Albany Agenda
Politics
Twilight zone: Hochul calls for border security, chides Republicans for blocking it
The Democratic governor said she misses former GOP House Speaker John Boehner.
Albany Agenda
Politics
Tenant advocates warn against watering down ‘good cause’ law
A coalition of upstate tenants, labor unions and community organizations are telling legislative leaders that “good cause” eviction must apply statewide.
Albany Agenda
Policy
REBNY report: New construction applications are down significantly
The developer group found that new housing projects have dropped off since a state tax break expired.
Albany Agenda
Policy
Hochul wants to protect Taylor Swift and drink at home
The governor’s 30-day budget amendments were somewhat minimal, targeting harmful AI and continuing to permit to-go cocktails. She also restored a fund for legal representation for low-income people.
Albany Agenda
Personality
Grace Meng says Suozzi didn’t take Asian voters for granted
From multilingual campaign lit to weekly meet-and-greets, the Suozzi campaign made outreach to Asian voters a top priority – and Meng hopes other Democrats will follow suit.
Albany Agenda
Policy
New York local news outlets create lobbying coalition to save the industry
The group plans to support bills that subsidize journalism efforts.
Albany Agenda
Politics
Absolutely everyone is claiming responsibility for Tom Suozzi’s victory
Labor unions, the governor, progressives and national political action committees are all saying they were instrumental in flipping the seat.
Albany Agenda
Personality
Maria Torres-Springer on why she’s ‘extremely grateful’ to Kathy Hochul
The New York City deputy mayor for housing said the governor has included all the city’s priorities in her budget proposal. The next hurdle is convincing lawmakers.
Albany Agenda
Policy
NY lawmakers call for tax credit reform after gnarly state audit
Turns out New York might be cool enough to make it on TV without having taxpayers foot the bill.
Albany Agenda
Politics
The Democratic establishment is coming for another socialist lawmaker upstate
Socialist Assembly Member Sarahana Shrestha unseated Kevin Cahill in 2022. Now his former chief of staff is primarying her.
Albany Agenda
Policy
Hochul touts her housing carrots for NY municipalities
The governor said there is increased interest in state grants to build housing.
Albany Agenda
Policy
Eric Adams asks for state to cover at least half of migrant costs
The New York City mayor testified before state lawmakers at Albany’s annual “Tin Cup Day.”
Albany Agenda
Policy
It’s ‘Tin Cup Day,’ and Eric Adams has a wishlist
The New York City mayor wants continued mayoral control of schools and a deal to spur housing development.
Albany Agenda
Politics
Joint fundraising committees are funneling huge amounts of money into NY House races
The unique structure of the committees allows them to fundraise for multiple candidates – from big donors.
Albany Agenda
Politics
As expected, the Bowman-Latimer primary is pricey
Together, the two Democrats raised more than $2 million in the most recent fundraising cycle – to defeat one another.
Albany Agenda
Personality
Harry Bronson is ‘home again’ as new Assembly Labor Committee chair
He’s the first upstater to chair the influential committee in over a decade.
Albany Agenda
Policy
Hochul’s proposal to close 5 more NY prisons rankles state GOP
The prison population has halved since 1999, and staffing is in freefall. But Republicans say the prisons should get more resources, not less.
Albany Agenda
Policy
Hochul finishes 2023 business with no pocket vetoes
The Legislature passed hundreds of bills before breaking in June, and three had made it into 2024.
Albany Agenda
Policy