Senate have made their opening position on the State budget known.  We still don’t know how the numbers will be negotiated or who will be doing the negotiating.

Both the Assembly and the Senate have informed us of their intentions to restore the NPP and RPP program to “post DRP” funding.  Given the current state of the economy, that is full restoration.

We believe that staff will continue to work on the budget and it will go very quickly once the legislators return after the break.  In the meantime, the cash behind this budget needs to be found!  Otherwise look for more DRP cuts!

Now both the State Assembly and State Senate will conference to hammer out a state budget. Perhaps more or less on time.  Details as they become available.  There will continue to be pressure from all interest groups until a budget is completed. Let your voice be heard!

The Senate Committee’s Financial Reform bill was passed in committee and sent to the full Senate on Monday. “A watered-down bill could be easier to move through the Senate, and certainly would be welcomed by bank lobbyists. But weak reform would be worse than no reform, because it would entrench the status quo under the guise of change.” See Real Reform in an Election Year

Little in the way of additional money for the Preservation Program– still to be negotiated with the Assembly

Update- Senate proposed restoration for Rural Rental Assistance; should be adequate. THANK YOU!

Preservation Program, only restored $632,000 for BOTH RPC and NPC. Some thought this was enough to get us to the amount after the DRP cuts last year. Not so. Not at all. (UPDATE) We have been told however, that it is their intention to fund us at post DRP levels- the funding preservation companies currently have. That would be full restoration to their estimation.

NY Daily News report of 3/22/10

The state Senate is preparing to pass a budget plan that includes nearly all of Gov. Paterson’s deep health and education cuts – but almost no new taxes or fees, Democratic sources said Sunday night.

There really is no money. They have told us they will try but… The Pain

It’s not just RPC and NPC that do the budget dance every year, and it is really getting tough to find the cash to restore funds in New York State

The State Senate and Assembly are starting to get down to business.  There has been serious budget meetings with consideration of the five year borrowing plan, as the  NY Times 3/10/10 reports

Interest groups continue to descend on Albany. Your continued contact with your own legislator and leadership of the Senate, Assembly and Governor’s office is essential to be heard

For those of you who just can’t figure out what the next possible move might be for the NYS Budget, the NY Post reports, in an article here by E.J. McMahon who directs the Man hattan Institute’s Empire Center for New York State Policy, there may be a bonding way out of this budget shortfall.

Thanks so much to those of you who made it to Albany last week despite the foot of snow that greeted us!  Those of us who ventured from out of town fared best with the gracious shuttle drivers taking us to the Capitol, Smith, LOB and even out for dinner and back. No designated drivers needed!  Our Housing Forum proved interesting and I think some new ideas were shared.

Additional copies of the handouts are available above. Email ruraladvocates if you have difficulty downloading.

It’s time for a follow up: thank yous/ where are we/ and when can we visit in the district.

If you haven’t already, please share any meeting feedback!

FY 2010 Briefing Book for your use on NYS Affordable Housing Programs