March 5, 2013. Part I of the budget briefing on Mayor Bloomberg’s Preliminary FY 2014 NYC Budget makes the following points:

1. Unemployment remains very high in this historically weak “recovery.” NYC job growth better than the U.S., but considerable hardships persist.
2. NYC tax revenues have rebounded, but federal and state aid share declined.
3. State budget choices and pressures continue to squeeze NYC.
4. City-funded expenditures projected to increase 3.4% in FY 2014, with increases in debt service and health

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June 18, 2012. This report prepared for the New York Women’s Foundation shows that the budget cuts proposed in the Mayors Executive Budget fail to respond to heightened needs and jeopardize the outlook for economic improvement and security for many low-income women and their families. The proposed cuts and funding shortfalls increase the risk of poverty in two ways: by destabilizing those already struggling, and by reducing opportunities to move out of poverty. Reducing the reliance on spending cuts… (read more)

March 6, 2012. Unemployment remains very high in this historically weak “recovery” in NYC, as across the country, and considerable hardships persist. In addition, NYS budget choices and pressures continue to squeeze NYC. The Mayor’s budget can only be described as austere: although needs have grown in the wake of the recession, NYC spending on human services funding has fallen by 10 percent. Income concentration has resumed, underscoring the need for progressive tax reform. NYC’s business tax expenditures have risen… (read more)

September 18, 2011. A letter by James Parrott, New York Post.

June 20, 2011. An article by James Parrott, FPI’s deputy director and chief economist, who writes regularly for Gotham Gazette’s Economy section.

June 6, 2011. FPI’s James A. Parrott delivered testimony detailing the following points: Against the backdrop of an outlook for a very gradual and drawn-out recovery during which unemployment and economic adversity remain elevated, the Mayor’s Executive Budget proposal contains several harmful budget cuts that will curtail vital services in many critical areas. The City needs a more balanced approach to closing large budget gaps; this approach should reduce outlays on contracting out and find ways to enhance revenues.… (read more)

March 2, 2011. Despite Wall Street’s rebound, unemployment and hardship continue; at best, recovery will be very gradual. The revenue rebound does not make up for declining federal and state aid, particularly in education. Human services are being cut, while recent tax changes worsen the regressivity of the City’s tax structure. The City should begin to address several tax inequities and strengthen its revenue base. Briefing >>

February 7, 2011. An op ed by James Parrott, New York Times. Part of “Room for Debate” – Will City Pensions Be Cut?

December 6, 2010. Testimony presented by James Parrott before the New York City Council Committee on Finance.

August 8, 2010. A letter to the editor by James Parrott, Crain’s New York Business.