Oct 28, 2004 — The 2004 legislative session ended with the latest budget in state history, as state Senators and Assembly members failed to meet the deadline for the 20th year in a row. The lawmakers also were unable to answer a court order to reform school funding, and ethical scandals plagued the legislature. Now, as all members of the Senate and Assembly face re-election, reform is the number one issue in legislative campaigns. Karen DeWitt takes a look, in the first of two reports, at who is advocating change, and what shape possible reforms may take.  Go to full article

Oct 27, 2004 — The two candidates in the 118th Assembly District in St. Lawrence and Jefferson counties are making their last campaign appearances this week before next Tuesday's vote. Democratic incumbent Darrel Aubertine faces a serious challenge from Republican Scott Gray. Gray owns Gray's Flowers in Watertown and is a Jefferson County legislator. He ran unsuccessfully for this seat two years ago. He told David Sommerstein he's running again because he sees a need for change.  Go to full article

Oct 06, 2004 — Government reform groups say the worst legislative session in memory has led to what they call a "perfect storm" of a climate for reform. Karen DeWitt reports.  Go to full article

Sep 30, 2004 — In the past, reform in Albany has been stifled by deep divisions between Republicans and Democrats. North country assemblywoman Teresa Sayward, now in her first term, says things are so broken that she'll support a bipartisan effort to bring deep changes to state government. Sayward, the former Willsboro supervisor who represents the 113th district, spoke yesterday with Brian Mann.  Go to full article

Jul 29, 2004 — The group that issued a report naming the New York State legislature as the most dysfunctional in the nation now plans a campaign to convince lawmakers to change their ways. Karen DeWitt reports.  Go to full article

Jan 29, 2004 — As New York State reaches the 20-year mark of late budgets, Assembly Democrats and Senate Republicans are coming together to try to finally reform what many believe is a failed process. Karen DeWitt reports.  Go to full article

Oct 28, 2003 — Governor Pataki defended the lack of progress in achieving reform of the Rockefeller Drug Laws, at an announcement to expand drug treatment programs to 17 counties and New York City. Karen DeWitt reports.  Go to full article

Feb 21, 2003 — Government reform groups studied patterns of campaign donations made by Political Action Committees, or PACs. They found that a few PACs dominate in giving to the Legislature. Karen Dewitt has more on the story.  Go to full article

Apr 02, 2002 — Government reform groups held a mock "birthday party" yesterday in Albany for the imaginary person they called late budget boy. The groups were trying to dramatize the arrival of another new fiscal year without a state budget in place. It's the 18th straight year that the budget has been late in New York state. The groups said late budget boy has now come of age with his 18th birthday. Karen Dewitt reports.
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Dec 27, 2001 — Reform of the Rockefeller Drug Laws was one of the many issues left unfinished in 2001. It may be on the New York State Legislature’s agenda for 2002.  Go to full article