Education
Policy
School districts fret over potential changes to Foundation Aid in state budget
It’s still unclear how the state budget will tweak the Foundation Aid formula for school funding, which is a problem for school districts that are currently drawing up their own budgets.
Budget
Policy
$50 million for housing vouchers is better than nothing
Supporters of the Housing Access Voucher Program are glad to see it finally included in the budget, though they wish Gov. Kathy Hochul had committed more funding to it.
Immigration
Policy
After Wisconsin judge arrest, NY lawmakers look to strengthen immigrant protections in courthouses
ICE is largely prevented from making arrests in and around courthouses in the state, but officials want to shore up the Protect Our Courts Act in light of recent news.
Budget
Policy
Finances are an afterthought as state leaders approach a budget deal
Despite federal cuts and a recession looming, talk of the actual state spending plan has taken a backseat to nonfiscal policy negotiations.
Budget
Policy
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
Policy
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
Policy
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
Politics
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
Personality
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
Policy
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
Policy
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
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
Policy
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
Politics
State budget unlikely to be finished before end of month
Will April policy debates bring a May budget deal?
Budget
Politics
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
Policy
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.
Budget
Policy
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
Policy
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
Politics
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
Policy