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