New York State
Policy
Vaccine passports raise equity, privacy concerns
New York’s Excelsior Pass can’t be equitable until vaccinations are equitable, some advocates say.
Budget
Policy
Budget vote exposes Democratic divisions
Some moderates voted against the revenue bill, while Democratic Socialists changed their vote at the last minute.
Nonprofits
Policy
What’s in store for New York nonprofits in the state budget
Boosted pay for human services workers, support for Asian American organizations and more.
Budget
Policy
Cuomo, Legislature agree on $212B state budget
State lawmakers scored major victories on taxes, education funding and aid for undocumented immigrants.
Budget
Policy
Does the state budget rise to the moment?
Vulnerable people like undocumented immigrants can still fall through the holes of an expanded safety net.
Labor
Policy
NYC’s labor contracts set to expire amid fiscal crisis
The next round of bargaining will be pivotal to the city’s financial recovery.
Labor
Policy
Labor hasn’t found its NYC mayoral candidate yet
If unions coalesce around a candidate, they could resume their traditional role as kingmakers.
Housing
Policy
Dueling proposals to convert commercial properties into housing
The plan is enmeshed in state budget negotiations, with a gap between Gov. Andrew Cuomo and state Senate Deputy Majority Leader Michael Gianaris.
New York State
Policy
In pot deal with Cuomo, the Legislature has the power
Between Democratic supermajorities and mounting crises, the governor seems to have caved on some major sticking points on legal weed.
Budget
Policy
NYC mayoral contenders propose direct cash assistance
A majority of Democratic candidates want to give more money to New Yorkers.
Homelessness
Policy
Smaller homeless shelters need vaccination help
Overcoming hesitancy among residents and getting them to vaccination sites pose challenges.
Education
Policy
Legislators want to fully fund school aid
The upcoming state budget gives state liberals a chance to win a yearslong fiscal fight with Gov. Andrew Cuomo.
Labor
Policy
Advocates worry about barriers to excluded workers fund
Pay stubs and bank statements could prevent undocumented workers from receiving retroactive pandemic relief.
Housing
Policy
Rent hardship declarations spike
The number of renters suffering hardships due to COVID-19 and seeking moratoriums on their rent through May 1, has more than tripled.
New York City
Policy
NYC’s initiative covering nonprofit overhead will fund less this year
Reimbursement will be even lower than it was last year, when the initiative’s funding was cut.
Labor
Policy
Hunger strike draws attention to workers excluded from COVID-19 relief
Hundreds of thousands have gone without unemployment benefits. Pressure is on the Legislature as the state budget deadline looms.
Budget
Policy
8 contentious issues in state budget negotiations
Gov. Andrew Cuomo and legislative leaders are aiming to make a deal by April 1 despite unprecedented challenges.
Health Care
Policy
Is New York reopening too soon?
More transmissible COVID-19 variants are rapidly spreading, yet restrictions are being loosened.
New York State
Policy
How virtual court could be harming defendants
An essential human element of the justice system may be lost when proceedings happen remotely.
Education
Policy