Author Archive

Austin C. Jefferson

Upstate

Politics

Upstate mayors rattle tin cups for increased state aid

The mayors of Buffalo, Yonkers, Syracuse, Rochester and Albany want a permanent increase in the state budget’s Aid and Incentives to Municipalities funding.

Albany Agenda

Policy

New law aims to stop red states from prosecuting NY abortion doctors

After a New York doctor was indicted in Louisiana, Gov. Kathy Hochul signed legislation that will keep doctors’ names off of prescriptions for abortion medicine.

Housing

Politics

New statewide tenant group hopes to counter real estate lobby

Organizers working with the Housing Justice for All coalition are launching the New York State Tenant Bloc, a 501(c)(4) organization to support pro-tenant candidates.

Policy

Policy

Albany considers multiple approaches to discovery reform

State Sen. Zellnor Myrie and Assembly Member Micah Lasher introduced a bill to help prosecutors comply with the law, while Gov. Kathy Hochul wants to weaken the law’s requirements.

Policy

Policy

Will banning cellphones keep students safe?

Gov. Kathy Hochul suggested that students would be safer in an active shooter situation if they were unable to use their cellphones.

News & Politics

Politics

What makes a good special election candidate?

In recent years, Republicans and Democrats have had varying success with picking strong candidates that can capture the imagination of an electorate in a condensed campaign cycle.

Policy

Policy

Brisport skeptical of Hochul’s universal child care pledge

State Sen. Jabari Brisport, who has championed universal child care in the state Legislature, said he’ll believe Hochul’s commitment to the policy when he sees it.

New York State

Policy

Breaking down Hochul’s State of the State

The governor laid out the broad strokes of her agenda for the year in her annual speech and a nearly 150-page policy book.

MagazineShow All

Albany Agenda

Policy

Senate to pass voting rights bills today

Although legislative leaders previously said that their top priority was affordability, the Senate is sticking with tradition by passing election reform bills first.

New York State

Policy

Legislative leaders pledge to prioritize affordability as session begins

In opening remarks, both state Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins and Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie said they intend to pass legislation to address New Yorkers’ cost of living.

Ethics

Policy

Can Cuomo convince New York’s highest court to scrap state ethics commission?

The state Court of Appeals heard oral arguments in the former governor’s case against the state Commission on Ethics and Lobbying and Government.

Albany Agenda

Policy

Paulin’s ‘Weinstein’ bill back on legislative agenda for 2025

The controversial bill, which failed to pass last year, would allow prosecutors to introduce evidence of prior sexual offenses in legal proceedings.

Albany Agenda

Policy

Here’s what’s on the agenda for the 2025 state legislative session

From education to criminal justice, lawmakers have a lot to debate next year in Albany.

Politics

Politics

Cuomo sues former aide Charlotte Bennett for defamation

Bennett has said publicly that Andrew Cuomo sexually harassed her – a claim that the former governor said is false and defamatory.

Interviews & Profiles

Personality

Sticker Mule CEO Anthony Constantino was inspired by Elon Musk to run for Congress

An interview with the unconventional GOP candidate hoping to replace outgoing Rep. Elise Stefanik upstate.

Politics

Politics

Inside the packed NY Young Republicans gala

Hundreds showed up to celebrate the victory of Donald Trump and the Daniel Penny verdict.

News & Politics

Politics

Skoufis launches campaign to become DNC chair

The little-known state senator’s bid to lead the national party faces long odds.