New York State Government

By Robert B. Ward

Book Overview

An expanded and updated edition of the 2002 book that has become required reading for policymakers, students, and active citizens.

Robert B. Ward's New York State Government has been expanded and updated to provide a more thorough grounding in the state Constitution, the three branches of government in Albany, and the broad scope of state activities and services. Accessibly written, this book sheds new light on why and how New York State government changes over time in response to motivated leaders and the will of the people. The second edition includes new analyses of the following issues: the balance of budget powers between the Governor and the Legislature; state education funding in light of the Campaign for Fiscal Equity court cases; government reform issues in the state; and the often contentious relationship between Albany and local governments throughout the state.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1930912161
• ISBN13: 9781930912168
• Release Date: November 2006
• Publisher: Distribution Partners
• Length: 631 Pages
• Weight: 2.10 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.4" x 6.0" x 9.0"
• Grade Range: Postsecondary and higher

Customer Reviews

Must Read For Every New Yorker

If every New Yorker read this book, an angry mob might descend upon Albany armed with pitch forks and torches. The first thing you will notice about this book is THE SIZE. It is enormous. Why on earth do we need a book so large to explain how the state government works? Well, it's because the state government doesn't really work that well and the author painstakingly goes through all agencies and countless processes to help the reader fully grasp the extent of the state's tangled web. Ward accomplishes the near impossible in this book by breaking the state government into digestible chunks. He explains the budget process and who really has the power. He explains how entitlements work. And he fills the 600+ pages with such straight forward reportage, that you don't sense a political bias in the writing. If you want to know how the State of New York operates, this book in indispensable. I truly hope Mr. Ward focuses his next work on the Beltway.

Not your ordinary read

New York State Government: What it does, How it worksBy Robert B. WardPublisher: Rockefeller Institute Press, Albany, New York 12203-1003, 2002 Robert Ward, who has been involved in New York State government for over 20 years, gives us a great road map to what has happened in the Empire State politically and substantively in his book New York State Government: What it does and How it works. This readable, one volume work gives a great overview of the structure, purpose and implementation of New York's large government on both a legislative, judicial and administrative level. It is a nice review for those involved in government and a good beginning for those who seek to be in or who are new to government. Directors of associations directly impacted by government, new legislators and regulators and public policy students will find this a useful start in learning the somewhat complex way in which the Empire State operates and carries out its government mission.As Ward points out, it is the administrative governmental structure, which has grown significantly since the 1970's, that carries out the nuts and bolts of New York State Government. Ward's premise that "the power of an agency executive with a vision, personal drive and the support of elected leadership can make an enormous impact on state government" is carried out in his summary of changes in the Department of Motor Vehicles. A State agency most New Yorker's must visit during their lives, Ward, on page 285 of his book, shows how the "bureaucratic ineptitude" of the way in which licenses and motor vehicle registrations were issued was changed by Governor Cuomo's Department of Motor Vehicles Commissioner, Patricia Adduci. The involvement of employees as well as customers combined with focused "executive support" lead to greatly reduced lines and improved customer service at the Department. In a more micro way, this example highlights how committed attention and creative thought can change the way the State administers its programs. This portion of the book also highlights how the Pataki administration continued these reforms through the implementation of several technology-based improvements. These efforts, at a minimum, have resulted in less waiting time at the DMV, and, in a broader context, prove how effective leadership and commitment can garner positive change in a administratively detailed government structure. In the end, Ward's book posits, what is the role of state governments? A great question in a time when state government decision-making is beginning to dissipate. As Ward points out, the federal government's role in a traditionally state issue--- insurance--- has become more pronounced with the repeal of Glass-Stegal. The federal government's involvement in the lowering the drinking age and education are significant signs in the reduced role, based on the significant financial needs of state government, states will play in policy making and control of their agend

New York State Government: An owner's manual

This should be required reading for anyone who lives in, does business with or reports on New York State government. Ward combines a bird's-eye view, honed through years of thoughtful observation, with an intellectual appreciation for the nuances of politics and policy. Many have criticized -- with considerable justification -- the rat's nest of rules, regulations, traditions, politics and georgraphic considerations that so determine what happens and doesn't happen in New York. But few have taken the time to understand that there is indeed a method to this madness. Ward is among those very few, and his book is both insightful and practical.