Albany Agenda
News & Politics
What makes a good special election candidate?
In recent years, Republicans and Democrats have had varying success with picking strong candidates that can capture the imagination of an electorate in a condensed campaign cycle.
Budget
Hochul’s FY 2026 budget, by the numbers
The governor proposed a record-high executive budget that includes funding for her affordability agenda
Energy & Environment
BPHA caucus joins chorus of supporters for 15 gigawatts of public renewables
The influential caucus sent a letter to the governor and the New York Power Authority endorsing advocates’ demand to build 15 gigawatts of renewable energy by 2030.
Personality
Meet the 2025 class of new state lawmakers
Two dozen electeds are joining the state Legislature in Albany.
Heard Around Town
Senate Dems’ campaign arm names new director
Kaylee May will now lead the Democratic Senate Campaign Committee.
Policy
Brisport skeptical of Hochul’s universal child care pledge
State Sen. Jabari Brisport, who has championed universal child care in the state Legislature, said he’ll believe Hochul’s commitment to the policy when he sees it.
Albany Agenda
Senate to pass voting rights bills today
Although legislative leaders previously said that their top priority was affordability, the Senate is sticking with tradition by passing election reform bills first.
News & Politics
New year, new committee chairs
Legislative leaders announced committee chairs for the new legislative session, with some notable new roles
Albany Agenda
Paulin’s ‘Weinstein’ bill back on legislative agenda for 2025
The controversial bill, which failed to pass last year, would allow prosecutors to introduce evidence of prior sexual offenses in legal proceedings.
Albany Agenda
Here’s what’s on the agenda for the 2025 state legislative session
From education to criminal justice, lawmakers have a lot to debate next year in Albany.
News & Politics
Eric Adams will take his tin cup – and baggage – to Albany next year
The mayor has floated support for a proposal to cut taxes for low-income New Yorkers and to make involuntary removals easier – both of which need state approval.
Policy
Will Hochul veto the Grieving Families Act for a third time?
Supporters hope the governor will finally reform the state’s nearly 180-year-old wrongful death law, but hospitals, insurance companies and the business lobby still oppose the bill.
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News & Politics
Skoufis launches campaign to become DNC chair
The little-known state senator’s bid to lead the national party faces long odds.
Transportation
Good policy but difficult politics: Rep. Dan Goldman talks future of congestion pricing
The MTA board approved starting congestion pricing with lower tolls on Jan. 5 on the same day as a CBC breakfast.
Policy
Hochul promotes heating assistance amid criticisms of Democrats’ affordability platform
Economic issues played a big role in shifting voters to the right in New York.
Energy & Environment
Progressives warn state’s plan won’t produce enough renewable energy
The New York Power Authority’s draft plan would produce 3.5 gigawatts of renewable energy by 2030, but advocates say 15 gigawatts of clean energy is needed.
News & Politics
On anniversary of Oct. 7, Hochul criticizes anti-Israel student protests
The governor said the slogan “from the river to the sea, Palestine will be free” was a call for Jewish genocide that could violate state human rights law.
Adams probes
Hochul warns New Yorkers’ confidence in Adams is ‘wavering’
The governor said she is giving the mayor an opportunity to restore confidence, while hinting she may remove him if he cannot meet her expectations.
Energy & Environment
Is Hochul a climate hero or a villain?
New York has received national recognition for its climate policies, but Gov. Kathy Hochul’s controversial decision to pause congestion pricing could put its climate goals in peril.
2024 New York congressional battleground
Democrats strategize a response to Republican attacks on ERA ballot proposal
Internal polling shows that Republican attacks on the abortion rights ballot proposal are likely to succeed unless Democrats go on the offensive.
