Author Archive

Rebecca C. Lewis

Senior State Politics Reporter

Rebecca C. Lewis

Energy & Environment

Politics

Some Republicans critical of NY climate law previously voted for it

Now-Assembly Minority Leader Ed Ra and now-Rep. Nicole Malliotakis both backed the law in 2019.

News & Politics

Politics

Republicans file misconduct complaint against Chief Judge Rowan Wilson

Wilson said strict sentencing laws were “stupid” and voters should not reelect bad judges, which Republicans see as evidence he cannot be impartial.

Policy

Policy

State legislators gear up for budget fight with one-house proposals

Both the state Senate and Assembly included tax hikes on the wealthy in their budget rebuttals, while rejecting the governor’s marquee pitch for car insurance reform.

Policy

Policy

Gounardes wants moratorium on sale of AI chatbot-enabled kids’ toys

After passing the RAISE Act, state Sen. Andrew Gounardes is drafting regulation aimed at keeping ChatGPT out of teddy bears.

Heard Around Town

Politics

Goyle gets national South Asian support for comptroller bid

Rep. Pramila Jayapal is the latest to endorse, but NYC Mayor Zohran Mamdani hasn’t weighed in on the race yet.

Health Care

Politics

Hochul says federal Medicaid probe won’t impact health care coverage

The governor isn’t concerned a federal investigation and imminent lawsuit related to the state’s Medicaid decisions will hurt its chances to receive a key waiver from the Trump administration.

News & Politics

Politics

Majority of New Yorkers want to tax the rich in NYC

An even larger majority of New York City residents want to raise income taxes on millionaires in the city, according to a new Siena poll.

Energy & Environment

Policy

Activists dispute Hochul’s claims about cost of complying with climate law

A new report highlights potential benefits of a cap-and-invest program, including energy rebates for millions of households.

Policy

Policy

Clergy oppose Hochul’s car insurance reforms

Over a dozen clergy members signed onto a letter urging legislative leaders to reject the governor’s proposals they say would harm members of their parishes.

News & Politics

Politics

The specter of the outside income cap looms over state legislative retirements

Not every state lawmaker has a large salary outside the Legislature, but several who are leaving do.

MagazineShow All

Energy & Environment

Policy

Climate law mandates could cost New Yorkers $4,000 in higher energy bills, state analysis shows

The New York State Energy and Development Authority sent a memo to Gov. Kathy Hochul warning about the costs of complying with the state’s Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act.

Policy

Policy

Hochul budget director hints at rolling back state’s climate law

Blake Washington, the governor’s top budget adviser, called the current energy transition benchmarks “own goals” as they place financial burdens on New Yorkers

New York State

Politics

An Albany exodus of retiring state lawmakers

A dozen lawmakers from both parties and both legislative chambers have said they won’t seek reelection this year

Policy

Policy

Socialists take aim at commercial rent

Two of the democratic socialists in the state Legislature are taking up the longtime fight for commercial rent stabilization in New York City.

Personality

Personality

Steven Raga is ready to rumble

The second-term Assembly member has entered the race for state Senate in western Queens, pitting him against the DSA choice for the seat.

News & Politics

Politics

Labor considers ditching Ramos, sources say

After 1199SEIU endorsed state Senate Labor Committee chair Jessica Ramos’ primary challenger, other major unions are quietly weighing whether to follow suit.

Campaigns & Elections

Politics

Brad Lander is ‘holds barred’ against Dan Goldman amid redistricting fight

The former NYC Comptroller stopped by a redistricting panel over Caucus Weekend as the fate of his congressional bid could hang another mid-decade reapportionment.