DiNapoli Report Shows 70 Percent of Localities Stayed Below Tax Cap

(ALBANY, N.Y.) -- A new report from State Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli found that 70 percent of jurisdictions in New York State had budgets that did not override the 2 percent tax cap.

The audit found that 22 percent of localities had voted to exceed the tax cap. Five percent of localities illegally exceeded the tax cap without a proper vote.

DiNapoli's office is planning on providing help to jurisdictions in avoiding tax cap-related budget mistakes.

Copyright 2012 ABC News Radio

Schumer Warns on Dangers of New Super Drugs

(NEW YORK) -- Several companies are seeking approval for super-drugs -- which are a pure form of hydrocodone -- from the FDA, but the move is not without controversy. U.S. Senator Charles Schumer (D-NY) has called for the agency to delay approval so the impact of the drugs on the market can be investigated.

Schumer asks that the new drugs be more tightly controlled because of their highly addictive nature, and in light of the recent spate of fatal robberies of New York pharmacies by people who were seeking painkillers such as vicodin and oxycontin.

"It's tremendously concerning that at the same time policy makers and law enforcement professionals are waging a war on the growing prescription drug crisis, new and more powerful super-drugs could well be on their way, flooding the market," said Schumer. "The FDA needs to grab the reins and slow down the stampede to introduce these powerful narcotics."

Copyright 2012 ABC News Radio

New York Marathon to Be Televised Nationally

(NEW YORK) -- The New York City Marathon in March will be broadcast nationally for the first time in almost 20 years.

The race will be broadcast live on ESPN2 and WABC, ABC's New York affiliate.

ABC last televised the race in 1993. Since then, WNBC and WPIX ran the race locally.

Runners must pay more than $200 to enter the race this year. International marathon runners must pay close to $350.

Copyright 2012 ABC News Radio

Cuomo Congratulates Archbishop Dolan on Being Named Cardinal

(NEW YORK) -- Governor Andrew Cuomo issued a statement Friday congratulating New York Archbishop Timothy Dolan on being named by Pope Benedict XVI as one of the Roman Catholic Church's 22 new Cardinals.

The pope made the announcement on Friday following an Epiphany mass.

"Archbishop Dolan has been a faithful and dedicated leader, who has always put service to others as his first priority," Cuomo said in a statement. "Our state has been blessed by Archbishop Dolan’s vision and leadership, and I offer him my support and friendship as he continues to lead the Catholic Church here in New York."

Copyright 2012 ABC News Radio

Gillibrand, Schumer Announce $5 Million for Transit Center

(NEW YORK) -- U.S. Senators Kirsten Gillibrand and Charles Schumer announced on Thursday that the U.S. Department of Transportation awarded $5,064,369 to the Rochester-Genesee Regional Transportation Authority (RGRTA).

The money will be used to fund a new transit center as well as construction of an indoor shelter for travelers in the travel hub.  The RGRTA provides transportation annually to an estimated 7.7 million people in Monroe, Genesee, Livingston, Orleans, Wayne, Wyoming, and Seneca counties.

"With bus ridership at a 20 year high, this is an important investment for the Greater Rochester Area," Gillibrand said. "These federal dollars will support the construction of new infrastructure to improve the bus station and provide better service for travelers."

Copyright 2012 ABC News Radio