WCDO Radio News

A proposal would prohibit New York government officials from collecting frequent-flier benefits earned through travel paid by taxpayers. The bill is aimed at state officials who pocket free airfare and luxury hotel stays based on taking trips while on state business. The bill by assemblymen Steve McLaughlin, Jim Tedisco and Michael Fitzpatrick follows reports that Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver may have earned more than 200,000 frequent-flier miles. The bill would need to be passed by the state legislature and signed by Governor Cuomo in order to become law.

Governor Cuomo announced the State University of New York would launch four SUNY networks of excellence to support increased research collaborations between SUNY and industry partners to spur commercialization activities.  The SUNY 4E network will focus on societal challenges in energy, the environment, economics and education.  Each network will assemble scientists and scholars from SUNY campuses across the state to collaborate on joint research programs.  SUNY schools coordinating SUNY 4E networks include Binghamton University.  For more information go to governor.ny.gov

Governor Cuomo pushed back against sheriffs around upstate who have been suggesting they will not enforce some provisions of his SAFE Act gun control bill. Some upstate sheriffs have made public comments that they have no interest in enforcing what some believe to be an illegal piece of legislation. The governor said their job is to enforce the law, all of the laws, whether they agree with it or not.