Good morning! I know I said it yesterday, but today is the day I will publish and comment on some of the budget documents given to me by Accts Commissioner John Franck.

Starting at 9 a.m., city officials will meet with reps and attorneys from the city's two public safety unions for an arbitration hearing on their grievances against Mayor Scott Johnson's proposed health insurance consolidation plan. [Srtgn]

The shutdown of NYC OTB has cast doubt across the state's entire horse racing industry. Officials say tracks in Monticello, Yonkers, and possibly even Saratoga could close. [Srtgn, CapCon]

State Sen. Hugh Farley says another OTB rescue bill is in the works. [Gazette]

SSPD Police Chief Chris Cole says incidents at Saratoga Gaming and Raceway have not increased after they expanded hours earlier this year. State Sen. Roy McDonald calls the restoration of the city's VLT host money a priority this year. [PstStr]

Troy City Councilman Kevin McGrath spent two hours testifying Wednesday before the grand jury in a voter fraud case. [Record]

A new report shows New Yorkers are lacking in "civic health". [TU]

Meet next session's freshman NYS Senators in this informative photo slideshow. [NYO]