Cuomo's ethics overhaul plan gets boost
For a governor demanding an ethics overhaul, charges against state Sen. Carl Kruger and Assemb. William Boyland Jr., both Brooklyn Democrats, couldn't come at a better time. U.S. officials said in a criminal complaint last week that the former Senate finance committee chairman received "a stream of bribes totaling at least $1 million" since 2006. Boyland is accused of taking pay for a "no-show" job.
Weeks ago, Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo said he wanted the State Legislature to do two things early in the session: Pass his budget and enact tougher ethics laws. Negotiations on ethics are under way, focusing on disclosure of a lawmaker's outside business clients. The governor has threatened to create a commission with subpoena power to investigate legislators if they don't pass a bill. The new federal case boosts Cuomo's leverage exponentially. -- Yancey Roy in Albany

Get ready for sun and fun with NewsdayTV's summer FunBook special! From celebrating America's 250th birthday to a new ride at Adventureland, NewsdayTV's Elisa DiStefano and Newsday lifestyle editor Meghan Giannotta have your inside look at Newsday's summer FunBook.

Get ready for sun and fun with NewsdayTV's summer FunBook special! From celebrating America's 250th birthday to a new ride at Adventureland, NewsdayTV's Elisa DiStefano and Newsday lifestyle editor Meghan Giannotta have your inside look at Newsday's summer FunBook.

