New York Sen. Charles Schumer was back in Albany on Monday, the place that launched his political career as a state Assemblyman back in 1974.

But with his triumphant return, now as leader of the Democrats in the United States Senate, Schumer didn't seem all that eager to reminisce.

Schumer wound up giving reporters the slip after meeting with state Senate Democrats, disappearing out a side door. But we did manage to ask him if he supports one of Gov. Andrew Cuomo's major policy initiatives, congestion pricing.

"Let me just say we talked about getting a $1 trillion infrastructure bill that would deal with the problem in the best way possible," Schumer said.

Schumer's visit came as legislative leaders and the governor have just two weeks to finalize a state budget. Asked about the progress they are making, Cuomo described things as a little rough in a radio interview.

"It's going choppy. The ocean is choppy," Cuomo said on WAMC Radio's The Roundtable with Alan Chartock. "There is a big differential in the numbers, first of all. And that's aggravated by a situation where, I'm worried about the numbers."

But Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie characterized negotiations much differently. "I wouldn't say it's choppy. I've been in constant communication with the governor, in constant communication with Sen. [Andrea Stewart-]Cousins. I'm not concerned," Heastie said.

The legislature is forging ahead with its two-way policy agreements. Both houses are expected to pass legislation Tuesday to greatly expanding speed cameras in New York City.