By Dave Lucas
http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/wamc/local-wamc-579096.mp3
Albany, NY – New York's 54th Governor hit the ground running January First, bringing his unique brand of energy to the state Capitol. He rallied lawmakers to support legislation concerning ethics reform, increased education funding, health care and changes to New York's worker compensation system. He enacted a budget - just one day late - with record aid increases for public schools, a $1.3 billion property tax rebate program, and $1 billion in Medicaid savings. But the Governor hit a few potholes along his road to change: Spitzer had to fend off charges that the budget was hammered out in secrecy and that its' health care cuts are too severe. Critics also charged Spitzer blinked when faced with missing the April 1 budget deadline and compromised too much. Capital District Bureau Chief Dave Lucas reports.