All Over Albany

Unions scoff at Paterson's suggestion, SUNY tuition increased proposed, cop accused of threatening to kill ex-wife, state holds back stem cell research funding

A trio of the state's most powerful public employee unions scoffed at David Paterson's suggestion that they might open their contracts for re-negotiation. A Paterson spokesman says "no area of state spending can be off the table." [AP/Newsday]

More than two dozen SUNY campus presidents have called for a 25 percent tuition increase ($1,090 tacked onto the present $4,350), half of which would be charged during the spring semester. SUNY's finance committee also approved a three percent cut in each campus's budget . [TU]

Schenectady mayor Brian Stratton approved the city council's 2009 budget, even though he called unachievable and irresponsible. The council had cut Stratton's proposed budget, which included a 2.9 percent tax increase, against his objections. The new budget does not include a tax increase. [Daily Gazette]

A Schenectady police officer has been arrested on charges he threatened to kill his ex-wife and "whoever she was with." This is the officer's third arrest since April. [Daily Gazette] [TU]

The state Health Department is cutting $9 million from stem cell research funding this year. Industry groups say the cuts threaten the state's competitiveness, but a state spokeswoman says the money probably wasn't going to be granted this year. New York State has pledged $600 million in stem cell funding over the next 11 years. [TU]

A former counselor who worked inn the Burnt Hills-Ballston Lake school district has been accused of falsifying her husband's master's degree and state license to make them look like her own. She was arrested last week on three felony counts -- and took one of the more forlorn mug shots you'll see. [Saratogian] [Daily Gazette]

The Journal Register Company, which owns the Saratogian and the Troy Record, says it will be closing a handful of papers in Connecticut if it can't find a buyer for them. The company has been struggling -- its carrying a mountain of debt and its stock was de-listed earlier this year. [Hartford Courant]

Clifton Park's new park along the Mohawk River will be called "Mohawk Landing." The name was the top choice in an online poll conducted by the town. [TU]