In an attempt to close New York state’s budget gaps, Gov. David Paterson released a budget proposal last month that could result in the closure of 41 of the state’s parks and 14 of its historical sites, according to the Ithaca Journal.

Students looking to savor a glass of local vino may not have to travel any farther than Wegmans if the State Legislature approves Governor Paterson’s recent proposal, which allows grocery stores to sell wine for the first time in New York State history. But the liquor store owners affected by the proposal claim that the governor based his decision on drunken logic.

The proposal came about as a means of decreasing the state’s multi-billion dollar budget gap. Supermarkets selling the wine would be required to pay a franchise fee to the state, which Paterson hopes would raise over $100 million.

Governor Paterson announced over the weekend the appointment of Rep. Kirsten Gillibrand to fill Hillary Clinton’s junior Senate seat. It is our hope that, upon taking office, Gillibrand brings increased transparency and accountability to her office, while keeping higher education and the needs of her constituents as top priorities.

On Jan. 7, Governor David Paterson (D-N.Y.) delivered the State of the State address. In his speech, Paterson’s first since assuming office last March, he focused on the numerous problems that the state is facing. He began the speech with a harsh assessment of New York’s current situation. 

“My fellow New Yorkers: Let me come straight to the point,” he said. “The state of our state is perilous.”

In his speech, Paterson touched on health, education, energy, environmental and economical issues that the state was grappling with, noting the adverse impact of the recession.

“New York faces an historic economic challenge, the gravest in nearly a century,” he said.

ALBANY, N.Y. (AP) — Gay rights advocates had reason to celebrate on both coasts Thursday, with New York set to recognize same-sex marriages performed elsewhere and California preparing to begin issuing marriage licenses to gay couples on June 17.

Hours after California issued a directive Wednesday authorizing that date, word came that New York Gov. David Paterson instructed state agencies — including those governing insurance and health care — to immediately change policies and regulations to recognize gay marriages.

For years, gay rights advocates have sought recognition for same-sex marriages so couples could share family health care plans, receive tax breaks by filing jointly, enjoy stronger adoption rights and inherit property.