Albany Agenda
Policy
The bills that passed and failed to pass in the last week of session
Landmark new social media regulations for kids passed the Legislature, but the NY HEAT Act didn’t make it past the finish line.
Policy
Policy
MTA confirms congestion pricing won’t go into effect on June 30
Lawmakers have not found an alternative source of funding for the MTA, and the agency said it will have to cut programs if the governor doesn’t let congestion pricing go into effect.
Personality
Personality
On Sneaker Day, Albany kicks back
Marking the second annual celebration of casual footwear at the state Capitol.
Albany Agenda
Policy
Hochul’s IOU plan for the MTA may be DOA
Gov. Kathy Hochul wants the state Legislature to pass a bill providing the MTA with an IOU in lieu of congestion pricing revenue, but many lawmakers and advocates oppose it.
Albany Agenda
Policy
Will the MTA board put the brakes on congestion pricing?
Four members of the MTA board have said that they disagree with Hochul’s decision to suspend congestion pricing, but Hochul seems likely to get her way.
Health Care
Policy
Reproductive health care advocates push for birth control injections at pharmacies
When the state passed a law last year authorizing pharmacists to dispense many forms of birth control without a prescription, injections weren’t included.
Albany Agenda
Policy
Hochul says she will delay NYC congestion pricing
Congestion pricing tolls were scheduled to start in Manhattan on June 30.
Policy
Policy
Amended again, Grieving Families Act set to pass and seek Hochul’s approval
The legislation would update the state’s nearly 180-year-old law governing wrongful deaths to allow families to seek emotional damages.
Albany Agenda
Policy
Will these bills pass before session ends?
From social media regulations to red light cameras, here are some of the bills to watch during the last week of the legislative session.
Albany Agenda
Politics
Exclusive: Advocates who killed LaSalle nomination have a new target
The progressive advocacy group Center for Community Alternatives is raising questions about Gov. Kathy Hochul’s nomination of Judge Laura Ward as an interim justice on the state Supreme Court.
LGBTQ+
Politics
How the trans culture wars came to New York
Who pays the price when Republicans start campaigning on trans issues?
Politics
Politics
As Dems push abortion rights, state party takes hands-off approach to Equal Rights Amendment fight
Some advocates fear a repeat of 2021, when the state party failed to invest enough to promote controversial ballot initiatives.
Donald Trump
Politics
Trump convicted on 34 counts of falsifying business records
The verdict in the criminal case against Trump marks a victory for Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg.
Albany Agenda
Policy
Bill to add AI disclaimers appears ready to pass this session
Albany lawmakers have moved swiftly after Meta’s AI chatbot made fake allegations against them.
Albany Agenda
Politics
Hochul mocks Republican South Dakota governor in LCA rebuttal
New York’s first female governor took shots at her Republican counterpart and poked fun at herself.
New York State
Politics
Poll: New Yorkers support Palestine protests – up to a point
The majority said they support peaceful demonstrations, but a majority also said campus protests went too far.
Albany Agenda
Politics
BOE mails paper checks to state legislative candidates, delaying matching funds
Rather than electronically depositing funds in campaigns’ accounts, the state Board of Elections sent paper checks worth tens or hundreds of thousands of dollars to candidates.
Celebs
Personality
Mark Ruffalo is obsessed with NY politics
The Hulk takes his cues from a former Ithaca Assembly member, will show up at the Capitol to talk about fracking and wanted you to “Leave It Blank” for Palestine.
News & Politics
Politics
Climate advocates plan to spend against incumbents blocking NY HEAT Act
The Spring Street Climate Political Fund is targeting Assembly Members Didi Barrett and Michael Benedetto, who are facing left-wing primary challengers.
Albany Agenda
Politics