,Capital Pork: How State Politicians Divvy Up Billions for Favored Capital Projects

Capital Pork: How State Politicians Divvy Up Billions for Favored Capital Projects


 

Publication Date: March 2006

Publisher: Center for Governmental Research Inc.

Author(s): Kent Gardner; Erika Rosenberg

Research Area: Banking and finance; Politics

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.”