New York State
Policy
Industrial hemp promises sustainable solutions for New York, but will anyone buy in?
The industry in its “innovation stage” is eyeing Gov. Kathy Hochul for support.
Energy & Environment
Policy
Will Kathy Hochul support a carbon tax?
Getting behind an effort that fell short last session could change the climate game in New York.
Policy
Policy
Hochul promised a ‘new era of transparency.’ Here’s what that would really take.
Under Cuomo, obtaining public records was often extremely difficult. Transparency advocates have a lot of ideas for reforming the process.
Technology
Policy
How New York is subsidizing Amazon
Local agencies across the state lure the retail giant to town using generous tax incentives.
Energy & Environment
Policy
How New York can prepare for flooding
A summer of extreme weather continued this week, as Hurricane Ida blew through the state, leading to at least 9 deaths in New York City.
Education
Policy
NYC schools and health officials push in-person learning, despite calls for remote option
Here are the key points for why kids are still returning to class, despite concerns members of the New York City Council had during an education committee hearing Wednesday.
New York State
Policy
Hochul’s pot picks get the thumbs up
Former Assembly Member Tremaine Wright and cannabis advocate Christoper Alexander will oversee the new state program
Housing
Policy
State lawmakers reach a deal to extend the eviction moratorium
Landlords and tenants both have reasons to like the proposed changes to a state housing relief program.
Transportation
Policy
The MTA isn’t budging on ending shared Access-A-Ride trips
Users want solo rides to resume because of the pandemic, but the MTA claims a driver shortage makes that impossible.
Education
Policy
NYC schools gear up to handle students’ mental health needs
The city has hired more than 500 social workers and trained parents and staffers to support students after more than a year of remote learning.
Education
Policy
NYC is moving almost 5000 school safety agents out of the NYPD. Will that help calm fears about policing in schools?
The city is working on completing the transition by June 2022, leaving the school safety agents under the oversight of the Department of Education.
Health Care
Policy
Calls for NY Hero Act’s implementation lack follow up
There has been no action on requests to Gov. Kathy Hochul to enact the law which aims to lessen the risks of coronavirus infection to frontline, essential workers.
Education
Policy
How students will rely on the vaccinated to stay safe
Most kids aren’t eligible to receive a COVID-19 vaccination, which leaves their protection up to those around them.
Ethics
Policy
A new ethical zeitgeist hits Albany
Even JCOPE is doing something about holding public officials accountable.
Policy
Policy
Working together to stop elder abuse
A new law will help state agencies, companies and nonprofits collaborate to stop predators.
Health Care
Policy
Living in isolation has saved – and harmed – New York’s seniors
Older adults were told to stay indoors during the pandemic, but that has had unintended consequences.
Policy
Policy
Ride-hailing companies getting better on accessibility
But the New York City Taxi and Limousine Commission has stricter requirements in place this year.
Education
Policy
New York City Council considering legislation to lower class sizes
Supporters say the measure would boost the quality of education for students and help mitigate the effects of future health crises.
Nonprofits
Policy
Nonprofits contracting with the city contemplate vaccine mandate
Organizations working with the city must abide by the requirements that workers get the COVID-19 vaccine or else be tested weekly.
Technology
Policy