All the while, Bruno will be calling for spending restraints to make sure the state's debt load and future budget gaps are under control. At the same time, Silver wants Pataki's Empire State Development Corp. to reduce its emphasis on state grants and tax breaks for expanding businesses and will push for a focus on promoting high-tech firms. Silver wants the state to build job training programs while letting the Legislature help set energy policy to reduce power costs and take some control away from the Public Service Commission. The key initiatives of Bruno and Silver are in many ways alike, but the approach to the goals differ. He will seek a job training program initiative.
Silver wants to add tax cuts that are specifically linked to stimulating jobs being a priority.
Energy costs must be cut to attract and retain jobs, Silver says. But the Assembly will seek a plan that insists on 25 percent decreases in power costs and more control of deregulation by the Legislature. The Senate is more in line with letting Pataki control deregulation and asserts that a good way to cut energy costs is by cutting the gross receipts tax on power suppliers. Bruno is high on the Jobs Now program used by Pataki that offers tax breaks, grants and loans to businesses. Bruno plans to find ways to improve the aid formulas for spending on schools and the Senate may be interested in finding ways to provide building aid without forcing districts to borrow, saving financing costs.