Oil and gas companies spent millions of dollars on lobbying Albany to make a decision on hydrofracking, but the state doesn't seem any closer to allowing the practice and all sides are urging caution. "I wouldn't say it's a given," Republican state senator and hydrofracking advocate Tom Libous tells the Times. "Economically, we need it desperately. But at the end of the day, if the scientists and geologists at the D.E.C. say 'this is not a good thing to do,' I'm not going to challenge it." Did the earth just shift, or what? more ›

By far the best thing we've read all day is Jeremy W. Peters's funny/galling article in the NY Times about a back hallway in the State Assembly building that's always crowded with lobbyists mingling with lawmakers, despite a sign prohibiting their presence. "'The policy is not one of those that is strictly enforced,' said Ron Canestrari, the Assembly majority leader, managing a blithe grin as he defended the open-door policy as an example of direct democracy. 'A lot of times you need information or you need an analysis.'" The kicker? "When a reporter pointed out to one lobbyist standing in the back hallway last week that a sign near the west entrance marked the area off-limits to lobbyists, the lobbyist responded earnestly, 'There’s a sign?'" more ›

When we reported on the State Assembly's proposal to add another dollar tax onto cigarettes, making New York's tax the highest state in the land, some wondered, "Why the F can't politicians stand up to the beverage companies and tax soda a meager $.10?" But standing up doesn't really pay in Albany, where you can just keep your seat by taking big campaign contributions from lobbyists. Today the Daily News looks at how the soda tax sausage got unmade, thanks in no small part to State Senator Jeffrey Klein (D-Bronx/Westchester). more ›

After some lobbyists told the Post and Daily News that State Senator Malcolm Smith, the Democratic minority leader, seemed to imply they should pay up now to gain Democrats' help (before the Dems win control of the State Senate this fall), Smith now says he was joking. Smith told the Daily News since the event for lobbyists was rained out, "like any good host" he thought it was "important to entertain all guests...That is simply what occurred; and nothing else." As for Senate Majority Leader Dean Skelos's accusation of "thuggery," Smith said, "I think that demeans his position and has questionable overtones. I call on him to apologize." more ›