Cuomo increases pressure on teachers over evaluations, attacks redistricting proposal

PHOTOGRAPHER: The Associated Press

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Gov. Andrew Cuomo is threatening to impose his own teacher evaluations if unions continue to block the initiative.

He also says the Legislature’s new redistricting proposal is “wholly unacceptable.”

In trying to drum up support for his proposed budget today, Cuomo also gave a theme for his second year as governor. He says he’s waging the “Battle of Albany.”

Cuomo says that if negotiations fail between the teachers unions, the state Education Department and school districts to implement tougher evaluations for teachers and principals, he’ll impose his own Feb. 16. Under law, a governor may try to enact policies in budget bills.

Cuomo also said the Legislature will have to overhaul its redistricting plan before he’ll sign it into law. He says lawmakers redrew district lines to serve themselves.