New York NOW

The irony of 'Sunshine Week,' or the annual celebration of openness in state government, was apparent as the Cuomo administration passed several bills in the middle of the night including an expanded DNA databank, approval of more casino gambling, new redistricting lines, and pension reform. We analyze the bills and whether the process Cuomo took to get them will cause him to lose supporters.

Queens Senator Mike Gianaris (D) says proposed changes to the constitution regarding redistricting would be a 'complete disaster' in terms of reform. Gianaris trusts that Gov. Cuomo would veto any product from LATFOR and says the way to fair and transparent lines is to veto the proposed lines and rely on the courts draw them. The Reporters Roundtable weighs in.

Experts analyze signs that Gov. Cuomo may be flexible on the most contested part of his Tier VI pension proposal, the defined contribution option. Feeling pressure from courts to produce new congressional and legislative district maps, LATFOR continues to struggle with redistricting. The Innovation Trail reviews a new state program aimed at homeowners to help make energy efficient upgrades.

For over 125 years, the Eastman Kodak Company has been a powerful economic staple in Rochester, New York. Filing for Chapter 11 Bankruptcy in January of 2012, the community of Rochester is hopeful their most famous tenant will be there for years to come. Matt Ryan travels to Rochester to examine the history of Kodak and how the city has ironically been able to weather the recent economic downturn.

After dueling statements from various groups knocking New York State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli for his opposition to the governor's proposed Tier VI legislation, DiNapoli sits down with us to defend his stance. He notes the 401 (k) style package is not the way to achieve retirement security. Also, our Marie Cusick takes us on the Innovation Trail to explore expanding the DNA databank.

The 2nd round of hearings after the release of proposed redistricting maps was held in Queens this week, the site of one of the most contentious battles between Democrats and Republicans. The Legislative Task Force on Demographic Research and Reapportionment (LATFOR) stands by the maps stating they are formulated according to the constitution, whereas others see them as grievously gerrymandered.

With working families struggling to get by, Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver proposes an increase in minimum wage. Silver notes that the increase would help families become self-sufficient and stimulate local economies. Silver weighs in on his other goals for the year and the 2012 legislative session. The Reporter's Roundtable discusses the primary season and the influence redistricting may have.

The GOP released its newly proposed district lines for the assembly and senate which democrats call gerrymandered. The new lines, which Sen. Mike Nozzolio explains are formed based on the state constitution, splits three groups of senate democrats who would now have to primary each other. Also in this episode, The Innovation Trail takes a look at the executive budget's $1 billion for Buffalo.

With historic voter approval ratings and the upcoming legislative election year, Gov. Cuomo's second state budget comes in flat with no surprises and no immediate push back from the legislature. Robert Ward of the Rockefeller Institute of Government and the Reporter's Roundtable analyze the budget and discuss Gov. Cuomo's ability to achieve his goals by utilizing his popularity and legal powers.

The members of the Independent Democratic Conference (IDC) discuss their many accomplishments in their first year since separating themselves from the 'dysfunction' of the senate majority and minority. By focusing on doing the right thing for the people and ignoring their critics, the IDC is proud of their 'wildly successful' first year and look forward to continuing their momentum in 2012.