Albany

Dueling filmmakers dispute over fracking in Albany

Karen Dewitt — Tue, 12 Feb 2013 14:15:27 +0000

As they await Gov. Andrew Cuomo's decision on whether fracking will go forward in New York, dueling pro- and anti-fracking filmmakers held screenings and promotions for their films in Albany. At one point in their visit, the two sides confronted each other in the halls of the Capitol.

Attendance at annual gun show up; organizers cite recent gun control laws

Marie Cusick — Mon, 28 Jan 2013 16:35:45 +0000

Organizers of an annual gun show in Albany say they are seeing bigger crowds this year, due to the recent changes to New York's gun control laws and potential changes at the federal level.

"People's State of the State" calls for raising minimum wage

Marie Cusick — Wed, 09 Jan 2013 14:11:25 +0000

In anticipation of the annual State of the State address, a coalition of progressive groups held their 23rd annual People's State of the State on the steps of the Capitol in Albany.

NY's food pantries say hunger is growing

Karen Dewitt — Mon, 31 Dec 2012 10:43:56 +0000

Food pantries and soup kitchens say they are reluctantly becoming a permanent part of the nation’s safety net for the poor. In a new report on New York’s charitable food distribution system, the groups say it is government that needs to step in and lend a helping hand.

Amtrak to take over new tracks in Albany area

Kate O'Connell — Wed, 12 Dec 2012 14:15:39 +0000

The Northeast rail corridor will see shorter travel times and be more reliable. Through a new 25-year lease, Amtrak has taken control of a busy stretch of track leading to the capital region.

Conference looks for ways to grow "clean economy"

Marie Cusick — Thu, 15 Nov 2012 14:14:44 +0000

Hundreds of people from around the country are in Albany this week to talk about ways to grow and improve the nation's so-called "clean economy."

Anti-fracking activists rally in Albany

Karen Dewitt — Tue, 28 Aug 2012 12:48:13 +0000

Anti-fracking advocates rallied in Albany Monday to try to convince Governor Andrew Cuomo to ban the natural gas drilling process in New York state. Meanwhile, a state Senator says he believes any final decision will be once again delayed.

End of session: Mixed results for Governor Cuomo

Karen Dewitt — Thu, 28 Jun 2012 13:36:30 +0000

The just concluded 2012 legislative session brought mixed results for Governor Andrew Cuomo, who is in his second year as governor. While Cuomo and lawmakers could claim credit for a calm and functional end to the session, the governor had to drop some of his original goals in order for that to happen.

Cuomo’s second legislative session was far less dramatic than his first legislative session in 2011, when he convinced the legislature to authorize same sex marriage, instate a two percent property tax cap, and close a massive $10 billion budget deficit.

In his second session, the governor’s record of achieving his stated goals was not as complete.

Albany legislative session comes to an end

Karen Dewitt — Fri, 22 Jun 2012 13:55:17 +0000

The state legislature ended their 2012 session Thursday evening as lawmakers had promised, but they did not manage to finish everything on their list before they left.

Some issues left hanging as session ends

Karen Dewitt — Thu, 21 Jun 2012 13:42:24 +0000

The legislative session that’s concluding in Albany seems to be more about what’s not getting done than what is getting accomplished. Agreements were not reached on several key issues.

Governor Andrew Cuomo at this time last year was intensely lobbying lawmakers to pass a bill to legalize gay marriage. This year, he has taken a more hands-off approach to the end of the current legislative session.

A day of action against hydraulic fracturing in Albany

Catherine Loper — Wed, 16 May 2012 16:59:17 +0000

Around 300 anti-fracking protestors rallied inside the capitol building in Albany Tuesday.

It was part of a day-long effort to convince the state to continue its ban against the controversial process of hydraulic fracturing, or fracking, for gas in New York.

Governor Cuomo: Minimum wage increase still a possibility

Ellen Abbott — Thu, 05 Apr 2012 14:19:21 +0000

Some New York State lawmakers are trying to reinvigorate the debate over the minimum wage. Governor Cuomo admits it could again be on the table in Albany.

Appointments for the Joint Commission on Public Ethics

Karen Dewitt — Tue, 13 Dec 2011 12:40:01 +0000

Governor Cuomo named Janet DiFiore, the District Attorney of Westchester County, to chair the commission. He also appointed Seymour Knox the IV, who is VP of Corporate Relations for the Buffalo Sabres, as well as the chair of a private equity firm, and Mitra Hormozi, who worked for Cuomo when he was Attorney General.

Senate Leader Dean Skelos picks include former Western New York State Senator Mary Lou Rath. Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver chose former state budget director Patrick Bulgaro.

Governor Cuomo's Change on Tax Policy

Karen Dewitt — Mon, 12 Dec 2011 20:53:37 +0000

Governor Cuomo, in his first day on the job back on January 1^st of this year, laid out his position on raising taxes pretty clearly.

“I say no new taxes, period,” Cuomo said on January 1.

Governor Cuomo is late with the mid year financial report

Karen Dewitt — Fri, 11 Nov 2011 16:45:06 +0000

The governor says he’s waiting for some uncertainties in the world markets to stabilize before updating the state’s financial picture, and has delayed releasing the state’s mid year budget report, which was due in late October.

Cuomo budget officials have said they are also waiting to count some tax collections delayed by the hurricanes. They’ve also post poned some scheduled budget hearings that have been part of an effort in recent years to jump start the budget process.

Cuomo opens door to avoid layoffs

Karen Dewitt — Mon, 03 Oct 2011 10:43:44 +0000

Governor Andrew Cuomo opened the door to avoiding the layoffs of 3500 state workers after a union contract was rejected, but he says it’s entirely up to the union leadership whether the job cut backs occur or not.