Karen DeWitt

Even after rare Sunday Senate session, New York budget unfinished

Karen DeWitt — Mon, 25 Mar 2013 16:12:00 +0000

The New York State Senate held a rare Sunday session at the Capitol, in an attempt to get the state budget finished on time in the midst of major religious holidays.

The State Senate met to vote on three previously agreed upon budget bills, in an attempt to finish the spending plan without interfering with the Easter and Passover holidays. Senate Finance Committee Chair John DeFrancisco explained it on the Senate floor.

“We’re trying to jumpstart the process,” said De Francisco, who says starting early gives everyone “ample time” for debating the bills.

Poll Finds NYers Back New Gun Laws

Karen Dewitt — Thu, 17 Jan 2013 18:02:40 +0000

A new poll finds voters overwhelming support for many of the items that Governor Andrew Cuomo is pushing, including parts of the newly enacted gun control law.

Cuomo, NY Congressional Leaders Urge Action on Sandy Aid

Karen Dewitt — Fri, 14 Dec 2012 22:29:22 +0000

Governor Cuomo appeared with leaders of New York’s congressional delegation to urge Congress to finally act on a federal aid package for victims of Superstorm Sandy, seven weeks after the destructive storm.

Governor Cuomo, and New York’s congressional delegation say it’s taking longer to secure federal money for victims of Superstorm Sandy than it did for Congress to act after Katrina.

Cuomo Discusses Campaign Finance, the Senate, Fracking, with Public Radio

Karen DeWitt — Thu, 13 Dec 2012 16:13:19 +0000

Governor Cuomo says he will soon introduce legislation to regulate electioneering activities by some not for profits that have become increasingly influential players in funding political campaigns.

Cuomo says as part of campaign finance reform bill that he intends to introduce soon he’ll require that the not for profits, known to critics as “dark money groups” , disclose campaign contributions to politicians.

Cuomo Holds Wine, Beer and Spirits Summit

Karen DeWitt — Wed, 24 Oct 2012 22:33:40 +0000

New York Governor Cuomo pledged to invest more money into promoting the state’s growing wine, beer, and spirits industries, following a day long special summit at the State Capitol.

Governor Cuomo heard the concerns of dozens of New York State based wineries, as well as craft brewery and distillery owners, in a second of its kind summit focusing on a New York based industry. This summer he held a Greek yogurt summit.