Heard Around Town
Policy
Sorry to harsh the vibe, but all is not well in New York cannabis
Weed farmers, left out of the state budget, fear they won’t survive.
Albany Agenda
Politics
Bill drafting system hacked as lawmakers hash out late budget
The cyber attack occurred early Wednesday morning.
Education
Policy
Will New York start requiring students to fill out the FAFSA form?
Some state lawmakers say it’ll help more low-income students attend college.
New York State
Politics
Hochul announces the framework of a budget deal
The spending plan isn’t done, but the governor took a victory lap after getting closer to an agreement with legislative leaders.
Albany Agenda
Policy
Gounardes: Working Families Tax Credit ‘still very much on the table’
The New York Immigration Coalition is backing the tax break.
Albany Agenda
Politics
NAACP Legal Defense Fund backs ‘good cause’ eviction bill
The civil rights organization joined with dozens of Democratic elected officials to oppose attempts to weaken the tenant protection legislation.
Interviews & Profiles
Personality
‘Everybody’s watching:’ Brian Kavanagh talks housing and the NY budget
The Senate Housing Committee chair said he “certainly doesn’t need pressure” to find a compromise on housing.
New York State
Policy
Going down the mayoral control study rabbit hole
The state Education Department’s big report recommends a commission to evaluate mayoral control of New York City schools.
Albany Agenda
Policy
Housing activists balk at watered down ‘good cause’ eviction proposal
Gov. Kathy Hochul could agree to a deal that differs significantly from the original bill.
Albany Agenda
Politics
With the passage of April 11 extender, solar eclipse triumphs over state budget
It was a race to see which happened first, and New York lost.
New York State
Politics
Exclusive: Bowman gets fundraising back on track in tough congressional primary
His seven-figure haul could provide a boost after a poll had him trailing by 17 points.
Albany Agenda
Politics
Molinaro opponent touts $1.4 million first quarter fundraising haul
Democrat Josh Riley is attempting to unseat the Republican rep.
Cannabis
Policy
Bill targeting illegal weed shops gets push as budget talks continue
The legislation would revoke the liquor, tobacco and lottery licenses of businesses caught selling cannabis under the table.
Budget
Policy
Criminal justice reform push comes as state budget negotiations drag on
Advocates join in a call for passing a package of bills that make it easier to challenge wrongful convictions and ease financial burdens on incarcerated persons and their families.
Albany Agenda
Politics
Retiring lawmakers leave obscure leadership roles vacant
Help wanted: state Senate vice president pro tempore.
New York State
Personality
Q&A: Julia Salazar on ‘good cause’ negotiations and why Solidarity PAC is nothing new
The state senator talks about the state of play on her landmark housing bill as budget negotiations ramp up.
Education
Policy
Even before Hochul proposed cuts, many NY school districts were struggling
COVID-19-related federal aid is running out, and tax revenues were also impacted by the pandemic.
Politics
Politics
How NY’s establishment Democrats are testing progressives’ staying power in 2024
After the progressive waves of the Trump years, some Democrats are challenging one-time insurgents.
Albany Agenda
Policy