On the Legislative Gazette this week: Governor Cuomo appoints a new tax cutting commission, Alan Chartock discusses the Governor's appointments, reaction to the federal government shutdown and its impact on New York, and public opinion of casinos.
On the Legislative Gazette this week: The Moreland Act Commission holds its second public hearing, Alan Chartock will share his thoughts the commission's work, a new safety campaign designates "Texting Zones" to prevent texting while driving, disagreements over raising the federal debt ceiling, and federal changes require all playgrounds and parks built after 2012 to be handicapped accessible.
On the Legislative Gazette this week: The Moreland Act Commission holds its first series of hearings, Alan Chartock discusses the New York City mayoral race, advocates speak out against reductions to Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits, a report analyzes the subsidies available through the Affordable Care Act, and this year New Yorkers will vote on a statewide ballot measure to approve a land swap in the Adirondacks.
On the Legislative Gazette this week: Primary results from major races across the state are in, Alan Chartock discusses the New York City mayoral race, Verizon loses a small batter against government regulators, and a 9/11 anniversary report.
On the Legislative Gazette this week: Governor Cuomo travels around the state to deliver flood relief, Alan Chartock discusses Blair Horner's return to NYPIRG, and Unshackle Upstate reveals a five-point, pro-business plan for the upstate economy, and an Innovation Trail report.
On the Legislative Gazette this week: A study finds New Yorkers in a "lost decade" with wages stagnate and weak economic recovery, Alan Chartock discusses Governor Cuomo and upstate politics, Entergy announces it will shut down its Vermont Yankee nuclear power plant, and other stories.
On the Legislative Gazette this week: President Obama visits upstate New York speaking about affordable higher education, Alan Chartock discusses Obama's visit, implementation of the Affordable Care Act in New York is approaching, a Center for Disease Control study examines pesticides and tick-borne diseases, and a report on minority entrepreneurs.
On the Legislative Gazette this week: Governor Cuomo rebounds and other politicians make New Yorker's ashamed in a new poll, Alan Chartock discusses hydrofracking, former Senator Joe Bruno prepares for another federal trial, Adirondack land purchased by the state is awaiting classification, legislators end the session with unfinished business, and the state's hospitals receive report card ratings.
On the Legislative Gazette this week: Nassau District Attorney Kathleen Rice sends out subpoenas under Governor Cuomo's Moreland Act Commission, Alan Chartock discusses charges against former Senator Joe Bruno, Congressman Paul Tonko proposes legislation to strengthen engineering programs across the nation's schools, working families advocates demonstrate at a Congressman Chris Gibson fundraiser sponsored and attended by John Boehner, and environmental groups sue the Department of Environmental Conservation for violating environmental laws when it loosened regulations for dairy farms.
On the Legislative Gazette this week: Governor Cuomo signs a plan into law to build casinos upstate, Alan Chartock discusses the state's ethics commission, more public officials across the state are indicted, a report on industrial parks construction projects in the north country, and other stories.
On the Legislative Gazette this week: A year has passed since a moratorium was placed on whether hydrofracking would be allowed in New York, Alan Chartock discusses the New York City mayoral campaign, Governor Cuomo signs two laws involving the killing of police dogs, and environmental reports on the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative and Eighteenmile Creek.
On the Legislative Gazette this week: Governor Cuomo hosts a storm recovery conference, Alan Chartock discusses his conversation with the state comptroller, and a midlevel courts upholds the use of facility dogs.
On the Legislative Gazette this week: A deeper look at the Moreland Act Commission, Alan Chartock shares his thoughts on Eliot Spitzer's return to politics, legislators try to restrict US involvement in Syria, urban farms in Buffalo, NY, and other stories.
On the Legislative Gazette this week: Governor Cuomo and the state attorney general create the Moreland Act Commission to investigate corruption in the legislature with comments from Alan Chartock, the Nuclear Regulatory Commission updated a study on Indian Point power plant, an update on invasive species control, and other stories.
On the Legislative Gazette this week: The legislative session ends without passing the Women's Equality Act, Alan Chartock comments on the failed Women's Equality Act, and reaction to the Supreme Court ruling on Gay Marriage, advocates urge state officials to better implement a sewage pollution notification law, and other stories.
On the Legislative Gazette this week: Governor Cuomo vows to use the state's Moreland Act to authorize investigative probes into the legislature's corruption charges, Alan Chartock shares his thoughts on the end of session and some of the Governor's successes and potential failures, a report on the value of a community college education in the state, and other stories.
On the Legislative Gazette this week: Governor Cuomo releases a bill to extend public financing of political campaigns statewide, Alan Chartock comments on public campaign finance, early education (pre-k, preschool) remains among the top concerns for parents teachers and public officials, and there is an effort to designate the Hudson River Valley as a national park for preservation and economic development.
On the Legislative Gazette this week: Governor Cuomo releases a ten-point Women's Equality Act that includes a provision on abortion, Alan Chartock shares his thoughts the Women's Equality Act and the Governor's casino proposal, an effort to cap rising agricultural property taxes, and a new species of fruit flies is damaging crops across New York.
On the Legislative Gazette this week: Governor Cuomo backs further away from hydrofracking in his economic development plans, Alan Chartock shares his thoughts on Assemblyman Vito Lopez's resignation, a report on Governor Cuomo's Tax Free New York plan to allow business to operate tax free on SUNY Campuses, and Governor Cuomo reveals his New York State Master Teacher Program.
On the Legislative Gazette this week: The state ethics commission releases its report on sexual harassment allegations against Assemblyman Vito Lopez, Alan Chartock shares his thoughts on the report and its political ramifications, a senator opposes increases in federal tax, and a report on undocumented workers and immigration law.
On the Legislative Gazette this week: Former Senator Shirley Huntley is arrested and more are named as a public corruption probe continues, Alan Chartock shares his thoughts on the latest news, a report on tax credits for the film and television industries, and a new legislation would permit facility dogs in the courtroom.
On the Legislative Gazette this week: Governor Cuomo may not have enough support for his reproductive rights bill, Alan Chartock discusses early voting in New York and the Governor's new book deal, the Empire State Pride Agenda's and same-sex marriage advocates rally in Albany, and other stories.
On the Legislative Gazette this week: Hydrofracking opponents allege there is a conflict of interest in the Governor's environmental agency, Alan Chartock discusses a public opinion poll on political corruption in New York and public finance of election campaigns, reactions to the new Common Core education assessments, the state acquires land from the Lake George Land Conservancy to preserve the watershed, and other stories.
On the Legislative Gazette this week: Legislators push reforms in campaign finance, prosecution of political corruption, and cross endorsements, Alan Chartock comments on the reform package, the new federal common core state standards face criticism from parents and school boards, Elmira, NY residents weigh the cost-benefit of hydrofracking and a natural gas boom, and other stories.
On the Legislative Gazette this week: In the wake of recent scandals, Governor Cuomo pushes legislation to make it easier for the state's district attorneys to prosecute bribery and public corruption, Alan Chartock comments on whether New York will adopt public financing of campaigns, New York's unemployment rate, and Chenango County in the Southern Tier was awarded foreign trade zone status by the federal government.
On the Legislative Gazette this week: Senator Malcolm Smith, New York City Councilman Dan Halloran and four others are arrested in an alleged plot to rig the New York City mayor's race, Alan Chartock shares thoughts on the latest political scandal, new legislation is being introduced to increase maple sugar production across the state, and other stories.
On the Legislative Gazette this week: The New York State budget is on time for the third straight year, Alan Chartock discusses the budget process and transparency, two environmental groups get a seat at the table monitoring construction of the Tappan Zee Bridge, and other stories.
On the Legislative Gazette this week: The Governor and Lawmakers agree on a budget, Alan Chartock comments on budget process politics, and reports in recognition of the 10th anniversary of the Iraq war.
On the Legislative Gazette this week: Reporting on the shootings in Herkimer, the legal debate over guns and safety, the state budget with comments from Alan Chartock, and New York lays out its energy requirement blueprint.
On the Legislative Gazette this week: Alan Chartock comments on poll numbers for Governor Cuomo and shares his thoughts on other Cuomo administration agendas, the Assembly votes to raise the minimum wage, opponents of the New York SAFE Act initiate amendments and repeals, and local governments have financial concerns with enacting the law.
On the Legislative Gazette this week: Governor Cuomo and state leaders assess what it will take to get a budget deal within three weeks, Alan Chartock comments on New York's political coalitions, Cuomo pushes for teacher evaluations, and a look at the gun control debate through soldiers perspectives.
On the Legislative Gazette this week: Opposition to the New York SAFE Act on gun control continues to grow, NYSUT (New York State United Teachers) is suing the state over its property tax cap, and an outside review of the state's pension fund shows its ethical issues have been solved, and other stories.
On the Legislative Gazette this week: Health Commissioner Nirav R. Shah requests more time to study potential health impacts from hydrofracking, more reporting on the natural gas industry, Alan Chartock comments on the latest in hydrofracking, a proposal was introduced to close the state's only minimum security prison for women, and other stories.
On the Legislative Gazette this week: A report on Governor Cuomo's Women Equality Act, Alan Chartock shares his thoughts on this week's stories, advocates for early childhood education lobby at the Capitol, and other stories.
On the Legislative Gazette this week: Four gun right groups file a notice of claim over the new gun law, Alan Chartock shares his thoughts on a dip in the Governor's popularity, New York becomes the first state in the nation to mandate protocols to reduce deaths from Sepsis, and other stories.
On the Legislative Gazette this week: Governor Cuomo unveils his budget proposal, Alan Chartock shares his thoughts on the $142 billion spending plan, reporting on a proposed innovation network to spur economic development, and other stories.
On the Legislative Gazette this week: New York passes the toughest gun law in the nation, Alan Chartock comments on the act, and reaction from mental health advocates who say the mental illness clauses in the new gun law could inadvertently create more problems.
On the Legislative Gazette this week: The state reacts to Governor Cuomo's state of the state address and Alan Chartock shares his analysis of the speech.
A document from Governor Cuomo's administration assessing the health impacts of hydrofracking says the gas drilling process is likely safe if proper precautions are taken by the governor's environmental agency, Alan Chartock shares his thoughts on that news, and a look at one way the health care industry is rapidly transforming in New York.
On the Legislative Gazette this week: The Governor and lawmakers prepare for in the coming session, Alan Chartock shares his predictions for the coming year, impacts of health care cuts, New York brewers negotiate distribution contracts, and other stories.
After the school shooting in Newtown, CT, Governor Cuomo says federal gun laws need to be stronger and loopholes need to be closed in a state assault weapon ban (NY SAFE Act). Alan Chartock shares his thoughts on the changing leadership coalition in the state senate and Governor Cuomo signs legislation to create an agency to better protect New Yorkers with disabilities.
1) Dave Galletly and Alan Chartock talk about the legislature missing the budget deadline. 2) Dave Galletly reports on the new No Smoking Laws. Steven Steinhart, associate council for the State Health Department, comments. 3) Brian Shields reports on the clean up cost of an AIDS Act Up demonstration, during which eighty demonstrators were arrested. Thomas Tubbs, spokesperson for the State Office of General Service, comments. 4) Bruce Robertson reports on protests against a large complex Hydro-Québec is planing. Assemblyman William Hoyt, chair of Energy Committee, and Assemblyman Maurice Hinchey, chair of the Environmental Conservation Committee, comments. 5) Lieutenant Governor Stan Lundine comments on the distrust Mohawk Native Americans have for state officials. 6) Paul Rosenthal reports on events in the legislature: driver licenses will now have under twenty-one written on them, Attorney General Abrams proposes a bill to protect sex victims, Assembly approved a bill to lower the voter registration age to seventeen, and the Adolescent Prevention and Services program was made permanent. 7) Inga Sarda reports on the 6th Annual Women's Caucus and guess speakers; Shirley Chisholm, the first black women elected to congress, Attorney General Abrams and Governor Cuomo.
1) Brian Sheilds reports on the reactions to news that Standard and Poor's has lowered New York's long and short term credit rating. Governor Cuomo, Senate Majority Leader Ralph Marino, and Assemblyman Oliver Koppell, on the Ways and Means Committee, comment. 2) Alan Chartock and Fred Dicker, from the New York Post, talk about Julio Martinez, former Drug and Substance Abuse Services Commissioner, who is running a hot dog stand to embarrass the Governor and about the budget problems. 3) Paul Rosenthal reports on events in the legislature: the Act Up group rallied for AIDS, Ed Cleary, President of New York State AFLCIO, reported on a study about states pension system, an agreement with General Electric to disclose more about rebates to consumers, and the New York State Right to Life Committee lobbied for parental consent legislation. 4) Bruce Robertson reports Ron Silver, President of the Creative Coalition, is lobbying environmental issues. Alec Baldwin, Jennifer Beals, and Christopher Reeve comment. 5) Alan Chartock talks with Governor Cuomo about Julio Martinez, Mayor of New York City asking to expand the right to tax and Earth Day.
1) Alan Chartock talks with Governor Cuomo about his budget proposal measures; increases in gasoline tax, business tax surcharges, and vehicle registration fees. 2) Inga Sarda spoke with Lieutenant Governor Stan Lundine about Massachusetts and New York's deficit situations. Sarda reports the Republican Party may not have a candidate in time for GOP state convention. Steven LeFevre, spokesman for the party, says there is no need to worry yet. 3) Bruce Robertson reports Assembly Minority Leader Clarence Rappleyea has blocked Governor Cuomo's site selection process for a new radioactive waste dump and on environment issues. Louis Colletti, President New York Building Congress, and Thomas Young, Syracuse Mayor, comment. 4)Alan Chartock and Fred Dicker, from the New York Post, talk about the budget problems. 5)Paul Rosenthal reports on events in the legislature: proposed increase in minimum wage, the Senate approved bills to alleviate the medical malpractice crisis, National Education Association of New York is asking for more funding, and on a rally for financial bailout of hospitals.
1) Bruce Robertson reports Fred DiMaggio, Executive Director the New York State Soft Drink Association, said the industry made a profit for the first time since the returnable beverage container law passed. Alfonso D'Amato and Judith Ink, from the New York Public Interest Research Group, comment. 2) Inga Sarda reports the Environmental Priorities Alliance claims to much money is spent for landfill acquisition and not enough for cleaning up waste. Bob Weiboldt, Executive Vice President of the New York State Builders Association, and Chuck Sparrow, New York Relators Association, comment. 3) Dave Galletly reports Assembly Speaker Mel Miller proposes a program to build community treatment centers for drug addicted mothers and their children. The Assembly Minority unveiled a revised omnibus substance control act. 4) Paul Rosenthal reports on events in the legislature: proposal to adopt California's emission standards, proposal to protect consumers who purchase extended warranties, and the New York State Chapter of the National Abortion Rights Action League organized a lobbying day. 5) Brian Shields reports Louis Cotrona, Executive Director of Temporary Commission on Lobbying, says lobbyist spending has increased. Celia Wexler, Legislative Director of Common Cause, comments. 6) Alan Chartock talks with Fred Dicker of the New York Post, about the politics surrounding the budget problems.
1) Dave Galletly reports the budgets deficit is even larger than Governor Cuomo expected. Senator Tarky Lombardi, chair of the Finance Committee, comments on the different deficit studies. 2) Bruce Robertson reports New York Public Interest Research Group is lobbying to end garbage incineration and increase recycling. Governor Cuomo comments. 3) Inga Sarda reports New York State Council on the Arts lobbied to have their cut funding returned. Assemblyman Joseph Pillittere, Chair of the Tourism, Sports and Arts Committee, agrees. Senator Roy Goodman, says funding is not the only issue. 4) Paul Rosenthal reports on events in the legislature: possible increase in gasoline fuel tax, possible surcharge on business taxes for telephone companies, proposal to prohibit business from writing credit card numbers on personal checks to reduce fraud, and increase in penalties for crimes committed on subways. 5) Alan Chartock talks with Fred Dicker, from the New York Post, about the large deficit in the budget and the political consequents, the Republican Party's lack of a candidate to run against Governor Cuomo, and the bad rap Alfonse D'Amato recieved in the press. 6) Brian Shields reports the State Community Aid Association presented and alternative to Governor Cuomo's plan. Russel Sykes, from the association, comments.
1) Inga Sarda reports on the State Conference of Mayors and the state's budget problems. Assembly Speaker Mel Miller, Senate Majority Leader Ralph Marino and Comptroller Reagan comment. 2) Bruce Robertson reports on a package of bills to restructure parole hearings in response to the Shawcross case. Edward Elwin, Executive Director of the State Parol Division, and James Flateau, of the State Criminal Justice Division, comment. 3) Don Decker reports Senator Ronald Tocci proposes legalizing betting on sports as a means to raise funds to fight the war on drugs. 4) Paul Rosenthal reports on events in the legislature: financial aid for those with terminal illnesses, lower premiums for fire insurance if smoke detectors are installed, Richard Kessler proposes a cap cost on surcharges for tickets, strengthening the lemon laws, legislature has final say in whether Staten Island can succeed from the state, and the Conservative Party has radio ads to counteract Governor Cuomo's plan to not have income tax cuts. 5) Alan Chartock talks with Governor Cuomo about attending the National Governors Association and his trip to Washington D.C. 6) Inga Sarda spoke with Assembly Minority Leader Clarence Rappleyea about proposed radioactive waste dump sites.
1) Dave Galletly reports on the possibility of the legislature overriding Governor Cuomo's veto on the death penalty. Alan Chartock talks with Governor Cuomo about the possibility. 2) Inga Sarda reports on the growing budget deficit. Hyman Grossman, chair of Standard and Poors New York rating team, comments on the states bad credit rating. 3) Inga Sard talks with Bob Ward, of the Business Council, about its recommendations for balancing the budget. 4) Alan Chartock and Fred Dicker, from the New York Post, talk about the fiscal crisis, Governor Cuomo's response and party control of the legislature. 5) Bruce Robertson reports on the Black and Puerto Rican Caucus. Assemblyman Arthur Eve comments on the welfare of minority families.
1) Don Decker reports special elections will be held to fill vacancies created when Guy Molinari and Robert Garcia resigned. 2) Inga Sarda reports John Feerick, chair of the State Commission on Government Integrity, said that many suggestions to improve political ethics were made but very few have been adopted. 3) Alan Chartock and Don Decker talk about recent poll results of Rudolph Giuliani and Governor Cuomo in the governor race. 4) Brian Shields reports on a bill introduced by Assemblyman Gary Proud to require businesses to follow the ten commandments of the environment. 5) Bruce Robertson talks with Rudolph Giuliani about whether he will run for governor. 6) Inga Sarda talks with Michael Long, Conservative Party Chairman, about the party's current conditions and the elections. 7) Paul Rosenthal reports on events in the legislature: budget deficit worsens, state is suing over a federal law requiring states to assume ownership of low-level radioactive waste, investigation in to the public service commission and New York Telephone's settlement, Medicare patients are being over charged by doctors, and proposed drug testing of high school athletes.
1) Inga Sarda reports on the legislative debate over the death penalty. Senator Dale Volker sponsors the bill which Governor Cuomo is expected to veto. 2) Alan Chartock talks with Governor Cuomo about the unanticipated budget deficit caused by lower than expected income tax revenue. 3) Bruce Robertson reports on Senator Dean Skelos's bill to reduce senior citizens abuse by health care workers and family. Attorney General Robert Abrams comments on the loopholes in current law. Carl Young, president of New York Association Homes and Services for the Aging, denies abuse of elderly is a problem. 4) Alan Chartock and Don Decker talk about the death penalty debate. 5) Don Decker reports Senator Franz Liechter has introduced a bill to reduce discrimination of minorities by banks. 6) Brian Shields reports Kris Smith, spokesperson for the New York State Coalition on Smoking and Health, supports stricter laws to prevent teenagers from purchasing cigarettes. 7) Paul Rosenthal reports on events in the legislature: Rudolph Giuliani is a favorite for the governor race, the reaction to deferral of the income tax cut and Senator Anthony Masiello's proposal to shift taxes on college text books to the untaxed adult magazines.