Jun 24, 2004 — In last minute action yesterday, the Assembly ratified the St. Regis Mohawks' compact for its casino in Akwesasne near Massena. The compact was drawn up in 1993 between then-Governor Mario Cuomo and tribal officials, but it was nullified by a court of appeals ruling last year that said the full legislature needed to approve it. David Sommerstein reports.  Go to full article

Jun 18, 2004 — New York's legislature is log-jammed over a court-ruling that is expected to reshape school funding in the state. Here in the north country, school districts and local governments are funded largely by property taxes. Brian Mann spoke with state Senator Betty Little, who says property taxes have risen to crisis levels. She passed two bills this session aimed at shifting some of the burden to sales taxes.

UPDATE: On Thursday, Assembly speaker Sheldon Silver announced that he'll block the casino compact this session, as part of an effort to push Native casinos in the Catskills. Speaking with the Plattsburgh Press-Republican, Senator Little says the Akwesasne casino's future is "precarious".  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

Sep 17, 2003 — The Governor's choice to lead the Adirondack Park Agency was confirmed Tuesday by the state Senate. Ross Whaley, who lives in Tupper Lake, will take over chairmanship of the APA in October. As Brian Mann reports, Whaley begins his term with broad political support, but he also faces tough and controversial issues.  Go to full article

Jun 18, 2003 — New York's legislature has agreed to raise penalties for tree theft in the Adirondacks and the Catskill Mountains. A bill that passed the Assembly Tuesday will boost fines from just ten dollars to $250 for each tree. As Brian Mann reports, the law also includes a new "right to log" provision, designed to discourage local governments from restricting forestry.  Go to full article

Jun 13, 2003 — Lawmakers in Albany say they're closer than ever to a deal that would reform the state's Rockefeller drug laws. Under those laws, a person convicted for selling two ounces of cocaine serves a minimum of fifteen years behind bars.
With less than a week before the Senate is scheduled to adjourn for the summer, a last minute push for change is coming from a leader in New York City's hip hop community. But as Brian Mann reports, drug-law reform could hurt small towns in the north country that rely on prisons for good jobs.  Go to full article

May 07, 2003 — The fight over the state budget has divided some traditional Republican allies, around the state and here in the North Country. State Senator Betty Little - from Queensbury - voted to approve new school and Medicaid funding, paid for in part by a hike in sales and income taxes. Plattsburgh assemblyman Chris Ortloff voted against the plan, which he describes as disastrous. Brian Mann spoke with Ortloff about the battle in Albany.  Go to full article

May 06, 2003 — Senator Betty Little says she'll stand firm in her disagreement with Governor Pataki. The Republican from Queensbury says her constituents urged her to restore deep cuts in funding for schools and nursing homes. Little spoke about the budget battle with Brian Mann.  Go to full article

Apr 03, 2003 — Faced with a massive budget deficit, Governor George Pataki wants to cut hundreds of millions of dollars from the state Medicaid program. Nursing homes in the north country say the plan will mean fewer services for elderly residents. Some homes are threatening to close. But as Brian Mann reports, some critics say nursing homes should operate more efficiently.  Go to full article

Dec 10, 2002 — If the Governor does balance the budget through cuts - rather than income tax increases - the North Country could be hit hard. Government employment is a huge factor in the region's economy, accounting for one in three jobs. But as Brian Mann reports, leaders also worry that more programs will have to be paid for using local property taxes.  Go to full article