January 2025

The federal budget is a critical tool for governing the United States, outlining how taxpayer money is allocated to support a variety of government functions. However, with the national debt exceeding $30 trillion and annual budget deficits often surpassing a trillion dollars, the need for cuts has become increasingly urgent. Despite this, slashing the federal budget is notoriously difficult. The multiple factors contribute to the resistance against cutting government spending are political pressures, societal needs, legal constraints and economic concerns just to name a few.

ALBANY—As a number of prospective casino projects in the downstate region wind their way through the municipal approval process as they prepare to file formal applications with the state later this year, the New York State Gaming Commission reported it had unanimously appointed Marion Phillips, III, and Greg Reimers as members of the New York Gaming Facility Location Board, which is overseeing the commercial casino siting process in the New York Metro region.

WASHINGTON—The U.S. Senate voted 77-22 Tuesday to confirm Sean Duffy to head the Department of Transportation. Democrats who previously expressed support for Mr. Duffy voted against him Tuesday in protest of President Donald Trump’s freeze on federal grants and loans, Sen. Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) told CNN.

WHITE PLAINS, NY–A newly released report on the new multifamily housing development boom and its impacts on communities in Westchester County refutes the long-standing premise that new housing development will result in large increases in student enrollment, resulting in higher school tax burdens for local taxpayers.

NEW YORK—The MTA Capital Plan for 2025-2029 will generate $106 billion in economic activity and more than 70,000 jobs statewide, according to a new analysis commissioned by the Partnership for New York City.

The report—which was released at the annual meeting of the New York Building Congress on Jan. 23 that was attended by more than 500 construction industry and union leaders—describes the impact of the MTA’s proposed capital investment if the plan is approved and fully funded during budget negotiations between the governor and the state Legislature.

Low bid news

–  NYSDOT Welcomes In 2025 With 10 Bid Awards in H.V. / NYC
–  Joe Lombardo, Mace, Moy, Wind River Land DPW Jobs

Following the failed attempts in federal courts by New Jersey to stop New York’s congestion pricing program, Gov. Phil Murphy is now appealing to the White House to kill the plan.

New legislation with bipartisan support in the Congress was introduced on Jan. 23 that would eliminate the SALT Cap marriage penalty. At a press conference yesterday, local, county and national elected officials introduced the SALT Marriage Penalty Elimination Act, which, if enacted, would remove a penalty imposed on married individuals in the current tax code, doubling the cap for joint filers.

NEW YORK—The Gateway Development Commission announced it had appointed Thomas “Tom” Prendergast as Chief Executive Officer (CEO). The announcement was made following its Board meeting on Jan. 16.

Mr. Prendergast brings significant experience managing large rail infrastructure to the role, including serving as president, chairman and CEO of the Metropolitan Transportation Authority; president of the Long Island Rail Road; and CEO of the South Coast British Columbia Transportation Authority (TransLink).

Low bid news

El Sol Contracting, Roadwork Ahead,
DeAngelo Win NYSDOT Contract Work