State worker layoffs back on the table

As the Legislature prepares to return to Albany, Gov. David Paterson issued some of his toughest words yet for lawmakers and another group he’s been at odds with for months: state worker unions. Casey Seiler reports in the Times Union that the Governor is once again considering
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Gov still wants a Soda Tax

Glen Blain writes in the Daily News – “Gov. Paterson is giving lawmakers another chance to guzzle down a soda tax. Paterson has included his controversial proposal for a penny-per-ounce tax on sugared beverages on the agenda for a special legislative session called for Wed
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Wells Fargo: Survey shows small business owners continue to see lower business prospects

Despite more stable credit outlook, Wells Fargo/Gallup Small Business falls to new low Though their concerns about credit availability have stabilized, fewer U.S. small business owners expect revenues, cash flow, capital spending and hiring to increase over the next 12 months, accordi
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Agenda for Special Session

Joseph Spector writes on WGRZ.com – “Gov. David Paterson is submitting a full menu of proposals for Wednesday’s special session of the state Legislature: enacting a property-tax cap, allowing grocery stores to sell wine, letting public colleges set tuition rates and
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Enough Already: Five to Survive gearing up for fall elections

In May, The Business Council launched EnoughAlreadyNY.org to form a statewide active community of business owners and individuals who are deeply concerned about the direction of New York’s economy. The site gives New Yorkers the ability to tell the legislature that they’ve had eno
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Enough Already: Higher taxes to pay for oversized pensions for state workers?

In this week’s Our Voice section on EnoughAlreadyNY.org they focus the the need for pension reform. “A report released this month by the Attorney General’s office highlights the gross abuse of the State’s pension program. The report shows that state employees are able
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Don’t be fooled by sin tax proposals

Ronald Stansbury, a member of the Democrat and Chronicle’s Board of Contributors writes an essay on the need for real tax relief and curbing of out-of-control spending in Albany. “One of the clearest statements to come from the Democrat and Chronicle’s excellent Fed
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Ed Koch: Vote out the enemies of reform

In an Op-ed in the Daily News former New York City Mayor Ed Koch names names in his crusade to fix Albany. Here is some of what he has to say. “The leaders of our state Legislature are not well known. The two I worked with over an extended period were Speaker of the Assembly S
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Taking sides in N.Y.

The following is part of a Pressconnects.com editorial that focuses on those seeking political office and their willingness to sign on to  economic and political reform platforms. “An aggressive Albany reform effort has taken on a familiar nickname — the enemies list. It soun
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State budget woes compounded by overly rosy income estimates

Joseph Spector writes in the Poughkeepsie Journal – “Last year, the state predicted $250 million in revenue from a tax amnesty program to help close a $2.7 billion midyear budget gap. The program brought in only $56 million. Two years ago, state officials estimated $66 mil
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