State Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver was arrested by the FBI Today on federal corruption charges. Silver turned himself into the FBI; he is accused of failing to report income he received from an outside law firm as required. Silver has held office in the State Assembly since 1976 and has been the speaker since 1994.
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Governor Cuomo delivered his annual budget proposal and state of the state address in Albany yesterday. The governor mentioned his plans to help the southern tier:

(Cuomo Southern Tier)

Cuomo’s total budget decreases spending to 142 billion dollars, the legislature has until April 1st to pass a budget plan.
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Area lawmakers are weighing in on their thoughts on Governor Cuomo’s 2015 agenda, area assemblyman Cliff Crouch comments:

(Crouch 1-22-15)

Area State Senator Jim Seward comments:

(Seward 1-22-15)

Governor Cuomo unveiled a plan top cut middle class property tax burdens in this budget proposal, he also unveiled a plan to revamp the teacher evaluation system, which showed a student success rate of 35 to 40%, but a teacher competency rate of just under 100%
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The Chenango county district attorney’s office announced that Anastasia Hallenbeck has been indicted by a Chenango County Grand Jury Wednesday. HALLENBECK was indicted on 2 counts 3rd degree Criminal Sale of a Controlled Substance & 1 count each of 3rd & 7th degree Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance. Hallenbeck was arrested last month for allegedly selling heroin in Norwich.
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State Police arrested 73-year-old Spencer Harford of Amsterdam, for 3rd degree grand larceny. Troopers investigated a report of 2 bad checks that is accused of using to purchase cattle and a trailer, valued at almost $30,000 from a deposit woman. Harford was arraigned in the Village of Deposit Court and remanded to the Delaware County Jail on $10,000 cash bail or a $20,000 property bond pending future court action.
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State Police arrested 19-year-old Samantha Wren of Hancock, for 2nd degree burglary & 2nd degree criminal contempt. The arrest occurred after Troopers investigated a theft of property from a residence in Hancock, police determined that Wren entered her mother’s residence without permission and stole an amount of cash, food and clothing, which also violated a valid order of protection. Wren was arraigned in the Village of Hancock Court and released without bail required.
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The National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum has announced the logos that will appear on the caps of the Hall of Fame plaques for 2015 Hall of Fame electees Craig Biggio, Pedro Martinez and John Smoltz. Biggio’s plaque will feature a Houston Astros, the only team he played for in his 20-year career. Martinez’s plaque will feature the pitcher in a Boston Red Sox cap, where he had his most successful seasons. Smoltz’s plaque will feature the pitcher in a Braves cap; he played the vast majority of his career with Atlanta.
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