Policy
Policy
Here are the sexual harassment bills still being debated in New York
Seven sexual harassment bills were not in a package recently signed by Gov. Kathy Hochul, but would further increase protection for victims.
New York State
Policy
Hochul wants to force more people with mental illness to get treatment
The governor included a major change to Kendra’s Law alongside a proposed rollback of bail reform in her new public safety plan.
Policy
Policy
City employees are eyeing the exits as Adams insists on in-person work
The mayor has been adamant that workers come into their offices full time. But municipal employees looking for remote work flexibility warn of a morale crisis and service slowdowns.
Budget
Policy
Hochul prepares for the post-budget tango
Unlike her predecessor, Gov. Kathy Hochul has left the door open to passing items from her agenda outside the budget.
Budget
Policy
To-go cocktails apparently spiked in budget process
Gov. Kathy Hochul says she is willing to wait on legalizing to-go alcohol sales following opposition from state lawmakers.
Energy & Environment
Policy
New York’s power companies want to expand the meaning of ‘zero emissions’
The power industry is pushing a pair of proposals to state legislators and regulators that have attracted little notice, but could shift the course of the state's climate action.
Budget
Policy
What Albany Democrats want from Kathy Hochul in the new state budget
One-house budget resolutions highlight legislators’ demands for more social spending ahead of the April 1 budget deadline.
Policy
Policy
New bill would cut New York’s mobile sports betting tax rate in half
The sponsors of the mobile sports betting legislation have proposed an amendment to gradually lower the tax rate as more operators are added.
New York State
Policy
Lawmakers want to suspend gas taxes for drivers by having other taxpayers foot the bill
With surging prices due to inflation and the Russian invasion of Ukraine, Gov. Kathy Hochul is resisting calls from legislators in both parties to give motorists a tax break.
Criminal Justice
Policy
Advocates blast Eric Adams for using teen suspect’s botched case in bail push
A judge found the NYPD illegally stopped and frisked the teen, causing his gun to go off.
Transportation
Policy
Amid rising traffic deaths, NYC officials amplify ‘home rule’ push
Lawmakers and advocates say new data showing more traffic deaths last month than during any February since 2008 underscores the need for city control of traffic cameras.
New York State
Policy
New York lawmakers call for gas tax hold as Biden bans Russian oil
Republican state lawmakers previously called for a suspension of the gas tax to alleviate the effects of inflation.
New York State
Policy
Passage of Antilynching Act recalls New York’s ugly history
With the Emmett Till Antilynching Act, murders like those committed in New York’s 1863 draft riots would be classified as federal hate crimes.
Criminal Justice
Policy
Undaunted by bail backlash, progressives push for Clean Slate bill in Albany
Democrats have to decide between dueling versions of the legislation as the April 1 state budget deadline approaches.
Criminal Justice
Policy
Criminal justice journal launches to focus on public safety strategies
“Vital City” debuted with insights and recommendations on gun violence reduction from several experts on the topic.
Education
Policy
Hochul’s proposal to extend mayoral control of NYC schools to four years gets pushback
Education leaders and elected officials speaking at a public hearing wanted a shorter extension and to start a discussion on how the schools would be governed going forward.
New York City
Policy
What we know about the future of mask, vaccine and other COVID-19 mandates in NYC
Mayor Eric Adams is lifting the school mask mandate and Key to NYC vaccine requirement, but released a new system for putting restrictions in place during future surges.
Health Care
Policy
Will this be the year New York extends public insurance to undocumented people?
Amid an energetic campaign to get it passed, the “Coverage for All” bill has advanced further than ever in the state Legislature.
New York State
Policy
New York prepares for Ukrainian refugees
Advocates and lawmakers are calling for temporary protected status for Ukrainian nationals who are currently in New York, along with additional funding for refugee services.
Education
Policy