Albany Agenda
Budget
Housing vouchers are back from the dead in budget talks
After years of rejection by the governor, state leaders are discussing a potential deal to approve the Housing Access Voucher Program.
Budget
Could a stock transfer tax help NYC weather the Trump administration?
Two lawmakers say restoring a five-cent tax on stock trades could help compensate for potential cuts in federal funding.
Albany Agenda
DOCCS wanted people convicted of violent crimes to be eligible for early release
A “program bill” circulated last year would have dramatically expanded eligibility for merit time programs that allow incarcerated people to earn time off of their sentences
Budget
Despite what Hochul says, New Yorkers do care the budget is late
But a new poll from Siena College also shows that voters are fine with the governor delaying the spending plan over her policy priorities.
Budget
Poll: City & State readers see a late April or early May state budget
Some optimists thought the budget would be done by now, while others think it’ll stretch deep into the summer.
Cannabis
Upstate town sees benefits of cannabis tax revenue
Local tax revenue from sales of the once-illegal substance allowed Henritta to hire an additional sheriff’s deputy.
Albany Agenda
The discovery debate is almost done. What’s next for the budget?
Changes to the state’s involuntary commitment laws, a potential mask ban and a tax hike to fund the MTA are all on the table.
News & Politics
Hochul targets Stefanik’s seat
As Rep. Elise Stefanik considers a run for governor, Gov. Kathy Hochul told Democrats she's confident they'll win Stefanik's North Country district.
Budget
Breaking News
Legislative leaders reach deal with DAs on discovery
The debate over when cases should be dismissed if prosecutors fail to turn over evidence held up the state budget for weeks.
Albany Agenda
State budget unlikely to be finished before end of month
Will April policy debates bring a May budget deal?
Budget
Forget King Andrew. Queen Kathy has arrived.
As budget negotiations grow more contentious, Gov. Kathy Hochul said the Legislature needs leadership from an “aggressive individual” like herself to pass legislation important to New Yorkers.
Albany Agenda
With little public progress made, Cleare introduces her own discovery bill
As legislative leaders and district attorneys negotiate behind closed doors, state Sen. Cordell Cleare has introduced her own proposed compromise on discovery.
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Budget
State Senate leader: Budget negotiations on ‘pause’
Gov. Kathy Hochul’s inclusion of last-minute policy proposals in the state budget is holding back progress, legislative leaders say.
Albany Agenda
Lawmakers propose alternative to Hochul's discovery changes as budget negotiations drag on
Legislators want to codify a court decision that clarified parts of the law while prosecutors are backing the governor’s proposal.
Albany Agenda
Hochul, proud leader of New York Democrats, doesn’t care that Eric Adams ditched the party line
The governor made a point of noting that she would “always run as a Democrat if anybody’s wondering.”
Education
State leaders agree to school cellphone ban as rest of budget remains in limbo
Legislative leaders and Gov. Kathy Hochul have settled on a bell-to-bell cellphone ban in schools, a top priority for the governor and the first budget item that appears settled
Taxes
Bill to limit taxpayer funding of Cuomo’s legal fees worries public sector unions
The STOP Act would apply to all public workers, not just elected officials like former Gov. Andrew Cuomo.
Immigration
Immigrant advocates demand local jails stop working with ICE
The Dignity Not Detention Act would ban New York jails and prisons from contracting with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
Albany Agenda
Legislature passes $1.7 billion extender as state misses budget deadline
The budget extender will fund the state through Thursday.
News & Politics
New York caught in middle of Trump’s trade war with Canada
Trump’s tariffs are alienating a key trading partner and driving up energy prices.
