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

Jan 07, 2005 — In his State of the State message, Governor George Pataki listed a seven-point plan to reform some of the dysfunction in Albany. At a rally attended by a diverse array of groups from around the state yesterday, participants say they hope the Governor actually meant what he said. Karen DeWitt reports.  Go to full article

Jan 05, 2005 — Governor George Pataki delivers his 11th State of the State message today at 1pm. The Governor begins the new year facing a number of challenges, including a $6 billion budget deficit and increasing speculation of what his future plans may be. Karen DeWitt reports.  Go to full article

Jan 04, 2005 — New York's legislative session gets under way this week, and reform groups have put Governor George Pataki and the legislature on notice. They say they'll be watching to make sure lawmakers follow through on campaign promises to change their ways. Karen DeWitt reports.  Go to full article

Jan 04, 2005 — Among the top issues on Governor Pataki's agenda in 2005 will be forging ahead on building native-owned casinos in the Catskills. The Governor says the gaming resorts will help resolve decades-old tribal land claims in New York and generate revenue to plug the wide budget gap. A new statewide coalition, including a North Country group, wants to stop the spread of all kinds of gambling in New York. As David Sommerstein reports, the groups will start by lobbying on the legislature's first day back in session.  Go to full article

Dec 21, 2004 — 2005 will be the year the controversial debate over electronic voting machines comes to New York. Under the federal Help America Vote Act, New York has to replace its old lever-action voting machines in time for the 2006 elections. New York is expected to receive $100 million to help buy the new machines. Companies that make them are spending lots of money to get noticed in Albany. According to a report released yesterday by Common Cause New York, voting machine vendors spent more than $850,000 lobbying on bills pending in the state legislature. David Sommerstein spoke with Rachel Leon, Common Cause New York's executive director. She says among the top spenders are nationally-known companies.  Go to full article

Dec 13, 2004 — In the past month, Governor Pataki has announced four deals with native tribes to resolve land claims and build casino resorts in the Catskills. Three of those agreements are with tribes from outside New York. A fifth casino deal could pop up if the St. Regis Mohawk Tribe approves a proposed land claim settlement. The deals push the number of casino plans beyond the number approved by the legislature. The Governor wants the legislature to accommodate the new plans. Martha Foley talks with David Sommerstein to sort it all out.  Go to full article

Nov 08, 2004 — State environmental officials are renewing attention to the health and environmental dangers of burning trash outdoors. The Department of Environmental Conservation has joined with 7 northeast states and the EPA in a campaign to reduce backyard burning. David Sommerstein reports.  Go to full article