New York NOW

State Senator Carl Kruger and Assemblyman William Boyland, both Brooklyn Democrats, face federal corruption charges. Also, an Innovation Trail report focuses on a Hudson Valley business--the Taylor Biomass Energy project--preparing to deliver alternative energy via the first commercial biomass gasification plant. But the plant's $100 million federal loan falls to spending cuts in Washington, D.C.

When Democrats controlled the New York State Senate last year, many members of both major parties agreed to a proposal by former New York City Mayor Ed Koch's NY Uprising group to support independent redistricting in order to end gerrymandering. With Republicans back in control, Majority Leader Dean Skelos seems to back off. 'I was surprised that Dean would run out on his agreement,' Koch says.

Saying New York must 'make health care a team sport,' State Medicaid Director Jason Helgerson unveils the results of his Medicaid reform panel. The proposal includes the creation of a global cap on Medicaid in New York and limitations on medical malpractice lawsuits. Also, we explore 'Complete Streets' legislation backed by the AARP; is the bill a necessity, an unfunded mandate, or both?

As Lt. Gov. Bob Duffy defends Gov. Cuomo's proposed budget, which includes reductions to state aid to schools, New York City Schools Chancellor Cathie Black says the proposal is 'just unjust' and would violate a court order requiring New York to increase its investment in public schools. Also, an Innovation Trail report examines incentives to do business in New York to boost economic development.

At a joint budget hearing, New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg says Gov. Andrew Cuomo's budget proposal includes 'tough but necessary' decisions, but would hinder New York City to the tune of $2.1 billion as currently written. Bloomberg and Buffalo Mayor Byron Brown also say that pension costs are unsustainable. Meanwhile, Rep. Chris Lee (R-NY) resigns after sending a woman a shirtless photo.

Analysts discuss Gov. Cuomo's proposed budget for a 'functionally bankrupt' New York. Budget cuts to government, Medicaid and education have drawn support from State Senate Majority Leader Dean Skelos and a call for further study by Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver. Meanwhile, union leaders, such as CSEA President Danny Donohue, express concerns about the effects of budget cuts on public services.

State Senator David Carlucci, the youngest member of the State Senate at 29, discusses why he left the Democratic conference to form an independent conference with three other state senators. Also, the Reporter Roundtable discusses a GOP rules reform proposal in the State Senate to strip the lieutenant governor of his tie-breaking vote in the chamber--a proposal Democrats call a power grab.

President Obama visits Schenectady, N.Y. and speaks at a General Electric (GE) plant, announcing that GE CEO Jeffrey Immelt will chair his new advisory council on jobs and competitiveness. Meanwhile, Gov. Andrew Cuomo, who polls show has secured broad bipartisan support, proposes restructuring New York's job creation program to offer better incentives to those looking to do business in New York.

After a two-year demotion, the GOP resumes their role as the majority in the New York State Senate. Will things be different this time? 'New York NOW' discusses the agenda with past and present Majority Leader Dean Skelos. Also, Gov. Cuomo references former Gov. Al Smith when describing his plans to 'transform' New York. We take a look back to explore what an Al Smith-like administration means.

New Gov. Andrew Cuomo lays out his plan to transform New York, saying 'we're going to have to reinvent government' in a State of the State Address that relied on a PowerPoint presentation and received broad bipartisan support. Meanwhile, four state senators split from the Democratic conference to form one of their own; State Sen. Jeff Klein explains the rationale behind the group's decision.