2023 session wrap-up
Policy
Housing Committee chair: ‘Dire need’ for housing legislation before end of session
Assembly Member Linda Rosenthal indicated that the Legislature is working toward consensus on laws that protect tenants and encourage development before the end of session this week.
Policy
Policy
Cuomo lawyers argue ethics commission is unconstitutional
The former governor used to control the state's old ethics commission. Now he's trying to kill the new one.
New York State
Policy
Local elected officials from around the state call for immigrant protections from feds
New York Immigrant rights advocates and lawmakers have not given up hope on passing a bill meant to protect undocumented residents from having their immigration status reported – even as the legislative clock winds down.
New York City
Policy
Rikers officials chip away at transparency measures
The Department of Correction has not recently continued a practice of notifying the press of deaths in the city’s jails.
Criminal Justice
Policy
This year’s Clean Slate debate is a familiar one
New York lawmakers have long argued over whose records should be sealed, from whom they should be kept and how long after they served prison time.
Energy & Environment
Policy
Pursuing opportunities within New York’s electrification goals
Industry leaders, policy makers gathered to discuss the possibilities at City & State’s New York Electrification Summit in Albany.
Labor
Policy
Why can’t New York City fill vacancies? Council bill would ask departing employees
New City Council data shows the Department of Small Business Services, Department of Buildings and Department of Investigation with highest vacancy rates.
Heard Around Town
Policy
Poll: New Yorkers want 'reasonable justification' for firing
Principles in legislation from City Council Member Tiffany Cabán to end at-will employment were popular, according to a poll from progressive firm Data for Progress.
Policy
Policy
‘I would certainly want that (option) for myself.’ Lawmakers open up about physician-assisted death
Legislation to allow terminally ill patients to choose when to die faces slim chances of passing this session, but more New York lawmakers are showing support.
Housing
Policy
Adams administration makes last push for housing bills
New York City Deputy Mayor Maria Torres-Springer and Chief Housing Officer Jessica Katz met with Albany lawmakers hoping to win their support before the end of session.
Policy
Policy
Progressive Jews back controversial bill to block charities from funding Israeli settlements
Outside a handful of socialists, the bill has no support in the state Senate or Assembly.
Opinion
Opinion
Opinion: ‘Felony arrest’ data shouldn’t determine criminal justice policy
More than 80% of people arrested on felony charges have their cases dismissed.
Criminal Justice
Policy
Latrice Walker and public defenders pledge to fight excessive bail despite latest rollbacks to bail reform
Bail reform or no bail reform, judges are still bound by the Eighth Amendment prohibition on excessive bail, the Assembly member said.
Energy & Environment
Policy
Delays in tree prunings tell the story of an underfunded NYC Parks Department
Tree prunings have slowed, and department cuts do not bode well for the maintenance programs.
Opinion
Opinion
Opinion: I’ve been homeless and incarcerated. Eric Adams wants to cut services that help people like me.
Services to help people get housing and reenter society after incarceration should take precedence over maintaining the NYPD budget.
Policy
Policy
City Hall budget officials clash with City Council members at final hearing
New York City Budget Director Jacques Jiha faced spirited questioning from City Council members as they argued cuts will harm city services.
Criminal Justice
Policy
Parole bills advance in NY Legislature
The bills would make it easier for incarcerated people to be considered for release.
Policy
Policy
Hochul and Adams on migrants: ‘We have one message, let them work’
The governor and mayor are calling for expedited work authorization for asylum-seekers which they say will also help industries across the state.
Criminal Justice
Opinion
Opinion: The problem with plea bargains and how NY can help the innocent
Due to coercive pressures, many innocent people plead guilty to crimes they didn’t commit. New York has an opportunity to allow them to seek justice.
Policy
Policy