Related stories?

NY Daily News Columnist Bill Hammond chronicles some of the lowest of the lowlights of NYS government in 2008. And we continue to elect these people....why?
http://www.nydailynews.com/opinions/2008/12/30/2008-12-30_in_2008_albany_pols_were_even_more_of_an-2.html

This Binghamton Press & Sun-Bulletin editorial raises an interesting idea by suggesting that NYS raise the cost of fines for illegal activities as a means of closing the budget gaps. See story above.
http://www.pressconnects.com/article/20081230/OPINION01/812300313/1005/OPINION

Senate seats and budgets

Are we finally coming to the realization that too much experience in political life ought to be viewed as a liability rather than an asset?
http://www.recordonline.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20081218/OPINION/812180304

Johnathan Tasini weighs in on Governor Paterson's budget proposal with a slightly more strident voice.
http://www.workinglife.org/blogs/view_post.php?post_id=1850

Budgets and Politics

This Saratoga Today article by Adam T. Rossi asks upstate leaders if their region is adequately represented.
http://www.saratoga.com/today/2008/12/whos-working-for-upstate.html

According to Elizabeth Benjamin in this NY Daily News Blog, most New Yorkers favor an increase in taxes for state residents earning more than $2000,000 a year.
http://www.nydailynews.com/blogs/dailypolitics/

This NY Times article by Danny Hakim and Jeremy Peters offers a sneak peak at the Governor's doom and gloom executive budget scheduled to be released December 16.
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/12/15/nyregion/15budget.html?_r=2&hp

Politics and budgets take center stage

Looking at the top two stories below you have to wonder; will the millions of upstate residents have a voice and will the economy of the counties north and west of the Hudson ever get the attention needed to stem the decline of the past 20 years?


There seems to be both good and bad in NYS Senate deal, according to this NY Times article.
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/12/05/nyregion/05senate.html?_r=1&adxnnl=1&ref=nyregion&adxnnlx=1228491817-CSvzRe4AKmqu1MidX7DYYg


Could this op-ed piece in the Times Herald Record be intended to help position Rep. Carolyn Maloney as Hillary Clinton's replacement?
http://www.recordonline.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20081205/OPINION/812050324

This story from Karen DeWitt says that the public employee Unions are trying to be positive , for now, in the discussion about possible state budget cuts.
http://www.publicbroadcasting.net/wxxi/news.newsmain?action=article&ARTICLE_ID=1431478&sectionID=1

Athletes with disabilities

The link below takes you to an online video by the National Clearinghouse on Disability and Exchange (NCDE) featuring athletes with disabilities who turned a passion for competition into a life-changing experience abroad. The organization promotes opportunities for athletes with disabilities to compete abroad.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A3tzjIZNXRw

Ugly in Albany

NY Daily News columnist Bill Hammond says that a little acrimony from the governor may be the way to get the legislature to make budget cuts. Others contend that the Spitzer method is the wrong way to go.
http://www.nydailynews.com/opinions/2008/11/18/2008-11-18_time_for_gov_david_paterson_to_get_tough.html

This Irene Jay Liu article in the Albany Times-Union says that a recent Siena College poll of New Yorkers shows that they want state government to cut spending, but they can't decide what it is that they want to cut.
http://timesunion.com/AspStories/story.asp?storyID=740803&category=REGION

Political blogger Jimmy Vielkind suggests that Paterson and Skelos are playing a dangerous game of chicken and political gotcha.
http://www.politickerny.com/jimmyvielkind/649/budget-breakdown-skelos-frustrates-paterson-thunders

Follow the money

The lead article in this Albany Times-Union political blog gives an interesting analysis of who is giving money to which politicians in Albany and why.
http://blogs.timesunion.com/capitol/archives/9211

This Daily News blog entry by Elizabeth Benjamin suggests that a lot of familiar names, including Andrew Cuomo, are being mentioned to replace Senator Hillary Clinton if she becomes U.S. Secretary of State.
http://www.nydailynews.com/blogs/dailypolitics/

Buckle up for a bumpy budget ride in Albany

This Newsday article says public unions in NY refuse to consider concessions in the face of major financial crisis.
http://www.newsday.com/news/local/wire/newyork/ny-bc-ny--statebudget1110nov10,0,537217.story

NY Daily News Coumnist Bill Hammond rips legislature, public unions for offering no help in combating fiscal calamity.
http://www.nydailynews.com/opinions/2008/11/11/2008-11-11_cowards_in_assembly_senate_fail_fiscal_l.html

Scarecrows and Lions

This Fred Dicker column in the NY Post reveals State leaders' fears that government will grind to a halt if there is a tie in State Senate.
Two questions:
1. Is that necessarily a bad thing?
2. Wouldn't this mean that Senators would actually have to vote on the merits of a particular piece of legislation rather than blindly following the orders of the party leader?

http://www.nypost.com/seven/08112008/news/columnists/pols_fearing_a_senate_tie_bind_123957.htm

Money crunch

The links below will take you to three stories about New York's fiscal crisis.

http://www.newsday.com/news/local/wire/newyork/ny-bc-ny--patersonrising0807aug07,0,3264380.story

http://www.lohud.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080808/NEWS02/808080387/1026/NEWS10

http://www.buffalonews.com/cityregion/buffaloerie/story/409783.html

Are this guy's 15 minutes up

As with most radio talk show hosts, this one often seems to care more about building ratings, inflaming his audience, focusing the spotlight on himself and making money than promoting thoughtful discussion.

Here is a link to a You Tube posting of comments about autism made by radio talk show host Michael Savage last month. http://www.emaxhealth.com/119/23332.html

Below is a response from Jawonio’s Diana Hess.
http://www.lohud.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/200808030230/OPINION/808030319

This link takes you to a long statement and links to radio clips of interviews Michale Savage has conducted regarding autism. In audio cut number 5 Savage back pedals on original comment in this discussion with Wendy Fournier, President of the National Autism Association. http://www.savageonautism.com/

Beginning to Face the Issue

Governor Paterson turns up the heat on Legislative Leaders in this NY Daily News article.
http://www.nydailynews.com/news/2008/08/01/2008-08-01_may_hike_taxes_but_not_pols_pay__gov-2.html

The stories below provide two views of how state leaders will address the pending fiscal problems.
http://www.stargazette.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080804/NEWS01/808040303/1001/NEWS

http://www.nysun.com/editorials/silvers-not-buying-the-act/83104/

News 'N Views

This NY Post opinion piece by E.J. McMahon says that NYS spending, particularly on Medicaid and Education, will be the focus of fiscal debate.
http://www.nypost.com/seven/07312008/postopinion/opedcolumnists/its_the_spending_122344.htm

Governor Paterson and Maryland Governor Martin O'Malley co-wrote this Washington Post Op-Ed piece calling on Feds to work with states to solve national fiscal crisis.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/07/30/AR2008073002949.html

Hillary who?
http://www.nydailynews.com/news/politics/2008/07/30/2008-07-30_her_pals_still_talk_of_hillary_clinton_f.html

Fiscal Pain

Bill Hammond, of the NY Daily News, says Paterson should follow Pataki's lead and cut taxes.
http://www.nydailynews.com/opinions/2008/07/28/2008-07-28_david_paterson_needs_to_channel_his_inne.html

A member of the NYS Assembly thinks he has found one way to help the state weather this fiscal crisis.
http://www.newsday.com/services/newspaper/printedition/tuesday/news/ny-nyyank295781097jul29,0,4695476.story

Struggling to understand

The article at the link below shows how, in one respect, politics is like professional sports. Once you get a job as a major league baseball manager or NFL head coach, it doesn't matter what you do or whether you accomplish anything positive, you can always get another job.
http://www.nypost.com/seven/07152008/news/regionalnews/pa_hires_mta_bribe_exec_119942.htm

$1.7 Million raised to support campaign for undeclared candidate.
http://www.newsday.com/services/newspaper/printedition/tuesday/news/ny-posuoz155764019jul15,0,2720201.story

Governors past and present

This NY Sun article by Jacob Gerhsman says Governor Paterson is increasing his staff and budget, while calling for cuts in other state agencies.
http://www.nysun.com/new-york/paterson-widens-budget-while-demanding-cuts/81507/


Remembering Rocky; not the squirrel, the governor and VP.
http://timesunion.com/AspStories/story.asp?storyID=702167&category=REGION&newsdate=7/9/2008

Capping

This Bill Hammond Column in the NY Daily News says new NYS Senate Majority Leader Dean Skelos has potential to help NYS economy recover and Republicans hold onto Senate Majority.
http://www.nydailynews.com/opinions/2008/07/07/2008-07-07_how_dean_skelos_can_save_new_yorks_repub.html

Skelos Skewered

This Rochester Democrat & Chronicle Editorial casts a suspicious eye towards the stated priorities of new Senate Majority Leader Dean Skelos.
http://www.democratandchronicle.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080706/OPINION04/807060334/1041

This 'n That

This story by Karen DeWitt of NY Public Radio takes a look at the Tax Cap issue.
http://www.publicbroadcasting.net/wxxi/news.newsmain?action=article&ARTICLE_ID=1310764&sectionID=1

The link below takes you to a Developmental Disabilities Planning Council (DDPC) news release about a grant awarded to the Inclusive Recreational Resource Center, a group that promotes inclusive recreation, sports, and leisure time activities. Laurie Penney McGee of the IRRC was a speaker at the CP of NYS Fitness, Recreation and Sports Conference June 9 at Camp Jened.
http://ebulletin.us/archive/2008/july/07_08_press_release_new_grants/07_08_SUNY_cortland.php

The link below is to another DDPC news release about a fifteen month grant to establish a telemedicine demonstration project for people with developmental disabilities who are aging and have multiple medical conditions. The grant went to CP of NYS Affiliate the Center for Disability Services.
http://ebulletin.us/archive/2008/july/07_08_press_release_new_grants/07_08_center_disability_services.php

Your State Government at "Work"

Brendan Scott, of the NY Post, wrote this story about special interest groups throwing money at new Senate Majority Leader Dean Skelos.
http://www.nypost.com/seven/06262008/news/regionalnews/million_dollar_interests_are_zealous_for_117210.htm

Danny Hakim, of the NY Times, says that little of substance has happened in Albany; again.
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/06/26/nyregion/26session.html?_r=1&adxnnl=1&oref=login&adxnnlx=1214493540-WUuv/pf9DX+bVQjP3E3WfQ

This AP story in NY Newsday includes an explanation from a state official about why a retired employee was allowed to "telecommute" to a lucrative part-time state job while using an alias.
http://www.newsday.com/news/local/wire/newyork/ny-bc-ny--telecommutingtaxl0625jun25,0,4485430.story

Rush to the finish

Tom Precious of the Buffalo News describes the furious pace in Albany to finish the legislative session and adjourn for the summer.
http://www.buffalonews.com/nationalworld/state/story/372778.html

This Albany Times-Union story by Rick Karlin shows the differences on property tax relief between legislative leaders and the Governor.
http://timesunion.com/AspStories/story.asp?storyID=696930&category=STATE&newsdate=6/18/2008

This NY Daily News article by William Sherman on a double-dipping state official reveals one reason why electric power, and other services, may cost so much more in NY State.
http://www.nydailynews.com/news/2008/06/17/2008-06-17_port_authority_boss_also_earns_100g_as_p.html

This Joseph Spector article in the Elmira Star-Gazette says that more oversight for out of control state agencies may be near.
http://www.stargazette.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080618/BUSINESS/806180324/1003

This 'n That

Assistive Technology is Helping Teach Life Skills at
the Center for Disability Services
Some college students have created a video game that takes people with disabilities on a virtual shopping trip through a local super market. The game aides in developing skills essential for independent living. Read more at the link below.
https://www.cfdsny.org/whatsnew/RPI%20Capable%20Shopper%20Video%20Game%20Blurb.doc

Good Buds
Aspire's Community Integration Program has spawned a close friendship. Read about it at the link below.
http://www.aspirewny.org/services/role-models-detail.php?id=powerplayers

CP of NYS Hosts Conference at Camp Jened
More than 50 people attended a one-day conference on Fitness, Recreation and Sports at Camp Jened in the Catskills on June 9. The schedule featured 10 sessions presented by experts from several different organizations providing fitness, recreation and sports opportunities for people with disabilities.

The day began with a 9:00 am keynote presentation on what goes into creating a healthy lifestyle. Dr. Susan Wilson, Associate Professor in Recreation and Leisure Studies at the State University of New York at Cortland discussed practical ways for everyone to put more recreation and leisure in their lives.

The morning continued with a presentation on adapted physical activity programs and techniques designed by On Your Mark, an organization in Staten Island that promotes the health, fitness, cognitive and social skills of individuals with severe developmental disabilities. Other morning sessions included an overview of a baseball program for adults with disabilities presented by the founder of Touching Bases in Rockland County and an interactive session presented by Sandy Hoffman and Janet Lefkowitz of the United States Tennis Association demonstrating how adapted tennis can achieve positive results through teaching progressions.

The afternoon included presentations by Jerry McCole of Blaze Sports America on the organization’s programs, including a demonstration of the sport of Boccia. Meredith Wade from CP Rochester, conducted a workshop on how to begin a power wheelchair soccer program and Bill Collins, Director of Training for Special Olympics New York, discussed how his organization uses athletic training and competition to promote inclusion and acceptance for everyone in the community.

The afternoon schedule also included a presentation by representatives of the NYS Inclusive Recreation Resource Center at SUNY Cortland on the center’s programs designed to provide information on how best to pursue recreation in the most inclusive setting and a hands-on session from the Adaptive Sports Foundation in Windham highlighting some of their activities for people with disabilities, including skiing, cycling and kayaking.

Plans are underway to conduct another conference in the summer of 2009.

Walk the walk

Upstate leaders are hoping Governor Paterson will help the region.
http://www.nycapitolnews.com/news/125/ARTICLE/1246/2008-06-13.html

Looking at Andrew Cuomo
http://www.nycapitolnews.com/news/125/ARTICLE/1247/2008-06-13.html

Git 'er done

This Bill Hammond column in the Daily News gives Governor David Patterson a big "Attaboy" for his call to lower the tax burden of New Yorkers.
http://www.nydailynews.com/opinions/2008/06/03/2008-06-03_the_govs_highstakes_tax_test.html

The Syracuse Post-Standard reveals its own "To Do" list for state leaders as it adds its voice to the chorus calling on legislators to do something before going home.
http://blog.syracuse.com/opinion/2008/06/albanys_todo_list_hey_lawmaker.html

From around the state

CELEBRITIES HELP UNITED CEREBRAL PALSY OF NYC
HONOR WOMEN WHO CARE AT SEVENTH ANNUAL LUNCHEON

United Cerebral Palsy of New York City (UCP/NYC) held its Seventh Annual Women Who Care Luncheon on May 8, 2008, to celebrate the professional and personal accomplishments of women. More than 500 guests assembled at Cipriani 42nd Street to honor six extraordinary individuals and raise more than $550,000 to support UCP/NYC.

Women Who Care was created to honor female role models representing various segments of the community. It is a celebration of women who have blazed new paths, broken glass ceilings and inspired others through their professional and charitable endeavors.
United Cerebral Palsy of New York City has a 60-year history in the disability field and currently serves more than 13,000 individuals and family members through more than 75 programs. For more information visit UCP/NYC online at www.ucpnyc.org.

WNY Woodturners Create Merry Moments for Aspire’s Children

Members of The Western New York Woodturners Association gladdened the hearts of more than 150 children at Aspire’s Center for Learning. read more by clicking below.

http://www.aspirewny.org/about/news.php?id=12

E-MODS GIVES MOTHER AND DAUGHTER A LIFT

One of Inspire's newest programs has changed the lives of two very special individuals. *This article was taken from the Winter 2007-2008 issue of Success, Inspire's newsletter. To read a full online version of the newsletter, click here. http://www.inspirecp.org/pdf/2008%20Success%20Newsletter-Winter.pdf.

Serving it up

This Albany Times-Union article by James Odato outlines the one-sided, political, and sometimes secretive nature of Pork in Albany.
http://timesunion.com/AspStories/story.asp?storyID=688384&category=STATE&newsdate=5/14/2008

Views from across New York

Daily News columnist Bill Hammond suggests how to save taxpayers money and stop the economic decline in NYS.
http://www.nydailynews.com/opinions/2008/05/06/2008-05-06_no_end_to_spending_sickness.html

This Poughkeepsie Journal article is one of many across the state reporting that New York's nurse shortage is among the most severe in the country.
http://www.poughkeepsiejournal.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080506/NEWS/805060315/1001/NEWS

This Albany Times-Union article by James Odato reports on NYPIRG allegations that Senator Joe Bruno has directed member Item funds to districts where fellow Republicans face tough campaigns this fall.
http://timesunion.com/AspStories/story.asp?storyID=686344&category=STATE&newsdate=5/6/2008

Views from around the state

This Editorial in the Rochester Democrat & Chronicle shows why presidential candidates, and who they appoint to the Supreme Court, matter.
http://www.democratandchronicle.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080430/OPINION04/804300327/1041/OPINION

This Albany Times-Union Editorial is skeptical of the motives of some political leaders calling for a reduction in gas sales taxes.
http://timesunion.com/AspStories/story.asp?storyID=684896&category=OPINION&BCCode=&newsdate=4/30/2008

This NY Post Editorial says the state needs to be creative and flexible regarding power generation.
http://www.nypost.com/seven/04302008/postopinion/editorials/does_the_gov_mean_business__108816.htm

this 'N that

Sports and Fitness Conference Scheduled
Cerebral Palsy Associations of New York State has scheduled a one-day Sports and fitness conference for Monday, June 9 at Camp Jened in Rock Hill, NY. The event will provide an opportunity for staff and consumers from organizations serving people with disabilities to participate in informational sessions presented by representatives from organizations that conduct fitness, sports and recreation programs for people with disabilities. For more information click on the link below.
http://www.cpofnys.org/pages/newsevents/showNewsDetails.asp?doc_id=1295

Statewide Image Campaign Launched
Cerebral Palsy Associations of New York State (CP of NYS) has kicked off its statewide public relations and image campaign, which will increase awareness of the role CP of NYS and its 24 Affiliates play as a leading resource for services and expertise in issues important to people with disabilities and their families.

New Yorkers with disabilities rely on services, support and advocacy from CP of NYS for assistance in pursuing independent, productive lives. As a statewide organization intimately familiar with the issues affecting people with disabilities, CP of NYS is also in a position to offer expertise and advice on disability issues to policymakers at the legislative and agency levels of state government.

The image campaign is comprised of a series of radio public service announcements and commercials, print advertisements, posters and a multi-media video highlighting the stories of individuals supported and served by CP of NYS and its Affiliates. The campaign materials are designed to emphasize the number of people touched by the organization through the broad range of services provided to New Yorkers both with and without disabilities.

For more information about CP of NYS, your local Affiliate or the statewide campaign, please visit our website at www.cpofnys.org or view the campaign on the web by at www.realpeoplerealizingpotential.org.

Capitol Doings

This Albany Times-Union Blog entry includes a report that an Assemblyman who recently introduced a bill that would force lawmakers to disclose sources of outside income over $100 left the Capitol on a stretcher reportedly suffering from a nose bleed.
http://blogs.timesunion.com/capitol/?p=6681

Albany Political Scene

Today's Blog by Elizabeth Benjamin of the Daily News has some interesting takes on the happenings in NYS Government.
http://www.nydailynews.com/blogs/dailypolitics/

Money issues

This Elizabeth Schwinn article in the Chronicle of Philanthropy says many Americans believe that charities spend too much on overhead. http://philanthropy.com/news/updates/index.php?id=3972

This Joseph Spector article in the Elmira Star-Gazette says that most upstate counties had better than expected sales tax revenues this past holiday season.
http://www.stargazette.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080219/NEWS01/802190322/1001/NEWS

This 'n That

This Danny Hakim article in the NY Times takes a look at issues from the federal investigation of Senate Majority Leader Joe Bruno to plans for SUNY and CUNY scholarships for high school graduates in one upstate city to the Governor's plans to hold businesses accountable for jobs they promised to create in exchnage for tax breaks.
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/02/11/nyregion/11empire.html?_r=2&ref=nyregion&oref=slogin&oref=slogin

Halthcare Shift Encounters Trouble

This article by Jay Gallagher in the Poughkeepsie Journal reveals growing opposition to Spitzer plan to shift some healthcare money from hospitals and nursing homes to preventive and outpatient programs.
http://www.poughkeepsiejournal.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080207/BUSINESS/802070322/1003/NEWS

News from Albany

The Albany Times-Union Capitol Blog has reaction from the Association of Counties on Governor Spitzer's Budget and on the continuing saga of which voting machines New York will choose.
http://blogs.timesunion.com/capitol/

More taxes, more bluster, fewer residents

These entries on the Albany Times-Union's "Capitol Confidential" Blog range from a call by NYS United Teachers for raising state income taxes to plans for closing NYC OTB and laying off nearly 900 employees and of course, more squabbling and posturing by New York's political leaders. Is it any wonder that so many New Yorkers are fleeing the Empire State?

http://blogs.timesunion.com/capitol/

Don't Limit Medicaid

Democratic Lawmakers Say CMS Has No Authority To Limit State Efforts To Expand Medicaid Eligibility. Read more from Kaiser Network.org.

http://www.kaisernetwork.org/daily_reports/rep_index.cfm?DR_ID=49858

Health care, rivalry and leadership

More on the possible future structure of the health care system in New York.
http://www.newsday.com/news/local/wire/newyork/ny-bc-ny--health-reimbursem0113jan13,0,6656079.story

Here is a Long Islander's view on the Upstate, Downstate competition for state dollars.
http://www.newsday.com/news/opinion/ny-opcro145537497jan14,0,7779182.story

This column by Jacob Gershman questions whether Governor Spitzer has what it takes to lead the state.
http://www.nysun.com/article/69452?page_no=1

What others think

Here are some day-after views of the Governor's State of the State message from around the state.
http://www.stargazette.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080110/NEWS01/801100332/1001/NEWS

This Jacob Gershman article in the NY Sun suggests that the budget and a looming $ 4 Billion deficit could be critical impediments to Governor Spitzer's agenda.
http://www.nysun.com/article/69239

Community leaders in Syracuse hopeful, but decided they'll wait and see.
http://www.syracuse.com/articles/news/index.ssf?/base/news-0/1199959034269070.xml&coll=1