Items by Cara Matthews

• Gov.’s revised proposal would cut health care, education less

  —Politics on the Hudson

     Gov. David Paterson’s deficit-reduction plan has been revised to cut less from education and health care and use federal stimulus money for education that had been set aside for next year, according to his Budget Division.    The original proposal would reduce school aid by $686 million this school year ($480 million for the state’s [...]
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  Posted: November 24, 2009, 2:18pm EST
  by Cara Matthews

• Gov. to use executive authority to close budget deficit

  —Politics on the Hudson

     Gov. David Paterson said in a Web announcement this morning that he is submitting legislation to lawmakers that would give him executive authority to make the reductions necessary to close the state’s $3.2 billion mid-year budget gap.    Paterson and lawmakers have been unable to reach an agreement with the [...]
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  Posted: November 24, 2009, 12:48pm EST
  by Cara Matthews

• No budget deal as third week of negotiations begins

  —Politics on the Hudson

  Number of comments: 1
     After originally saying they would take the weekend to complete negotiations and prepare legislation, lawmakers and Gov. David Paterson ended the day Monday without an agreement on how to close the state’s $3.2 billion budget gap.    “I believe the best way to say it is we’ve had the same [...]
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  Posted: November 23, 2009, 9:28pm EST
  by Cara Matthews

• No budget deal as lawmakers begin third week of negotiations

  —Albany Watch

     After originally saying they would take the weekend to complete negotiations and prepare legislation, lawmakers and Gov. David Paterson ended the day Monday without an agreement on how to close the state’s $3.2 billion budget gap.    “I believe the best way to say it is we’ve had the same [...]
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  Posted: November 23, 2009, 9:26pm EST
  by Cara Matthews

• IG recommends disciplining supervisors of “man cave” workers

  —Politics on the Hudson

     New York Inspector General Joseph Fisch is recommending that disciplinary action be taken against three supervisors in connection with the “man cave” in one of the state parking garages in Albany. Poor oversight by Office of General Services managers Thomas Casey, William Liston and Dennis Williams contributed to drug [...]
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  Posted: November 23, 2009, 1:26pm EST
  by Cara Matthews

• IG recommends disciplining supervisors of “man cave” workers

  —Albany Watch

     New York Inspector General Joseph Fisch is recommending that disciplinary action be taken against three supervisors in connection with the “man cave” in one of the state parking garages in Albany. Poor oversight by Office of General Services managers Thomas Casey, William Liston and Dennis Williams contributed to drug abuse and other [...]
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  Posted: November 23, 2009, 1:21pm EST
  by Cara Matthews

• Bruno trial expected to end today

  —Politics on the Hudson

  Number of comments: 1
     Former Senate Majority Leader Joseph Bruno’s federal corruption trial is expected to wrap up today, and it will be up to the jury to decide his fate. Prosecutors charged he received more than $3 million from businesses in exchange for his political influence at the state Capitol between 1993 and 2006.    [...]
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  Posted: November 23, 2009, 12:39pm EST
  by Cara Matthews

• Bruno trial expected to finish up today

  —Albany Watch

     Former Senate Majority Leader Joseph Bruno’s federal corruption trial is expected to wrap up today, and it will be up to the jury to decide his fate. Prosecutors charged he received more than $3 million from businesses in exchange for his political influence at the state Capitol between 1993 and 2006.    [...]
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  Posted: November 23, 2009, 12:33pm EST
  by Cara Matthews

• Budget deadlock not helping voter opinion of lawmakers, gov.

  —Politics on the Hudson

     A Marist College poll released today found that 71 percent of voters think state government needs major changes, and 18 percent think daily operations at the Capitol need minor changes. Eleven percent believe state government is broken and beyond repair, according to the poll.    “Albany is not a good place [...]
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  Posted: November 23, 2009, 12:15pm EST
  by Cara Matthews

• Budget deadlock not helping public opinion of lawmakers, gov.

  —Albany Watch

     A Marist College poll released today found that 71 percent of voters think state government needs major changes, and 18 percent think daily operations at the Capitol need minor changes. Eleven percent believe state government is broken and beyond repair, according to the poll.    “Albany is not a good place [...]
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  Posted: November 23, 2009, 12:14pm EST
  by Cara Matthews

• Still no budget deal at the Capitol

  —Albany Watch

     After saying they would take the weekend to complete negotiations and print a bill, lawmakers and Gov. David Paterson are beginning the new week without a plan to close the state’s $3.2 billion budget gap.    Both the Senate and Assembly are scheduled to go into session at 2 p.m.    [...]
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  Posted: November 23, 2009, 11:16am EST
  by Cara Matthews

• Still no budget deal at the Capitol

  —Politics on the Hudson

  Number of comments: 2
     After saying they would take the weekend to complete negotiations and print a bill, lawmakers and Gov. David Paterson are beginning the new week without a plan to close the state’s $3.2 billion budget gap.    Both the Senate and Assembly are scheduled to go into session at 2 p.m.    [...]
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  Posted: November 23, 2009, 11:15am EST
  by Cara Matthews

• Gov. voices continued frustration with lawmakers over budget deficit

  —Politics on the Hudson

  Number of comments: 3
     Gov. David Paterson continued to chide lawmakers today about not coming up with a solution to New York’s $3.2 billion deficit. If the state doesn’t cut costs, it won’t be able to pay all its bills next month, including aid to schools, he said during a news conference this [...]
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  Posted: November 21, 2009, 1:29pm EST
  by Cara Matthews

• Gov. voices continued frustration with lawmakers over budget deficit

  —Albany Watch

  Number of comments: 1
     Gov. David Paterson continued to chide lawmakers today about not coming up with a solution to New York’s $3.2 billion deficit. If the state doesn’t cut costs, it won’t be able to pay all its bills next month, including aid to schools, he said during a news conference this [...]
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  Posted: November 21, 2009, 1:02pm EST
  by Cara Matthews

• NY wants more takers on $20,000 severance package

  —Politics on the Hudson

     After a total of 1,089 state employees received authorization by mid-November to retire with a $20,000 severance payment, Gov. David Paterson’s Division of the Budget is extending the program until Jan. 20 to see if the state can get more participation.    Paterson ordered a total of $500 million in [...]
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  Posted: November 20, 2009, 1:43pm EST
  by Cara Matthews

• NY wants more takers on $20,000 severance package

  —Albany Watch

     After a total of 1,089 state employees received authorization by mid-November to retire with a $20,000 severance payment, Gov. David Paterson’s Division of the Budget is extending the program until Jan. 20 to see if the state can get more participation.    Paterson ordered a total of $500 million in mid-year budget [...]
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  Posted: November 20, 2009, 1:39pm EST
  by Cara Matthews

• Poll finds Cuomo is still popular and Paterson isn’t

  —Albany Watch

     Attorney General Andrew Cuomo would get the support of 72 percent of registered voters in the state in a primary against Gov. David Paterson, according to a Marist College poll released today. Twenty-one percent of voters would select Paterson, who plans to run for election next year.    “Right now, Andrew [...]
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  Posted: November 20, 2009, 12:14pm EST
  by Cara Matthews

• Poll finds Cuomo is still popular and Paterson isn’t

  —Politics on the Hudson

  Number of comments: 3
      Attorney General Andrew Cuomo would get the support of 72 percent of registered voters in the state in a primary against Gov. David Paterson, according to a Marist College poll released today. Twenty-one percent of voters would select Paterson, who plans to run for election next year.    “Right now, Andrew [...]
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  Posted: November 20, 2009, 12:12pm EST
  by Cara Matthews

• Poll: Giuliani could defeat Gillibrand for U.S. Senate

  —Politics on the Hudson

     A new Marist College poll that coincides with news today that former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani has decided not to run for governor found that he would easily win over Democratic Gov. David Paterson but would have his work cut out for him if Attorney General Andrew Cuomo ran instead of Paterson.     [...]
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  Posted: November 19, 2009, 4:18pm EST
  by Cara Matthews

• Poll: Giuliani could defeat Gillibrand for U.S. Senate

  —Albany Watch

  Number of comments: 1
     A new Marist College poll that coincides with news today that former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani has decided not to run for governor found that he would easily win over Democratic Gov. David Paterson but would have his work cut out for him if Attorney General Andrew Cuomo ran instead of Paterson.     [...]
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  Posted: November 19, 2009, 4:16pm EST
  by Cara Matthews

• Lawmakers not due back until Monday

  —Albany Watch

     As negotiations to close a $3.2 billion state budget shortfall continue, the Senate and Assembly have left town until Monday. Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver, D-Manhattan, has scheduled session Monday afternoon, although members are on alert that they could be called back earlier with 12 hours notice.    Senate Majority Leader John [...]
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  Posted: November 19, 2009, 3:30pm EST
  by Cara Matthews

• Lawmakers not due back until Monday

  —Politics on the Hudson

     As negotiations to close a $3.2 billion state budget shortfall continue, the Senate and Assembly have left town until Monday. Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver, D-Manhattan, has scheduled session Monday afternoon, although members are on alert that they could be called back earlier with 12 hours notice.    Senate Majority Leader John [...]
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  Posted: November 19, 2009, 3:28pm EST
  by Cara Matthews

• County clerks urge gov. to stop production of plates

  —Albany Watch

     County clerks who protested the state’s plans to issue new license plates and charge drivers $25 each to get them said tonight they are not happy that the state is moving forward with production of the new plates.    Faced with pressure from county clerks and residents, Gov. David Paterson [...]
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  Posted: November 18, 2009, 7:33pm EST
  by Cara Matthews

• County clerks urge gov. to stop production of new plates

  —Politics on the Hudson

  Number of comments: 1
     County clerks who protested the state’s plans to issue new license plates and charge drivers $25 each to get them said tonight they are not happy that the state is moving forward with production of the new plates.    Faced with pressure from county clerks and residents, Gov. David Paterson [...]
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  Posted: November 18, 2009, 7:30pm EST
  by Cara Matthews

• Lawmakers, gov. reach agreement on public-authority reform

  —Albany Watch

     Assemblyman Richard Brodsky, D-Greenburgh, said the Asssembly, Senate and Gov. David Paterson have reached an agreement to pass legislation that will reform the state’s public-authority system. Brodsky said that bill, plus one passed earlier this year that the governor has said he will sign, will change the culture of what [...]
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  Posted: November 18, 2009, 3:55pm EST
  by Cara Matthews

• Lawmakers, gov. reach agreement on public-authority reform

  —Politics on the Hudson

     Assemblyman Richard Brodsky, D-Greenburgh, said the Asssembly, Senate and Gov. David Paterson have reached an agreement to pass legislation that will reform the state’s public-authority system. Brodsky said that bill, plus one passed earlier this year that the governor has said he will sign, will change the culture of what [...]
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  Posted: November 18, 2009, 3:54pm EST
  by Cara Matthews

• Senate unanimously passes “Leandra’s Law”

  —Politics on the Hudson

     The Senate just passed legislation that would strengthen drunken-driving laws in New York by making it a felony for someone to be driving while impaired and have a child passenger. The vote was 58-0.    Another provision of the bill would require anyone convicted of drunken driving to install an ignition-interlock [...]
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  Posted: November 18, 2009, 1:38pm EST
  by Cara Matthews

• Senate unanimously passes “Leandra’s Law”

  —Albany Watch

     The Senate just passed legislation that would strengthen drunken-driving laws in New York by making it a felony for someone to be driving while impaired and have a child passenger. The vote was 58-0.    Another provision of the bill would require anyone convicted of drunken driving to install an ignition-interlock [...]
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  Posted: November 18, 2009, 1:36pm EST
  by Cara Matthews

• Poll: Voters worried about deficit, lawmakers’ handling of it

  —Politics on the Hudson

     Nearly 70 percent of registered voters in New York fear the state will run out of money in December, according to a Marist Poll released this afternoon. Twenty-one percent of voters said they are not very worried about that and 10 percent are not worried at all, the poll found.    When [...]
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  Posted: November 18, 2009, 1:15pm EST
  by Cara Matthews

• Poll: Voters worried about deficit, lawmakers’ handling of it

  —Albany Watch

     Nearly 70 percent of registered voters in New York fear the state will run out of money in December, according to a Marist Poll released this afternoon. Twenty-one percent of voters said they are not very worried about that and 10 percent are not worried at all, the poll found.    When [...]
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  Posted: November 18, 2009, 1:09pm EST
  by Cara Matthews

• After stimulus $$, states still have $357 billion total shortfall

  —Albany Watch

     The federal American Recovery and Reinvestment Act passed in February provided $106 billion in aid to states, about 25 percent of the $437 billion total state and local budget shortfalls, a report from the Washington-based Economic Policy Institute says.    Since state and local governments cannot run a deficit, as [...]
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  Posted: November 18, 2009, 12:52pm EST
  by Cara Matthews

• After stimulus $$, states still have $357 billion total deficit

  —Politics on the Hudson

     The federal American Recovery and Reinvestment Act passed in February provided $106 billion in aid to states, about 25 percent of the $437 billion total state and local budget shortfalls, a report from the Washington-based Economic Policy Institute says.    Since state and local governments cannot run a deficit, as [...]
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  Posted: November 18, 2009, 12:48pm EST
  by Cara Matthews

• Study: ethical misconduct increasing as reason for leaving office

  —Albany Watch

     Ethical misconduct increasingly is the reason state lawmakers leave office, Citizens Union said in a report released today. Fourteen legislators have left office in the past 10 years because of ethical misconduct, criminal charges or similar issues. Five of them left in the 2007-08 session.    “We are facing not [...]
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  Posted: November 17, 2009, 4:08pm EST
  by Cara Matthews

• Study: Ethical misconduct increasing as reason for leaving office

  —Politics on the Hudson

  Number of comments: 2
     Ethical misconduct increasingly is the reason state lawmakers leave office, Citizens Union said in a report released today. Fourteen legislators have left office in the past 10 years because of ethical misconduct, criminal charges or similar issues. Five of them left in the 2007-08 session.    “We are facing not [...]
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  Posted: November 17, 2009, 4:06pm EST
  by Cara Matthews

• Clerks deliver 100,000 signatures against plates

  —Albany Watch

     County clerks delivered four boxes of petitions opposing the state’s requirement that all drivers get new license plates starting next spring and pay $25 for them. They had collected signatures from more than 100,000 New Yorkers who want the state to quash the requirement, which would raise $130 million [...]
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  Posted: November 16, 2009, 2:19pm EST
  by Cara Matthews

• Clerks deliver 100,000 signatures against new plates

  —Politics on the Hudson

  Number of comments: 1
     County clerks delivered four boxes of petitions opposing the state’s requirement that all drivers get new license plates starting next spring and pay $25 for them. They had collected signatures from more than 100,000 New Yorkers who want the state to quash the requirement, which would raise $130 million [...]
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  Posted: November 16, 2009, 2:05pm EST
  by Cara Matthews

• Governor: Time is of the essence on budget cuts

  —Politics on the Hudson

  Number of comments: 1
     Gov. David Paterson made the rounds of some radio shows today to give an update on where negotiations stand on closing the state’s $3.2 billion budget deficit. Lawmakers were in town for a special session Tuesday, but they left without reaching an agreement. The governor is calling them back Monday [...]
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  Posted: November 13, 2009, 2:09pm EST
  by Cara Matthews

• Governor: Time is of the essence in budget cuts

  —Albany Watch

     Gov. David Paterson made the rounds of some radio shows today to give an update on where negotiations stand on closing the state’s $3.2 billion budget deficit. Lawmakers were in town for a special session Tuesday, but they left without reaching an agreement. The governor is calling them back Monday [...]
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  Posted: November 13, 2009, 2:08pm EST
  by Cara Matthews

• H1N1 vaccine becoming more available in NY

  —Albany Watch

  The H1N1 flu vaccine is becoming more widely available across the state, Gov. David Paterson announced today. County health departments are planning clinics that had been put off because the national supply has been lower than anticipated. “Due to delays in manufacturing the H1N1 vaccine, our statewide vaccination campaign has [...]
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  Posted: November 13, 2009, 1:34pm EST
  by Cara Matthews

• H1N1 shot becoming more available in NY

  —Politics on the Hudson

     The H1N1 flu vaccine is becoming more widely available across the state, Gov. David Paterson announced today. County health departments are planning clinics that had been put off because the national supply has been lower than anticipated.    “Due to delays in manufacturing the H1N1 vaccine, our statewide vaccination campaign [...]
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  Posted: November 13, 2009, 1:27pm EST
  by Cara Matthews

• State workers reach plea agreement over “man cave”

  —Albany Watch

  Two New York employees who were allegedly selling and using drugs, watching television and sleeping in a concealed ”man cave” on state property instead of working pleaded guilty today to defrauding the government, Attorney General Andrew Cuomo announced. Gary A. Pivoda, 48, of Glennon Road in Latham, an Albany suburb, and Louis Marciano, 50, of Willow [...]
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  Posted: November 12, 2009, 5:52pm EST
  by Cara Matthews

• State workers reach plea agreement over “man cave”

  —Politics on the Hudson

  Number of comments: 2
  Two New York employees who were allegedly selling and using drugs, watching television and sleeping in a concealed “man cave” on state property instead of working pleaded guilty today to defrauding the government, Attorney General Andrew Cuomo announced. Gary A. Pivoda, 48, of Glennon Road in Latham, an Albany suburb, and [...]
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  Posted: November 12, 2009, 5:41pm EST
  by Cara Matthews

• NY launches campaign to get people counted in Census

  —Politics on the Hudson

     The New York 2010 Census Complete Count Committee kicked off a campaign to make sure state residents are counted in next year’s U.S. Census. Gov. David Paterson signed an executive order to form the committee, which will be composed of the heads of all state agencies and authorities.       [...]
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  Posted: November 12, 2009, 3:54pm EST
  by Cara Matthews

• State begins push to get everyone counted in census

  —Albany Watch

     The New York 2010 Census Complete Count Committee kicked off a campaign to make sure state residents are counted in next year’s U.S. Census. Gov. David Paterson signed an executive order to form the committee, which will be composed of the heads of all state agencies and authorities.    The [...]
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  Posted: November 12, 2009, 3:31pm EST
  by Cara Matthews

• More than 1,000 protest proposed health-care cuts

  —Albany Watch

  More than 1,000 health-care workers who traveled to the Capitol Thursday to protest the governor’s proposed $278 million in health-care reductions.    “We simply cannot sustain any more cuts in our hospitals, in our nursing homes or in our home-care division. Today we’ve got to make it clear: No more health-care [...]
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  Posted: November 12, 2009, 2:51pm EST
  by Cara Matthews

• More than 1,000 protest proposed health-care cuts

  —Politics on the Hudson

     More than 1,000 health-care workers who traveled to the Capitol Thursday to protest the governor’s proposed $278 million in health-care reductions.    “We simply cannot sustain any more cuts in our hospitals, in our nursing homes or in our home-care division. Today we’ve got to make it clear: No more [...]
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  Posted: November 12, 2009, 2:18pm EST
  by Cara Matthews

• NY scores better than 12 states on “fiscal peril” scale

  —Albany Watch

     New York received a score of 20 on the Pew Center on the States’ new report evaluating whether states are in fiscal peril. All states were compared with California, which received the highest score—30. Revenue is down more in New York than California—17.1 percent to 16.2 percent. The national [...]
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  Posted: November 11, 2009, 6:09pm EST
  by Cara Matthews

• NY scores better than 12 states on “fiscal peril” scale

  —Politics on the Hudson

  Number of comments: 2
     New York received a score of 20 on the Pew Center on the States’ new report evaluating whether states are in fiscal peril. All states were compared with California, which received the highest score—30. Revenue is down more in New York than California—17.1 percent to 16.2 percent. The national [...]
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  Posted: November 11, 2009, 6:04pm EST
  by Cara Matthews

• Thousands expected to protest proposed cuts

  —Albany Watch

  Thousands of New York health-care workers are planning a rally in Albany tomorrow to protest Gov. David Paterson’s proposed $470 million cuts to hospitals, nursing homes and home-care providers. The governor has called for the reductions as part of his plan to close the state’s $3.2 billion mid-year budget deficit. [...]
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  Posted: November 11, 2009, 3:26pm EST
  by Cara Matthews

• Thousands expected to protest proposed cuts

  —Politics on the Hudson

     Thousands of New York health-care workers are planning a rally in Albany tomorrow to protest Gov. David Paterson’s proposed $470 million cuts to hospitals, nursing homes and home-care providers.    The governor has called for the reductions as part of his plan to close the state’s $3.2 billion mid-year budget deficit. The [...]
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  Posted: November 11, 2009, 3:19pm EST
  by Cara Matthews

• CVS agrees to $875,000 settlement with state

  —Albany Watch

     State Attorney General Andrew Cuomo announced today that he reached an $875,000 settlement with CVS Pharmacy Inc. over the sale of expired products in New York, including milk, eggs, medicines and baby formula.     CVS, which has about 432 stores in the state, has agreed to implement specific policies and procedures aimed [...]
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  Posted: November 10, 2009, 1:05pm EST
  by Cara Matthews

• CVS agrees to $875,000 settlement with state

  —Politics on the Hudson

  Number of comments: 1
     State Attorney General Andrew Cuomo announced today that he reached an $875,000 settlement with CVS Pharmacy Inc. over the sale of expired products in New York, including milk, eggs, medicines and baby formula.     CVS, which has about 432 stores in the state, has agreed to implement specific policies and procedures aimed [...]
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  Posted: November 10, 2009, 1:02pm EST
  by Cara Matthews

• Monserrate panel holds first meeting

  —Politics on the Hudson

  Number of comments: 2
     Four members of the Senate’s Special Committee of Inquiry investigating the conduct of Sen. Hiram Monserrate, D-Queens, defended their ability to serve impartially this evening after a letter from Monserrate’s lawyer alleged they were “predisposed against” his client. The committee has been convened to review Monserrate’s domestic-violence case and determine whether his conviction [...]
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  Posted: November 09, 2009, 8:10pm EST
  by Cara Matthews

• Monserrate panel holds first meeting

  —Albany Watch

     Four members of the Senate’s Special Committee of Inquiry investigating the conduct of Sen. Hiram Monserrate, D-Queens, defended their ability to serve impartially this evening after a letter from Monserrate’s lawyer alleged they were “predisposed against” his client. The committee has been convened to review Monserrate’s domestic-violence case and determine whether his [...]
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  Posted: November 09, 2009, 8:02pm EST
  by Cara Matthews

• Special-interest groups protest budget cuts

  —Albany Watch

     As the Legislature prepares to meet in special session on budget cuts tomorrow, the halls of the Capitol and Legislative Office Building are busy with lobbyists and special-interest groups protesting proposed cuts in education, mental retardation and developmental disabilities, and other areas.    New York State United Teachers, the Campaign [...]
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  Posted: November 09, 2009, 1:39pm EST
  by Cara Matthews

• Special-interest groups lobby against cuts

  —Politics on the Hudson

     As the Legislature prepares to meet in special session on budget cuts tomorrow, the halls of the Capitol and Legislative Office Building are busy with lobbyists and special-interest groups protesting proposed cuts in education, mental retardation and developmental disabilities, and other areas.    New York State United Teachers, the Campaign [...]
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  Posted: November 09, 2009, 1:36pm EST
  by Cara Matthews

• Cancer Society fights cuts with “Red Bra” campaign

  —Albany Watch

  The American Cancer Society launched a “Red Bra” campaign campaign today to urge lawmakers not to cut mammograms for the uninsured. A red bra is pictured above the words “Don’t leave New York women exposed” on a flyer from the organization. Albany lawmakers and the governor have already cut funding to provide [...]
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  Posted: November 09, 2009, 1:07pm EST
  by Cara Matthews

• Cancer Society protests cuts with “Red Bra” campaign

  —Politics on the Hudson

     The American Cancer Society launched a “Red Bra” campaign campaign today to urge lawmakers not to cut mammograms for the uninsured.    A red bra is pictured above the words “Don’t leave New York women exposed” on a flyer from the organization.    Albany lawmakers and the governor have already cut [...]
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  Posted: November 09, 2009, 1:02pm EST
  by Cara Matthews

• State proposes 1,000 housing units for NYC adult-home residents

  —Albany Watch

     State officials on Friday evening filed a U.S. District Court-ordered remedial plan for how to ensure that residents of adult homes in New York City have the opportunity to live in settings that are more integrated into the community. District Court Judge Nicholas Garaufis ruled in September that about [...]
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  Posted: November 07, 2009, 2:10am EST
  by Cara Matthews

• State proposes 1,000 housing units for NYC adult-home residents

  —Politics on the Hudson

  Number of comments: 1
     State officials on Friday evening filed a U.S. District Court-ordered remedial plan for how to ensure that residents of adult homes in New York City have the opportunity to live in settings that are more integrated into the community. District Court Judge Nicholas Garaufis ruled in September that about [...]
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  Posted: November 07, 2009, 2:04am EST
  by Cara Matthews

• As current deficit looms large, state begins 2010-11 budget process

  —Albany Watch

     This year’s state $3.2 billion budget deficit is far from settled, but it’s time for the governor’s Division of Budget, the Legislature and the state Comptroller’s Office to start working on the 2010-11 spending plan.    At 9:30 a.m. Monday, the day before the special budget-cutting session called by Gov. David [...]
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  Posted: November 06, 2009, 5:30pm EST
  by Cara Matthews

• As current deficit looms large, state begins 2010-11 budget process

  —Politics on the Hudson

     This year’s state $3.2 billion budget deficit is far from settled, but it’s time for the governor’s Division of Budget, the Legislature and the state Comptroller’s Office to start working on the 2010-11 spending plan.    At 9:30 a.m. Monday, the day before the special budget-cutting session called by Gov. David [...]
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  Posted: November 06, 2009, 5:28pm EST
  by Cara Matthews

• Senators want law changed to protect patients

  —Albany Watch

  Number of comments: 1
     Two Democratic senators plan to announce legislation tomorrow that would make it illegal for insurance companies to deny coverage to someone by dropping entire lines of insurance.    The lawmakers cite the case of Ian Pearl, a 37-year-old with muscular dystrophy, whose around-the-clock nursing care costs more than $1 million [...]
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  Posted: November 04, 2009, 1:36pm EST
  by Cara Matthews

• Senators want law changed to protect patients

  —Politics on the Hudson

  Number of comments: 1
     Two Democratic senators plan to announce legislation tomorrow that would make it illegal for insurance companies to deny coverage to someone by dropping entire lines of insurance.    The lawmakers cite the case of Ian Pearl, a 37-year-old with muscular dystrophy, whose around-the-clock nursing care costs more than $1 million [...]
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  Posted: November 04, 2009, 1:34pm EST
  by Cara Matthews

• State needs more time to craft remedy for disabled

  —Albany Watch

     The state has received a two-week extension to file a U.S. District Court-ordered remedial plan on how to place residents of adult homes in New York City in settings that are more integrated into the community.  Instead of this Friday, state officials have until Nov. 6.    Besides needing more time [...]
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  Posted: October 22, 2009, 3:06pm EDT
  by Cara Matthews

• State needs more time to craft remedy for disabled

  —Politics on the Hudson

     The state has received a two-week extension to file a U.S. District Court-ordered remedial plan on how to place residents of adult homes in New York City in settings that are more integrated into the community.  Instead of this Friday, state officials have until Nov. 6.    Besides needing more time [...]
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  Posted: October 22, 2009, 3:04pm EDT
  by Cara Matthews

• State workers’ “man cave” leads to 22-count indictment

  —Politics on the Hudson

     Two state employees have been indicted for allegedly blowing off work to hang out, sleep, watch TV and use and sell marijuana and cocaine in a “man cave” they set up at a public parking garage, according to state Attorney General Andrew Cuomo’s office.    Office of General Services employees Gary Pivoda, 48, [...]
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  Posted: October 22, 2009, 1:58pm EDT
  by Cara Matthews

• State workers’ “man cave” leads to 22-count indictment

  —Albany Watch

     Two state employees have been indicted for allegedly blowing off work to hang out, sleep, watch TV and use and sell marijuana and cocaine in a “man cave” they set up at a public parking garage, according to state Attorney General Andrew Cuomo’s office.    Office of General Services employees Gary Pivoda, 48, [...]
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  Posted: October 22, 2009, 1:55pm EDT
  by Cara Matthews

• Senate investigative panel retains attorney

  —Politics on the Hudson

  Number of comments: 3
     A Senate committee investigating the conduct of Sen. Hiram Monserrate, D-Queens, announced today that it has retained Daniel Alonso (pictured here), a partner in the Kaye Scholer LLP law firm, to serve as special counsel.    “Dan’s vast experience as a state and federal prosecutor makes him the ideal candidate [...]
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  Posted: October 22, 2009, 12:07pm EDT
  by Cara Matthews

• Senate investigating panel hires attorney

  —Albany Watch

     A Senate committee investigating the conduct of Sen. Hiram Monserrate, D-Queens, announced today that it has retained Daniel Alonso (pictured here), a partner in the Kaye Scholer LLP law firm, to serve as special counsel.    “Dan’s vast experience as a state and federal prosecutor makes him the ideal candidate [...]
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  Posted: October 22, 2009, 11:57am EDT
  by Cara Matthews

• Another group calls for senator to resign

  —Albany Watch

     The National Organization for Women of New York just released a statement announcing another women’s group is calling for Sen. Hiram Monserrate, D-Queens, to resign from office. The National Women’s Political Caucus of New York State has joined NOW, NARAL Pro-Choice New York, the New Agenda and the Eleanor [...]
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  Posted: October 21, 2009, 7:02pm EDT
  by Cara Matthews

• Another women’s group calls for senator to resign

  —Politics on the Hudson

  Number of comments: 1
     The National Organization for Women of New York just released a statement announcing another women’s group is calling for Sen. Hiram Monserrate, D-Queens, to resign from office. The National Women’s Political Caucus of New York State has joined NOW, NARAL Pro-Choice New York, the New Agenda and the Eleanor [...]
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  Posted: October 21, 2009, 7:00pm EDT
  by Cara Matthews

• Senate to hold budget hearing in Westchester

  —Albany Watch

     Senate Democrats announced today that they have added two more public hearings on Gov. David Paterson’s proposal to close the state’s $3 billion budget deficit. One of the hearings runs from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Oct. 29 at the Greenburgh Public Library in Elmsford, Westchester County, and the other [...]
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  Posted: October 21, 2009, 6:38pm EDT
  by Cara Matthews

• Senate to hold budget hearing in Westchester

  —Politics on the Hudson

     Senate Democrats announced today that they have added two more public hearings on Gov. David Paterson’s proposal to close the state’s $3 billion budget deficit. One of the hearings runs from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Oct. 29 at the Greenburgh Public Library in Elmsford, and the other is Nov. [...]
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  Posted: October 21, 2009, 6:37pm EDT
  by Cara Matthews

• Gov.: There’s room in special session for gay-marriage vote

  —Albany Watch

     Gov. David Paterson said there’s no reason why a number of non-budget issues shouldn’t be on the agenda for the upcoming legislative session, including a vote on legalizing gay marriage.    “Well we have a number of issues that were not resolved at the end of the session because of [...]
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  Posted: October 21, 2009, 3:39pm EDT
  by Cara Matthews

• Gov.: There’s room in special session for gay-marriage vote

  —Politics on the Hudson

  Number of comments: 2
     Gov. David Paterson said there’s no reason why a number of non-budget issues shouldn’t be on the agenda for the upcoming legislative session, including a vote on legalizing gay marriage.    “Well we have a number of issues that were not resolved at the end of the session because of [...]
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  Posted: October 21, 2009, 3:37pm EDT
  by Cara Matthews

• Gov. to wait and see before commenting on senator

  —Politics on the Hudson

     Gov. David Paterson today that he’s glad the Senate has set up a panel to review the recent misdemeanor conviction of Sen. Hiram Monserrate, D-Queens, for a domestic-violence incident involving the senator’s girlfriend. But Paterson declined to comment on the question of the hour—should Monserrate be forced to resign because [...]
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  Posted: October 21, 2009, 2:28pm EDT
  by Cara Matthews

• Gov. to wait and see before commenting on senator

  —Albany Watch

     Gov. David Paterson today that he’s glad the Senate has set up a panel to review the recent misdemeanor conviction of Sen. Hiram Monserrate, D-Queens, for a domestic-violence incident involving the senator’s girlfriend. But Paterson declined to comment on the question of the hour—should Monserrate be forced to resign because [...]
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  Posted: October 21, 2009, 2:25pm EDT
  by Cara Matthews

• No date set yet for special session on budget

  —Albany Watch

     Legislative leaders and Gov. David Paterson continued today to discuss ways they could close the state’s $3 billion budget deficit but don’t have a date for when all this would take place.    Paterson, who met for about an hour with members of the Senate and Assembly, said he would [...]
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  Posted: October 21, 2009, 1:57pm EDT
  by Cara Matthews

• No date set yet for special session to cut budget

  —Politics on the Hudson

     Legislative leaders and Gov. David Paterson continued today to discuss ways they could close the state’s $3 billion budget deficit but don’t have a date for when all this would take place.    Paterson, who met for about an hour with members of the Senate and Assembly, said he would [...]
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  Posted: October 21, 2009, 1:55pm EDT
  by Cara Matthews

• Budget official: There is an urgent need for action

  —Politics on the Hudson

     Gov. David Paterson’s budget director, Robert Megna, issued a statement this evening on the dire state of New York’s finances and said there is an urgent need for action. The governor plans to call lawmakers back into special session to close a $3 billion hole in the budget.    This [...]
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  Posted: October 20, 2009, 7:42pm EDT
  by Cara Matthews

• Budget official: There is an urgent need for action

  —Albany Watch

     Gov. David Paterson’s budget director, Robert Megna, issued a statement this evening on the dire state of New York’s finances and said there is an urgent need for action. The governor plans to call lawmakers back into special session to close a $3 billion hole in the budget.    This [...]
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  Posted: October 20, 2009, 7:41pm EDT
  by Cara Matthews

• SUNY investigation will be done “expeditiously”

  —Albany Watch

     State University of New York officials said today that they don’t have a timeline for when an investigation of Binghamton University athletics will be completed but said it will be done “expeditiously.”    The investigation was prompted by a serious of events, including the arrest last month of basketball player [...]
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  Posted: October 20, 2009, 7:28pm EDT
  by Cara Matthews

• NYC senator says Monserrate should be ousted

  —Politics on the Hudson

  Number of comments: 10
     Democratic Sens. Liz Krueger of Manhattan, Suzi Oppenheimer of Mamaroneck, Westchester County, Neil Breslin of Albany, and David Valesky of Syracuse called on fellow Democratic Sen. Hiram Monserrate to resign.    The four senators issued statements today, following a Queens judge’s decision Thursday that Monserrate was guilty of a misdemeanor [...]
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  Posted: October 16, 2009, 1:08pm EDT
  by Cara Matthews

• NYC senator wants Monserrate ousted

  —Albany Watch

  Democratic Sens. Liz Krueger of Manhattan, Suzi Oppenheimer of Mamaroneck, Westchester County, Neil Breslin of Albany, and David Valesky of Syracuse called on fellow Democratic Sen. Hiram Monserrate to resign. The four senators issued statements today, following a Queens judge’s decision Thursday that Monserrate was guilty of a misdemeanor [...]
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  Posted: October 16, 2009, 1:06pm EDT
  by Cara Matthews

• Audit: NY spent $30 million too much on drug

  —Politics on the Hudson

     New York spent nearly $30 million more than it should have on a drug that prevents lung infections in premature babies because of problems with the state Health Department’s processing system, according to an audit released today by Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli.     Between July 1, 2005 and June 30, 2008, about $29.7 million of [...]
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  Posted: October 16, 2009, 12:55pm EDT
  by Cara Matthews

• Audit: NY spent $30 million too much on drug

  —Albany Watch

     New York spent nearly $30 million more than it should have on a drug that prevents lung infections in premature babies because of problems with the state Health Department’s processing system, according to an audit released today by Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli.     Between July 1, 2005 and June 30, 2008, about $29.7 million of the [...]
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  Posted: October 16, 2009, 12:54pm EDT
  by Cara Matthews

• Public-workers union sues NY over H1N1 mandate

  —Albany Watch

    The Public Employees Federation, a union representing 59,000 state employees, was granted a temporary restraining order today on New York’s mandate that certain health-care workers get vaccines for seasonal and H1N1 influenza by Nov. 30 or face potential loss of their jobs.    This is the first time the state has required [...]
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  Posted: October 16, 2009, 11:03am EDT
  by Cara Matthews

• Public-workers union sues over H1N1 mandate

  —Politics on the Hudson

     The Public Employees Federation, a union representing 59,000 state employees, was granted a temporary restraining order today on New York’s mandate that certain health-care workers get vaccines for seasonal and H1N1 influenza by Nov. 30 or face potential loss of their jobs.    This is the first time the state has required [...]
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  Posted: October 16, 2009, 11:01am EDT
  by Cara Matthews

• Senator keeps seat but could face ouster attempt

  —Albany Watch

     Freshman Sen. Hiram Monserrate of Queens was found not guilty on two felony charges today in connection with injuries sustained by his girlfriend, which means will not automatically lose his seat.    The freshman Democratic senator was found guilty of misdemeanor assault against his girlfriend, Karla Giraldo, and not guilty [...]
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  Posted: October 15, 2009, 4:45pm EDT
  by Cara Matthews

• Senator to keep seat but could face ouster attempt

  —Politics on the Hudson

  Number of comments: 1
     Freshman Sen. Hiram Monserrate of Queens was found not guilty on two felony charges today in connection with injuries sustained by his girlfriend, which means will not automatically lose his seat.    The freshman Democratic senator was found guilty of misdemeanor assault against his girlfriend, Karla Giraldo, and not guilty [...]
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  Posted: October 15, 2009, 4:32pm EDT
  by Cara Matthews

• Gov. almost immediately criticized for budget-cutting plan

  —Politics on the Hudson

     The Healthcare Association of New York State was the first group that could be affected by Gov. David Paterson’s budget-cutting proposal to send out a news release criticizing them (the governor’s plan was e-mailed at 1:12 p.m.; the HANYS statement came in at 1:26 p.m.)    Paterson proposed a $287 [...]
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  Posted: October 15, 2009, 2:09pm EDT
  by Cara Matthews

• Gov. almost immediately criticized for budget-cutting plan

  —Albany Watch

     The Healthcare Association of New York State was the first group that could be affected by Gov. David Paterson’s budget-cutting proposal to send out a news release criticizing them (the governor’s plan was e-mailed at 1:12 p.m.; the HANYS statement came in at 1:26 p.m.)    Paterson proposed a $287 [...]
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  Posted: October 15, 2009, 2:08pm EDT
  by Cara Matthews

• Gov. lays out proposal to cut $3 billion from budget

  —Albany Watch

     Gov. David Paterson has just laid out his proposal to close the $3 billion budget deficit by mid-year cuts in school aid, health-care spending, social services, aid to municipalities and other areas.    The reductions include $1.3 billion from local assistance programs—$686 million from education; $287 million from Medicaid; $184 million from other [...]
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  Posted: October 15, 2009, 1:47pm EDT
  by Cara Matthews

• Gov. lays out proposal for $3 billion in budget cuts

  —Politics on the Hudson

  Number of comments: 1
     Gov. David Paterson has just laid out his proposal to close the $3 billion budget deficit by mid-year cuts in school aid, health-care spending, social services, aid to municipalities and other areas.    The reductions include $1.3 billion from local assistance programs—$686 million from education; $287 million from Medicaid; $184 million from other [...]
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  Posted: October 15, 2009, 1:45pm EDT
  by Cara Matthews

• Officials plan for potential H1N1 toll on poll workers

  —Albany Watch

     With the possibility that H1N1 flu could knock out a lot of poll workers next month, the U.S. Election Assistance Commission is asking election officials to share contingency plans by submitting them to the agency for its clearinghouse. That includes staffing strategies, technology solutions, preventing the spread of the flu at [...]
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  Posted: October 15, 2009, 12:36pm EDT
  by Cara Matthews

• Officials plan for toll H1N1 could take on poll workers

  —Politics on the Hudson

  Number of comments: 2
     With the possibility that H1N1 flu could knock out a lot of poll workers next month, the U.S. Election Assistance Commission is asking election officials to share contingency plans by submitting them to the agency for its clearinghouse. That includes staffing strategies, technology solutions, preventing the spread of the flu at [...]
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  Posted: October 15, 2009, 12:35pm EDT
  by Cara Matthews

• More health workers protest H1N1 mandate

  —Albany Watch

     About 60 people gathered on the steps of the Capitol this afternoon to protest the mandate that most health-care workers get by H1N1 and seasonal flu vaccinations by Nov. 30.    Patricia Hyson, 55, said she has been a licensed practical nurse for 37 years at Ellis Hospital in Schenectady [...]
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  Posted: October 14, 2009, 3:10pm EDT
  by Cara Matthews

• More health-care workers protesting H1N1 mandate

  —Politics on the Hudson

  Number of comments: 1
     About 60 people gathered on the steps of the Capitol this afternoon to protest the mandate that most health-care workers get by H1N1 and seasonal flu vaccinations by Nov. 30.    Patricia Hyson, 55, said she has been a licensed practical nurse for 37 years at Ellis Hospital in Schenectady [...]
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  Posted: October 14, 2009, 2:57pm EDT
  by Cara Matthews

• Senate wants people counted so NY can count on $$$

  —Politics on the Hudson

  Number of comments: 1
     With the decennial U.S. Census upon us, the state Senate has launched a Web site that provides information about it and asks for suggestions on how to encourage more people to participate. The census, which is mandated by the U.S. Constitution, is used to determine representation in Congress and [...]
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  Posted: October 12, 2009, 2:25pm EDT
  by Cara Matthews