NEW PALTZ - Oxford University Press has published “The Oxford Handbook of New York State Government,” edited by Gerald Benjamin, director of the Center for Research, Regional Engagement and Outreach (CRREO) and professor of political science at the State University of New York at New Paltz.

“The Oxford Handbook of New York State Government and Politics” is a wide-ranging collection of new scholarship in key areas of governance in New York. This “unusually comprehensive, detailed, and systematic study of this unique and influential state,” as it is described in a statement from the publisher, chronicles the history of New York’s political parties, campaign finance policy, lobbying and interest group systems, the state legislature, the governorship, the judiciary, and the state's “foreign policy.”

Its 1,056 pages are organized in five sections: examining the state constitution, state political processes, state governmental institutions, intergovernmental relations, and management and policy areas. The book addresses subjects such as health care policy, public safety, economic development, transportation policy, energy policy, and more.

An introduction to the book, titled, “The Study of New York State Government,” was written by Benjamin. Chapters were written by scholars of New York State as well as current and former state officials. “I am very pleased to have this opportunity, in association with a great group of scholars and public servants, to advance serious, thoughtful study of New York,” said Benjamin.