No pork byproducts (we’ll explain later) were used to create your daily roundup of all that’s news from around the state:
The big story: Governor Paterson’s order to treat gay marriages performed elsewhere like non-gay marriages performed here.
The New York branch of the ACLU hailed the decision[1];
A conservative group fighting against same-sex marriages in New York? Not so thrilled;[2]
Turns out this is kinda old news, just leaking out now[3]. Paterson signed the order two weeks ago;
New York’s own proposed law legalizing same-sex unions is stuck in the Legislature[4].
The Gov, meanwhile, says his office plans to close the huge budget gap and report those number[5]s to you and me in real time.
Paterson also talked yesterday about his visual disability. He’s okay with it[6]. And advocates for the blind are really okay with him not hiding his disability.
The other big fight involves two state agencies I’m sure you talk about every day: the Thruway Authority and New York City’s Metropolitan Transit Agency. Legislators are ticked at the Thruway Authority for pushing through a toll hike over their objections. They may pass a law throwing out the entire Thruway Authority board. In the meantime, Attorney General Cuomo’s revoking the free EZ Passes[7] board members get to use. Cuomo’s trying to do the same to the MTA’s board members, but they may fight in court[8] to keep them. Now, if the court’s somewhere along the Thruway….
By the way: Three MTA EZ-Passes are in the “hands” of MTA board members who cannot use them. They’re dead.[9] Ain’t that just like New York City?
Elsewhere:
The Legislature’s making it easier for returning veterans[10] to land a state job. Just in time: Vets march on the Capitol[11] today.
Did you file for the Empire State Child Credit on your state tax return? Albany’s taking a good look[12] at you…
How much do you love New York? Got a camera?[13]
It’s Lyme Disease season[14].
Honors for Senator Chuck Schumer: He’s the Porker of the Month[15]. Don’t expect a party…
Last, but never least, a few of the odds and ends of the day:
Developers plan a ski resort. On Long Island.[16] Indoors.
By the time you get to Woodstock, there might be a new museum[17].
And now for something completely different: Hard times call for a soft meat[18].