ALBANY—The Three Men in a Room model of government in Albany left much to be desired. It was characterized by partisan gridlock and opacity, as dictatorial legislative leaders and the governor decided the state's business behind closed doors.
Now, what we're seeing is what happens if a handful of other men—ones you've never heard of, Read More
These days, even good-government crusaders are feeling a little nostalgia for the Old Dysfunctional Read More
“The framework I see is that the Senate has really eliminated Read More
Paterson and Silver are on board with a rescue plan, but the Senate is like a sick Read More
ALBANY—State Senator Ruben Diaz Sr. is being difficult again.
Diaz Sr. sent this letter to David Paterson's office after the governor's staff offered to send a representative to the New York Hispanic Clergy Organization annual banquet instead of attending in person, like he did last year.
"I was disappointed. I think that the Hispanic Read More
ALBANY—State Senator Ruben Diaz Sr. is being difficult again. Diaz Sr. sent this letter to David Paterson's office after the governor's staff offered to send a representative to the New York Hispanic Clergy Organization annual banquet instead of attending in person, like he did last year. "I was disappointed. I think that the Hispanic ministers Read More
ALBANY—Democrats in the State Senate finally have a plan they say will plug the M.T.A.'s current $1.2 billion operating deficit with a payroll tax and four percent fare increase, but does not address the authority's long-term spending needs. "It deals with their short-term challenge on operation, and we will deal with their capital challenge between Read More
ALBANY—Democrats in the State Senate finally have a plan they say will plug the M.T.A.'s current $1.2 billion operating deficit with a payroll tax and four percent fare increase, but does not address the authority's long-term spending needs.
"It deals with their short-term challenge on operation, and we will deal with their capital Read More
ALBANY--For the second consecutive week, legislators left the Capitol without passing a package that would alleviate the M.T.A.'s budget deficit. There is still no consensus.
Before session, State Senator Martin Malave Dilan was sipping coffee in the corner of the chamber when I approached him. He was unenthusiastic, following a report in Read More
ALBANY--For the second consecutive week, legislators left the Capitol without passing a package that would alleviate the M.T.A.'s budget deficit. There is still no consensus. Before session, State Senator Martin Malave Dilan was sipping coffee in the corner of the chamber when I approached him. He was unenthusiastic, following a report in today's Daily News Read More
ALBANY—Here's the latest spin by state senators opposed to the M.T.A. rescue package currently on the table: blowing the March 25 deadline will give them more time to bandy about random ideas.
"Deadlines are arbitrary dates set by people that have things to hide," State Senator Carl Kruger, who is adamantly opposed to tolls, Read More
ALBANY—Here's the latest spin by state senators opposed to the M.T.A. rescue package currently on the table: blowing the March 25 deadline will give them more time to bandy about random ideas. "Deadlines are arbitrary dates set by people that have things to hide," State Senator Carl Kruger, who is adamantly opposed to tolls, told Read More
RENSSELAER—While on the topic of transportation, David Paterson and Malcolm Smith were asked about the MTA's deficit, and where things stand on state action to prevent a major fare increase and service cuts. "I'd like to get it done because the MTA has a board meeting next week," Paterson said. "I'm not going to get Read More
RENSSELAER—While on the topic of transportation, David Paterson and Malcolm Smith were asked about the MTA's deficit, and where things stand on state action to prevent a major fare increase and service cuts.
"I'd like to get it done because the MTA has a board meeting next week," Paterson said.
"I'm not going to Read More
He will name State Senator David Valesky of Syracuse as vice president pro tempore (the post comes with a $34,000 stipend) on a visit to the district today, a high ranking Senate source Read More
