A Republican legislator in Monroe County has concerns about the state’s review of high-volume hydraulic fracturing. Joe Carbone, who represents part of Irondequoit, has submitted a memorializing referral — essentially an official letter of support for state or federal legislation — supporting two state fracking moratorium bills, A5424A and S4236A. The matching bills would prohibit […]
Assembly
Posted inNews & Opinion
Legislators wrap up the state budget
The state budget is done, save the governor’s signature on the final legislation. Late last night — or early this morning, to get all technical about it — the Assembly passed the last of the budget bills. The Senate passed the legislation earlier this week. Once Governor Andrew Cuomo signs the legislation, New York will […]
Posted inNews & Opinion
Lawmakers may have minimum wage deal
Statewide media organizations are reporting that state legislative leaders — what we New Yorkers used to call the “three men in a room” but now because of the power-sharing agreement in the Senate is actually the “four men in a room” — have reached an agreement to raise the minimum wage. A Bloomberg News article […]
Posted inNews & Opinion
New York gets tougher on guns
The State Senate passed a new ban on assault weapons Monday. The Assembly was still debating on Tuesday afternoon, but is almost certain to approve the legislation. The legislation grandfathers in military-style weapons already owned by New Yorkers, though they would be subject to a new permitting requirement. The assault weapons ban is part of […]
Posted inNews & Opinion
Fracking’s insurance issues
Environmental and economic issues have so far dominated New York’s discussion of high-volume hydraulic fracturing. But there are other issues to consider if state officials decide to green-light fracking, including the complex question of insurance. The State Assembly’s Insurance Committee has been studying the implications of fracking on homeowner, mortgage, and title insurance policies for […]
Posted inSpecial Sections
ELECTIONS 2012: O’Brien should win Senate slugfest
Republican State Senator Jim Alesi’s decision not to seek re-election set off a savage political scramble that only gets uglier and more personal as the election gets closer. The race between Democrat Ted O’Brien and Republican Sean Hanna for the 55th Senate District is about local representation, but also about control of the Senate. The […]
Posted inNews & Opinion
Familiar names in Assembly battle
David Gantt, Jose Cruz, and John Lightfoot will face off in the 137th Assembly District primary.
Posted inNews & Opinion
David the Goliath
The Democratic primary for the State Assembly’s 137th district is sure to be a referendum on the long career of incumbent David Gantt. Gantt has represented the district for more than three decades. On September 13, voters will decide if they still want or need the influence Gantt’s seniority offers, or whether the district is ripe for a fresh face.
