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Capital Pork: How State Politicians Divvy Up Billions for Favored Capital Projects
Publication Date: March 2006
Publisher(s): Center for Governmental Research Inc.
Author(s): Kent Gardner; Erika Rosenberg
Funder(s): Gleason Foundation
Funder(s): Gleason Foundation
Topic: Banking and finance (Public finance)
Politics (Political ethics)
Keywords: Government Management
Type: Report
Coverage: New York
Abstract:
CGR analyzed the $1.7 billion in grants (all borrowed funds) handed out since 1997 by New York State legislators for “capital” projects. This first-ever geographic analysis found stark differences in benefits for regions and interest groups; secret agreements among top state leaders; fewer checks on spending than other states; and added debt for New York, which at the time of the report was the nation's second most-indebted state. CGR's overall recommendation is to “let the sun shine on this process.”