Reply #3: Unresolved issues remain [View All]

[MelissaB]

Unresolved issues remain

By THE JOURNAL NEWS
THE JOURNAL NEWS
(Original publication: April 3, 2005)


ALBANY — The Legislature passed a $105 billion state budget last week — but the fiscal fights aren't over. Gov. George Pataki has objected to the spending levels — and has the power to veto parts of the budget he doesn't like. Further, the legislative leaders acknowledged they left several programs in limbo amid the rush to adopt a budget before the April 1 start of the fiscal year.

Here's a look at the outstanding issues


Election laws
The money: $220 million in federal aid — if New York upgrades its election system this year.

Where it stands: There are two outstanding issues: forms of identification for first-time voters and control of voting machines — including doling out of multimillion-dollar contracts to replace the old, lever-style machines.

Outlook: Neither Democrats nor Republicans want to lose the money. But this debate has lingered for several years and may not get resolved until the end of the legislative session in June.

Link: http://www.thejournalnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20050403/NEWS05/504030347/1021