2009 summer Empire State Plaza season is shortened
By JAIME FULLER
Legislative Gazette Staff Writer
Jul 6, 2009 - Despite the dismal weather forecast, the At the Plaza summer season began under auspicious skies that outshone the news that budget constraints led to a shorter series of concerts and festivals this year.

Fallout from Senate inaction begins
By DAVID LOMBARDO
Legislative Gazette Staff Writer
Jul 6, 2009 - The ongoing battle for leadership in the state Senate has had unintentional consequences for a number of local governments, including New York City, and businesses across the state that rely on the Power for Jobs program.

Bill would take state out of local sales tax process
By JAIME FULLER
Legislative Gazette Staff Writer
Jul 6, 2009 - A sponsor of legislation that would give counties greater autonomy over their sales tax rates are pointing to the political quagmire in the Senate that has delayed the passage of 36 home rule bills as a prime example of why the bill should be passed.

DiNapoli: Change traffic signal bulbs to save money
By DAMORE RAMWA
Legislative Gazette Staff Writer
Jul 6, 2009 - An audit released by New York State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli indicates that New York taxpayers could save millions if local governments simply switched light bulbs in their traffic signals.

Paterson names chairs of police friendly fire commission
By TED BEAN
Legislative Gazette Staff Writer
Jul 6, 2009 - Gov. David A. Paterson has announced the chairs of a commission to study killings of police officers by fellow officers.