Morning Read: Gov. Cuomo locks in deep prison cuts, details still a mystery
The Watertown Daily Times is reporting this morning that Governor Andrew Cuomo now says recommendations of a prison-system reform panel will be binding
Previously, Mr. Cuomo’s proposed budget had required the commissioner of the Department of Correctional Services only to consider the recommendations. Now, as long as the task force follows the criteria laid out by the governor’s executive order — namely, finding $72 million in savings for the 2011-12 budget year and $112 million after that — the commissioner must carry out its wishes.
But as the newspaper points out, North Country lawmakers are worried that the panel’s recommendations — perhaps stipulations would be a better word — won’t be revealed until after the state budget is approved.
Here’s what Democratic Assemblywoman Addie Russell from Russell told the WDT:
“I still feel the best way to approach the corrections budget is to provide for the savings that the governor has requested in detail so we know what we are voting on.”
“finding $72 million in savings for the 2011-12 budget year and $112 million after that”
On a $1.5 Billion budget. That’s about 5% for 2011-12.4111
1/5 of that is normal employee attrition.
That’s asking for a 4% reduction in spending.
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“New York’s prison population has dropped by nearly 8 percent in the last three years”
http://www.docs.state.ny.us/FactSheets/PrisonClosure2011.html
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So, the Governor is asking for cuts commensurate with the decline in the prison population.
Isn’t that what the Governor is supposed to do?
I have to say I almost feel a faint glimmer of hope. Is it actually possible The Young Prince isn’t just a chip off the old block? I hesitantly say, “Good for you Andy.”
In total agreement with JDM on this.