Budget
Policy
To-go cocktails apparently spiked in budget process
Gov. Kathy Hochul says she is willing to wait on legalizing to-go alcohol sales following opposition from state lawmakers.
Energy & Environment
Policy
New York’s power companies want to expand the meaning of ‘zero emissions’
The power industry is pushing a pair of proposals to state legislators and regulators that have attracted little notice, but could shift the course of the state's climate action.
Budget
Policy
What Albany Democrats want from Kathy Hochul in the new state budget
One-house budget resolutions highlight legislators’ demands for more social spending ahead of the April 1 budget deadline.
Policy
Policy
New bill would cut New York’s mobile sports betting tax rate in half
The sponsors of the mobile sports betting legislation have proposed an amendment to gradually lower the tax rate as more operators are added.
New York State
Policy
Lawmakers want to suspend gas taxes for drivers by having other taxpayers foot the bill
With surging prices due to inflation and the Russian invasion of Ukraine, Gov. Kathy Hochul is resisting calls from legislators in both parties to give motorists a tax break.
New York State
Policy
New York lawmakers call for gas tax hold as Biden bans Russian oil
Republican state lawmakers previously called for a suspension of the gas tax to alleviate the effects of inflation.
Criminal Justice
Policy
Undaunted by bail backlash, progressives push for Clean Slate bill in Albany
Democrats have to decide between dueling versions of the legislation as the April 1 state budget deadline approaches.
Criminal Justice
Policy
Criminal justice journal launches to focus on public safety strategies
“Vital City” debuted with insights and recommendations on gun violence reduction from several experts on the topic.
Education
Policy
Hochul’s proposal to extend mayoral control of NYC schools to four years gets pushback
Education leaders and elected officials speaking at a public hearing wanted a shorter extension and to start a discussion on how the schools would be governed going forward.
New York State
Policy
New York prepares for Ukrainian refugees
Advocates and lawmakers are calling for temporary protected status for Ukrainian nationals who are currently in New York, along with additional funding for refugee services.
Policy
Policy
State Senate passes protections for victims of sexual harassment
The bills include language to close loopholes that protect public employers from lawsuits and extend statute of limitations for reporting violations.
Policy
Policy
A new City Council eyes its first budget
New York City Mayor Eric Adams is following through on a promise of fiscal discipline, but cuts are never easy. And he needs the City Council on board.
Policy
Policy
Hochul lifts mask mandate for schools
Starting Wednesday, students and teachers won’t have to remain masked in class.
Policy
Policy
How Asian American lawmakers want to address ongoing violence and poverty
Education, vaccines and social services are included in the $64.5 million worth of ideas Asian American leaders have for the upcoming state budget.
Housing
Policy
Hochul’s reversal on granny flats is an exercise in compromise
The new governor wanted to increase housing density in the suburbs through the budget, but she changed course after getting negative reactions from the ‘burbs.
New York State
Policy
After ‘astonishing’ rollout, mobile betting in NY faces a budget season challenge
Gambling companies have indicated they will continue fighting for a lower tax rate.
Policy
Policy
Adams and Hochul have a new plan to reduce homelessness on NYC subways
Elected officials want to bring in more cops, social service outreach and legal pressure.
New York State
Policy
Progressives want to invest in child care like it’s Tesla
Gov. Kathy Hochul is proposing to spend billions on economic development programs that critics want to allocate to social programs.
Ask the Experts
Policy
How can New Yorkers return to the office safely?
Workplace health experts weighed in on the best practices companies should be taking to protect in-person employees.
New York City
Policy