NY to Expand Investment in Solar Power

(ALBANY, N.Y.) -- New York will invest in solar power, according to Gov. Andrew Cuomo, who proposed the initiative in last week’s State of the State address, noting a new tax plan on Tuesday that would set aside money to support it.

New York’s budget plan included details of two new tax credits, dubbed “NY-Sun Initiative.” Under the plan, commercial customers would be excluded from any sales tax on solar electric systems.

The Alliance for Clean Energy New York said that it, “applauds Governor Cuomo’s call for energy efficiency and the expansion of our renewable resources,” the group’s executive director Carol E. Murphy confirmed.

Alongside the solar tax credits, Cuomo also called for a plan to help homeowners afford green energy upgrades, according to published reports.

Copyright 2012 ABC News Radio

Cuomo's Budget Includes $715M in Operating Aid for Local Governments

(ALBANY, N.Y.) -- Some financial assistance from the state is on the way for local governments, according to the revelations made by Governor Andrew Cuomo in presenting his 2012-13 Executive Budget and Reform Plan on Tuesday.

Outlined in the budget presentation is the provision of $715 million to local governments in unrestricted operating aid, and an additional $79 million in grants towards promoting greater efficiency.

Governor Cuomo says the 2012-13 Executive Budget closes the current $2 billion budget deficit without adding any new taxes or fees.

Also included in the budget are reforms to the Early Intervention program -- aimed at lowering the costs to counties by $99 million over five years -- as well as reforms to the preschool special education program which will cut costs for counties outside of New York City by $150 million over five years.

Copyright 2012 ABC News Radio

Federal Reserve Reports Improved Manufacturing in NY State

(NEW YORK) -- The New York Federal Reserve announced Tuesday that manufacturing in New York State had grown in January, rising to its highest level in nine months.

The manufacturing index rose to 13.48 from 8.19 in December, far exceeding predictions of 11.0. The gains were due to new orders and increased employment.

The Fed's index is a leading indicator on the state of the nation's economy.

Copyright 2012 ABC News Radio

NY Receives $7 Million For Low-Income College Students

(ALBANY, N.Y.) -- The New York State Higher Education Services Corporation (HESC) received a $7 million College Access Challenge Grant (CACG) on Monday that will go toward the improvement of college enrollment and graduation rates of low-income students across New York.

The grant was given by the U.S. Department of Education and will be distributed among community groups working with low-income populations.

"With this funding, HESC will take a comprehensive approach to improve college enrollment and completion among disadvantaged students through intervention strategies and activities," President of HESC Elsa Magee said.

CACG previously funded more than 47,000 New York State resident students and families through their 2010-2011 academic year programs.

Copyright 2012 ABC News Radio

NY Fire Departments Receive Federal Grants

(WASHINGTON) -- On Thursday, U.S. Senators Charles Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand announced grants to several fire departments in the state through the Federal Emergency Management Agency's (FEMA) Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG).

The funding is for the departments to buy new equipment in order for them to be more effective in emergencies.

The Fulton Fire Department received $377, 150; the City of Corning Fire Department received $94,000; Lackawanna Fire Department received $272, 000 and Dundee Volunteer Fire Department received $46, 693.

"I will continue to work for our heroes so that they can operate in life-threatening situations without the added hazard of outdated equipment. These funds will also guarantee that our local heroes will be able to purchase this equipment and improve their level of service to local residents," said Schumer.

Copyright 2012 ABC News Radio