By Dave Lucas
http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/wamc/local-wamc-998152.mp3
Albany, NY – A new report from the Rockefeller Institute at the University of Albany, entitled "Giving and Getting," finds that the state government is redistributing wealth from New York City and its suburbs, to poorer regions upstate. Hudson Valley Bureau Chief Dave Lucas reports.
The report found that downstate communities get back less in state spending than they put in in taxes. Excluding the Capital Region, the majority of upstate counties paid around a quarter of the state's taxes, but netting 35 percent of state dollars in return. Factor Albany, Rensselaer, Saratoga and Schenectady counties back in- the report shows they paid 4 percent of the state's tax share, and got back nearly double that much: 7 percent.
Abe Lackman, scholar in residence at Albany Law School, is the former New York city budget director and state Senate Finance Committee secretary. He observes the report punctures what he calls "the urban legend" that upstate residents are supporting New York City.
Robert Ward is the deputy director of the Rockefeller Institute, which issued the report.He says upstate New York received 12 billion dollars more in payouts than it gave in taxes during the 2009-2010 fiscal year. Abe Lackman agrees the need is the greatest upstate - he points out the state budget is "doing a good job" but cautions political tensions could arise - he sees the report as a positive.
The study analyzed the regional distribution of what New York State takes in versus what it pays out. The data came form the 2009-10 fiscal year. Revenues examined include state taxes, fees and public university tuition. Capital projects and local assistance grants number among the major expenditures.