Jun 04, 2013 — There are three weeks to go in New York State's legislative session. Advocates are pushing hard for two of Gov. Andrew Cuomo's agenda items: translating the federal abortion rights in the Roe v. Wade decision into state law, and enacting public financing of statewide political campaigns.

The governor, meanwhile, is focusing on his proposal to bring tax free zones to upstate public college campuses.  Go to full article

Albany, NY, Nov 14, 2012 — The New York Thruway Authority, after canceling two meetings where a proposed 45 percent toll hike on trucks was believed to be voted on, now says it needs more time to consider options before going ahead with the controversial proposal.  Go to full article

Albany, NY, Feb 07, 2012 — Occupy protesters briefly disrupted a state budget hearing at the State Capitol Monday. They said they're angered by inequities in the tax system. In Albany, Karen DeWitt reports.  Go to full article

Albany, NY, Feb 06, 2012 — A coalition of labor unions, religious groups, and others is urging Governor Cuomo and the legislature to close what they say are loopholes in the law. As Karen DeWitt reports, they say those loopholes are shielding large corporations from having to pay their fair share of taxes.  Go to full article

Albany, NY, Feb 02, 2012 — Mandate relief--especially on Medicaid costs--was at the forefront of many county leaders' minds at the annual meeting this week of the New York State Association of Counties.

In his budget address January 17th, Governor Cuomo laid out a plan for the state to take over increases in Medicaid costs over the next few years--but some county leaders say that's not enough.  Go to full article

Albany, NY, Dec 08, 2011 — New York lawmakers piled on last night to approve an overhaul of the state's income tax rates. First, the Republican led Senate voted 55-0 for the measure. The Assembly followed with a 130-8 vote.

The measure was backed by Governor Andrew Cuomo. It will increases taxes on millionaires, but give 4.4 million middle-class residents a rare break worth $200 to $400 a year.

State Senate Republican Leader Dean Skelos says it's the first rate reduction for middle class earners in 50 years. But conservative critics say New York will continue to have one of the nation's highest tax rates, and New York City residents will pay the highest rate in the nation.

The deal required a change of mind for most of the lawmakers who passed it last night, and for Gov. Cuomo, who had promised to "freeze" taxes during his campaign last year. As they gathered for the vote yesterday, lawmakers were busy portraying the deal in the best possible light. Critics complained about the hasty, behind-closed-doors process. In Albany, Karen DeWitt reports.  Go to full article

Albany, NY, Dec 07, 2011 — Governor Cuomo and legislative leaders have announced a deal they say will raise taxes on the rich, and slightly lower taxes for the middle class. In Albany, Karen DeWitt has this report.  Go to full article

Albany, NY, Dec 06, 2011 — Behind the scenes talks in Albany could result in a revamped state tax code, apparently increasing taxes on the wealthy next year. Governor Cuomo, who is asking for the changes, is also proposing a gambling expansion and other initiatives.

Cuomo promised to "freeze taxes" since his campaign a year ago, is now pushing the changes. The plan would also cut taxes for the middle class.

Cuomo continues to avoid saying he supports a tax hike for the rich. But after a year of strongly opposing a "millionaire tax," Cuomo has said he's open to the idea. As Karen DeWitt reports, the governor hopes the legislature will consider his proposals later this week.  Go to full article

Albany, NY, Nov 15, 2011 — Governor Cuomo's budget office released some bad news yesterday. The state's budget gap is even bigger than expected, with a $350 million dollar shortfall for the current year and a $3.5 billion dollar gap next year.  Go to full article

Albany, NY, Oct 21, 2011 — The outlook for next year's state budget is looking increasingly grim, as a new report from the State's Comptroller brings more bad news about tax collections. Karen DeWitt has our story:  Go to full article