WHITE PLAINS CITIZENETREPORTER SETS RECORD VISITS FOR YEAR 7,017,658 VISITS! 2,098,003 VISITORS MADE 6 VISITS A DAY EVERY DAY. 63,330 UNIQUE VISITORS MADE 133,730 VISITS IN DECEMBER. WPCNR AVERAGED 17,284 VISITORS A WEEK, VISITING 31,270 TIMES.

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WPCNR ALBANY ROUNDS.WPCNR EXCLUSIVE From a WPCNR Correspondent. March 27, 2013:

On the eve of the day when the New York State Assembly reconvenes to pass the budget the New York Senate passed yesterday and today, the fate of the Governor’s cuts to the Office for People With Developmental Disabilities previously thought to be a straight 6% across-the-board, appears to have been mitigated. Cuts to voluntary agencies apparently will be decided by a panel or workgroup and will not be retroactive.

 Lisa Mount, of NYSACRA a lobbyist for private organizations serving the disabled reports:

As you are aware, the State Legislature and Governor have arrived at consensus on the details of the final 2013-14 State Budget. All budget bills are in print. The State Senate met yesterday and into the early hours of this morning to approve the budget bills.

The State Assembly will reconvene in Albany tomorrow to pass the measures. The Governor is expected to sign the budget prior to April 1st.

While NYSACRA staff continues to review the budget bills and compile our analysis for you, I want to share with you an important provision contained in the Aid to Localities bill related to the 4.5% cut to the voluntary not-for-profit developmental disabilities agencies.

We informed you over the weekend that the cut would most likely not be across-the-board as was proposed in the 30-day amendments, rather the cut may be targeted.

Specific language in the budget creates a workgroup of stakeholders, to be led by the Commissioner of the Office for People with Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD), for the purpose of developing a savings plan to implement the 4.5% cut.

 The workgroup will convene not less than 30 days following the enactment of the 2013-14 State Budget and recommendations from the workgroup shall include, but not be limited to:

1. Reducing provider agency administrative costs,

2.  Achieving administrative efficiencies, pursuing audit recoveries and providing alternate payment models, services and programming.

At Monday’s Provider Association meeting, OPWDD representatives offered a briefing on the budget language.

A meeting will be held with the state agency next week to discuss new federal programs and corresponding funding as well as to obtain input from stakeholders on achieving the 4.5% targeted reduction.

 Following the meeting we anticipate the development of the reduction plan, promulgation of regulations and reduction plan implementation slated to commence this fall.

As we understand, the reductions may not be retroactive. I am consulting with our lobbyist and the NYSACRA board to develop strategies to present to OPWDD and stakeholders next week.

Once again, we will provide members with a full and detailed analysis once the 2013-14 State Budget is enacted.

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WPCNR COUNTY CLARION-LEDGER. From the Office of the County Executive. (EDITED) March 25, 2013:

The county position (with HUD) is that it is in full compliance – in fact ahead of schedule – with the (HUD-Westchester County) settlement requirements and that  the  most recent  HUD letter received today is just one more example of the federal government trying to bully Westchester to do things that go far beyond the terms of the settlement and dismantle local zoning.

HUD’s latest action of unilaterally demanding that the county give up either its constitutionally protected rights or $7 million that it was promised two years ago – money that goes not only to build affordable housing but to communities not involved in the settlement and most in need – shows that HUD has no regard or respect for fairness, due process and the judges of the U.S. Second Circuit who are charged with resolving this dispute.

The statement from the County Executive’s office was also partly in reaction to County Legislator Catherine Borgia, Chair of the County Board of Legislators Government Operations Committee who issued this statement:

The county is a year ahead of schedule in meeting the key benchmark of having 300 affordable units with financing in place by the end of 2013. As of today, the county has 305 units.

In all matters, the county has complied with the dispute resolution process outlined in the settlement.

 On the issue of source of income, the matter is now before the U.S. Second Circuit Court of Appeals, where the county is confident that the U.S. Magistrate’s ruling in its favor will be upheld.

On the zoning issue, the county has supplied volumes of data as well as a thorough legal analysis showing Westchester’s zoning is not exclusionary.

The county would not be ahead of schedule in developing affordable housing in the 31 eligible communities if the zoning in those communities was exclusionary. The impasse is over HUD’s refusal to accept the county’s well documented conclusions.

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WPCNR POLICE GAZETTE. From the City Clerk Office. March 25, 2013:

The City of White Plains has established a “Do Not Knock” Registry for City of White Plains residents only who do not wish solicitors, peddlers or hawkers to come to their homes for the purpose of selling. This includes anyone who would come a door for the purpose of “…requesting, either directly or indirectly, money, credit, funds, contributions, personal property or anything of value; taking or offering to take orders for goods, wares and merchandise, except milk or newspapers, or for services to be performed in the future, or for selling, making, manufacturing or repairing any articles or thing whatsoever for future delivery.”

Please note: The Registry does not prohibit the distribution of leaflets, pamphlets or other literature, including commercial, political or religious material distributed in a lawful manner.

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 WPCNR COUNTY CLARION-LEDGER. From the Department of Communications, March 22, 2013:

County Executive Robert P. Astorino has announced the appointment of Eileen Mildenberger as the new director of Economic Development for Westchester County, effective immediately. She takes over for Larry Gottlieb, who recently left to become president and CEO of the Hudson Valley Economic Development Corp. Mildenberger previously served as the executive director of the Westchester County Industrial Development Agency (IDA). Replacing her at the IDA will be Jim Coleman, who brings with him to the position more than 25 years experience in business and government. Astorino’s appointment of Coleman, who will start April 8, was unanimously approved by the IDA board at its meeting Thursday

“These moves strengthen our outstanding economic development team,” Astorino said. “Eileen and Jim both share my commitment to promoting economic growth and creating an environment for job creation. They bring talent, experience and a continuity to our economic development efforts.”

In her role as executive director of the IDA, Mildenberger helped attract more than $500 million in private sector capital investment to Westchester, assisting businesses from start-up biotech companies to global giants like PepsiCo and IBM. Prior to the IDA, Mildenberger worked 12 years at the Empire State Development Corporation (ESDC), the final three as chief operating officer. She managed day-to-day operations for the state’s economic development arm, and had direct oversight for all key departments in the 500-person agency with a $30 million budget. During her time at ESDC, she created guidelines and procedures for business assistance programs resulting in economic benefits of more than $100 billion. Prior to ESDC, she practiced bankruptcy law. In her new role as director of Economic Development, Mildenberger will serve as the liaison to the business community and help businesses and entrepreneurs stay, grow and relocate to Westchester. She will also oversee the county’s Office of Tourism and Film. Mildenberger is a graduate of Hofstra University with a degree in Finance, and has a law degree from the Jacob Fuchsberg School of Law at Touro College.

“Our county has a rich and diverse mix of businesses that range from global corporations to savvy start-ups,” said Mildenberger. “The job of the Office of Economic Development is to serve the entire spectrum of Westchester businesses with the resources they need to grow.”

Coleman has enjoyed a successful 25-year career in business working for several different corporations, including PepsiCo, Altria and American Express, serving in roles responsible for business development, sales, consulting and marketing. As executive director of the IDA, Coleman will help lead a powerful economic tool for the county. As a means of creating or retaining jobs, the IDA offers financial incentives to eligible companies and organizations. Through the IDA, businesses can qualify for bonds and exemptions from sales and mortgage recording taxes for certain pre-approved expenditures relating to construction, furnishings and equipment. In addition, Coleman will also lead the Minority and Women-Owned Business Enterprise (MWBE), an agency within the Office of the County Executive, that promotes equality and eliminate barriers to participation in state contracts by minority-owned and women-owned businesses. Coleman is a graduate of Howard University with a degree in economics. He lives in Scarsdale with his wife Cathy.

“The IDA and the Minority and Women-Owned Business Enterprise are part of the foundation that drives job creation in Westchester County,” said Coleman. “From financial incentives to general business support, these agencies will be an active partner in promoting successful economic development. I want to thank County Executive Astorino for the opportunity to serve our business community and all of our residents in Westchester.”

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WPCNR ALBANY ROUNDS. From the Governor’s Office. March 21, 2013:

Governor Andrew M. Cuomo, Senate Majority Coalition Co-Leaders Dean Skelos and Jeff Klein, and Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver today outlined the agreement on the 2013-14 Budget.

The Budget continues the state’s focus on economic growth through a series of initiatives to create jobs and grow the economy including new tax cuts for small businesses, a new $350 tax credit for every middle class family, major education investments and reforms, and an increase in the minimum wage to $9 per hour. With this agreement, the Budget is on track to pass days before the April 1 deadline, with the potential to be the earliest state budget since 1976 and the first time New York has had three consecutive, on-time budgets since 1984.

Here are their statements and a listing of specific budget allotments:

“This budget agreement puts New York on track to have the third consecutive on-time, balanced, budget that holds increases in spending under 2 percent, while investing in our economy to create jobs and cutting taxes for middle class families and small businesses. This budget symbolizes the tremendous progress that has been made in Albany and demonstrates that the new New York government is once again working for the people of this state,” Governor Cuomo said.

“Two years ago our state was facing significant challenges, with constant spending and tax increases chasing businesses and people from our state and scandals making our government a joke of late night television. Today New York State is creating hundreds of thousands of private sector jobs, opening the doors to new small businesses, cutting taxes for middle class families to their lowest rates in sixty years, and making education investments and reforms like never before. While there is still more work to do, today’s agreement shows that New York is on the move and is rising once again.”

Senate Majority Coalition Co-Leader Dean Skelos said, “I am pleased that we have reached agreement on a responsible budget that includes the longtime Senate Republican priorities to create new jobs and cut taxes for hardworking, middle-class families. As part of this budget, we will provide a $350 Family Tax Relief check to families with children, offer incentives to help small businesses create new jobs, and eliminate the energy tax surcharge over the next three years, all initiatives highlighted by the Senate Republican conference throughout the budget process.

 In the coming days, we will complete passage of the earliest state budget in more than 30 years, our third consecutive early budget. I thank the Governor for his leadership, and commend our Senate Finance Committee Chair Senator John DeFrancisco, my Coalition Co-Leader Senator Jeff Klein, the Assembly leadership and all of my colleagues for their hard work.”

Senate Majority Coalition Co-Leader and Independent Democratic Conference Leader Senator Jeffrey D. Klein said, “This is the most middle class friendly budget in a generation. When we formed the bipartisan coalition last December, we promised low-wage workers that we would pass a major increase to the minimum wage. Today, we’re delivering on that promise and raising the minimum wage even higher than anyone thought possible just three short months ago.

Creating Jobs and Cutting Taxes – Key Economic Development Initiatives: A Balanced, On-time Budget that Invests in Creating Jobs and Cuts Taxes: The Budget closes a $1.3 billion gap with no new taxes or fees. New York State has not had three consecutive on-time or early budgets since 1984 and has not had a budget on track to pass this far before the April 1 deadline since 1976.

Cutting Taxes for Middle Class Families: Recognizing that New York’s taxpayers have been overtaxed for too long, the Budget includes $1.125 billion in new tax cuts to middle class families over three years. Families with incomes between $40,000 and $300,000 will be eligible to receive a new child tax credit of $350 per year for three years, beginning in 2014.

Tax Cuts for Small Businesses: To provide tax relief to New York’s job creators, the Budget includes nearly $800 million in tax relief for New York businesses over three years. With this tax relief, the Budget recognizes that cutting taxes sends a positive sign to the private sector that New York is pro-business and helps reverse New York’s longstanding reputation as the tax capital of the nation.

 Hiring Tax Credits: To help New York’s returning soldiers and young people find work, the Budget includes a permanent tax credit for the hiring of Veterans, and $181 million in tax credits over three years for businesses that hire youth.

 Reducing Costs and Red Tape for Businesses: To reduce the crushing burden of unemployment insurance and workers’ compensation, the Budget modernizes and simplifies both systems to provide employers $1.3 billion in savings without affecting workers’ benefits.

Investing in the Economy of Tomorrow: The Budget provides the initial funding to launch the Innovation Hot Spots program that will create or designate ten high-tech innovation incubators at locations affiliated with higher education institutions to encourage private-sector growth; a $50 million Innovation Venture Capital Fund that will provide critical seed and early-stage funding to incentivize new business formation and growth in New York State and facilitate the transition from ideas and research to marketable products.

Workforce Training for Job Openings: New York’s workforce training is from a different era and a generic job training program does not fit today’s economy. The Budget capitalizes on the opportunity of an estimated 210,000 unfilled jobs in the state by including $5 million for the Next Generation Job Linkage Program that works with employers to: identify the job; define the skill; and provide the training for it.

 Protecting the Environment and Creating Green Jobs: The Budget increases support for the Environmental Protection Fund and the Cleaner, Greener Communities program, to launch new projects across the state that both create green jobs and protect New York’s natural environment.

Building on the Success of the Regional Councils: The Budget includes a third round of the Regional Economic Development Councils including $150 million in new funding and $70 million in tax credits.

Promoting Upstate Tourism and Agriculture through Market NY: To bolster tourism and better market NY-made foods and produce, the Budget launches the Market NY initiative

SUNY and CUNY Campuses Driving Private Sector Job Creation: The Budget includes a third round of the SUNY 2020 program and launches the CUNY 2020 program to provide competitive grants for projects that connect economic development and academic excellence.

 ($110 million) Education Investments and Reforms Increasing Funding for Education: The Budget reflects New York State’s focus on creating a world-class education system that will fully prepare all of New York’s students to compete in the 21st Century economy. To accomplish the goal, the Budget includes an increase of nearly $1 billion in education aid.

Pre-kindergarten Program Expansion: Recognizing that quality early education is critical for long-term success and that children who attend full-day pre-k often outperform their peers, the Budget provides additional investments in pre-kindergarten with an emphasis on high quality, full-day pre-k. Funding is targeted toward higher need students in lower wealth school districts via a competitive process.

 ($25 million) State Increases Tied to Teacher Evaluations: To maintain New York State’s leadership in holding teachers accountable for student achievement, the Budget continues to tie increases in funding for education to the implementation of a teacher evaluation system. No teacher evaluations means no state increase.

 Extended Learning Time: Our existing education calendar is still based on an agrarian system and the United States lags behind other nations in terms of how much time students spend in the classroom. In order to provide increased learning opportunities, the Budget supports high-quality extended school day or extended school year programs, with academically enriched programming. Schools that apply to participate in the program must agree to expand learning time by 25 percent. The state will cover the full cost of expanding learning time for students.

($20 million) Community Schools: Recognizing that a school is not just a “school” in distressed communities and that the demands of schools in wealthier districts are different than demands in lowest wealth districts, the Budget supports an innovative program designed to transform schools into community hubs that integrate social, health and other services, as well as after-school programming to support students and their families.

($15 million) Reward High-Performing Teachers: To improve results and incentive high-performance, the Budget implements a program that will offer $15,000 in annual stipends for four years to the most effective teachers beginning with math and science teachers.

 ($11 million) Early College High School Programs: To improve college access and success, the Budget provides new state funding to expand Early College High School programs

($4 million) Bar Exam for Teachers: To ensure the best and brightest are teaching our children, the State Education Department will increase the standards for teacher certification to require passage of a “bar exam,” in addition to longer, more intensive and high-quality student-teaching experience in a school setting.

 Other Budget and Legislative Actions: Raises the Minimum Wage: Recognizing that New York’s minimum wage is unlivable and that 19 other states have higher minimum wages than New York, the Budget raises the minimum wage from $7.25/hour to $9.00/hour over three years, beginning with $8.00 by the end of 2013, $8.75 by the end of 2014, and $9.00 by the end of 2015.

Lowering and Phasing Out the 18-a Utility Assessment: The Temporary Utility Assessment on electric, gas, water and steam utilities would be phased out over three years beginning in 2014-15.

 Pension Stabilization Program: The Budget includes a Pension Stabilization Program that has been agreed to by the State Comptroller’s Office for local governments to access short term relief as the savings of Tier VI begin to take effect.

Public Service Commission Reform: The Budget includes a number of reforms that were recommended by the Moreland Commission to give the Public Service Commission greater authority over the state’s utilities.