Andrew Cuomo's 2013-14 budget isn't all higher minimum wages and shorter DMV waits. There are lots of other interesting little things hidden in its many pages, some of which are making Albany legislators arch their eyebrows. Like the more than $3 billion earmarked to be controlled solely by the governor. Yep, Cuomo will have total control of more money than the GDP of quite a few entire countries.
The Governor's office says the money will be used to cover "transformational projects, not a new roof on a social club." But it is understandably causing some issues among the Albany set: "If the governor’s given this authority, why is there even a need for a Legislature?” a legislative official complained to the Daily News, hitting the nail on the head.
But the Governor's office says not to worry about the billions he'll be able to spread around willy-nilly. "Much of it, they say, will be subject to a competitive bidding process that will seek input from lawmakers." In the budget the governor is asking for the chance to spend more than $452 million in operating funds and then another $2.66 billion in capital funding. And, to be fair, it isn't all just his to hand out without worry. About $1.2 billion is earmarked for economic development discretionary spending—including some $720 million in new capital funding for “transformative” projects over the next few years. But the rest?
Cuomo is also calling for additional funds to be devoted to both new and existing programs, such as $150 million for regional economic development councils; $165 million in competitive grants for CUNY and SUNY for projects designed to help the economy; and $71 million in new incentives that will be awarded competitively to school districts.
So, will all that loose change for Cuomo get okayed by Albany? Yes, probably. Though, thanks to all that Hurricane Sandy cash, his office says they may actually ask for less money. But certainly not because Cuomo's sky-high approval ratings are starting to dip a little.
