Governor Cuomo has embarked on a sweeping attempt
to expand his executive authority to wield broader power
over public heath care, financial institutions and criminal
rights.
The Governors's proposals and budgetary tactics aim to
diminish the role of lawmakers and state oversight boards
in setting policy. The Governor is proposing significant
steps aimed at imposing order and accountability on what
he describes as a"ruderless bureaucracy". He is striving
for a more intelligent way of dealing with a Legislature
under the influence of special interest groups that has
smothered the agendas of governors before him. He is
also striving to make state government focus on efficiency
and performance.
Under Governor Cuomo's budget, the governor would have
more control over how much Medicaid pays hospitals,
nursing homes and doctors and which optional services are
offered by the $53 billion government insurance program.
The Governor has asked for a special policy panel to suggest
cuts, but the panel's recommendations aren't binding.
The Cuomo administration would be able to authorize
investigations into financial fraud and collect substantial
restitution and damages and penalties from investment
banks, hedge funds and consumer-product makers. His
plans for a new Department of Financial Regulation would
abolish the State Banking Board, which includes banking
representatives, allowing his administration to determine
capital requirements of state-chartered banks and set
rules on other banking practices.
The Cuomo administration is clearly attempting to take
charge and accountability for the proposed new Budget.
Sheila McKinney
