Community Development Done Right
May 29, 2008. A column by David Dyssegaard Kallick, New York Metro.
The Economics of Low Income Energy Assistance in New York – No Wonder They Call Economics the “Dismal” Science
May 20, 2008. A presentation by FPI senior economist Trudi Renwick and Gerald Norlander of the Public Utility Law Project of New York, prepared for NYSERDA's 2008 Low-Income Forum on Energy (LIFE). With prices for power and heating fuel rising faster than wages or assistance - against a backdrop of widespread poverty in upstate cities - the situation is grim for low-income families. Renwick and Norlander lay out specific standards for reform of assistance programs.
The Role of Worker Notification in a New Economic Strategy for New York
May 19, 2008. In response to the plant closures and mass layoffs of the 1980s, Congress enacted the Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification (WARN) Act. However, the legislation covers only larger businesses, and lacks an enforcement mechanism. Several states (CA, IL, NJ) have adopted their own WARN legislation. This brief argues that such legislation in New York would benefit not only the upstate economy but also the downstate economy now being buffeted by massive layoffs in the financial sector.
Unions Make a Big Difference for Low-Wage Workers
May 15, 2008. A new report from the Center for Economic and Policy Research analyzes Current Population Survey data from the Census Bureau and finds that workers represented by a union have higher wages, especially at the low end of the scale. Press release with New York specific data >> "Too often, people think there's not much we can do to reverse polarization in our economy. Here's clear evidence that unionization helps: it raises wages for all workers, and it raises them especially among lower-wage [...]
2008 Conference on State Taxation
May 14, 2008. Senior economist Trudi Renwick participated in a panel discussion of property tax reform at the 2008 Conference on State Taxation sponsored by the Business Council of New York State and held in Saratoga Springs. Presentation >>
Fed Directive Threatens to Cut Funds for New York Children’s Health Coverag
May 6, 2008. A report from the Center for Children and Families at Georgetown University shows that the Bush administration bypassed Congress to issue a directive that will cut children's health insurance funding in New York - at a time when residents and taxpayers can ill afford it. Report co-released by FPI, New York Children's Action Network and Medicaid Matters New York. Press release >>
The 2008-2009 Enacted Budget and the Property Tax Commission
May 5, 2008. Senior economist Trudi Renwick discussed property taxes and the enacted state budget in a presentation to the Long Island Federation of Labor.
The Economic Situation of New York City’s Low- and Moderate-Income Households
May 2, 2008. Testimony presented by chief economist James Parrott to the Rent Guidelines Board: a picture of a shallow recovery, high housing cost burdens and a shrinking middle class - plus a local economy in recession.
The economics of tax reform
May 1, 2008. Executive director Frank Mauro spoke at a meeting of the Ulster County Legislature's Blue Ribbon Commission on School Funding and Tax Reform in New Paltz. News articles: Property tax burden takes center stage in speech by fiscal expert (May 3, Kingston Daily Freeman); The problem with property taxes discussed (May 2, Mid-Hudson News). Radio: Listen to MP3 (May 1, WAMC).
How Will the Economic Downturn Affect New York City’s Nonprofit Sector?
May 1, 2008. As public funds and private donations come under strain, and uncertainty clouds the horizon, New York's nonprofits can respond not only by cutting costs, but also by presenting cogent facts about the impact of recession on society. Presented by chief economist James Parrott at 2008 Nonprofit Day: Proactive Responses to the Economic Downturn, for Manhattan, Bronx & Westchester. Sponsored by the Nonprofit Connection and Citi Foundation. Brochure. Presentation for Manhattan, Bronx & Westchester. Additional presentations were given in Queens (May 7) and Brooklyn (May [...]