New York State Budget Division Schedules Public Hearings for 2009-10 State Budget

The New York State Division of Budget will hold formal public hearings on the 2009-10 Budget, including agency and capital budgets, on Wednesday, October 22, 2008, in Room 124 of the State Capitol, from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

At the hearings, selected agency heads will outline their budget requests for the upcoming fiscal year. Members of the Legislature and their staffs will be invited to participate and ask questions.

“These hearings are the first step in developing a budget that will involve many difficult choices,” Governor Paterson said. “While next year’s budget presents us with great uncertainty and fiscal challenges, it also provides an opportunity to scrutinize and reexamine every area of the budget for savings and efficiencies. I look forward to working with the Legislature to begin the process of improving our state’s fiscal health.”

In the face of the state fiscal crisis, Governor Paterson proposed an accelerated budget process for next fiscal year and promised to deliver his 2009-10 Executive Budget on December 16, 2008, more than one month earlier than the January 20, 2009 constitutional deadline. This accelerated budget process will give the state a head start on closing its substantial future budget gaps and help ensure that a balanced budget is enacted well before April 1, while still providing appropriate time for public and legislative input.

Written testimony will be accepted from the public. Additionally, individuals may sign up to present brief testimony at the hearings on a first come, first served basis. Those wishing to present testimony must register ahead of time with the Division of Budget at 518-473-3885 or dob.sm.press@nysemail.state.ny.us. Hearings also will be webcast at www.budget.state.ny.us.

Capital Budget Hearings include the following:

• 9:30 a.m.: Office of General Services
• 10:45 a.m.: Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation

Agency Budget Hearings:

• 1 p.m.: Office for Technology
• 2:15 p.m.: Division of Housing and Community Renewal/Housing Finance Agency
• 3:30 p.m.: Department of Health