Budget increases minimum wage and
education funding, provides
tax credits for hiring veterans and boosts
agricultural programs
Assemblywoman Addie J. Russell (D-Theresa) announced the 2013-14 state budget she helped pass closes the state’s $1.4 billion budget gap, strengthens education funding, increases the state’s minimum wage, restores vital agricultural programs and provides businesses with tax credits to spur job creation.
“This marks the third straight on time budget which helps North Country families and businesses, including our farmers,” Assemblywoman Russell said. “We continue to make progress by investing in our children, job growth and infrastructure.”
Investing in education
The budget provides $20.8 billion in total Formula Based Aids for the 2013-14 school year, a $936.6 million increase over the 2012-13 school year.
“In this tough economy, our schools have been struggling to provide our children with the quality education they deserve,” Assemblywoman Russell said. “This increase to school aid is a step in the right direction.”
The final budget:
· restores $517.5 million to Gap Elimination Adjustment (GEA);
· increases Foundation Aid by $171.3 million over the executive budget;
· increases expense-based aids by $228 million;
· provides a total of $137.5 million to non-public schools;
·
restores $14.26
million to teacher resource and computer training centers;
· increases funding to Adult Literacy Education by $1 million, for a total of $6.23 million;
· increases aid to public libraries by $4 million;
· creates and invests $20 million in Extended Learning Time grants; and
· provides an additional $4 million for Early College High School
It also includes an internal audit provision that would benefit
“While this budget has made critical progress in bolstering our education funding, I will continue working hard to make sure North Country schools see further meaningful relief,” Assemblywoman Russell said.
Increasing higher education funding
The 2013-14 budget highlights the important role that community colleges play across the state. The increase of base aid to community colleges by $150 per-FTE means an additional $320,000 for Jefferson Community College
The budget restores $27.8 million for SUNY Hospitals for a total of $87.8 million, helping keep SUNY Upstate strong and able to serve our community’s needs. In addition, the budget includes $1.7 million to SUNY child care centers, a $653,000 restoration from the governor’s budget.
“We must make sure our children have the skill set they need to be competitive in today’s job market,” Assemblywoman Russell said. “This increased funding will go a long way toward making sure a college education is more attainable and help strengthen the North Country ’s workforce, creating a brighter future.”
Tax credit to businesses who hire Veterans
The 2013-14 state budget includes tax credits to boost employment among veterans, many of whom are suffering from joblessness. A newly established veterans’ tax credit would be offered to businesses that hire veterans. For taxable years 2015 and 2016, this credit would be worth 10 percent of the wages paid to a qualified veteran during the first full year of employment or 15 percent of the wages if the veteran is disabled.
“Our veterans are among one of the hardest hit groups by unemployment,” Assemblywoman Russell said. “This program will lend a helping hand to our veterans, providing them with the opportunity to land a quality job.”
Funding for agricultural programs
“When our farmers succeed, our economy does better. That’s why this budget restores vital funding for agricultural programs, making sure that we can continue to grow our farming industry and boost our economy,” Assemblywoman Russell said.
The 2013-14 budget contains funding for numerous agricultural programs, including:
· Farm Viability Institute: $1.5 million;
· New York Wine and Grape Foundation: $1 million;
· Northern New York Agricultural Development: $500,000;
· Dairy Profit Teams: $370,000;
· Maple Producers Association: $125,000;
· Tractor Rollover Protection Program: $100,000; and
· New York
The New York State Apple Growers Association will receive an increase of $794,000, for a total of $1 million to help overcome last year’s poor growing season, Assemblywoman Russell noted.
Increasing the state’s minimum wage
The 2013-14 state budget increases the state’s minimum wage to $9.00 per hour by 2016. The wage will gradually increase over the next three years from $7.25 to $8.00 per hour on Dec. 31, 2013 ; to $8.75 on Dec. 31, 2014 ; and then to $9.00 per hour on Dec. 31, 2015 .
“This increase answers the calls of so many North Country families who know the current minimum wage is out of step with the rising costs of necessities,” Assemblywoman Russell said. “The increase will put more money in the pockets of those most likely to spend it in our community thereby strengthening our local economy.”
Extending current tax rates
To continue providing a fairer tax system in New York
The budget extends this middle-class tax cut for three additional years and continues to provide that those making over $2 million per year – less than 1 percent of all New York
“Implementing this multi-year extension is critical for hardworking families,” Assemblywoman Russell said. “This will ensure New York North Country families who are in need of tax relief the most.”
Transportation funding for infrastructure projects creates jobs
To promote job growth while rebuilding our infrastructure, the state budget includes $438.1 million for the Consolidated Local Street Jefferson County
“By investing in rehabilitating our roadways and bridges, we are putting people to work in our community and making our infrastructure safer for our families,” Assemblywoman Russell said.
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