Winner balks at Wine and Grape Foundation cuts

WATKINS GLEN, N.Y. -- At least one Southern Tier lawmaker is balking at a proposal to cut funding for the New York State Wine and Grape Foundation. Senator George Winner says the foundation drives the wine industry's success.

The Wine and Grape Foundation received nearly $3 million in state aid last year. Senator Winner says by trying to save that money, the governor is endangering an industry that generates billions of dollars, provides thousands of jobs and earns New York acclaim. Winner is calling the proposal shortsighted and is urging his colleagues to reject it.