cruitment of special education teachers, in-service education of special education teachers, transition of children from special education classes into the regular education program and for the provision of educational related support services, pursuant to a chapter of the laws of 1985 ....... 5,000,000" This appropriation, to which I object and do not approve, is made subject to legislation which has not yet been introduced. It is inappropriate to provide funding for a program for which the specific parameters are unknown. Therefore, I am disapproving this appropriation to ensure that subsequent legislation to establish special education initiatives noted herein will be developed consistent with funds specifically reserved therefore. The sum of $5 million has been reflected in the 1985-86 State Financial Plan for this purpose with the understanding that a like appropriation will be attached to the referenced special education legislation. Bill Page 98, line 7 through line 11, beginning with "Five" through "women.", inclusive NOT APPROVED DIVISION OF ALCOHOLISM AND ALCOHOL ABUSE "Five percent or so much as is necessary of alcohol abuse, drug abuse and mental health block grant funds contained herein shall be utilized in accordance with federal law with respect to alcohol programs for women." This language, to which I object and do not approve, unnecessarily reiterates one of many federal block grant mandates which the State is required to satisfy. In addition to being redundant, the language could also be confusing by singling out this one grant condition. Bill Page 104, line 53 through line 55, and Bill Page 105, line 2 through line 3, beginning with the word "Five" through "women. ", inclusive NOT APPROVED DIVISION OF SUBSTANCE ABUSE SERVICES "Five percent or so much as is necessary of alcohol abuse, drug abuse, and mental health block grant funds contained herein shall be utilized in accordance with federal law with respect to substance abuse programs for women. " This language, to which I object and do not approve, similarly reiterates one of many federal block grant mandates which the State is required to satisfy. In addition to being redundant, the language could also be confusing by singling out this one grant condition. Bill Page 150, line 15, inclusive NOT APPROVED DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION MASS TRANSPORTATION OPERATING ASSISTANCE "For the period April 1, 1985 December 31, 1985" Bill Page 150, line 42 through line 50, and Bill Page 151, line 2 through line 47, beginning with "Notwithstanding" through "chapter.", inclusive NOT APPROVED 1986 "Notwithstanding any other provision of the law to the con- section. On or before October fifteenth, nineteen hundred eighty- in (b) the number of personnel and funding requested for each program and necessary funding within each operation cluding full time employees and temporary service; (c) amounts for other than personal service within each program including, but not limited to, separate items of expenditure for fringe benefits, supplies and materials, contractual services, judgements and claims, power and fuel; and (d) any other information the director of the budget shall determine is necessary to evaluate the expenditures of the operations. The director of the budget shall submit to the chairman of ac No part of this appropriation shall be construed to limit The language added by the Legislature, to which I object and do not approve, requires the Director of the Division of the Budget to evaluate the operating budgets of the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) and its affiliates and subsidiaries and report his analysis to the legislative fiscal committees, and mandates use of this analysis in recommending a level of aid to the authority. In addition to being vague and ambiguous, the new provisions constitute an inappropriate intrusion into the privileged relationship between the Executive and his chief appointed fiscal officer on matters involving State policy and finance. The new language also requires the Budget Director to establish the maximum amount that the authority can spend on its administrative budget, thereby substituting the decision of the Budget Director for that of the MTA Board. This appears to conflict with the statutory powers of authority to appoint such officers and employees as it may require for the performance of its duties and may also raise questions concerning impairment of the authority's bond covenenants. This language would not effect meaningful accountability and contains serious defects that require its disapproval. Bill Page 172, line 45 through line 47, inclusive NOT APPROVED HIGHER EDUCATION "For special contractual services for medical affiliation services by Erie County Medical center 5,000,000" This appropriation, to which I object and do not approve, duplicates funding provided under the State Operations Budget through the Department of Health which is the more appropriate source of funds for purposes of assistance to the Erie County Medical Center. |