Albany, NY, Mar 21, 2013 — Governor Cuomo and legislative leaders agreed to a framework for a new state budget last night. It would keep spending increases under two percent while providing tax rebates and breaks over the next two years. The announcement came shortly after 8 o'clock. "I'm pleased to announce this evening that we have a budget agreement in concept," Cuomo said.

They are still working out many of the details, but the governor says leaders hope to be finished passing everything by Sunday.  Go to full article

Tupper Lake, NY, Mar 21, 2013 — School districts across the North Country have been closely following state budget negotiations in Albany, hoping a budget deal will lead to a bigger increase in aid than proposed in Gov. Andrew Cuomo's original budget.

Officials at one school district in Franklin County said this week that they've reached a financial tipping point. Tupper Lake School leaders said the district may be headed for insolvency, and may have to close the doors in a few years without more state aid.  Go to full article

Albany, NY, Mar 20, 2013 — The New York State budget is crawling to a conclusion, as legislative leaders and Governor Cuomo continue closed door meetings to try to strike a final deal.  Go to full article

Albany, NY, Mar 19, 2013 — State lawmakers are close to agreeing on a new state spending plan that would include a deal to raise taxes on the wealthy, and raise the minimum wage. They failed to seal a pact Monday night, but they're back today to try again.  Go to full article

Tupper Lake, NY, Mar 19, 2013 — The budget deal now in its final stages in Albany is likely to include the elimination of at least two state prisons.

State Senator Betty Little says she worries that a third correctional facility in Franklin County could be targeted for closure.  Go to full article

Albany, NY, Mar 19, 2013 — State Senator Betty Little says she's keeping an eye on three big issues in the final hours of budget talks in Albany: Aid for cash-strapped rural schools, the minimum wage hike, and the planned closure of at least two state prisons in New York.  Go to full article

Albany, NY, Mar 18, 2013 — State lawmakers are close to agreeing on a new state spending plan that would include a deal to raise taxes on the wealthy, and raise the minimum wage.  Go to full article

Albany, NY, Mar 15, 2013 — State lawmakers are hurrying toward getting a budget agreement in place, with a stepped up schedule of conference committees and meetings with Governor Cuomo. But Cuomo is throwing cold water on striking a deal by the weekend.  Go to full article

Albany, NY, Mar 14, 2013 — Governor Cuomo and legislative leaders continued to meet to try to complete the state budget by next week.  Go to full article

Albany, NY, Mar 13, 2013 — Governor Cuomo and legislative leaders are working to finish the state budget 10 days before the deadline, to avoid a collision with the Easter and Passover holidays, which begin March 25.  Go to full article