Legislature selling future for presents

The lack of fiscal restraint being displayed in Albany this year may bode well for incumbents seeking re-election in the fall, but elected officials in the state's municipalities may be left to take the blame in 2007.

The Empire Center for New York Policy Tuesday said at least 36 bills to expand pension benefits for public employees have been passed by state lawmakers this year.

If all are signed into law, local and state government costs will rise at least $189 million dollars a year.