February 12, 2012 · www.gothamgazette.com

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Transport Workers Contract Shouldn't Harm Riders
The public interest will be served by an agreement between the MTA and the transport workers union that maintains a good standard of living for workers, is within the MTA’s ability to pay, and does not force further harm upon riders by increasing fares or reducing service, according to this report by the Citizens Budget Commission. (February 2, 2012)

Solar Panels on Public School Roofs
The installation of solar panels on the roofs of public schools could create 5,400 new jobs, according to this report by the Manhattan Borough President's office. It could also produce 169 megawatts of clean electricity; eliminate 76,700 tons of carbon from the air each year; and increase solar capacity in the five boroughs by over 2,600 percent. (January 31, 2012)

The State's Retirement Systems
Employee contributions only make up 11.5 percent of New York State’s pension systems compared to a U.S. average of 33 percent, according to the Citizens Budget Commission's analysis of new Census Bureau figures. (January 27, 2012)

Dual Bin Recycling Trucks
Costs for recycling pickups fell by nearly $575,000 (13.1 percent of collection costs) among the four districts that switched to dual bin trucks in 2007 and by nearly $363,000 (9.4 percent) among the five that converted in 2009, according to this report by the Independent Budget Office. (January 26, 2012)

New York's Matching Funds as National Model
A properly designed public matching fund system - such as New York City's - can increase the number and proportional importance of small donors as well as their demographic diversity, according to this new draft working paper by the Campaign Finance Institute. Based on an original analysis of millions of contribution records to candidates in all of the states and the city, they argue that matching fund programs serve the goals of public financing better than full public funding. (January 23, 2012)

Citizens Budget Commission
The Citizens Budget Commission is a 75 year old nonpartisan, nonprofit civic organization devoted to influencing constructive change in the finances and services of New York City and New York State government. Their no-nonsense (and no frills) site has all of their latest press releases, reports and findings.
NYC Office of Management and Budget
The Mayor's budget, the 10-year capital strategy and answers to some of your basic budget questions.
Searchable Campaign Finance Database
This database, part of the Campaign Finance Review Board Web site, allows visitors to search campaign contributions going back to 1989, when Rudolph Giuliani received 1047 contributions worth more than $1000. It can be searched by election cycle, candidate, donor, intermediary, and type and size of donation.
NYC Independent Budget Office
Established in 1996 and charged with enhancing public understanding of the City's budget. Everything from analyses of the Mayor's budget to reports on taxes on the poor and utilities. Interactive tax receipt tells you how much you spent on each government service is highly recommended.
Good Jobs New York
Good Jobs New York, a project of the Fiscal Policy Institute is a watchdog examining "retention deals" that give companies subsidies to stay in the city. This Web site has an overview of how the city's economic development funds are controlled, and a database of the largest subsidies ever offered by the city, topped by a $940 million deal offered to the New York Stock exchange in 1998 that was never completed. The "who's applying for a subsidy this month" section is diligently updated - visitors can also sign up to receive the monthly updates via email.

Sites of Interest from Collegester:
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