The Department of State (DOS) is responsible for programs relating to services to local governments and community based organizations, including paid and volunteer fire companies, public safety, land use planning, business and government relations, consumer protection and business support, administration and management.

This agency is located in the Public Protection and General Government appropriation bill.

The Executive recommends an All Funds appropriation of $157,218,000, a net decrease of $37,852,135 from State Fiscal Year (SFY) 2002-03.

State Operations

The Governor proposes a General Fund appropriation of $14,307,000, a net increase of $213,000 from SFY 2002-03.

The Executive recommends a transfer of $2,000,000 for the cost associated with Indian Gaming Compacts from the Agency to General State Charges.

The Executive recommends an appropriation of $1,073,000 for services and expenses associated with the Campus Fire Safety Program.

The Governor proposes a decrease of $860,000 for the elimination of funded vacancies and attrition of 10 Full Time Equivalent (FTE) positions.

The Governor proposes a Special Revenue Other appropriation of $52,561,000, a net increase of $15,760,000 or 10.1 percent from SFY 2002-03 which includes:

• a decrease of $2,482,000 for Business and Licensing Services, which reflects the excess appropriation corresponding to the proposed fee increases which were denied in SFY 2002-03;

• an increase of $18,300,000 for the transfer of 300 FTE positions in the Office of Professions from the State Education Department to the Department of State. This appropriation represents a transfer of positions effective October 1, 2003;

• a decrease of $5,000 for the New York State Fire Academy;

• a decrease of $73,000 for the Lake George Park Commission, which reflects a reduction in personal service as a result of declining temporary service needs;

• an increase of $20,000 for the Tug Hill Commission, as a result of new funding streams identified by the Commission; and

• an increase of $1,180,000 for an insurance suballocation for the Campus Fire Safety Program, the New York Fire Academy and the Capital District Urban Search and Rescue Team.

Aid To Localities

The Executive recommends an Aid to Localities appropriation of $79,170,000, a net decrease of $53,860,135 or 40.49 percent from SFY 2002-03.

The Executive proposes a Special Revenue Federal decrease of $18,500,000 for the Community Services Block Grant, which will be used for allocations to community action agencies and other eligible entities.

The Governor recommends an increase of $1,270,000 for the Quality Communities Program and Downtown Revitalization Projects in Albany, Binghamton, East New York, Hempstead, Jamestown, Schodack, Lockport, Mt. Vernon, Plattsburgh, Rome, Rouses Point, and Watertown.

The Governor proposes a Special Revenue Other appropriation of $5,000,000 for the Local Wireless Public Safety Answering Point Program for eligible wireless 911 service costs. An additional $5,000,000 appropriation is provided for eligible services including financing and acquisition costs. There is a total decrease of $5,000,000 from SFY 2002-03.

The Executive recommends $4,100,000 in appropriation authority for the Emergency Services Revolving Loan Fund Program, the same amount as SFY 2002-03.

The Governor proposes the elimination of $26,630,135 in funding for the Community Projects Fund.

Article VII

The Governor proposes legislation to permanently authorize the Department of State to continue to offer expedited services and receive payment via credit cards.