Albany Agenda
Criminal Justice
Robert Brooks’ father pushes for new office to probe prison deaths as counties push back
County coroners are fighting to retain jurisdiction over prison fatalities.
Interviews & Profiles
WFP head Jasmine Gripper talks state budget priorities
An interview with the state director of the progressive third party.
News & Politics
Buffalo Common Council Member Leah Halton-Pope likely to replace Assembly Member Crystal Peoples-Stokes
Peoples-Stokes, the No. 2 Democrat in the Assembly, will announce her retirement on Wednesday, paving the way for a hand-picked successor.
Budget
Business as usual: Lawmakers pass second one-week budget extender
Lawmakers popped back to Albany for a few hours to pass a bill to fund state government for another week as talks drag on.
Personality
5 things to know about Lee Zeldin as he tops Trump’s list for AG
It’s unclear if the 2022 New York gubernatorial candidate and current EPA administrator will be picked to be the nation’s top prosecutor, but just in case …
Health Care
Lawmakers, state officials scramble to help 450,000 New Yorkers set to lose health insurance
New Yorkers making between 200% and 250% of the federal poverty line on the Essential Plan will lose their health benefits on July 1 unless state leaders act.
Health Care
Helen Keller’s family members irate over changes to communication bill of rights proposal
The proposed changes to the bill have also caused a rift between the chairs of the Assembly and Senate committees on disabilities.
Immigration
Report finds immigrant legal services under stress in New York
Immigrant rights advocates want state leaders to approve landmark new funding and legislation to improve access to attorneys for immigrants amid a hostile federal government
Energy & Environment
Lawmakers may be open to delaying climate law deadlines to avoid something worse
Gov. Kathy Hochul’s proposal to change the state’s emissions accounting methods struck a nerve with legislators that could provide room for compromise to keep it the same
Immigration
Unions back increased funding for immigrant legal services
Advocates have pushed for $175 million as part of the state budget and two new bills to strengthen access to legal representation in immigration court.
Policy
Legislature closes in on immigration package deal
Lawmakers hope to reach an agreement and introduce language next week.
Energy & Environment
After weeks of public teasing, Hochul outlines proposals to roll back climate law mandates
State lawmakers say Gov. Kathy Hochul hasn’t sent over proposed changes to the law yet, but the governor sketched out her plans in an op-ed this week.
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Artificial Intelligence
Hochul, DiNapoli want more information on AI’s threat and benefits to the workforce
A new commission is tasked with creating policy remedies to the potential rise in automation.
Energy & Environment
Hochul says plan to amend climate law won’t lower utility rates
Gov. Kathy Hochul said her bid to change the emissions reduction deadlines are meant to prevent future rate increases, but it’s “stupid” to say it would impact current rates.
Immigration
Lawmakers want Hochul to use clemency power to protect immigrants
The Clemency Justice Act would make applying for executive clemency easier and more transparent.
Policy
State AG Letitia James pushes ban on surveillance pricing
New York already requires companies to disclose when they set prices based on people’s personal data. Now, lawmakers want to ban the practice entirely.
Polls
Guess when Albany will pass the budget and win a City & State blanket
Think the state budget will be late again? Enter City & State’s 2026 budget poll and you could cozy up with your favorite magazine.
Policy
Planned Parenthood: Hochul’s buffer zone bill may be unconstitutional
Reproductive health centers worry the proposal to restrict protests would violate New Yorkers’ First Amendment rights.
Energy & Environment
Some Republicans critical of NY climate law previously voted for it
Now-Assembly Minority Leader Ed Ra and now-Rep. Nicole Malliotakis both backed the law in 2019.
News & Politics
Republicans file misconduct complaint against Chief Judge Rowan Wilson
Wilson said strict sentencing laws were “stupid” and voters should not reelect bad judges, which Republicans see as evidence he cannot be impartial.
