Local Economist Forecasts 2010 Growth in TC Economy
Although the local economy did not have a strong start out of the gate in 2010, one local economist is predicting a strong finish.
Elia Kacapyr, Ithaca College Economics Department Chair, says economic activity in Tompkins County dropped by 1.28% in January. The loss of 300 jobs and a decline in retail sales contributed to the decline.
But Kacapyr is predicting better things to come, with overall economic activity increasing by 2% by year’s end. He forecasts Tompkins County will gain about 500 jobs this year, and says the local housing market appears to be on the rebound. Local realtors sold 74 homes in January – a more than 10% increase over the previous month.
Ithaca Alderwoman Maria Coles says laying off city workers to raise the salaries of some CSEA employees is “not a good equation," but admits every option is being examined as city officials meet with union reps.
The New York Legislature's "extraordinary session" to finally pass the late state budget Wednesday night was anything but extraordinary, with nine senators not showing up and no agreements on which to vote.
Test scores on New York State’s English and Math assessments for students in grades 3 to 8 dropped this year as a result of changes to the formula used to determine proficiency levels.
Federal regulators say corroded steel supports and inadequate maintenance led to the collapse of a loading bin that killed one worker and injured another at the Cargill Salt mine in Lansing last year.
