Albany, NY, Jun 03, 2011 — There's movement in Albany to approve a tuition hike for State University of New York students. But this time, lawmakers and SUNY officials say, they want to do it differently.  Go to full article

Albany, NY, Jun 02, 2011 — The New York State legislature returned Wednesday after a week's absence. Lawmakers have just over a week of workdays left to tackle issues ranging from a property tax cap to allowing gay marriage. Karen DeWitt reports on some of those major issues.  Go to full article

Albany, NY, May 31, 2011 — The push for a state mandated cap on local property taxes gained steam last week. A plan proposed by Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver earned praise from Governor Cuomo and conditional approval from the state Senate.

Like Governor Cuomo, the Assembly Democrats want a 2% across the board cap on school and local government taxes. But they would exempt some costs, like some pension expenses that rise beyond local control. And Speaker Silver says he'd like the cap to sunset after a few years.

The conceptual agreement was praised by business groups, including the state's Business Council, who say it will "dramatically improve the business climate in the state." But the tentative agreement is criticized by those who will have to craft budgets within its limits.

The New York State Association of Counties is focusing on what was left out last week: mandate relief. Executive Director Stephen Acquario said it was "disingenuous" to reach a quick accord on limiting local property taxes without including mandate relief.

The organization has proposed its own fix--a state takeover of all local Medicaid expenses. NYSAC envisions the cost would be offset by state Medicaid reform, and by federal funding through the Health Care Reform Act. But between the 57 counties and New York City, that total amounts to $7.5 billion. Acquario told Martha Foley it's doable.  Go to full article

Albany, NY, May 30, 2011 — Governor Cuomo's goal of achieving a property tax cap took a big step forward in recent days, but his proposal to legalize gay marriage remains mired in the state Senate. With just 11 days left in the official legislative session, both supporters and opponents are making their pitches.  Go to full article

May 27, 2011 — Governor Andrew Cuomo saw one of his legislative goals for the current session take a huge step forward earlier this week, as lawmakers announced they were close to a deal on a property tax cap.

The state Senate passed tax cap legislation earlier this year - a bill that essentially mirrored Cuomo's proposal.

This week, the state Assembly got on board, unveiling their version of the bill - and as Chris Morris reports, lawmakers from the North Country are, for the most part, pleased with the legislation.  Go to full article

Albany, NY, May 26, 2011 — Governor Cuomo formally requested Wednesday that President Obama declare a major federal disaster in New York, in the wake of the rain and flooding that have been going on since April 26. The move comes as local officials continue to raise concern about state and Federal aid for recovery efforts across the region.

As Martha Foley reports, Cuomo's request has the support of North Country congressman Bill Owens.  Go to full article

Utica, NY, May 26, 2011 — Gov. Andrew Cuomo came to Utica yesterday, a day after scoring a tentative triumph on one of his three big agenda items - a cap on local government and school tax increases.

Dave Bullard reports that the governor's speech was a mix of off the cuff and prepared remarks, as he kept up the pressure on lawmakers to agree to a tax cap in the next couple of weeks.  Go to full article

Albany, NY, May 26, 2011 — State lawmakers are close to approving a cap on property taxes in New York, but the groups most impacted say they are still trying to change what they see as the most potentially harmful parts of the package. Karen DeWitt reports.  Go to full article

Albany, NY, May 25, 2011 — Chances for the passage of a property tax cap in New York have improved, now that Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver has proposed a plan that earned praise from Governor Cuomo and conditional approval by the State Senate. Karen DeWitt reports.  Go to full article

Albany, NY, May 24, 2011 — Governor Andrew Cuomo has released another video message- this time on the topic of permitting gay marriage in New York. Karen DeWitt repots from Albany.  Go to full article