The State is tightening its belt, too. And just like New York taxpayers and businesses, no saving is too small.
The Governor has directed state agencies to cut costs and reduce spending wherever possible. These cost-cutting measures – both large and small – will be posted here. The list will be updated periodically as new cost-cutting measures are developed and implemented.
Cutting Printing, Copying and Wireless Costs
Governor Paterson is:
- Reducing printers designated to only one person.
- Requiring printers and copiers to print on both sides by default.
- Eliminating additional fax machines.
- Creating one standardized wireless plan for all state users.
Cutting State Travel Costs
Governor Paterson ordered all state agencies to cut travel by 25%.
Governor Paterson Proposes Pension Reform to Reduce State Pension Costs
Governor Paterson has been working with the Legislature to create a less expensive pension plan for new State and local government employees. Governor Paterson's proposal will save State and local taxpayers billions over the next 30 years.
Cutting State Lease and Rent Costs
After the real estate crisis, the State wisely renegotiated many of its existing lease agreements, with more favorable terms for the State. This initiative saved the State over $8 million in 2009-2010 lease costs – with more savings piling up in the future.
Governor Paterson Directs the Sale of Vacant State Property
The State owns many vacant, under-utilized properties -- many are a drain on the state to maintain, and a missed opportunity for the communities they are located in. Governor Paterson is selling these vacant properties to put them back into productive use. This initiative is a win/win for everyone -- the State generates revenues to close the budget deficit; local governments get more property tax revenues to balance their budgets and provide tax relief; and communities get productive buildings that contribute to neighborhood revitalization. The State property sales scheduled for 2009 will generate millions of dollars for the state.
Cutting Conference Costs
The Department of State organized a conference on Smart Growth and economic development without using ANY taxpayer dollars. The Department raised funds from foundations and co-sponsoring organizations.
Maximizing the State's Assets
The State owns certain assets that have the potential to create revenues. These include – transportation infrastructure, buildings, land, schools, cars, trucks, energy facilities, schools, and many more. And just like a private business, the state must manage these assets effectively – simply put, to maximize the return on the investment. These are public assets, purchased with taxpayer dollars – and they should be used to benefit you, the taxpayer.
Governor Paterson created the Commission on State Asset Maximization -- known as the SAM Commission -- to find effective, creative and innovative ways to manage state assets. Well-managed assets will secure the maximum benefit for New York’s economy and New York’s taxpayers. Learn More >>
The SAM Commission made several recommendations that the Office of Taxpayer Accountability is exploring:
- Leveraging private resources through public/private partnerships to offset the costs of infrastructure construction and repair.
- Creating a database of state real estate, and using new leases, public/private ventures, and public auctions to generate revenues from these properties.
- Leasing state rooftops and lands to private companies for commercial wireless carrier networks.
- Allowing certain SUNY schools to lease campus land to private entities.
- Locating renewable energy facilities on state-owned land and facilities – this will put underutilized state properties to productive use and ultimately help bring down the price of clean energy.
Read the Commission's Report >> |
