Cablevision Virus Strikes White Plains Cable again on Channel 76

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WPCNR WIRE. December 26, 2008: The  sketchy quality of video and hard-to-hear static audio problems that have been plaguing Cablevision public access telecasting on Channel 76 returned again Friday evening, making the audio hard to hear without the customer turning up their standard cable set to full full. Reception on Hi-Definition via Optimum was better, but hum in the audio still persisted.


Cablevision and the City of White Plains have been without an operating contract for three years, relieving Cablevision of paying an annual stipend for technical improvements to the station. Cablevision continues to pay the city per subscriber,.


 The ongoing reception problems on Cablevision  have resulted in Cablevision technical personnel making adjustments to station equipment and their own equipment for weeks, but the problem continues to persist appearing again Friday evening. Neither the Cable station nor Cablevision has been able to fix the problem.


 The Cable Commission is set to take up a contract with a vendor to rewire the station’s control board, however, other technical experts familiar with the problem believe the problem lies in what happens to the Studio signal once it is sent to Cablevision, which routes it to Mamaroneck then back up to White Plains. A young man on duty at White Plains cable Friday evening reported to WPCNR the audio and video on White Plains Week was fine going out of the station, which would indicate it is what Cablevision is doing to the Cable signal is causing the problem.It has been going on intermittently for about three years, and had gotten increasingly worse in the late fall. The muffled bass audio and very blurry video were also prevalent on the Beyond the Game program aired after 9 P.M. Friday evening.


The problem continues to persist.


White Plains Week however may be seen in its entirety with crystal clear video and sharp audio on the internet at http://www.whiteplainsweek.com.

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Councilpersons’ Letters to Print Media Politics: Says Mayor

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WPCNR CITY HALL CIRCUIT. From the Mayor’s Office. December 26, 2008: City Hall released a statement from Mayor Joseph Delfino this afternoon responding to  and denouncing a letter signed by Council President Benjamin Boykin and Councilman Dennis Power (picked by pundits as the Mayor’s main political rivals for Mayor next fall) and published in the Gannett chain’s Journal News this week. He dismissed their comments as playing politics and as misleading and disingenuous. The Mayor’s statement:



A Statement from Mayor Joseph Delfino.


Setting the Record Straight


A Letter written by White Plains Council President Benjamin Boykin and Councilman Dennis Power that appeared in the Journal News on December 12 attempting to justify their rejection of the Police and Fire contracts which I negotiated was misleading and disingenuous.


(More)



 


To say the contracts were negotiated without their consultation is misleading. By the City’s Charter, the Mayor is responsible for all negotiations with all unions representing City workers. In fact, The Council’s refrain from the beginning of time (particularly when they are lobbied by unions) has always been, “the Mayor negotiates contracts.”


 


Upon completion of the negotiations, the full Council was briefed on the specifics of the agreements by me, Finance Commissioner Gina Harwood, Public Safety Commissioner Frank Straub along with his two deputies, and my staff members. They were given comparables from other communities and details of how the new work schedules for Fire and Police benefit the City and the considerable concessions both unions gave which would have saved the City tens of thousands of dollars in training overtime, regular overtime and comp days. Additionally, the new contract would cost out at between two to three percent less than the current contract over its lifetime.


 


In addition, the new schedules would have provided between two to three extra police officers per shift and nearly two additional firemen – more police and firemen on the street.


 


To say that I rejected meeting with them subsequent to that briefing is downright dishonest. Council President Boykin and Councilwoman Rita Malmud requested a meeting with just the two of them to discuss issues with the contract. In return, I offered to meet in another work session with the full seven members Council so that all on the Council could be advised and informed of the issues. They declined this request.


 


In hindsight, it’s no mystery as to why they did. It’s a pattern that has become all too familiar over the past couple of years – they continue to put politics before people.


 


They site economic conditions, which they claim they have been warning about since our budget was adopted last May. At budget adoption, the Council chose – without consulting me or anyone in my administration – to reduce the proposed budget by one percent including a devastating cut to the reserve for financing. The reserve for financing line is the City’s contingency fund in times of emergencies. I said at the time that it might be the politically expedient thing to do, but that it would hurt the City. Only now are we seeing just how desperately it has.


 


They also dealt a crushing blow to the City’s finances by refusing to adopt, again for political reasons, my proposal to increase the City’s sales tax by one half percent. This increase, 90% of which would have come from people who live outside White Plains, would have only made us equal to the sales tax charged in other large cities in Westchester such as Mount Vernon, New Rochelle and Yonkers and would have relieved the burden on our City’s property tax payers. It would have provided approximately $5.6 million more in revenue each year. By stalling my original proposal for months and delaying its implementation, while they played politics, and then by cutting the increase by a quarter percent, they cost the City an estimated $9 million in a year of unprecedented financial turmoil.


 


Our police and fire fighters are extremely professional and well trained. Without increasing head count they now serve an additional 7,000 residents, the size of a village in Westchester County, deal with much taller and complex buildings and much more activity (thank God) in the downtown area both night and day. They must work harder and do more with less.


 


The recent fire in a condominium on North Broadway that was well documented in your paper showed just how professional they are. Their rapid response time and tireless effort kept what could have been a devastating disaster to a minimum of damage.


 


They deserve raises that keep pace with the rate of inflation. The proposal the Council rejected, a 3.75% increase this year and two 4% increases the following years are well below the current rate of inflation for the New York/New Region put out by the Bureau of Labor Statistics of 4.72%. Council President Boykin frequently cites the national average which is much lower. But our police and firefighters live here, in this region, not North Dakota or Tennessee. These increases are in line with those recently given in other municipalities and the County.


 


We’re entering another election year, the next 10 months will be a very telling time of whether this Council will reverse itself and put the people of White Plains ahead of their political ambitions.

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Budgeting by Consensus, Brainstorming, Set for Jan 15 Budget Forum.

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WPCNR SCHOOL DAYS. December 26, 2008: In the About Our Schools newsletter circulated to all residents this week, the School District announced the format for its first ever Community Forum on the Budget, which will compose the budget in a two-step Forum process with the community. The format will consist of a brainstorming session from the community then a feedback  session that “will be used to guide the process of developing a budget which will be discussed at the second forum on February 25.


 



To kick things off at the January 15 meeting at the high school Room B-1 (which has a capacity of 200 persons. All members of the community are invited.


The newsletter reports the opening forum will begin this way: “there will be a brief review of the district’s financial situation and issues relating to development of the budget,” according to the publication. The format: “Attendees will (then) be seated in small groups and encouraged to participate in focused dialogue on spending efficiencies, areas of concern, budget priorities and creative ways to increase revenues.”


Tables will have moderators and a notetaker assigned. The newsletter does not make clear if a firm is being paid to conduct the forums, as was the case in the development of the schools’ Strategic Plan last year. As part of that plan a task force was created to focus on how additional revenues could be raised, whether they have come up with such suggestions is not known at this time.


The newsletter also notes that District administrators have begun to “prioritize areas of spending and to identify possible savings for next year’s budget, though the outgoing Superintendent of Schools, Timothy Connors has declined to commit to cutting the present rate of spending, or cut salaries in the current budget.

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Christmas Past

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WPCNR PHOTOGRAPHS OF THE DAY. By the WPCNR Roving Photographer. December 25, 2005: Today the Roving Photographer captures a tradition — Christmas Morning in America — more specifically — White Plains. More Photos follow if you click on “Read More.”



Christmas Morning, 2005. Photo by the WPCNR Roving Photographer





The Yule Log from White Plains Bake Shoppe. Photo, WPCNR Roving Photographer.



Christmas Treats. Photo by WPCNR Roving Photographer.



Kitten’s First Christmas. Bela The Christmas Kitten. Photo, WPCNR Roving Photographer.


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1/3 of NY Districts W/O Teacher Contracts.4 at Impasse in County.Prop Tax 4cast

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WPCNR SCHOOL DAYS. By John F. Bailey. December 24, 2008: White Plains City School District is not alone in waking up to the reality of teacher contracts. Teachers across the state are being met with opposition from their school districts as they attempt to negotiate contracts.


 Almost one third of New York State School Districts, 222 of 698 districts were operating without contracts with their teachers as of September according to the New York State School Board Association. Of those 222, 47 had declared “Impasse,” the process that White Plains and its White Plains Teachers Association began last Thursday.


.



Paul Heiser, spokesperson for the NYSSBA told WPCNR that, in addition to White Plains,  the districts of  Hendrick Hudson, Rye Neck and Southern Westchester BOCES were in Impasse, according to Mr. Heiser. Impasse is a legal state at which parties agree that are hopelessly deadlocked and mutually agree to bring in an independent mediator. If mediation does not produce an agreement, the parties go to fact finding, a process few districts or teachers like to do, because it exposes details of district finances and resources, according to the New York State Public Employer Relations Board. 


White Plains with a beginning teacher’s salary  with a B.A. Degree at $50,000, an MA, $57,815 and 2% “step” increases automatic for each year of service following, with a top salary of $125,871 for a Ph.d. with 20 years of service, put a very low offer on the table for the teachers in June and has not made an offer since according to the teachers union.


Raises to the Managers Rankles


 The district did give a last round of raises to 42 administrators, directors, principals and Assistant Principals of an average 7.5% more than double the inflation rate of 2.7% in the current 08-09 budget, a total of $444,553 in salary increases, the average raise was $10,584. The “Favored 42” are being paid a total of $5.9 Million in salaries alone in the current year, meaning they received raises lifting their portion of the payroll 8%. Teachers received a 3.5% raise


 The raises ranged from 2.6%  to 15% for its highest salaried administrators, a policy that has aggravated the teachers union which is being asked for givebacks on health benefits and a lower salary increase. According to Kerry Broderick , teachers’ cost of health benefits have escalated 17% against a 3.5% increase in wages in the 2007-2008 contract.


 You can review those individual increases received by district administraters in the previous WPCNR article on that round of administration pay raises last May at http://www.whiteplainscnr.com/article6576.html 


  The teachers in contrast received a 3.5% increase for 2007-2008.


Holding the line on teachers salaries to a mere 2% would help the district immeasurably, because it would hold the teachers’ salaries below the 5% level.


Here’s why, last year when the district settled with the teachers a 3.5% raise across all levels, in addition to a 2% automatic step increase provided for a total of 7% across all teacher levels, this resulted in an increase in the budget of 4.39% in salaries overall.


If the county (at a 1.77% increase), the city (at a 3.9% increase and the school district continues at last year’s growth rate this year, about 5%  the median home in White Plains will pay over $15,000 in property taxes that is UP $2,400 from last year. Should the city assessments NOT hold steady at last year’s level and actually decline, this automatically creates an additional tax increase of who knows what. 


2009-2010 Property Tax Forecast


If budgets Grow at 08-09 Rates


 


County Tax 2009 (1.77% UP)  From $2,440 to $2,500


City 3.9% (Holding Line) From $2,834 to $3,000


Schools (7% Tax Increase) From $10,342 to $11,065


The total for a $700,000 Median Priced Home — $16,565.


Plus Sewer Tax $343


Total Property Tax/Sewer Tax — $17,000


But this conservative forecast could turn out to be low.


If city assessments are down, and considering the 10% lowering of home prices across the city they could be, then the school tax rate will have to go up to make up the difference in tax revenue. Two years ago when assessments in the city sunk to $289 Million, the district had to increase the tax rate approximately $33 on top of the $474/per thousand to this year’s $503 per $1,000 of assessed value.


And, there’s another ominous possibility: If sales tax is down, the city may have to rachet up its tax rate exacting a higher toll on the city property tax.


Then of course, there is the problem of state aid being cut to the district, but this may be mitigated by increasing Medicaid givebacks from the government and infrastructure payments and aid to replace lost Wall Street revenue. Maybe.


The School District has recognized they have a problem.

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Twas the Night Before Christmas In White Plains

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Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the city



Construction cranes have long left Delfinoville


 Ritz Towers  awaiting buyers still left with Yuletide  liquidity


Shoppers at Westchester and Galleria long left after filling the till.

Not a legislator or councilperson was stirring not even a union president.


 



 



The County and City budget stockings were hung by Michaelian & Main chimneys with toes crossed,

In hopes Angels Barach, Chuck, Hillary , Nita and Governor Pat Would Stuff Them full with bailout  cash,


The better to build up the Tap Zee before it descends into the Hudson with a splash,


Loaded with Barach Bucks to hold back tax increases from school budgets grossed


 



The citizens, nestled snug in their beds after a last minute spending dash,

With visions of sweet sugar plums of sales tax into the city’ s till with money in gobs.

 Paul Wood in his trusty chair, cellphone in ear and the kindly Cuneo-Harwood applying her part


 Her budget cap and Magic CAFR Dust  had just settled the city in for a short winter’s nap;


No new approvals, Just a quiet extra ¼%  if Adam Bradley has a heart and to the legislature he lobs.




When out on Renaissance Square there arose such a clatter,


 Wood the Wizard sprang from his desk in City Hall garret


 Suspending secret union talks to see what was the matter,

Away to the window, he flew in a flash, stunned to see at the Ritz Island


 Construction begin on Christmas Eve anew.

He tore open the shutters and threw up the sash,

As DPW Hydrogen trucks rolled across Renaissance Square with a crash.




The moon shown on the crest of  vigilante DPW  crew,

DPW Major Domo Nicoletti  was summoned to pull off the daring duo


 Attempting to remove the Ritz Carlton Stone with a smash.



“It’s Christmas,” Wood  said to the DPW Head.  Santa can’t come with all this to-do, and we haven’t gotten a court order yet.”


Turning from the Union Presidents asking for another per cent,


 The nimble Wood and barrister Dunphy did fret.

Fashioning  a Christmas stop work order for all the City.

“It’s a disgrace,” said gatekeeper Paul Wood, “Bud will swing for this one.


When hounded by clamorous press in voicemail message curt.

Seeking an explanation for the distressa.

“Judge Suzy  hasn’t ruled yet, she needs  at least a year,


How can we tear down the stone  on Christmas,” said right hand press spokespersonna Melissa


As Saint Theresa and she patiently awaited the holiday agenda thick and toney


For Christmas Eve’s Special Session.

The construction lights gave the luster of midday, to the trucks lined up causing them

To glow like fresh fallen snow.


When what to the crew’s surprise should appear,

But a big red sleigh, pulled by six councilpersons..

With a jolly old driver, so lively and quick, looking very

Much like Mayor Joseph Delfino with a sleigh full of holiday cheer.


The city servants working late, knew in a moment it must be their leader.

More rapid than eagles his coursers they came on the wintry scene

“Now, Boykin! Now Malmud! Now Lecouna!

On Roach! On Hockley! On Power!


To the Top of City Hall! To the Top of the Wall!


Attach that howser  to the Ritz Stone and pull down that wall!”

Into the Council Chamber they rushed to assemble a proclamation to all!

Now dash away! Dash away! Dash away all!


As empty lots before developers fill, bearing promissory notes and refi’s creating cash anew

With extensions and cash aid for foreclosees

To the City Hall roof his sturdy council did fly.

With the Mayor’s sleigh full of toys, and the jolly Mayor, too.


Throwing 5 per cents here and 5 per cents there.


In a twinkling, I heard on the roof

The serious voices of each councilman giving proof

That the sleeping city was in sure hand with sales taxes and ObamaBucks on  way

As Mr. Wood drew in crewcut head, turning around,

Down the circular stair the Mayor and Council came with a bound.


 


The Mayor was dressed in his Mayor’s suit, from his head to his foot,


His brown trademark suit was draped with resolutions for


Tax relief and clean funds to attract developers  anew.

A bundle of plans, for a clean up in the dump, too,  


Nicoletti brought forth for Mayor and council to consider.


The Mayor, his eyes how they twinkled! His dimples how merry!

His droll little mouth was drawn up in a smile…”Yes, Bud, these are the plans the city needs!”

The Mayor spoke not a word, but went straight to his desk, he bade Council be seated, and with not a voice of denial,


Presented the resolution, the council spread the communications with glee

He congratulated Straub, Cullom  and Jackson for law and order with style,


He lay plans for condos and apartmnts for the homeless with care


With BID restaurants to cater the less fortunate with compassion’s splendid fare.


With the 2001 Committee spreading its proceeds to preserve foreclosures

Gifts to the city from the hardest working Common Council without guile.


Suspending politics for a moment, bipartisan  and all smile;




Thanking the council, commissioners on 24 hour shifts,  and city staff stalwart,


 and benefactors generosity

America’s favorite Mayor sprang to the circular stair and sleigh,

To his team gave a whistle, and away the Mayor and council flew like the down of a thistle.


But the citizens heard them exclaim, as the team drove out of sight


 Filled with new Union Contract goodies, budget cuts and sales tax stuff, with lowered


Tax rates and steadied assessments, the Mayor exclaimed,


 


“We can never thank you enough”


The proclamation passed to citizens all


“Happy Christmas to All and to all a good night!”




‘

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County to Study Assessment Process In Hopes of Equalizing the Property Tax Burd

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WPCNR COUNTY CLARION-LEDGER. From County Legislator Ken Jenkins. (EDITED)December 23, 2008: The county has applied for a state grant for a study on improving assessment practices—including revaluation.  The County Board wrote in support of the application which was also supported by key municipal organizations. A grant of $25,000 was awarded in July 2008 and the study group has begun its work.  David Jackson, Executive Director of the Westchester County Tax Commission, is facilitating the wide-ranging and exhaustive discussion on this complex issue with representatives from the Westchester Assessors Association and the Municipal Officials Association.



Despite keeping the county tax levy to a minimal increase of 1.77%, County Legislator Ken Jenkins (D-IN-WF, Yonkers) said a recently released report by the county’s tax commission highlights a perennial problem that underscores the need to reform how real property is assessed within the county.


“A slight increase in county taxes can actually end up as a decrease on a property tax bill for some residents and an increase that varies from minimal to significant for others.  It’s clear that the assessment system that produces these wild gyrations year to year is outdated and long overdue for an overhaul,” said Jenkins who chairs the Government Operations Committee which has oversight of the tax commission.


Westchester’s 25 towns and cities collect property taxes, about 15% of which goes to the county. The rest is distributed to support local municipalities and school districts.


What makes the assessment system so unpredictable? In order to distribute the county tax burden equally by community, state law requires New York State’s Office of Real Property Services to set an equalization rate which is based on the relationship of sample assessments with sales or appraisals in a community.  Fluctuations in the real estate market and construction activity, assessment reductions due to appeals, and methodologies that vary from municipality to municipality are factors responsible for producing a wide disparity in assessment results.  


 “We understand the problem and are working on a solution,” said Jenkins. “The county is providing the leadership to forge the regional collaboration necessary for a coordinated solution —- an assessment system with more predictable outcomes and which all of Westchester’s municipalities can embrace.”


By the terms of the grant, a report is due by the end of February. The county is eligible to receive an additional $25,000 after the report is received by the County Board.


“The Government Operations Committee looks forward to receiving the report from the study and evaluating its findings,” said Jenkins.  

 

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Christmas Cats Being Foreclosed — Purebred Persians to a Good Home.

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WPCNR KITTY NEWS NETWORK (KNN). From Lisa Reddy,  CATS-CAN, Inc.. December 23, 2008: Just in at the Kitty News Network. An elderly breeder of Persian Cats has lost her home due to foreclosure last Friday. Here is the report from KNN’s Tagger the AnchorCat:



TAGGER THE ANCHOR CAT.


 








CATS-CAN just received word of an elderly Persian breeder in Clermont who is losing her house to foreclosure Friday, Dec. 19th. She has 30 Persian cats and kittens who must find homes immediately. These are purebreds. They will need to be spayed/neutered – we’re not sure about shots, etc. but we can help with appts for these things. Please help if you can and pass this email along to anyone you know who might like a Persian baby for the holidays. This is a very sad situation, for both the cats and the poor elderly lady who is losing her home – please help if you can. Contact Lisa Reddy, if you are interested – 407-719-4479.

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Superintendent Will Not Commit to Present Budget Cuts. Mediation Starts

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WPCNR SCHOOL DAYS. By John F. Bailey. December 23, 2008: . Superintendent of Schools Timothy Connors reported to WPCNR Monday that the district was continuing to look at and monitor school spending, but would not commit to cuts in school spending the last six months of the current budget year, the second half beginning January 1.  Connors said the district would continue to monitor and look at the budget, but would not commit to wage freezes for management, wage cuts or expense cuts.



Outgoing Superintendent of Schools Timothy Connors


Connors reported  to WPCNR the school negotiations team and  the White Plains Teachers Association last Thursday afternoon met  separately with the New York State Public Employers Relations Board-appointed mediator, Karen Kenny in the first of three mediation sessions intended to break the impasse in salary and benefits negotiations that finds the city teachers working without a contract. Connors said the second  meeting would take place in January, but did not have the date readily available.


Superintendent of Schools Timothy Connors told WPCNR the next session would be held sometime in January, but could not remember if the date was before or after the first  Community Forum on the budget, January 15.


Wen asked if the district was going to attempt to cut spending the last six months of the current fiscal year (due to possible school aid cuts and a minimum 7% increase to maintain the district current rate of spending)  he said wage freezes or cuts  on administrative personnel were difficult due to existing contracts with managers and administrators, but left open the possibility of some spending reductions somewhere, without specifying where they might occur. He said the district would continue to watch the budget. He said school energy costs had gone up because of the colder weather.


Connors, describing the mediation talks last Thursday afternoon, said “We met, both sides with the mediator. She certainly will make clear what each side is asking, ask questions, and help bring the parties together. “


WPCNR asked if he anticipated a settlement before the 2009-2010 budget is formed , Connors said “I hope we’re successful.”


WPCNR asked if there was an anticipated amount figured for the 2009-2010 budget for salaries,  and Connors said it depended on settling the new contract with the teachers. Asked if he’d be freezing wages for management, principals, Assistant Superintendents and managers  in anticipation of revenue shortfalls from reduced assessments and state aid, Connors said “There are things we can’t do in a vacuum without talking and negotiating with the parties involved. They have contracts.”


WPCNR wanted to know if there would spending cuts in the third quarter of the present school budget, in light of promised cuts in state aid.  Connors would not commit to cutting the present spending, saying “We’re continuing to look at and manage our money well.”


Raises added to Longevity Increases?


Connors said the current step raises in the expired teachers contract continue to guide teachers’ pay in the current 2008-2009 year. Asked if any salary increases would be added on top of those step raises, Connors said that the new contract would guide that, without saying whether step levels (amounting to an automatic 2% salary increase for each year a teacher has been in service were under negotiation. Connors said salary and benefits were under discussion.

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Patterson Budget Reforms Empire Zone Program, Aid to Cities

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WPCNR ALBANY ROUNDS. From Governor Patterson’s Press Office. December 23, 2008: The new 2009-2010 Budget submitted by Governor Patterson attempts to bring new accountability towards companies participating in the Empire Zone program. Here, from the Governor’s press team is the news release describing the new procedures designed to make the program accountable:

Governor David A. Paterson’s Executive Budget fundamentally reforms the Empire Zone program, putting in place rigorous standards to ensure that the State’s investment of tax incentives produces results and spurs economic development.


“This budget fundamentally reforms an Empire Zone program that is simply not getting the job done,” said Governor Paterson. “We will force each company that receives these benefits to pass rigorous standards and prove that they are keeping up their end of the bargain. And if they fail to do so, they will be removed from the program. In a time of unprecedented fiscal difficulty, we cannot waste money on tax breaks for companies that fail to produce results. Just like any business, the State must demand a return on its investment.”


The Empire Zone program provides tax benefits to businesses for a ten-year period in return for creating jobs and investing in New York. In 2008, the Empire State Development Corporation put in place regulations that require all new program participants to demonstrate that they are producing at least $20 in actual investment and wages for every $1 in State tax incentives. Participants certified from 2005 to 2008 had to meet a 15:1 benefit/cost standard, and those certified prior to 2005 did not have to meet any set benefit-cost standard.


The Executive Budget proposal would require all Empire Zone program participants to meet the 20:1 benefit-cost standard. Only those that meet or exceed this standard will remain in the program.


Certain industry sectors such as utilities, retail, and real estate, which are engaged in activities that make them unlikely to relocate outside of the state, would also be excluded from applying for certification in the future. Current program participants from these sectors that meet or exceed the 20:1 standard would be allowed to continue in the program.


Empire Zone spending was previously projected to total $610 million in 2009-10. After these reforms, total tax expenditures for the program will be $338 million, a decline of $272 million in 2009-10. Savings will grow to $310 million when fully annualized. The new Empire Zone program will continue until its sunset date of June 30, 2011.


The Executive Budget recognizes the need to provide resources to invest in job creation, especially in our upstate communities. When fully effective, $100 million of savings from these Empire Zone reforms will become available for reinvestment through the following initiatives:



  • A new $50 million grant program known as the New York Growth, Achievement and Investment Strategy (GAINS) Fund, which will be targeted to job creation in strategic industries such as manufacturing, financial services, agri-business, high technology, and biotechnology;
  • Research and development tax credits totaling $50 million, including the expansion of a current benefit for qualified emerging technology companies (QETC), as a well as new R&D program. The new research and development credit will allow businesses that invest in innovation in New York, either at their own facilities or in partnership with colleges and universities in the state, to recoup a portion of their costs.

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