Senator Squadron Proposes Cost-Savings SLA Technology Upgrade in DRP

New Technology Will Spur Long-Term Savings and Efficiency

Squadron: 21st Century SLA Will Better Serve Communities and Small Businesses

New York, NY – State Senator Daniel Squadron announced today his proposal to reallocate $369,000 in State Liquor Authority (SLA) funding to allow the agency to jumpstart a critical technology upgrade, resulting in significant cost savings and revenue increases for the state, increased transparency, and streamlined processing for liquor license applications.

If approved, the funding will help provide the SLA with an e-licensing system, decreasing the time required to approve a license and eliminating the SLA’s now-notorious backlog of applications. It will also create a state-of-the-art website, enabling New Yorkers to be better informed and more engaged in SLA issues affecting their communities.

Senator Squadron said, “Funding the SLA’s technology upgrade is a common-sense investment that will result in a huge payoff. The Deficit Reduction Plan isn’t just about making one-time cuts; it’s also about making smart adjustments that will boost the long-term health of New York’s economy, and bring us closer to the goal of an effective and efficient state government.”

Senator Squadron’s proposal  repurposes some existing money from the Non Personal Service portion of the 2009-2010 Alcoholic Beverage Control budget for these much-needed infrastructure upgrades. The proposal will lead to greater savings through fiscal year 2010-2011 than either a proposed one-time cut to the SLA budget or a continuation of the current budget.