Mar 19, 2004 — Proponents of easing the state's strict anti-smoking laws say allowing air filtration machines in bars and restaurants could create a compromise between smokers and non-smokers who worry about health dangers. Anti-smoking groups say the devices don't work and create a false sense of safety. Karen DeWitt reports from Albany.  Go to full article

Mar 18, 2004 — The leader of the Senate Democrats is trying to jump start the stagnating Rockefeller drug law reform movement. Senator David Paterson has offered a compromise proposal. Karen DeWitt reports from Albany.  Go to full article

Jan 09, 2004 — County leaders, continuing their push to get state lawmakers to pass Medicaid relief, say they want to hear more answers from Governor Pataki when he gives his budget address in two weeks. Karen DeWitt reports.  Go to full article

Jan 08, 2004 — Governor George Pataki delivered his 10th State of the State address yesterday. Pataki made no mention of the state's $6 billion budget deficit, but hinted that he might not increase spending on education to answer a court order that declared the state's school funding system unconstitutional. Karen DeWitt reports from Albany.  Go to full article

Jan 08, 2004 — North Country Assemblyman Darrell Aubertine, a Democrat, called Pataki's address "upbeat", but he pointed out the absense of agricultural issues in the speech.  Go to full article

Jan 08, 2004 — North Country State Senator Betty Little, a Republican, was pleased with the Governor's speech. Martha Foley reports.  Go to full article

Jan 07, 2004 — The cost of the state's Medicaid program has grown by $17 billion since 1995, when Governor Pataki took office. The spending has risen so rapidly that the state's counties say just paying their share has led to a fiscal crisis. But Pataki, along with members of the state legislature, has found increasing spending on Medicaid difficult to resist. Karen DeWitt reports.  Go to full article

Jan 07, 2004 — Groups that won a lawsuit to reform the state's school aid formula are urging Governor Pataki to announce he'll make a down payment on school aid changes during the State of the State.  Go to full article

Jan 06, 2004 — The 2004 legislative session begins officially tomorrow with Governor Pataki's State of the State message. A number of issues will be a priority for Pataki and legislators, including a court-ordered reform of school aid and a looming budget deficit. Karen DeWitt reports.  Go to full article

Jan 05, 2004 — New York's number one in the country spending on Medicaid is likely to be a subject of debate in the upcoming legislative session, which begins this week. Albany reporter Karen DeWitt takes a look at why Medicaid spending grew so large.  Go to full article