Policy

Policy

New York Assembly locks down debate – again

Restricting which bills get on committee agendas is the latest in a string of rules-tightening measures.

New York State

Policy

NY proposed constitutional amendment would ban prison slave labor

The state still technically allows forced labor as punishment for a crime. Lawmakers want to reverse that, and make sure willing prisoners are paid fairly.

Nonprofits

NYN Media

Lawmakers and advocates say state’s plan to address New York City’s migrant crisis won’t cut it

The governor’s support has been labeled as “insufficient,” amid calls for greater advocacy and public statements from the Legislature.

Energy & Environment

Policy

New York City leaders want everyone to compost. They don’t all agree on how to get there.

While the Adams administration plans to expand its voluntary residential composting program citywide, council members continue their push for mandatory composting.

Heard Around Town

Policy

After banning ChatGPT, NYC Schools consider how to use it

Schools Chancellor David Banks said the DOE is looking for the right “guardrails.”

Policy

Policy

Lawmakers and advocates say state’s plan to address New York City’s migrant crisis won’t cut it

The governor’s support has been labeled as “insufficient,” amid calls for greater advocacy and public statements from the Legislature.

Policy

Policy

Repealing the public sector vaccine requirement, New York City leaves COVID-19 mandates behind

The end of the city’s public sector vaccine mandate comes as the federal government prepares a major pandemic policy shift of its own.

Immigration

Policy

Unions back bill to give immigrants legal representation in New York

The Access to Representation Act would help people facing deportation if they fall below a certain income level.

Energy & Environment

Policy

Hochul’s budget proposes taking action on climate

Charging polluters, banning natural gas in new buildings and building up public renewable energy supply are all actions the governor wants to take to promote New York’s energy transition.

Heard Around Town

Policy

‘We just have to do better.’ NYC Council speaker criticizes mayor on migrant ‘standoff’

Adrienne Adams said that while the mayor’s calls for more funding are important, he needs to make policy changes too.

Kathy Hochul

Policy

Gov. Kathy Hochul’s 2024 budget proposal, by the numbers

The governor proposed the largest state spending plan in history in her second executive budget while upholding her promise not to increase income taxes.

Kathy Hochul

Policy

Takeaways from Hochul’s state budget proposal

The governor unveiled a plan to increase education spending and address MTA fiscal woes and New York City’s migrant influx.

Policy

Policy

City blames staffing shortages for slow delivery of food stamps

The timely processing rate for SNAP applications continued to plummet in the first four months of fiscal year 2023.

Infrastructure

Policy

Biden touts $300 million grant for 'critical first phase' of Gateway Hudson River tunnel

The funding, however, will only go towards a sliver of the work that’s needed for the $16.1 billion project, which is set for completion in 2038.

Eric Adams

Policy

5 takeaways from Eric Adams’ State of the City

The New York City mayor laid out his “Working People’s Agenda” for 2023 at a theater in Queens on Thursday.

Policy

Policy

NY advocates want to do away with mandatory minimums

While bail reform, parole reform and the sealing of criminal records have been the main focus for years, advocates are hopeful the growing enthusiasm of sentencing reform will be fruitful this session.

Heard Around Town

Policy

NYC education department says admissions diversity pilot is working

A program to set aside spots at high-performing schools for underrepresented students should be expanded, city education leader says.

Policy

Policy

The quest to end legal protections for public employees in NY – and not just police

Repealing qualified immunity, an issue that most often comes up with employees of public schools, is a priority for some state Democratic lawmakers.