Credit Governor Cuomo's Flickr page As the New Year begins, New York state leaders face two major challenges. One is the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, as the infection rates spike again and a vaccine roll out begins. The second is the state’s related multibillion dollar budget deficit, which needs to be closed by spring. Governor Andrew Cuomo, who’s been given special emergency powers from the legislature during the pandemic , will likely continue to be the major figure as state officials try to bring down the spiking coronavirus rate, and ensure a fast and efficient roll out of the vacci...