Friday, March 12, 2010

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The economy is in turmoil. For many, debt is mounting, credit is tight, and spare cash is a luxury. You have questions, and Action News wants to help find the answers.


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North Syracuse schools hit hard by budget woes   

Budget troubles for the North Syracuse School District are far from over.

IRS Tax Tips for the 2010 filing season   

Five Facts You Need to Know about Suspicious E-mails

SCSD plan: Close Levy School, cut jobs   

In a plan the Superintendent calls balanced, but terrible, Syracuse Schools would close Levy School on the city's east side and eliminate 223 jobs.

Democrats, White House close in on health bill   

A final agreement nearly in hand, President Barack Obama and Democratic leaders are about to embark on one last sales job that will determine the outcome of the president's signature health care overhaul.

Mass school closures approved in Kansas City, Mo.   

Facing potential bankruptcy, the board that governs the once flush-with-cash Kansas City school district is taking the unusual and contentious step of shuttering almost half its schools.

Neighbors want information on dissolving village   

In a bid to save money, proponents of a controversial idea in the Village of Seneca Falls are pushing to get rid of local governments.

IRS Tax Tips for the 2010 filing season   

Standard or Itemized Deductions

IRS outlines assistance for unemployed taxpayers   

IRS Outlines Additional Steps to Assist Unemployed Taxpayers and Others

Bank ends overdraft fees on debit cards   

It could be the beginning of the end of overdrawn accounts linked to debit cards.

Senate to pass jobless aid, business tax breaks   

The Senate votes Wednesday on a bill extending unemployment benefits up to 99 months in many states and renewing tax breaks popular with businesses and individuals.

Buttermilk Falls may be victim of budget cuts   

Governor Patterson's budget proposal calls for the closure of 41 of the state's parks and 14 of its historical sites.

IRS Tax Tip for the 2010 filing season   

Higher standard deduction for real estate taxes.

Financial 411: Answering your money questions   

We answer your calls and emails in finances

Federal jobs bill would give New York $3 billion in aid   

A federal jobs bill expected to pass this week in Washington is expected to bring $2.3 billion in budget aid to New York state, and another $700 million to help counties and New York City.

IRS Tax Tips for the 2010 filing season   

 Top ten facts about the child and dependent care credit.

Noon Financial 411: Retail sales report   

This economic indicator tracks the dollar value of goods sold by “brick and mortar” retailers as well as certain types of non-store retailers.

Seneca Falls voters to decide village's fate   

The upstate New York village that's hallowed ground for the women's rights movement and claims to be the inspiration for Bedford Falls in "It's A Wonderful Life" could fade into history.

Oswego County jobless rate on the rise   

The New York State Department of Labor monthly statistics for January 2010 show Oswego County posting an unemployment rate of 11.6 percent.

Pricier produce   

Because so many crops were lost, what's left costs more. And the same goes for strawberries.

Corrections officers protest prison closing plan   

Corrections officers say Governor Paterson's plans to close four state prisons would endanger the safety of officers, inmates and the general public, and hurt the economies of the prison towns.

IRS tax tip for first time filers   

First-time filers should use Free File to prepare, e-File returns.

Senate rejects bonus Social Security payments   

The Senate has rejected President Barack Obama's proposal to give a $250 bonus payment to people on Social Security.

Local fire chiefs voice concerns over consolidation   

Mahoney says the County is currently spending $28 million a year to equip and operate 57 different fire departments.

Sales tax committee discusses new distribution   

Onondaga County's sales tax committee began what could be the controversial and divisive process of deciding how to share one of government's most important revenue sources.

State parks advocates rally in Albany   

Two state lawmakers say blocking $11.3 million of the $20 million in proposed budget cuts to the state parks system will prevent the Paterson administration from closing dozens of state parks and historic sites.

Mahoney lays out Onondaga's State of the County   

After coming off what she calls one of the most difficult budgets in history, Onondaga County Executive Joanie Mahoney says next year won't be any easier.

Senators seek to block stimulus money for overseas   

A group of Democratic senators wants the Obama administration to suspend an economic stimulus program aimed at financing renewable energy because of concerns that it's creating jobs in foreign countries.

Obama signs stopgap bill   

The money will flow again to furloughed federal workers and those needing extended jobless benefits now that President Barack Obama has signed a stopgap bill.

Local farmers speak out against Farm Workers Bill   

Hundreds of farmers from across the state travelled to Albany Monday to protest the proposed bill.

New Hope Mills fights town junkyard law   

One of New York State's oldest businesses is in a bitter court battle with the Cayuga County Town of Niles over a "junkyard law."

Home Star: energy efficiency rebate program   

A few details of the program are still being worked out.

Financial 411: we answer your money questions   

Questions on taxes, mortgages and more.

Noon Financial 411: new credit card law   

New credit card law provision targets people under age 21.

Centro changes effective today   

Centro is dropping some routes and changing others effective today as the regional transit system attempts to cope with fewer state dollars

Soda tax proponents launch ad campaign   

An organization supporting Governor Paterson's "soda tax" on sugary beverages has launched a statewide advertising campaign.

Winery weighs in on grocery vs. liquor store debate   

The proposal to sell wine in grocery stores is included in the State budget as a way to generate revenue for New York.

Upstate symphonies protest state budget cuts   

The Syracuse, Rochester and Buffalo Symphonies are the latest to protest the governor's planned budget cuts.

Wine shop owners blast proposal to sell wine in groceries   

Owners of wine and liquor stores will be in Albany today to lobby against Governor Paterson's proposal to legalize wine sales in grocery stores and other retail outlets in New York state.

Senate to vote on modest jobs bill, passage likely   

The Senate is expected to hand Democrats a much sought-after victory today by passing a jobs-promoting bill.

Senators oppose delay in tax refunds   

The New York Senate has passed a resolution against delaying income tax refunds as a way to ease the state's financial pinch.

State Legislature's budget outlook is bleak too   

New York's Assembly and Senate, often most optimistic about future revenues to spend, see a dismal outlook for the budget due April 1.

IRS Tax Tip: First time homebuyer credit   

Five Tips About the First-Time Homebuyer Credit Documentation Requirements

County exec: Sponsors could save NY's parks   

The Suffolk Co. Exec. says temporary corporate sponsorships could save the state parks and historic sites that might be closed or see reduced services.

NY's 'Appliance Swap Out' program extended   

New Yorkers have more time to take advantage of a state-run program that gives rebates to consumers who purchase high-efficiency appliances.

NY comptroller: Wall Street bonuses up 17 percent   

The New York state comptroller says Wall Street bonuses were up 17 percent to over $20 billion in 2009, the year taxpayers bailed out the financial sector.

Bipartisan jobs bill advances past GOP filibuster   

A bipartisan jobs bill is expected to pass the Senate tomorrow after clearing a Republican filibuster attempt with help from five GOP senators who broke ranks.

NYC police call for shorter parades to save money   

The New York City Police Department said Monday that parades have to get shorter in length and duration - which could mean less of the world-famous balloon characters, including the cartoon canine, at the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade in Manhattan.

Democrats cautiously embrace Obama health plan   

Republicans' trashing of President Barack Obama's health care proposal bodes ill for the prospects of any deal at the bipartisan health care summit scheduled for Thursday.

Parents speak out against Liverpool budget   

Liverpool parents have had a few weeks to look over a proposed budget that would close Wetzel Road Elementary School and eliminate 130 positions.

North Syr. school district needs to make up millions   

As the budget stands right now, a 17.8% tax increase would be necessary to balance it.

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