Assemblymember Harry B. Bronson (D-Rochester/Chili/Henrietta) announced the Assembly passed legislation he authored that would reform the way the state handles the hiring of outside consultants (A.2499A). This legislation would require agencies to conduct a cost comparison between state agencies and outside consultants before entering into a contract for consulting services of more than $750,000, to determine which group would make the most financial sense for the state of New York.

“Taxpayers have called on the State to find cost efficiencies and reign in State spending,” said Assemblymember Bronson. “There is no reason that we should be spending more for outside consultant services when we have professional state employees that are capable of performing the same duties at a much lower cost to the state.”

“The State spends billions of dollars on outside consultants each and every year. By some estimates, the state spends 32% more on state contracts for personal services today than it did a decade ago, and the cost of services provided by consultants is significantly higher than services provided by the state employees. By requiring the state to look at alternative options before entering into these contracts, this legislation will result in considerable savings to the taxpayers,” added Assemblymember Bronson.

“It’s imperative that we have a system in place that makes fiscal sense,” said Assemblymember Bronson. “This legislation will provide mandate relief in a sensible manner and make certain our taxpayer dollars are used wisely. This will improve the function of governmental projects and will make government more responsive to its citizens.”