By Ryan Morden

Oswego, NY – The State Senate passed bills to keep the state running through April 14th, then left for an eight day holiday recess, meaning the state budget will be late.

Karen Dewitt, WRVO's Capitol Correspondent, reports:

By Ryan Morden

Oswego, NY – U.S. Sen. Chuck Schumer is proposing legislation that would punish countries that manipulate their currencies.

The Democrat and many other members of congress, accuses China of manipulating their currency to compete unfairly against U.S. businesses.

The consequences could include new tariffs on that country, among other provisions.

Even though it is not proven that China is intentionally manipulating its currency, Schumer said he is convinced

By Jasmyn Belcher

Oswego, NY – New York State has lost its first chance at millions of federal education dollars.

The U.S. Department of Education has selected two states other than New York to receive grant money in the first round of "The Race to the Top" program. Out of 16 states, New York finished 14th.

With Gov. David Paterson proposing more than $1 billion in education aids cuts, and New York State lawmakers unable to close a $9.2 billion budget deficit, Paterson said getting in on the next round of grants is critical.

By Ryan Morden

Oswego, NY – The State Senate passed temporary budget bills Tuesday to keep the state running beyond the April first deadline, then left Albany, meaning the budget will be late.

The Senate was scheduled to be on break for the Easter Holidays, but had to come to work yesterday to pass the temporary spending bills that fund the government through April 14th.

State Sen. Joe Griffo from the Utica area voted against the measure. He said legislature should work to meet the April first deadline.

Oswego, NY – The state legislature passed temporary budget bills to keep state government afloat. Sen. Chuck Schumer wants to sanction China for currency manipulation. These stories and more on the podcast.

Oswego, NY – Today's Weather: Cold, damp, cloudy and rain at times. High at 44.

By Dave Bullard

Oswego, NY – Criminals using computers cause as much as $300 billion in business losses each year. U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand thinks they are also a threat to our nation's security.

"They can create havoc across many, many networks," said Gillibrand, "government networks, company networks or stock exchanges, can be easily disrupted, destroyed, corrupted or information can be stolen. Our infrastructure our electric grids can easily be hacked into and taken down."

By Jasmyn Belcher

Oswego, NY – Syracuse-area State Assemblyman Bill Magnarelli said all of the proposed state budgets would result in job loss.

Assembly Democrats have released their budget plan, calling it just a "sketch" to be worked out. They have proposed restoring cuts to education, rejecting $1 billion in taxes and fees and supporting Lieutenant Gov. Richard Ravitch's proposal for additional borrowing.

But Assemblyman Magnarelli said no matter which budget is adopted; jobs will be lost.

By Ryan Morden

Oswego, NY – The state budget is due in four days, but the legislature is going to be out of town for the week because of the Easter holidays, making it unlikely to be finished on time.

Blair Horner, with the New York Public Interest Research Group, said a budget that is a few weeks late, likely will not do any harm. But New Yorkers could notice the effects down the road, if the budget is not approved by Memorial Day. The governor may not put enough money in a temporary budget to open the state parks for the season.

Oswego, NY – Budget is due on Thursday, but it's not looking likely. Plus Senator Gillibrand wants to clamp down on cybercrime.