Albany Update Volume 4 - April 30, 2004 Spring is Here But the Budget is Not Once again the trees are beginning to show signs of life, the tulips are blooming, the air has the sweet smell of Spring and there is no sign of a budget anywhere. So what will it take for the Budget to begin its bloom? Some insiders believe that the mid-May revenue numbers may be just what the budget needs to come alive. Historical trends have showed that the mid-May revenue numbers are a better indicator of what the year's overall revenues may look like. Fiscal pundits are hoping that the new numbers will show better than anticipated revenues, which means more money for closing the gaps in the budget. Whatever the revenues numbers are, we know that they will not be large enough to face the bigger issue centered around the Campaign for Fiscal Equity—i.e. school aid money. This week all three sides of the leadership triangle did their posturing. The Speaker held his ground on wanting to address the multi-billion school aid issue because it will mean lots of additional money for NYC schools. Majority Leader Bruno said that because of the gap in positions, maybe it is best to leave it up to the courts to decide. The Governor has put Video Lottery Terminals (VLT) revenues on the table as a way to pay for this, but that has been met with some controversy. In addition, there is still the larger question of Medicaid and local government relief. Whichever way the decision falls, one thing is for sure. There won't be a budget anytime soon. Everyone around the capital is saying that we will be finishing up the budget and closing down session sometime at the end of June (maybe later). Upcoming Fundraisers Monday, May 3rd Senator Marty Golden [R] Chair, Aging - Brooklyn $300 Senator Suzi Oppenheimer [D] Ranking Member, Education - Albany $300 Demorcratic Assembly Campaign Committee - Troy $125 Assem. Diane Gordon [D] - Albany $250 Thursday, May 6th Senator Eric Schneiderman [D] Deputy Minority Leader - NYC $100 Assem. Steve Englebright [D] Chair, Aging - Port Jefferson $100 Assem. Alex Gromack [D] Chair, Racing and Wagering - Pomona $150 Assem. Robin Schimminger [D] Chair, Economic Development - Buffalo $250 Monday, May 10th Senator Mike Balboni [R] Chair, Veterans - Albany $400 Assem. Nettie Mayersohn [D] Albany $300 If you have any questions about fundraisers, please call Sandy in the Albany office, 518 462-4620. Back to newsletter list

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