NEW YORK CITY — The Consumer Confidence Index rose in February to its highest point in three years as Americans are feeling more optimistic about their income prospects and the direction the economy is headed.

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Republicans who swept into power in state capitols this year with promises to cut spending and bolster the business climate now are beginning to usher in a new era of labor relations that could result in the largest reduction of power in decades for public employee unions.

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Finding adequate funding for legal assistance is never easy, but 2011 presents an even tougher challenge for civil legal services providers here in Rochester, across the state and nationwide.

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WASHINGTON, D.C. — Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke told Congress on Wednesday that the sharp drop in unemployment over the last two months is encouraging but cautioned that it will take several years for hiring to return to normal.

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WASHINGTON, D.C. — To hear Senate Republicans tell it, the defeat of their attempt to repeal the Democrats' health care overhaul was really a victory of sorts on the long march to the 2012 congressional and presidential elections.

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WASHINGTON, D.C. — The economy gained strength at the end of last year as Americans spent at the fastest pace in four years and U.S. companies sold more overseas. The growth is boosting hopes for a stronger 2011.

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Attorney General Eric T. Schneiderman plans to appoint a public integrity officer to each of his bureaus in an attempt to restore public confidence in government and the economy.

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SCHENECTADY — President Barack Obama said Friday that “putting the economy into overdrive” is a top priority, even as a new poll showed the public giving him poor marks in this area. The Associated Press-GfK poll underscored the selling job that confronts ...

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WASHINGTON, D.C. — President Obama says he wants to get rid of government regulations that stifle job creation. He's ordered federal agencies to review regulations and look for unreasonable ones that hurt economic growth.

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ALBANY — Gov. Andrew Cuomo said Wednesday he was “shocked” to learn 28 top officers in the state police got raises of more than $20,000 last month as some 900 state workers were facing layoffs.

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WASHINGTON, D.C. — The number of people applying for unemployment benefits fell to its lowest point in nearly two and a half years, a sign that the job market is slowly improving.

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HONOLULU — Among the first announcements President Barack Obama will make upon returning from his Hawaiian vacation is his choice for top economic adviser, a decision that could signal a new direction for the administration ...

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