Albany, NY, May 19, 2011 — Senate Majority Leader Dean Skelos says he's willing to consider an easing of Governor Cuomo's proposal for a hard 2% property tax cap, if that will make it more likely for the bill to become law. In Albany, Karen DeWitt has this report.  Go to full article

May 18, 2011 — Voters across New York headed to the polls yesterday to cast their ballots on some pretty tough school budget proposals.

After lawmakers cut over a billion dollars from statewide education aid, schools in every district were left figuring out where to cut and whether to ask voters for more money. And next year, schools may face a state-mandated cap on a vital revenue source: local property taxes.

Budgets were shot down yesterday for Schroon Lake, Ticonderoga, Northville and Lake George central schools. In St. Lawrence County, Edwards-Knox, Massena, and St. Lawrence Central budgets went down. In others, the margins were razor thin. Martha Foley has more.  Go to full article

Albany, NY, May 18, 2011 — There's been action in Albany this week on curbing New York's rising pension costs.

Governor Cuomo is poised to unveil a proposal to change benefit levels, and Comptroller Tom DiNapoli is offering a bill that he says will close a loophole that is costing the state millions of dollars. Karen DeWitt reports.  Go to full article

Albany, NY, May 17, 2011 — Voters in over 700 school districts will have an opportunity to weigh in on school budgets Tuesday. The State School Boards Association says the average tax increase proposed is around three and a half percent, and they expect the majority of the budgets to be approved.  Go to full article

Albany, NY, May 16, 2011 — Governor Andrew Cuomo has persuaded the state education department to make some changes to its new plans for teacher evaluation, to be discussed at the Board of Regents meeting on Monday. In Albany, Karen DeWitt has more.  Go to full article

Albany, NY, May 13, 2011 — Governor Andrew Cuomo is wrapping up week one of his statewide tour to tout his legislative agenda and taunt the legislature. Karen DeWitt takes a look at how the tactic is working so far.  Go to full article

Albany, NY, May 12, 2011 — Governor Cuomo has been leading a push to legalize gay marriage in New York State, traveling to upstate cities to make speeches, and sending supporters to a major rally at the Capitol. As the pressure on lawmakers escalates, anti-gay marriage groups are stepping up their efforts as well, saying they want marriage to remain between a man and a woman.  Go to full article

Albany, NY, May 12, 2011 — Governor Andrew Cuomo, who is pushing the state legislature to pass an ethics reform bill, renewed his threat to investigate lawmakers if they don't comply.  Go to full article

Albany, NY, May 11, 2011 — Governor Cuomo began his statewide tour to win backing for a property tax cap and other issues in Syracuse on Tuesday. Back at the State Capitol, tensions between pro tax cap and anti tax cap advocates erupted into heated arguments.  Go to full article

Ray Brook, NY, May 10, 2011 — As Albany tightens its belt, the state Department of Environmental Conservation has faced some of the deepest cuts, losing key staff and money for services like campgrounds and fish hatcheries.

State officials say partnerships with environmental groups and local governments are helping to ease the crunch. But as Chris Morris reports, critics say partnerships can't erase the need for more dollars.  Go to full article