Apr 29, 2013 — Governor Cuomo says he'll know in a couple of weeks whether two key items on his end of session agenda will become law- an abortion rights bill and public financing of political campaigns.

The governor says Republicans who co-lead the state Senate continue to oppose a measure to clarify a women's right to choose abortion. The GOP has also steadfastly been against public financing of campaigns.  Go to full article

Apr 05, 2013 — Forcing young women and men into a life of prostitution is a very lucrative business.

It may sound like the stuff of Hollywood, but the sex trafficking trade is alive and well in Central New York, but a movement to end it in New York State is gathering momentum, with a bill in the legislature to protect those who are trafficked, and bring traffickers to justice.  Go to full article

Rensselaer, NY, Jan 30, 2013 — A rift is appearing in the New York State Senate's new bipartisan leadership coalition. Senate Republican Leader Dean Skelos says he's strongly opposed to Gov. Cuomo's reproductive health act, saying it would lead to too many late term abortions.

Pro-choice lawmakers and advocates say they disagree with the Senator's interpretation. And the leading Democrat in the leadersship council has been a strong supporter of the act.  Go to full article

Fort Drum, NY, Jan 24, 2013 — Defense Secretary Leon Panetta announced Wednesday that a ban on women serving in combat roles in the military will be lifted over the coming years.

Senator Kirsten Gillibrand called it a proud day for our country. She issued a statement, noting that she fought for a Defense Department feasibility report on lifting the ban.

She writes, "This decision finally opens the door for more qualified women to excel in our military and advance their careers, and obtain all of the benefits they have earned."

And, officially recognizing women in combat "will strengthen our country both morally and militarily."

Around heavily-deployed Fort Drum, soldiers generally welcomed the news - with some caveats.  Go to full article

Jan 14, 2011 — Much of the focus in the first two weeks of Governor Andrew Cuomo's term has been on the state's financial crisis, and the new governor's fiscally conservative prescriptions: a public employee wage freeze, spending cuts, a property tax cap.

Cuomo, a Democrat, is more in step with his party when it comes to social issues. Karen DeWitt explains.  Go to full article

Jun 22, 2001 — The New York State Senate passed a women's healthcare bill this week. It was immediately rejected by Democrats in the Assembly and by women's groups. Karen DeWitt reports.  Go to full article