Paterson calls special session to address budget, Colonie solider dies in Iraq, Schenectady County ranks high for domestic violence reports, more H1N1 vaccine arriving

David Paterson has officially called a special session of the legislature for next Tuesday. Among the issues on the slate for the session: budget cuts to close the $3.2 billion gap and same-sex marriage. Paterson has also called for a joint session on Monday so he can he address the legislature about the budget gap. It sounds like many Senate Democrats won't attend, though -- a "senior official" called the session a "photo op" for Paterson. Neil Breslin says he intends to attend. [NYO [TU] [Daily Politics] [AP/Saratogian] [CapNews9]

Joe Bruno trial Day 4: labor union officials testified that Bruno approached them about using the investment firm for which he consulted to manage their pensions -- but they said there was never an exchange of legislative influence or favors for the business. A TU analysis indicates that unions that did business with Bruno's firm did get grants from the state labor department directly or indirectly through Bruno. [Troy Record] [TU] [TU]

The family of an Army soldier from Colonie says she died in Iraq this week. Amy Seyboth Tirador had been serving as an Arabic-language interpreter. [TU] [WTEN]

It sounds like the Rensselaer County DA's office and the Troy Police Department were not on the same page for the arrest of the suspect in the Second Street homicide. The suspect was released on his own recognizance this week after the DA's office said it wasn't ready for a preliminary hearing. [Troy Record] [Fox23]

Statistics released by Chuck Schumer's office indicate that Schenectady County has the highest number of domestic violence reports per capita of any county outside New York City. [TU]

Judith Enck, David Paterson's top environmental advisor, is leaving to become a regional administrator with the federal EPA. Enck lives in Rensselaer County and worked for NYPIRG and Environmental Advocates before taking a job with Eliot Spitzer AG's office. She was one of the main supporters of the "Bigger, Better" Bottle Bill. [TU] [Troy Record] [Daily Politics]

Neil Breslin said yesterday that he's proposing legislation that would require donors to politicians' legal defense funds to be disclosed. It appears that the Hiram Monserrate situation prompted the proposed legislation. [TU] [Troy Record]

David Paterson has started running campaign ads on TV -- Liz Benjamin calls them "the political equivalent of a Hail Mary pass." [NYT] [Daily Politics]

At last night's Troy City Council meeting the council voted to support a study of whether its feasible for Proctors Theater to be used as an entertainment venue again. It also heard from more than a hundred people concerned about the apartment complex planned for land formerly owned by Oakwood Cemetery. [TU] [Troy Record]

Police are using DNA tests in attempt to figure out who was driving the stolen SUV that crashed into another car and burst into flames last week in Rensselaer County. [WNYT]

A Latham hotel owner has been accused in a complaint to the NLRB of firing employees for trying to organize a union. [TU]

Saratoga Springs' city engineer says the Church Street reconstruction would have happened with or without federal stimulus money. [Post-Star]

Saratoga County has scheduled two H1N1 flu vaccine clinics for priority groups next week. Albany County said it received more H1N1 vax this week and it's been distributed to doctors' offices. [Post-Star] [CBS6]

Comments

The newest federal program to encourage home sales could use some tweaks. It's JUST enough to push urban home owners into the 'burbs who were on the fence because of rising taxes, stagnant home prices. The federal government, and municipalities have programs in place to revitalize urban areas. If this new program isn't developed in concert with revitalization programs, then we're fighting ourselves to bring investment and stability where it is most needed. Didn't we learn anything from the mortgage crisis? The housing market expanded too fast. In related news, we're feeling the effects of the poorly managed transportation fund for the system we can't afford and yup, we're going to have to pay more for those bridges and services now. ugh. Wake up, America, we can't afford to build out anymore.

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