County Executive Testimony Transcript

New York State Commission on Local Government Efficiency and Competitiveness

Michael G. Breslin, Albany County Executive
June 13, 2007

Thank you, members of the Commission on Local Government Efficiency and Competitiveness, for the opportunity to speak to you today.

In 2004, New York State had the highest overall state and local tax burden in the country and our local property taxes were the fourth highest.  Local governments are pressed now more than ever to deliver quality services to our residents as the costs of education, health care and other public needs spiral upward.  At the same time municipalities face more and more expensive mandates from State and Federal governments.  Pension and employee health insurance costs continue to grow.…

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