All Over Albany

Paterson proposes $1 billion in cuts, more flooding, track season all wet, principal arrested, permits for off-leash dogs, Giants coming back

David Paterson has proposed a plan to cut $1 billion in spending from the state budget. Half of that would come from Medicaid funding, $250 million from aid to local governments, and $100 million from legislative pork projects. As you might expect, legislators and lobbyists are already protesting. Local governments are also worried -- for example, Schenectady figures Paterson's plan could cut $700,000 in funding for the city. [TU] [Daily Gazette]

North Greenbush and Rensselaer were the latest parts of the Capital Region to get swamped by rain. The Amtrak line between Hudson and Rensselaer had to be closed for a while because the tracks were underwater. The 74-year-old mayor of Rensselaer said yesterday's flooding was the worst he'd ever seen in the city. A Rensselaer County legislator says the drainage systems there just haven't been able to keep up with the pace of development. [TU] [Troy Record]

Both attendance and the amount bet at the Track are down from last year at the season's midpoint. Attendance is down more than 16 percent and the "handle" is down 8 percent. [Saratogian]

The principal of Berne-Knox-Westerlo High School was arrested Saturday night. Police say she was drunk and waving a 12-inch kitchen knife at another woman outside of her home. The principal had been on medical leave for most of the last school year. The district says she'll go back on a leave and an interim principal will be named. [TU] [CapNews9]

A new law proposed for Clifton Park would require a permit for dog owners who let their dogs go off leash in town parks. [Daily Gazette]

Both Hannaford and Price Chopper no longer require signatures on credit card purchases smaller than $25. [TU]

The Giants will be back at UAlbany for training camp next year. [TU]