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STATE FUNDING EQUITY

Summer 2000 (v4#2)
State Witnesses: What Your Taxes are Paying For!

Among their other testimony, the state’s experts–many of whom testify frequently in school finance and desegregation cases nationwide–have acknowledged that they are being paid large sums of New York State taxpayers’ money for their work on CFE v. State of New York.

Dr. Christine Rossell, for instance, stated that she has been paid $120,000 for her testimony and preparation, while Dr. Herbert Walberg has billed $138,000. Dr. David Armor–who said that he earns the bulk of his living testifying in court cases–has billed the state for at least $160,000. The state also brought in Robert O’Toole, a facilities expert from Tucson, Arizona, to testify about the state of New York City’s school buildings; he and his consulting firm have been paid over $200,000 for their services in the case.

The New York State Attorney General’s Office has also retained outside counsel–the Atlanta-based firm of Sutherland, Asbill & Brennan–to assist with the case. According to public records, Sutherland, Asbill & Brennan has already billed the state of New York for well over $5 million.

"The state’s priorities seem clear," said Michael Rebell, CFE’s executive director and counsel. "Defend the status quo. At least that’s what they’re putting taxpayers’ money into."

By contrast, Mr. Rebell noted, most expert witnesses for CFE have been paid in the range of $5,000 - $6,000 for their testimony and preparation. A number of CFE’s experts have waived payment altogether.

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