Albany Agenda
Politics
Hochul, proud leader of New York Democrats, doesn’t care that Eric Adams ditched the party line
The governor made a point of noting that she would “always run as a Democrat if anybody’s wondering.”
Education
Policy
State leaders agree to school cellphone ban as rest of budget remains in limbo
Legislative leaders and Gov. Kathy Hochul have settled on a bell-to-bell cellphone ban in schools, a top priority for the governor and the first budget item that appears settled
Taxes
Policy
Bill to limit taxpayer funding of Cuomo’s legal fees worries public sector unions
The STOP Act would apply to all public workers, not just elected officials like former Gov. Andrew Cuomo.
Immigration
Policy
Immigrant advocates demand local jails stop working with ICE
The Dignity Not Detention Act would ban New York jails and prisons from contracting with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
Policy
Policy
Survivor groups split over Hochul’s proposed changes to discovery laws
After a number of organizations representing survivors of sexual and domestic violence called on lawmakers to support the governor’s proposal, other survivor groups called on lawmakers to reject it.
News & Politics
Politics
Fearing federal cuts, unions ask Hochul for more DOL funding
32BJ SEIU, CWA District 1, NYSNA and others are calling on the governor and legislative leaders to include an additional $200 million for the state Department of Labor in the budget.
New York State
Policy
State releases initial rules for cap-and-invest program
The state Department of Environmental Conservation released draft greenhouse gas reporting rules, a necessary step for the state to limit emissions and sell carbon credits.
Budget
Policy
Feds suddenly terminate funding for NY addiction recovery programs
Lawmakers and advocates are calling on the state government to backfill the federal grant funding that’s been cut.
Policy
Policy
Department of Health and PPL: CDPAP transition issues are not our fault
The state is offering a 30-day grace period for those who don’t finish registering with a new state-approved payment processor by the April 1 deadline, while blaming misinformation and uncooperative fiscal intermediaries for any problems with the transition.
Policy
Policy
Advocacy groups demand state restore cut public health funds to NYC
The state pays for 36% of cities’ core health services costs – except in New York City, where it only pays for 20%.
Politics
So you’re telling me there’s a chance? Citi Field casino bid gets new life with Assembly bill
Assembly Member Larinda Hooks introduced legislation needed to clear a path for a casino next to the ballpark. Now she just needs a state Senate partner.
Health Care
Policy
Lawmakers, advocates and contractors beg Hochul to delay April 1 CDPAP deadline
Tens of thousands of people could temporarily lose their home care if the transition isn’t completed in time
News & Politics
Politics
Will GOP lawmakers sacrifice hundreds of thousands of dollars to stay in office?
After a state court upheld a limit on outside income, dozens of state legislators may have to choose between elected office and lucrative second jobs.
Heard Around Town
Politics
Hochul and Trump talk congestion pricing, energy
The conversation touched on nuclear energy, wind power, an upstate natural gas pipeline and the much-maligned Manhattan tolling scheme.
Immigration
Policy
Nassau enters controversial ‘task force’ agreement with ICE
The Long Island county’s police department is working with federal immigration officials under a type of agreement that was banned during the Obama administration.
Heard Around Town
Personality
James turns to D.C. for new comms director
State Attorney General Letitia James hired Geoff Burgan to take over communications at her office.
Campaigns & Elections
Politics
Delgado in campaign mode
After announcing he wouldn’t run for reelection, Lt. Gov. Antonio Delgado sure seems like he’s getting ready to run for something else.
Policy
Policy
Advocates for domestic violence survivors back Hochul’s proposed discovery changes
Groups that support survivors of domestic and sexual violence are asking lawmakers to approve controversial changes to the state’s discovery laws that are favored by prosecutors and opposed by criminal justice reformers.
Heard Around Town
Politics
Lawmakers and union demand NYU Langone resume offering gender-affirming care for minors
After Trump threatened to pull federal funding, NYU Langone stopped taking new patients under 19 years old who seek gender-affirming care.
Immigration
Politics