Jan 19, 2005 — Governor Pataki released his spending plan for the coming year yesterday. His proposed budget attempts to take a bite out of the deficits dogging the state since September 11th, 2001. Pataki's proposal will close a $4.2 billion shortfall in the fiscal year beginning April 1st. He predicts the following two years will have deficits of almost $3 billion each. As Karen DeWitt reports, reining in the costs of health care tops the Governor's list of priorities.  Go to full article

Jan 19, 2005 — Pataki is also proposing a tax hike levied on hospitals and nursing homes. According to the Glens Falls Post Star, the Glens Falls hospital could pay as much as $1.4 million more under the proposal. The legislature rejected a similar tax hike plan pushed by the Governor last year. Brian Mann spoke with State Senator Betty Little, a Republican from Queensbury.  Go to full article

Jan 19, 2005 — David Sommerstein talks with Albany correspondent Karen DeWitt about reaction to Governor Pataki's budget address yesterday, and what the prospects are for the first on-time state budget in 20 years.  Go to full article

Jan 18, 2005 — The New York State Senate is still working on reforming the rules of its house. The Republican majority and Democratic minority are trying to reach a joint solution, after Democrats had initially complained that Republicans had excluded them. In the Assembly, reform actions have been much more harmonious. The Democrats, who lead that house, and the minority party Republicans voted on a number of rules changes designed to open up the process. Karen DeWitt reports.  Go to full article

Jan 18, 2005 — Republican Governor George Pataki releases his state budget today. The Governor faces big challenges, including a $4 billion deficit, rising Medicaid costs, and a court order to reform school aid in New York City. He's also proposing some new ides, including a new tax credit program he says will help low income, unmarried fathers support their children. Karen DeWitt reports.  Go to full article

Jan 17, 2005 — Governor Pataki releases his new state budget Tuesday, amid signs that the state's fiscal problems may not be quite as dire as predicted. But the Governor still must solve a number of expensive state issues. Karen DeWitt reports.  Go to full article

Jan 14, 2005 — SUNY Chancellor Robert King, who made the surprise announcement earlier this week that he wanted a six month paid sabbatical, has now abruptly withdrawn the request. Karen DeWitt reports.  Go to full article

Jan 13, 2005 — The leader of the State Senate is warning that there will be another record late state budget if the legislature and the Governor don't agree to reforms soon. Karen DeWitt reports.  Go to full article

Jan 07, 2005 — Governor Pataki's state of the state address included a long list of new initiatives and proposals. The Governor didn't address a looming 6-billion dollar budget deficit. State senator Betty Little, a Republican from Queensbury who represents the Champlain Valley and much of the Adirondacks, says she likes many of the ideas unveiled on Wednesday. But Little says she wants to see a spending plan that adds up. She spoke this week with Brian Mann.  Go to full article

Jan 07, 2005 — The head of the State University of New York system yesterday proposed a new levying of tuition increases. Martha Foley reports.  Go to full article