The Applied Sciences NYC Initiative: FPI Testimony

September 28, 2012. In testimony submitted to the New York City Council Committees on Economic Development, Higher Education and Technology, James A. Parrott, FPI’s Deputy Director and Chief Economist, concluded that the “Applied Sciences NYC Initiative” represents an important step in diversifying the New York City economy.  According to Parrott, this initiative, which includes the plan for the development by Cornell and Technion Universities of a new engineering campus on Roosevelt Island, as well as projects involving NYU and Columbia University, is “a conscious effort [...]

The Consolidated Edison Lockout: FPI Testimony

July 25, 2012. Testimony presented to the New York Assembly Standing Committees on Labor, Energy and Corporations, Authorities and Commissions. In sum: Con Ed's lockout of its skilled workforce is unnecessarily putting the people of New York City and Westchester County at risk of serious electric, gas and steam outages. Con Ed's actions jeopardize the incomes of thousands of hourly-paid workers and the business activity and viability of small businesses throughout the regional economy. Given the slow recovery from the Great Recession of 2008-2009, we [...]

Raising New York State’s Minimum Wage

April 23, 2012. Testimony presented to the New York Assembly Labor Committee by James A. Parrott. Ten reasons: (1) to restore the minimum wage's lost purchasing power, (2) to raise New York's wage floor, (3) to help low-income families. And because it (4) won't reduce employment, or (5) hurt taxpayers. But, it will (6) boost the economy (and jobs), (7) complement the EITC, and (8) reduce burgeoning income inequality. Increasing the minimum wage will (9) restore New York's leadership on progressive issues and (10) combat [...]

Testimony at the Joint Legislative Public Hearing on the 2012-2013 Executive Budget Proposal – Human Services

February 13, 2012. Submitted by Carolyn Boldiston, FPI's Senior Fiscal Policy Analyst. Testimony includes: trends in public assistance participation and poverty in New York State, a review of New York's historical utilization of the federal Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) block grant, a review of the impact of the TANF Contingency Fund and Emergency Contingency Fund on TANF funding and spending in New York State, and recommendations for the 2012-2013 state fiscal year.

2020-11-13T15:12:43-05:00February 13th, 2012|Social Policy, State Budget, Tax & Budget, Testimony|

Testimony on “DREAM Act” Legislation

December 9, 2011. FPI's David Dyssegaard Kallick was invited to deliver testimony before a joint hearing convened by the New York State Assembly Standing Committee on Governmental Operations and Standing Committee on Higher Education. He testified that going to college allows immigrants - even undocumented immigrants - to improve their employment opportunities, thereby boosting their contribution to the economy and to tax revenues. "Their success is also our success," Kallick noted.

2012-04-19T21:36:40-04:00December 9th, 2011|Migration, Testimony|

Testimony on the Living Wage before the New York City Council Committee on Contracts

November 22, 2011. FPI's James A. Parrott delivered testimony detailing the following points: There is no evidence from other cities to show that living wage ordinances are harmful either for workers directly affected or for the broader local economies. The Charles River Study is seriously flawed in both its labor market and its real estate analyses, and should not be used to inform decisions on this issue. The City should return to the question of how its considerable economic development resources can be used to [...]

NYC Labor Market Challenges Facing Older Workers

September 22, 2011. FPI's James A. Parrott delivered testimony before the New York City Council Committee on Aging detailing the following points: Unemployment for older workers has continued to increase during the past year and a half, despite the recovery. And many older workers who are still employed have seen their hours, and their weekly pay, reduced. For New York City workers ages 55-64, both unemployment and under-employment are sharply higher now than before the recession began, and higher than at the "trough" of the [...]

2020-11-13T14:50:33-05:00September 22nd, 2011|Economic Outlook, Economic Trends & Policy, Testimony|

Comments on USDA’s proposed Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) regulations

July 5, 2011. Comments on regulations implementing the eligibility, certification and employment and training provisions of the 2008 Farm Bill. In general, USDA's overall approach to the Food, Conservation and Energy Act (FCEA) provisions is laudable. However, these comments outline several important changes should be made in the final regulations. Without these changes, the regulations would fall far short of what the legislation intended and would miss important opportunities to improve the program for the millions of Americans who rely upon its help to meet [...]

2020-11-13T15:11:23-05:00July 5th, 2011|Social Policy, Testimony|

Testimony at the New York City Council Committee on Finance Hearing on the FY 2012 Executive Budget

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. Testimony >>

2020-10-27T13:09:41-04:00June 6th, 2011|State Budget, Tax & Budget, Tax Policy, Testimony|

Short Term Property Tax Relief and Long Term Tax Reform: An Omnibus Approach

March 1, 2011. At the public hearing on the Governor's proposed "Cap on Real Property Taxes" before the Assembly Standing Committees on Ways and Means, Education, Real Property Taxation, Local Government and Cities, Frank Mauro, FPI's executive director, explained why a cap on real property taxes would not effectively protect those most in need of property tax relief, and would exacerbate inequities in the current school finance system. In the short run, a property tax circuit breaker would provide effective and targeted relief. Over time, [...]

2012-05-09T16:25:19-04:00March 1st, 2011|City Budget, Must Read, Tax & Budget, Tax Policy, Testimony|

New Federal Dollars for New York: The TANF Emergency Contingency Fund in the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009

February 28, 2011. The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA) established the Emergency Contingency Fund within the federal Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program for states to provide more support to needy families. The new fund would supplement a prior existing contingency fund (called the regular Contingency Fund), which in New York's case was soon to be exhausted. An ongoing series of briefs from the Fiscal Policy Institute, collected here together with related testimony, looks into the rules governing the new Emergency [...]

Testimony at the Joint Legislative Public Hearing on the 2011-2012 Executive Budget Proposal – Human Services

February 16, 2011. Testimony submitted by Carolyn Boldiston, FPI's Senior Fiscal Policy Analyst. Her testimony includes: a review of New York State's recent public assistance caseload history, a review of New York's historical utilization of the federal Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) block grant, a review of the impact of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) of February 2009 on TANF funding and spending in New York State, and recommendations for the 2011-2012 state fiscal year.

2020-11-13T15:12:43-05:00February 16th, 2011|Social Policy, State Budget, Tax & Budget, Testimony|
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