State

Supporters of bail reform, discovery law changes rebut backlash to new laws

By • Dec 6, 2019
Eileen Buckley / WBFO News

Law enforcement groups have pushed back against criminal justice changes that take effect in January, including the end to most forms of cash bail. But the advocates who fought for the changes say they are long overdue and will restore fairness to the system.


Lack of key provision could sink new public campaign finance plan in court

By • Dec 4, 2019

Earlier this week, the state’s public campaign finance commission issued a plan to allow candidates for state offices to receive public matching grants for some campaign donations under $250. But advocates worry that the final report left out a key legal clause -- and that could jettison the entire program if any one part of it is successfully challenged in court.


Senate leader says commission should not change fusion voting

By • Nov 25, 2019
Karen Dewitt / WBFO Albany Correspondent

A commission designing a public campaign finance system for the state’s political races is poised to limit fusion voting, or the ability for candidates to run on multiple party lines. Now the leader of the State Senate is saying that it would be better if the commission leaves it alone.


New state budget includes 'calibrated' minimum wage increase

By • Apr 1, 2016
File photo

State lawmakers went down to the wire Thursday night on meeting the state budget deadline and voting continued Friday, once all of the budget bills are finalized.


State budget expected to pass this week

By • Mar 27, 2012

New York lawmakers are very optimistic about getting a budget done on time again this year.

They say 99% of the state’s spending plan has been closed down, and they will pass bills before the end of the week.

In a sign that the end of the budget process is near, some conference committees began wrapping up their work and closing down.

The criminal justice and mental hygiene budget conference committees were among those that gaveled out mid-day Monday.