Cuomo makes modifications to proposed budget

Motor-fuel regulations made up many of the economic changes in a series of 30-day amendments New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo released for his proposed executive budget on Feb. 21.

Cuomo broached changing the FARM Highway Use Tax bill to exempt more fuel from the highway-use tax. With the modifications, fuel used in vehicles operated by a farmer, a farmer’s family member, or someone with a close business relationship to a farmer would be exempt from the tax. Only fuel used in farm vehicles owned and operated by farmers is currently exempt.

The governor also called for tweaking the highway diesel motor-fuel tax. That tax is currently collected up front, leaving fuel distributors to apply for refunds after they sell diesel fuel for tax-exempt purposes. Cuomo’s proposed change calls for ending the up-front collection, instead shifting collection to the time of the end sale. The governor’s office said that would benefit fuel distributors.

Another change stems from Superstorm Sandy. Cuomo wants to require gas stations in “strategic locations” to put plans in place to deploy generators in emergencies. The generators would have to be in place within 24 hours of a power loss. New York would offer $21 million in grants to cover related costs from installing transfer switches.

Other changes to the proposed budget include requiring bidders for casinos to negotiate “labor peace agreements” before submitting their bids. And, the governor wants to accelerate Medicaid Redesign Team initiatives to save $180 million in the Medicaid program.

The state must adopt its budget for the 2013-2014 fiscal year by April 1.

Contact Seltzer at rseltzer@cnybj.com