Think tank lists ideas for big NY budget savings

ALBANY -- Canceling millions of dollars in unused pork-barrel spending and freezing teacher salaries are among the steps that a fiscally conservative think tank says could save New York $30 billion over three years.

A new report from the Empire Center for New York State Policy lists specific -- and often politically dicey -- proposals to lift the state from its fiscal crisis and multibillion dollar deficits.

The report proposes selling state-owned golf courses and ski resorts as well as its off-track betting agencies.

Some of the initiatives would hit public workers. The center proposes a wage freeze for teachers and state workers, and caps on school aid and Medicaid spending.

There was no immediate comment from the governor or legislative leaders.

------

On the Net:

www.empirecenter.org 

(Copyright 2010 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)