Friday, Dec. 2, 2011
Adirondack’s ecosystems at risk from climate change
Much of the flora and fauna found in the Adirondack Mountains – especially in its Northern reaches – are at risk of extinction as climate changes continue to warm the region. Scientists believe that just a 5 degree increase in average temperatures could hasten the demise of some species. The New York Times has this report.
GOP may play ball with Cuomo on tax overhaul
Some Republican state senators are signaling that they are amenable to changes in the state’s income tax structure as long as higher taxes on the rich means lower taxes for everyone else. The Binghamton Press & Sun-Bulletin has this AP story.
Standing room only at fracking forum in Ithaca
The Tompkins County Council of Government sponsored a public forum on hydrofracking yesterday in Ithaca, a city the DEC bypassed during its recent public comment hearings tour. As ever, the forum on the controversial drilling method was spirited. The Ithaca Journal has this report.
Thursday, Dec. 1, 2011
DEC extends comment period on hydrofracking
The state DEC has extended the comment period for review of the new regulations for hydrofracking in the state. The news was welcomed by environmentalists but the companies that have waited for nearly four years to get the go ahead to drill expressed frustration. The Rochester Democrat and Chronicle has this report.
Cuomo eyes tax code changes
Governor Andrew Cuomo has steadfastly refused to renew the so-called millionaires tax set to expire at year’s end, but he is now hinting that there will be some changes to the tax code that could result in higher rates for top earners. The Binghamton Press & Sun-Bulletin has this story.
Wednesday, Nov. 30, 2011
Judge rules gay marriage lawsuit may proceed
A state Supreme Court judge has ruled that a lawsuit challenging the legality of New York’s gay marriage law can proceed. The judge cited the possible impropriety of some closed-door meetings conducted prior to the vote in the state senate that may have violated the state’s open government laws. The Buffalo News has the story.
Southern Tier Economic Council pitches plan to state
The hearings continue for New York’s regional economic development councils in Albany as the Southern Tier team pitched its plan to grow the economy in their region. The ten regional economic councils are competing for state government grants and loans intended to spur economic growth in the state. The Rochester Democrat and Chronicle has this story.
Poverty rates soar in Capital District
New census data reveals poverty rates soared between 2007 and 2010 in the Capital District, with a staggering 63 percent increase in the city of Troy alone. As the recession grinds on, more and more families are facing tough times. The Albany Times-Union has this report.
Tuesday, Nov. 29, 2011
Finger Lakes Economic Council leaders pitch plan in Albany
The leaders of the Rochester-based Finger Lakes Economic Development Council were in Albany yesterday to pitch their plan for economic development in the region. The Finger Lakes plan proposes a number of public/private ventures aimed at growing the region’s economy, an economy that has led the state in job creation over the past year. The Rochester Democrat and Chronicle has this report.
New SUNY Binghamton President promises change
Harvey Stenger has taken the reins as the new president of Binghamton University and while he will seek to bring some changes to campus he said he first wants lots of input from campus constituencies. The Binghamton Press & Sun-Bulletin has this report.
Report shows dire numbers for New York workers
A new report released by the Fiscal Policy Institute, a labor-funded organization, shows a grim picture for New York workers, with declining wages and fewer job opportunities across the state. The Elmira Star-Gazette has this report.
New York state budget woes worsen
State lawmakers were quite proud of the last budget they passed that purported to eliminate a $10 billion deficit and reduced spending. But the continued mediocrity of economic activity in the state and the country has spawned less state revenue and deficits are beginning to rise again. The Ithaca Journal has this AP analysis.
Monday, Nov. 28, 2011
Syracuse University fires Bernie Fine
In a tersely worded statement from Chancellor Nancy Cantor, the university cut its ties with the embattled, long-serving assistant coach of the men’s basketball team. This follows a weeks-long investigation into accusations that the former coach molested young boys at his home and allegedly on several other occasions. The Syracuse Post-Standard has this coverage.
Ash Borer spares Rochester – for now
The invasive Ash Borer beetle has been spotted sporadically in the Rochester area, but as winter sets in, the damage to area ash trees seems to be localized. The Rochester Democrat and Chronicle has this report.
SUNY seeks nearly $2 billion from state in new budget
The SUNY Board of Trustees has approved a budget for the state university system that totals $8.1 billion. That includes nearly $2 billion from the taxpayers. The Binghamton Press & Sun-Bulletin has this breakdown of the budget.
Iconic glass works to close
Steuben Glass, producers of stunning lead crystal glass for more than 100 years, will close its one remaining factory in Corning tomorrow. The Elmira Star-Gazette has this report.
