New York State
Policy
Why civil rights advocates say decriminalization of marijuana isn’t enough
Some opponents of marijuana legalization argue that the concerns of criminal justice reform advocates would be resolved by decriminalization, but the civil rights community disagrees, arguing enforcement would still disproportionately affect minority communities.
New York City
Policy
The subway’s new contactless payment system begins slow rollout Friday
The OMNY system – short for “One Metro New York” – will allow riders to hold a phone or contactless card up to an electronic reader to pay with the help of a technology called “near-field communication,” rather than swiping a MetroCard. The One Metro New York system will allow riders use a phone or contactless card, rather than swipe a MetroCard.
New York City
Policy
De Blasio weighs in on rumored Amazon site
A New York Post report over the weekend suggested that internet retail and cloud computing giant Amazon was looking at planting roots on Manhattan’s West Side has reignited the debate over the city’s loss of a new Amazon headquarters earlier this year.
New York State
Policy
Marijuana’s stumbling blocks
Why, when marijuana is supported by most New Yorkers and large majorities of constituents and Democrats have unified control of the state government, can’t they pass pass marijuana legalization? It comes down to where that support is located.
New York City
Policy
E-bike pilot revs up for summer
Lime began adding 200 new pedal-assist dockless bikes to its current fleet in the Rockaways over Memorial Day Weekend.
New York City
Policy
New York City’s unglamorous modernization efforts
At a panel discussion during City & State’s Digital New York Summit on Thursday, experts from the private and public sector weighed in on how to make New York City more tech-friendly.
New York State
Policy
New York’s data security challenge
At a panel discussion during City & State’s Digital New York Summit on Thursday, experts from both the public and private sector weighed in on how New York can do a better job of guarding against future data security threats, and whether legislation like the SHIELD Act could help in that effort.
Criminal Justice
Policy
Bail reform done, lawmakers look at more criminal justice bills
There are still a number of criminal justice reforms that are being considered before the end of session, here’s a guide to each one and its prospects for passage.
New York City
Policy
HQ2 still dominating economic development conversation
The latest proposal inspired by the HQ2 debacle would focus on increased oversight of New York’s economic development process.
New York City
Policy
How New York could respond to the taxi medallion lending crisis
Since Sunday, when the New York Times investigation into predatory lending practices for taxi medallions was published, calls for action sprang forth from elected officials, but the proposals wouldn’t necessarily help cabbies who already lost everything.
New York State
Policy
Stopping sexual harassment, cleaning up Albany, taking on Trump – and more
State lawmakers are tackling a broad range of issues in Albany, including ending sexual harassment, cleaning up Albany and taking on Trump.
New York City
Policy
New York City’s fight for Airbnb user data
In January, Airbnb successfully fought off the implementation of a law that would have required short-term rental companies to disclose to the city details about their hosts — but New York City officials haven't given up on getting their users' data.
New York State
Policy
The labor movement’s push for farmworker rights
Unions are lobbying for expanded prevailing wages and addressing the gig economy.
New York State
Policy
Health care proposals are heating up
Vaccination, the New York Health Act, and other major health-related bills lawmakers are considering as the window for passage quickly closes.
New York State
Policy
Schumer raises national security concerns over possible MTA deal
U.S. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer called this weekend for the Commerce Department to conduct a “top-to-bottom” review of a Chinese rail technology company aiming to develop new subway cars for the Metropolitan Transportation Authority.
New York State
Policy
Closing the window on recreational marijuana
Time is ticking until the sessions end and it's still unclear whether or not legalized recreational marijuana use will be included into the state budget.
New York State
Policy
New York’s computer-monitoring bid to stop over-billing
Last month, state Sen. Diane Savino introduced a bill that would require certain state contractors to use software to track and verify hours worked on a computer, but some have raised concerns about risks to privacy and security this software could pose.
New York State
Policy
Vanel introduces data disclosure bill
Assemblyman Clyde Vanel introduced the New York data protection act last week, which would allow individuals to request and receive access to personal information collected by government agencies and contractors, as well as related information like the sources of their personal data and the purpose for which it was collected.
New York City
Policy
The uncertain future of Amazon HQ2-inspired bills
Lawmakers infuriated by Amazon’s HQ2 announcement want to overhaul the state’s economic development policies. But the cancelling of HQ2 doesn’t necessarily mean the end of the these bills.
New York City
Policy