Policy
Policy
Assembly passes Medical Aid in Dying Act
For the first time in either chamber, lawmakers approved legislation that would permit doctors to help terminally ill patients to end their own lives.
Budget
$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.
Policy
Gov. Kathy Hochul announces $254 billion state budget deal
The conceptual deal includes changes to the state’s discovery laws, a ban on phones in schools, a new criminal charge for committing a crime while wearing a mask and new funding for the MTA.
Immigration
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.
Policy
Eric Adams to prioritize supportive housing in upcoming NYC budget
The mayor will commit to building thousands of congregate units where tenants can access services including mental health care.
Events
Drawing on personal experience to fight for equitable health care in NYC
New York City’s interim health commissioner Michelle Morse recalled her upbringing in West Philadelphia and how it has influenced her work during her keynote speech at City & State’s Health New York Summit.
Budget
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.
Policy
Report: More than 80% of NY parents support law restricting app downloads for teens
The study released by the Black Institute comes as two states already have passed legislation with such restrictions.
Heard Around Town
Lawmakers prep for virtual budget conference all weekend
Legislative leaders say that a final budget deal is within reach.
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
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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.
Criminal Justice
DAs say judge confusion is to blame for some discovery dismissals
Staten Island DA Michael McMahon said that judges are dismissing cases even after prosecutors show good faith and due diligence, in violation of case law.
Policy
Eric Adams embraces his favorite scapegoat Bill de Blasio
The two mayors touted $167 million in pre-K funding.
Eric Adams
Adams admin skips council hearing on possible Trump budget cuts
No one from any of the multiple agencies the council invited to testify showed up. Council members said they also didn’t receive written testimony from the mayor’s administration in time for the hearing.
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.
Housing
Poll: 3 in 4 New Yorkers want a rent freeze
Capping the rents on rent-stabilized apartments has support across the political spectrum.
Albany Agenda
State budget unlikely to be finished before end of month
Will April policy debates bring a May budget deal?
