New York state government ended the calendar year with about a $600 million shortfall in its main operating fund for the first time in recent history, requiring the state to use most of its reserves to pay December’s bills. The deficit in the general fund illustrates the difficult financial situation… Read More →
Gov. David Paterson this morning shot down what he said were “rumors” that some state lawmakers are talking about another tax on the wealthy to help the state’s finances. “I heard a rumor yesterday that some of my colleagues are talking about another millionaire’s tax and that would demonstrate, I… Read More →
Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver, D-Manhattan, said he expects Attorney General Andrew Cuomo to run for governor next year, making Silver the highest ranking Democratic official to indicate unequivocally that Cuomo is plotting a gubernatorial run. Cuomo has been coy about his plans as he stockpiles campaign cash and quietly lays… Read More →
Gov. David Paterson’s office said today that the New York State United Teachers and other school groups are seeking a delay in their lawsuit that claims Paterson is illegally withholding school aid because he said the state is running out of money. It prompted this statement from Paterson’s spokesman Morgan… Read More →
Sen. Charles Schumer is in Schenectady County today to complete his 11th year in a row of visiting all 62 counties in New York since he took office in 1999. He’ll visit Proctors Theatre in downtown Schenectady. The Democratic senator has recently faced criticism back home for his support of… Read More →
Senate Democratic Leader John Sampson, D-Brooklyn, spent about a half-hour this afternoon with reporters at the Capitol to discuss the year that was and his plans as conference leader for 2010. First, he said that the recommendations from a panel investigating what punishment Sen. Hiram Monserrate, D-Queens, will face for… Read More →
Following Rudy Giuliani’s endorsement last week of Rick Lazio for governor, Erie County Executive Chris Collins released a letter today from 15 county GOP chairmen encouraging him to run for the governor. This is perhaps the first big move by Collins to show he likely will run for governor next… Read More →
The state Department of Transportation this morning posted the video of the Lake Champlain being imploded today after it was closed in October due to severe erosion. You can watch the video here. And here’s the AP story on the event.
An audit today by Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli may get at one of the complaints by Gov. David Paterson about school districts: they are sitting on big reserve accounts but are suing over his delay in payments. DiNapoli’s audit found that Fairport Central School District built up $16.6 million in excess… Read More →
The so-called Four Amigos of the state Senate are meeting today to discuss “the Agenda for 2010,” Sen. Ruben Diaz Sr. said in a release today. Updated: The meeting has been canceled. “I regret to inform you that The Four Amigos holiday dinner at Nautilus Diner has been canceled. Some… Read More →