Cuomo vows to support organized labor in NY

While he supports further affordable housing programs for New York, Cuomo criticized proposals to make government-subsidized construction projects open shops where workers don't have to join a union.

Brian Sampson, president of the Associated Builders and Contractors, Empire State Chapter, said the construction unions have said they won't accept any deal to renew the affordable-housing program without the prevailing wage, though the New York City Independent Budget Office found it would raise construction costs about 28 percent.

"Gov. Cuomo's blind loyalty to big union bosses is irresponsible, and it's killing affordable housing and good jobs," Sampson said.