Policy
    
    
      
        
          
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Plastic packaging reduction bill once again a post-budget priority
Environmental advocates are hoping to get the legislation meant to reduce single-use plastics over the finish line after almost accomplishing it last year.
Policy
    
    
      
        
          
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It’s finally happening! The Legislature has started printing budget bills
The first three budget bills were released late Tuesday night, over a month after the state budget was due.
LGBTQ+
    
    
      
        
          
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Senate committee advances GOP anti-trans bill
Three Democrats joined with Republicans to advance a bill that would allow schools to ban trans girls from participating in women’s sports, though the bill is unlikely to pass the full Senate.
Policy
    
    
      
        
          
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Hochul to get expanded authority to make midyear budget cuts
With financial turmoil on the horizon promising a recession, legislators have agreed to allow the governor to recommend cuts they would still need to approve.
Events
    
    
      
        
          
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Shaping the future of New York’s state’s affordable housing
City & State’s upcoming 2025 Affordable Housing Forum features keynote speaker RuthAnne Visnauskas of New York State Homes and Community Renewal and three panel discussions.
Budget
    
    
      
        
          
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It's official: This year's budget is the latest in 15 years
Gov. Kathy Hochul is presiding over the most tardy budget since 2010 – breaking the previous record she set in 2023.
Budget
    
    
      
        
          
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Eric Adams’ ‘best budget ever’ by the numbers
The mayor released his $115 billion budget proposal with much pomp.
Policy
    
    
      
        
          
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Hochul wants condos in exchange for HAVP
The governor agreed to a two-year pilot for a popular rental voucher program, but not without getting something in return.
Albany Agenda
    
    
      
        
          
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Proposed law would let City Council remove NYC mayor
Currently, the governor has the power to remove the mayor, but the City Council does not.
Education
    
    
      
        
          
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School districts fret over potential changes to Foundation Aid in state budget
It’s still unclear how the state budget will tweak the Foundation Aid formula for school funding, which is a problem for school districts that are currently drawing up their own budgets.
Policy
    
    
      
        
          
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Assembly passes Medical Aid in Dying Act
For the first time in either chamber, lawmakers approved legislation that would permit doctors to help terminally ill patients to end their own lives.
Budget
    
    
      
        
          
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$50 million for housing vouchers is better than nothing
Supporters of the Housing Access Voucher Program are glad to see it finally included in the budget, though they wish Gov. Kathy Hochul had committed more funding to it.
Policy
    
    
      
        
          
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Gov. Kathy Hochul announces $254 billion state budget deal
The conceptual deal includes changes to the state’s discovery laws, a ban on phones in schools, a new criminal charge for committing a crime while wearing a mask and new funding for the MTA.
Immigration
    
    
      
        
          
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After Wisconsin judge arrest, NY lawmakers look to strengthen immigrant protections in courthouses
ICE is largely prevented from making arrests in and around courthouses in the state, but officials want to shore up the Protect Our Courts Act in light of recent news.
Policy
    
    
      
        
          
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Eric Adams to prioritize supportive housing in upcoming NYC budget
The mayor will commit to building thousands of congregate units where tenants can access services including mental health care.
Events
    
    
      
        
          
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Drawing on personal experience to fight for equitable health care in NYC
New York City’s interim health commissioner Michelle Morse recalled her upbringing in West Philadelphia and how it has influenced her work during her keynote speech at City & State’s Health New York Summit.
Budget
    
    
      
        
          
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Finances are an afterthought as state leaders approach a budget deal
Despite federal cuts and a recession looming, talk of the actual state spending plan has taken a backseat to nonfiscal policy negotiations.
Policy
    
    
      
        
          
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Report: More than 80% of NY parents support law restricting app downloads for teens
The study released by the Black Institute comes as two states already have passed legislation with such restrictions.
Heard Around Town
    
    
      
        
          
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Lawmakers prep for virtual budget conference all weekend
Legislative leaders say that a final budget deal is within reach.
Budget
    
    
      
        
          
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