Dec 17, 2008 — Governor Paterson's budget plan envisions shifting a huge chunk of government spending in New York from state income taxes to local property taxes. Paterson wants to eliminate the STAR property-tax rebate checks, while slashing support for Medicaid programs and school districts. Budget officials also want to freeze the amount of property taxes that the state will pay for forest preserve land in the Adirondacks. State Senator Betty Little says those moves could be especially damaging in the North Country.  Go to full article

Nov 14, 2008 — The Adirondack Park Agency is poised to enact sweeping new regulations today. The rules would expand APA authority to restrict shoreline development inside a 50-foot buffer zone. Supporters in the environmental community say the changes close loopholes that endanger water quality and waterfront habitat. But critics describe the move as an illegal power grab that threatens local economies. Brian Mann reports.  Go to full article

Sep 04, 2008 — Sarah Palin left Republicans energized and excited last night as she made her case for the vice presidency, and laid out why John McCain should be elected president. She used her speech at the GOP convention in St. Paul to make repeated digs at Barack Obama, the Democratic candidate. She said McCain is exactly the kind of man she wants in the White House. McCain made a surprise appearance on stage after Palin's address last night. Martha Foley has more.  Go to full article

Jul 28, 2008 — Local leaders in Tupper Lake are trading ideas for expanded train service with a top state transportation official from Albany. Martha Foley has more.  Go to full article

Jul 15, 2008 — North Country Senator Betty Little, a Republican, says political feuding isn't responsible for delays in approving a new lease-arrangement for the Watertown YMCA. But Democrat Darrel Aubertine blamed the slow-down on Albany politics. Brian Mann has details.  Go to full article

Jun 25, 2008 — Senator Joe Bruno's surprise announcement this week that he won't seek re-election raises new questions about the Republican Party's ability to hold its one-seat majority in the November elections. Democrats enjoy a lopsided advantage in terms of voter enrollment and fundraising. The GOP is also burdened by President George Bush's rock-bottom approval ratings. Brian Mann checked in with North Country Senator Betty Little, who says she hopes Bruno will help support Republican candidates through the end of the year.  Go to full article

Jun 23, 2008 — State Senator Betty Little says she supports the idea of a property tax cap and hopes to return this summer to debate the issue during a special session. But Little told Brian Mann that she's concerned about the possible impact of a cap on local school districts that are faced with spiraling costs.  Go to full article

Jun 04, 2008 — New Yorkers pay record high property taxes partly because we have some of the most expensive local governments in the country. Last winter, Brian Mann looked at the reasons those tax bills are so high, and at some of the tough realities that might follow a property tax cap.  Go to full article

Apr 25, 2008 — The State University of New York will study the possibility of combining services and programs at Clinton Community College in Plattsburgh and North Country Community College, which has campuses in Saranac Lake, Malone and Ticonderoga. The study was recommended by State Senator Betty Little and comes as both colleges are facing a change in administration. But, as Chris Knight reports, officials at North Country Community College say they haven't been told much about the study or what it could mean.  Go to full article

Mar 11, 2008 — Governor Eliot Spitzer was scheduled to meet this morning with local government leaders from the North Country. The session was canceled following disclosures that the Governor was a client in a high-priced prostitution ring. North Country state Senator Betty Little, a Republican, called the news "shocking."  Go to full article