NY Gov Targets Violent Video Games

Spitzer said he will soon provide a bill that would target the ratings of video movies and video games "that are often violent and degrading" and can hurt children who repeatedly use and view them.

Spitzer said he wants to restrict access to these videos and games by children, similar to motion picture regulations which prohibit youths under 17 from being admitted to R-rated movies without a parent or adult guardian.

Under Spitzer's proposal, retailers who sell violent or degrading videos or video games to children contrary to the rating would be sanctioned.

The Democrat said his approach would be similar to greater enforcement in recent years to stop the sale of cigarettes to minors.

"It's certainly going to be one of our priorities," said Republican Senate Majority Leader Joseph Bruno. "We have bills that address that."

But Bruno said Spitzer's top priority should be reviving the upstate economy.

"When the governor ran for office, he traveled this whole state and did remarkably well," Bruno said. "And, everywhere he went he talked about the upstate economy."

Bruno's priorities include construction aid for new businesses and $1.3 billion in tax breaks for manufacturers and small business.

Spitzer noted he got most of his property tax cut plan enacted to help upstate; has created an upstate co-chairman for the state's primary economic development agency; and is requiring bidders for the state's thoroughbred racing franchise to prove they will boost that industry upstate.