New York News

By Kelly Wilkinson

Boston, MA – Yesterday and today, gay marriage supporters and opponents held rallies at the Massachusetts statehouse. The issue has been highly visible and highly contentious since the landmark decision in November that said same sex couples had the right to marry. With the new year's legislative session underway, WAMC's Berkshire Bureau Chief Kelly Wilkinson took at look at how the issue is expected to intensify even further.

By Brian Shields

Albany, NY – In his 10th annual State of the State address on Wednesday Governor George Pataki urged the Legislature not to take
a "Robin Hood approach" in meeting a court order to change the school aide formula. WAMC's Brian Shields reports.

By Allison Dunne

Kingston, NY – New York Governor George Pataki often spoke of freedom in his State-of-the-State address yesterday. He referred to one liberty as the freedom to live in a clean and healthy environment. Hudson Valley area politicians and environmentalists say the governor has proven to be a friend of the environment, though the governor's plan to make the Hudson River clean enough to swim in by the year 2009 seems a bit lofty. WAMC's Hudson Valley Bureau Chief Allison Dunne reports.

By Allison Dunne

Albany, NY – New York has earned an "A" from the American Lung Association for its tobacco control policies. The Smoke Free Workplaces Law enacted last year was the reason for the stellar grade. However, the Empire State failed in one category - doling out money to help New Yorkers kick the habit. WAMC's Hudson Valley Bureau Chief Allison Dunne has more.

By Pat Bradley

Montpelier, VT – In his state-of the state speech, Vermont Governor James Douglas has proposed some major state tax policy changes. The move surprised most observers, but a day later, there are questions whether the tax plan will provide significant relief. North Country Bureau Chief Pat Bradley reports.

By Kelly Wilkinson

Boston, MA – A report yesterday showed that confidence among Massachusetts businesses reached its highest level in nearly three years. Companies said they expect an improving economy that will lead to more sales and hiring. More from WAMC's Berkshire Bureau Chief Kelly Wilkinson.

By Pat Bradley

Montpelier, VT – The Vermont House and Senate get down to business today with the start of the 2004 Legislative session. The key event on today's agenda is at 2 o'clock when Governor James Douglas gives his state-of-the state address. North Country Bureau Chief Pat Bradley talked to House and Senate leaders on their priorities for this session.

By Allison Dunne

Poughkeepsie, NY – New York Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton has written to President Bush, saying she hopes his administration does not intend to slash job training funds or housing assistance programs in the fiscal year 2005 budget proposal. The Democratic Senator's letter comes after media reports over the weekend suggested such cuts were forthcoming. WAMC's Hudson Valley Bureau Chief Allison Dunne filed this report.

By Kelly Wilkinson

Boston, MA – There have been repeated signs that the Massachusetts economy is looking up: unemployment claims are declining as payrolls stabilize. Yesterday, state officials announced the state collected much more in revenue than it had anticipated...but warned that further cuts may be on the horizon. WAMC's Berkshire Bureau Chief Kelly Wilkinson talked with political science expert about the latest news.

By Pat Bradley

Albany, NY – A trio of good government groups released their "State-of-the-State's Ethics" report today. The government reform groups are calling on Governor Pataki to include creation of a new, independent ethics commission in his State of the State address this week. More from North Country Bureau Chief Pat Bradley.