Cuomo watch: 'Big Ugly' bill seems likely

Talk of an Albany-style "Big Ugly" continues to brew.

The term, born during the tenure of former Gov. George Pataki, refers to an agreement on a wide-ranging package of legislation, some of which is related.

In the 2012 version, that might include new election district maps for Senate, Assembly and Congress, a change in the way redistricting is done in the future, an expanded criminal DNA database and first passage of a constitutional amendment to allow casinos.

Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo is also pushing for lower pension benefits for new hires. And, because the fiscal year begins soon, discussion of the overall state budget is also under way.

-- Yancey Roy