Jun 18, 2013 — As New York's legislative session wraps up this week, some of the major issues we've been hearing about for the last while remain unresolved, and it's looking like at least some of them aren't going to get resolved in this session.

Of course bills often come together and pass the legislature at the last moment, so what's going to happen in the next couple days is anyone's guess. But how is all of this happening? Turns out it's much more complicated, and less transparent, than what you might remember from Schoolhouse Rock.  Go to full article

Jun 18, 2013 — State conservation Commissioner Joe Martens is at the center of some of the biggest debates in the North Country.

Under Martens' leadership, the DEC has agreed to reopen the management plan for the rail corridor that runs through the Adirondack Park. He's also a key player in the planning process for tens of thousands of acres of former Finch Pruyn lands that are now being added to the Park's forest preserve.

As the session in Albany winds to a close Martens is also pushing hard to win approval in the state Assembly for a controversial land swap in Essex County. That deal would allow a company called NYCO to expand its mining operation onto state Park land. In exchange, NYCO would purchase roughly 1500 acres that would be added to the forest preserve.

Martens spoke about those issue with our Adirondack bureau chief, Brian Mann.  Go to full article

Jun 18, 2013 — There's three days left in the legislative session, and chances are dimming for a settlement on an abortion rights provision in the Women's Equality Act, and for reform of campaign financing and other anti-corruption measures.

Meanwhile, a new poll finds the public increasingly dissatisfied.  Go to full article

Jun 17, 2013 — People climbed up the bleachers in the grandstand at the Lewis County Fairgrounds in Lowville on Saturday for a rally opposing the New York SAFE Act. More than 400 people turned out to condemn the controversial package of gun control measures passed by the state Legislature in January.  Go to full article

Jun 14, 2013 — Home rule legislation that would allow St. Lawrence County to raise its sales tax by one percent passed in the New York State Assembly Thursday. County legislative chairman John Putney says the bill now needs Senate approval.  Go to full article

Jun 14, 2013 — Members of the new York legislature's Black and Hispanic caucus and their allies are making a last minute push for a bill to decriminalize the public possession of small amounts of marijuana.

In Albany yesterday, they charged the current laws unfairly target young black and Latino men.  Go to full article

Jun 13, 2013 — Gov. Andrew Cuomo released legislation outlining his plan for tax-free zones Monday after spending a week in May touring upstate to build support for the proposal.

"I mean no taxes. That's what I mean when I say tax free - no business tax, no corporate tax, no franchise fee, no income tax," Cuomo told officials at the University at Buffalo.

Under the measure, any new business that sets up on or near a SUNY campus, or at selected private universities or state-owned properties will pay no taxes for up to ten years. After five years, high-wage earners will have to pay income taxes. The locations are mostly upstate.

The plan has come under fire from all sides.  Go to full article

Jun 13, 2013 — It's getting down to the wire for major pieces of legislation still pending in Albany. As the end of session approaches in Albany, there are no agreements yet on a number of hot-button issues, including women's rights and campaign finance reform.

But that's not unusual in a government where last minute deals are part of the routine.  Go to full article

Jun 12, 2013 — As the legislature winds to a close in Albany, a coalition of prison reform and domestic violence activists are hoping to convince the Republican-controlled Senate to bring one more bill to the floor for a vote.

Supporters say the Domestic Violence Survivors Justice Act would allow judges to factor physical and mental abuse into sentencing decisions in felony criminal cases.

District Attorneys are opposing the bill, arguing that it would allow too many people to claim that domestic violence was a factor in their crimes.  Go to full article

Jun 11, 2013 — Women's groups are putting pressure on the state Senate's ruling coalition to take up Governor Cuomo's Women's Equality Act, which includes an abortion rights provision.  Go to full article