New York budget deficit: why state plumbers earn more than governor

Before the crisis The COVID-19 government of New York faced the largest budget deficit in a decade. Now that tax revenues are declining, the region’s deeper financial problems are being exposed. This publication writes Forbes. Photo: Shutterstock

Since the outbreak of the pandemic, New York’s budget deficit has grown from $ 6 to $ 13 billion. But financial difficulties did not prevent 290 304 civil servants from bringing home a six-figure salary and even more. Nearly 20 high-paying city and state employees earned more than Governor Andrew Cuomo, whose salary is $ 178.

Auditors at OpentheBooks.com found that plumbers in New York earn $ 285 a year; police officers at the Port Authority of New York - New Jersey - $ 000; Superintendents of the Long Island School - $ 423; The college professor, at the age of 467, resigned after receiving a pension of $ 547.

So it is perhaps not surprising that the New York General Assembly raised its own salary and by 2021 will become the highest paid state legislature with a salary of $ 130.

Using interactive map, using the ZIP code, you can see information about 290 New York civil servants, including those who retired, who earned more than $ 304 and cost taxpayers $ 100 billion (fiscal years 000-38).

Audit of New York State's Largest Payment and Pension Systems

Port Authority of New York - New Jersey (4 employees with salaries over $ 830). Among them, 183 law enforcement officers who earned from $ 250 to $ 000 last year, sergeants with a salary of $ 423; lieutenants - at $ 467; and police at $ 423. Three maintenance managers earned between $ 467 and $ 374.

A spokeswoman explained the jump in wages by the fact that during the construction of the airport, the need for “traffic regulation” increased. However, the publication conducted joint investigations with the Manhattan Institute and the New York Post, and proved the existence of systemic problems with salaries and pensions at this agency for many years.

Schools (67) - The highest pension found at the former principal of the Queens primary school, Anne Bassel ($ 535). Superintendent Anna Hunderfand from the Locust Valley earned $ 385; Superintendent's salaries outside of New York were as follows: Michael King earned $ 385 in Rocky Point Union Free; Louis Zelenets - $ 806 at Central Islip Union Free; Louis Wool - $ 547 at Harrison Central.

New York Statewide (98) 302 state police officers earned more than the governor. Their salaries amounted to $ 252. 921 pensioners ($ 802) also earned more than Cuomo.

In cities, towns, and villages outside of New York City, there were 11 six-figure workers. Among the highly paid municipal employees were Frederick Parent (Clarkstown - $ 184); James Moran (Kings Point - $ 389); Gregory Muller (Lloyd Harbor - $ 284); Thomas Cockley (Ramapo - $ 335) and Thomas Prendergast (Clarkstown - $ 467).

Clarkstown's financial manager pointed to recent reforms. He claims that Parent and Prendergast officers had extenuating circumstances. However, it was discovered that 25 Clarkstown employees earned more than $ 232 in 821, which is the last year available for review.

Ramapo, in Auckland County, admitted in response that Cokeley cashed out a large number of benefits before retiring. In 2018, 10 employees earned more than $ 233.

New York (114). Only in New York can school cleaners outrun income directors. During the study, 40 trainee engineers were discovered, earning between $ 154 and $ 000, while 256 directors received less than $ 000.

In 2019, the city spent all of its income tax and more on employees ($ 14,5 billion). Overtime costs amounted to $ 1,8 billion, which allowed 36 plumbers to earn from $ 200 to $ 285 thousand.

Mayor Bill de Blasio paid 184 staff members of his office more than $ 100 thousand. Among the highest paid are the first deputy dean, Fuleikhan ($ 282), spokeswoman Wiley Norwell ($ 659) and even the chef at Gracie Mansion ($ 184).

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A total of $ 38 billion in cash compensation went to local employees and state employees throughout New York who earned six-figure amounts. True, the auditors did not take into account the cost of compensation. They also did not account for labor costs for at least 12 federal employees, which is more than $ 373 in executive agencies located in New York.

Members of the general assembly

New York lawmakers should be the highest paid state assembly in the country. Members voted to raise their own salaries from $ 79 in 500 to $ 2019 in 110 and $ 000 in 2020.

There are also members who are elected, resigned, and then re-elected. For example, in 2011, David Gant resigned from the General Assembly, applied for a pension of $ 72, and was re-elected. Today, Gantt's salary is $ 455. Total: $ 110.

Private associations and nonprofits included in the state pension plan

Private associations and non-profit organizations staged gambling in the state pension system for personal enrichment. These associations are organized as non-profit, but funded by taxpayers.

Among the leaders with very high salaries are Stephen Aquario (Association of New York County, $ 258), Timothy Kremer (Association of School Boards of New York, $ 743 258) and Gerald Geist (Association of New York Cities, $ 259 210).

Very high-income locals

Long Island Central Islip Union Free School, also known as Central Islip Public Schools, paid nine out of ten top-paying teachers on a statewide salary that ranged from $ 444 to $ 332.

In addition, 50 retired educators across the state received pensions in excess of $ 200. The top five earners were James Feltman (Commack Union Free - $ 000), Sheldon Carnilow (Half Hollow Hills Central, $ 327), Carol Hankin ( Syosset Central, $ 006), James Hunderfand (Commack Union Free - $ 323) and Thomas Shea (Commack Union Free, $ 442).

Before the COVID-19 crisis, the New York State government was faced with the largest budget deficit in a decade. Now that tax revenues are declining, even deeper financial problems are being exposed.

In his daily press conferences, Cuomo says New York is busted. The governor is asking Congress to save $ 60 billion from coronavirus over the next three years.

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said she would be happy to help. She recently helped pass the HEROES bill in the House, which will provide $ 500 billion in state aid. However, US Senate leader Mitch McConnell said this would not happen.

Today, New York, like many other states with excessively high labor costs and retirement costs, intends to rely on the help of American taxpayers to cope with their financial problems.