Governor Cuomo at Molloy College talking about his 2012-2013 budget...

Governor Cuomo at Molloy College talking about his 2012-2013 budget and reform plan. (Feb. 2, 2012) Credit: Newsday / Alejandra Villa

Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo is daring the state legislature to fight him on overhauling the state's $140 billion pension system.

By threatening to shut down the state government if lawmakers refuse to approve his pension reform proposal this year, Cuomo is betting on his popularity, public sentiment and his ability to negotiate political compromises in the face of fierce opposition by public unions, political experts said. It's a tactic he used most recently to secure a new teacher evaluation plan.

Will Cuomo overhaul the state’s $140 billion pension system?

NewsdayTV's Doug Geed visits two wineries and a fish market, and then it's time for holiday cheer, with a visit to a bakery and poinsettia greenhouses. Credit: Randee Dadonna

Out East with Doug Geed: Wine harvests, a fish market, baked treats and poinsettias NewsdayTV's Doug Geed visits two wineries and a fish market, and then it's time for holiday cheer, with a visit to a bakery and poinsettia greenhouses.

NewsdayTV's Doug Geed visits two wineries and a fish market, and then it's time for holiday cheer, with a visit to a bakery and poinsettia greenhouses. Credit: Randee Dadonna

Out East with Doug Geed: Wine harvests, a fish market, baked treats and poinsettias NewsdayTV's Doug Geed visits two wineries and a fish market, and then it's time for holiday cheer, with a visit to a bakery and poinsettia greenhouses.

SUBSCRIBE

Unlimited Digital AccessOnly 25¢for 6 months

ACT NOWSALE ENDS SOON | CANCEL ANYTIME