Contact: Colleen Roche/Curt Ritter (212) 788-2958
"It's a pleasure to join Mayors Bernardi and Johnson to discuss the importance of an urban agenda for New York State and the need for equitable funding for New York's cities through Revenue Sharing Aid," said Mayor Giuliani. "For too long upstate vs. downstate rhetoric has divided New York when in reality we share many common interests and concerns. We all want to see New York State be a better place in which to live, work and visit. But the simple fact is that, as our cities go, so does the State's economy.
"Today's Mayors have learned the important rules of fiscal responsibility and fiscal discipline and now it's up to Albany to recognize that cities need their fair share of revenue in order to continue the improvements that will keep them competitive."
New York's cities are currently funded $2.3 billion less than provided by law and New York City alone receives $1.3 billion less than it is owed under Section 54 of the State Finance Law. As NYCOM has shown, the State continues to ignore the fiscal responsibility it is obligated to live by under the State's laws.
"I strongly support NYCOM's 1999 legislative agenda and hope that the State realizes that they can no longer underfund the cities that serve as the economic engines for the rest of the state," the Mayor concluded.
Syracuse Mayor Bernardi said, "'Our state's economy is only as strong as the collective economies of our urban centers. Revenue Sharing Aid is the most direct and effective means for the state to support local efforts to strengthen our urban centers. Real investment by the state in our cities will send an important message to businesses across New York, the United States and the world. The recommendations of this Commission, along with the Legislature's response to the recommendations will go a long way in determining the future of our cities."
Rochester Mayor Johnson said, "The sustainability of New York as a viable economic force depends upon the state's level of investment in our cities. In addition to Revenue Sharing, the state has to initiate a 'Smart Growth' policy to curtail sprawl. Public funds have already been invested in our urban centers and we need to utilize that resource. New York cannot be the Empire State if our cities do not prosper."
Edward C. Farrell, NYCOM Executive Director, said, "The Revenue Sharing Commission has already released figures showing that Revenue Sharing is currently funded at an amount $2.3 billion less than required by statute. New York City alone is receiving $1.3 billion less than dictated by Section 54 of the State Finance Law. We urge the Revenue Sharing Commission to recommend, and for the Governor and the State Legislature to enact, a Revenue Sharing program that begins to address the continual underfunding of municipal aid."