Last week, 96 percent of school budget proposals were approved by voters. Most fell within the limits of the property tax cap. But many districts made cuts to keep down the numbers. And Michael Borges of the state Association of School Business Officials says he believes voters only accepted the cuts because they were worried about what would happen if the budget failed.

Monday was disabilities awareness day at the state capitol, and the event came as a bill to create a new agency to investigate abuse remains stalled in the assembly. Assembly Minority Leader Brian Kolb discusses the status of the bill and other end-of-session priorities.

Hunger Action Network is among those calling for an increase in the state’s minimum wage. And with the future of Assembly Speaker Silver’s bill to bring it to $8.50 an hour up in the air, they’re asking Governor Cuomo to act unilaterally. And they’d like to see the minimum wage brought up to $10 an hour. Executive Director Mark Dunlea explains their efforts.

Advocates of campaign finance reform are launching a new effort to raise awareness about money in politics. They are focusing on eight state senators and the donations they’ve received. And starting this weekend, they’ll be going door to door to talk to voters about the issue. Downstate Campaigns Manager Jesse Laymon explains why they chose this group of lawmakers.

This December, there will be an opening on the state Court of Appeals when Associate Judge Carmen Ciparick retires. Governor Cuomo will select her replacement. And a commission is already working on finding candidates for the job. Former Chief Judge Judith Kaye is helping with the search. And as she explains, they’re looking all over the state to find qualified individuals.