Lots of news before a holiday weekend

The New York State Senate and Assembly passed the bill funding state parks. Once the Governor signs it–expected later today–the 41 parks and 14 historic sites closed due to the state’s budget shortfall will open…

A federal judge ruled today that Gov. David Paterson cannot furlough state workers. About 100,000 public employees faced one-day-a-week furloughs under another proposed budget cut by the Governor. Paterson says he will “respect” the judge’s decision…

Work is now set to begin on the Champlain Bridge. All approvals and permits are in place for a Colorado company to start construction of a replacement span between Addison, Vermont and Crown Point, New York. The old bridge was closed in October, immediately after engineers said collapse was imminent. It was demolished in December. A ferry is carrying cars between the two towns. Officials say the new bridge should be up and open by September 2011.

One more tid bit. Less “newsy” but worth a mention and a link:

Our own Karen DeWitt photographed by Albany Times-Union State Editor Casey Seiler at the Democratic state convention:

Casey’s caption:

“…Karen DeWitt of New York State Public Radio hand-modeling her vintage license plate from the early ’90s, when Gov. Mario Cuomo rolled out the idea of a ‘New New York’ at a Blue Room event. The plates were handed out as souvenirs.

The “New New York” idea has been adopted by Andrew Cuomo’s campaign.”