Cuomo Says New Law Empowers Citizens ROCHESTER, NY (WXXI) - New York Attorney General Andrew Cuomo is traveling the state touting a new law designed to make it easier for local officials and citizens to consolidate governments. In Brighton on Thursday, he said the legislation is a "a powerful new tool" to help cut government waste and reduce taxes.

Cuomo points out there are 10-thousand-521 government agencies in New York State, and the overlapping leads to higher tzes. Cuomo says there is little incentive for governments to consolidate themselves, since being bigger gives them more power. Therefore, he says this legislation allows ordinary citizens to easily take matters into their own hands. He says complete details on how the process works are available on the web at www.reformnygov.com

State Assemblyman Joe Morelle says Cuomo's success in pushing this bill through in June is a bright spot during a dark time in state government -- referring to the weeks-long Senate gridlock.

"This has been a time, for those of us who are part of state government, a time of great soul searching," he said. "It has been a difficult time."

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