State, Department of
skip breadcrumbsAgency Web Site: http://www.dos.ny.gov/
Mission
Established in 1788, the Department of State (DOS) is the State’s oldest agency. Historically serving as the State’s general recording officer and custodian of the State’s “Great Seal”, the Department’s mission encompasses a broad range of activities that coordinate programs with, and provide services to, local governments and businesses. The Department supports public safety through the administration of building and energy code programs; administers programs for community development and local government service activities; and supports businesses through various licensing and registration activities.
Budget Highlights
The Executive Budget recommends $135.0 million for the Department. This is a decrease of $4.7 million from the 2011-12 budget. The decrease primarily reflects the elimination of previous year Federal appropriations for Great Lakes activities offset by increased State Operations spending for new initiatives such as domestic violence victims mail processing and E-Licensing.
The Executive Budget recommends a workforce of 620 FTEs for the Department, an increase of 22 FTEs from the 2011-12 budget. The increase primarily reflects the hiring of staff associated with the E-licensing enterprise initiative, the Office for New Americans, and legislation for the processing of mail for domestic violence victims.
Major budget actions include:
- Domestic violence victims mail processing initiative. The Department will add 5 staff to implement the provisions of Chapter 502 of the Laws of 2011 which allows victims of domestic violence to file an application with the Department of State (DOS) to designate the Secretary of State as their agent for service of process and to require the Secretary to receive and forward mail to confidential addresses.
- The Office for New Americans. Six staff are transferred from the Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance (OTDA) to support a new effort to assist new Americans to participate in New York State civic and economic life. The Office aims to expand English language education opportunities; promote U.S. citizenship and civic involvement and expand opportunities for new American business owners.
- E-licensing enterprise initiative: The Department will add 10 staff to begin implementation of the initial stages of an E-licensing system which aims to provide consumers with simplified and efficient access to DOS' occupational license programs.
| Category | Available 2011-12 |
Appropriations Recommended 2012-13 |
Change From 2011-12 |
Reappropriations Recommended 2012-13 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| State Operations | 69,101,539 | 69,700,828 | 599,289 | 25,530,000 |
| Aid To Localities | 70,583,000 | 65,277,000 | (5,306,000) | 110,728,000 |
| Capital Projects | 0 | 0 | 0 | 4,904,000 |
| Total | 139,684,539 | 134,977,828 | (4,706,711) | 141,162,000 |
| Program | 2011-12 Estimated FTEs 03/31/12 |
2012-13 Estimated FTEs 03/31/13 |
FTE Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Administration | |||
| General Fund | 80 | 85 | 5 |
| Authority Budget Office | |||
| Special Revenue Funds - Other | 11 | 12 | 1 |
| Consumer Protection Program | |||
| Special Revenue Funds - Other | 9 | 9 | 0 |
| Lake George Park Commission | |||
| Special Revenue Funds - Other | 9 | 9 | 0 |
| Licensing Services | |||
| Special Revenue Funds - Other | 284 | 294 | 10 |
| Local Government and Community Services | |||
| General Fund | 60 | 60 | 0 |
| Special Revenue Funds - Federal | 50 | 50 | 0 |
| Special Revenue Funds - Other | 80 | 80 | 0 |
| Office for New Americans | |||
| General Fund | 0 | 6 | 6 |
| Tug Hill Commission | |||
| General Fund | 15 | 15 | 0 |
| Total | 598 | 620 | 22 |
Note: Most recent estimates as of 1/17/2012