Policy
New York City
Plans for a Randall’s Island tent city draw familiar criticism
As the city struggles to host thousands of incoming asylum-seekers, a pivot to build a tent city on Randall’s Island still poses concerns about extreme weather and accessibility, some lawmakers and advocates said.
Curbside composting program billed as nation's biggest gets underway
New York City launched the collection program for waste like food scraps and yard debris in Queens. The city's sanitation department is relying on a range of tactics to get buy-in from residents.
New York State
Community health clinics set to lose critical $100M funding stream
A little-known federal initiative, the 340B Drug Pricing Program, supports services that wouldn’t otherwise get reimbursed.
New York City
Eric Adams: City is prepared, but unlikely to ‘pivot’ after weekend flooding at Bronx tent shelter site
The mayor said safety is paramount, and shelter construction will proceed as planned.
2022 general election
Can Republicans hinder absentee voting in New York a month from Election Day?
The state constitution prohibits no-excuse absentee voting. The state GOP is suing to stop people from being able to use fear of COVID-19 as an excuse to request a mail-in ballot.
New York City
With asylum seekers’ arrival in NYC, shelter advocates worry the city will cut legal corners
The mayor’s plan to temporarily house some arrivals outside the city shelter system, with its stringent criteria, has advocates on alert.
New York City
The biggest questions addressed at the City Council hearing on asylum-seekers
As New York City prepares a tent shelter in the Bronx, officials from Eric Adams administration testified about the location, transportation, and services provided
New York City
Mental health care on Rikers: New York’s largest psychiatric provider
On an average day, almost 3,000 people with mental illnesses are detained there – and they need better care.
New York State
Judge: NY Assembly maps to be redrawn by dysfunctional redistricting commission
New lines will go into effect for the 2024 election cycle.
New York City
NYC overhauls controversial schools admissions process for middle schools, selective high schools
Schools Chancellor David Banks said the controversial process was replaced with one that rewards the highest academic achievers, as well as increases transparency and fairness.
New York City
How many people are detained on Rikers? A look at the crisis by the numbers
The annual Mayor’s Management Report offers a cross-section of statistics on the jail complex.
New York City Council
Outdoor dining plan still set to allow roadway seating, council confirms
A City Council bill that would make the Open Restaurants program permanent still includes provisions for roadway seating – though it’s unclear what those set-ups would look like.
Criminal justice
Advocates and electeds call for an end to solitary confinement as City Council discusses a bill to curtail the controversial practice
So far, no policy decisions have made progress in stopping jail officials from isolating incarcerated people.
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New York City
What’s the latest on New York City’s COVID-19 vaccine mandate for city workers?
An FAQ, after a Manhattan judge ruled the public sector vaccine requirement invalid
2022 general election
Lee Zeldin’s campaign promises: What can he actually do if elected?
The Republican gubernatorial candidate has talked about making big changes to abortion rights, congestion pricing and more.
Heard Around Town
Protesters across the state rally against prison package restrictions
A new DOCCS policy limits what incarcerated people can receive in New York prisons
New York State
New York lawmakers want your right to an attorney to cover immigration too
With a bill that has failed to pass the state Legislature in recent years, more low-income immigrants would have access to representation – the only problem is finding lawyers for them.
New York City
Advocates clarify the right to shelter stands in NYC – after Eric Adams seemed to question it again
The mayor spoke about the crisis of asylum-seekers coming to New York City on top of the city’s existing homelessness crisis.
New York State
Andrea Stewart-Cousins has presided over some monumental legislation
Let’s just say the majority leader has been busy since 2019. Here are some of her greatest hits.
Policy
