Rensselaer, NY, Jan 05, 2010 — New York State begins the New Year nearly broke, and with plenty of challenges ahead. One think tank is offering some answers to get the state out of its financial bind.

A new report from the Empire Center for New York State Policy lists specific--and often politically dicey--proposals, including canceling millions of dollars in unused pork-barrel spending. Some of the initiatives would hit public workers. The center proposes a wage freeze for teachers and state workers, and caps on school aid and Medicaid spending. It also proposes selling state-owned golf courses and ski resorts as well as its off-track betting agencies.

The report comes just as the governor is preparing to deliver his state of the state address, opening the new legislative session tomorrow. Karen DeWitt has more.  Go to full article

Dec 07, 2004 — New York's minimum wage will rise to $6 dollars an hour after the first of the year, now that the State Senate has overridden a veto by Governor George Pataki. Karen DeWitt reports.  Go to full article

Aug 02, 2004 — Democrats in the state Legislature have vowed to fight back on behalf of the state's lowest-paid workers. They've called for an override of Governor Pataki's veto of a bill raising the minimum wage by two dollars over the next 17 months. Pataki says he believes the wage should be increased on a federal level, not just in New York.  Go to full article

Jul 30, 2004 — Governor George Pataki has vetoed a bill that would have gradually
increased the state's minimum wage to $7.15 cents an hour. Karen DeWitt reports.  Go to full article

Jul 21, 2004 — Leader Joe Bruno announced an agreement with the State Assembly on a bill to increase the state's minimum wage.  Go to full article

Apr 06, 2004 — Advocates of raising the state's minimum wage tried, but failed, to convince the state Senate to approve a bill increasing the minimum to $7.10 an hour. Karen DeWitt reports from Albany.  Go to full article

Jun 17, 2002 — Business groups in New York are protesting an end of session agenda that they call Albany's attack on jobs. They are particularly concerned about two bills to raise the minimum wage and increase workers compensation benefits. Karen Dewitt reports.  Go to full article