We look at New York State. Find out about this week’s special legislative session to deal with the projected budget shortfall, how the economic downturn on Wall Street is affecting the rest of the state, and what rising food prices mean for the Empire State’s farmers. Plus: a look at the state’s Congressional races. Liz Benjamin writes the Daily Politics for the Daily News.

States of the Union fact of the week: Martin Van Buren created the first state political machine in the country – the Albany Regency. He also created or institutionalized the Democratic party, the national convention and the inaugural parade.