Policy
Policy
Lawmakers succeed in watering down Hochul’s proposed discovery changes
The governor still got legislative leaders to agree to rollbacks to the 2019 reforms, but it wasn’t exactly what she had proposed.
Policy
Policy
Plastic packaging reduction bill once again a post-budget priority
Environmental advocates are hoping to get the legislation meant to reduce single-use plastics over the finish line after almost accomplishing it last year.
Policy
Policy
It’s finally happening! The Legislature has started printing budget bills
The first three budget bills were released late Tuesday night, over a month after the state budget was due.
LGBTQ+
Policy
Senate committee advances GOP anti-trans bill
Three Democrats joined with Republicans to advance a bill that would allow schools to ban trans girls from participating in women’s sports, though the bill is unlikely to pass the full Senate.
Policy
Policy
Hochul to get expanded authority to make midyear budget cuts
With financial turmoil on the horizon promising a recession, legislators have agreed to allow the governor to recommend cuts they would still need to approve.
Budget
Policy
It's official: This year's budget is the latest in 15 years
Gov. Kathy Hochul is presiding over the most tardy budget since 2010 – breaking the previous record she set in 2023.
Policy
Policy
Hochul wants condos in exchange for HAVP
The governor agreed to a two-year pilot for a popular rental voucher program, but not without getting something in return.
Policy
Policy
Assembly passes Medical Aid in Dying Act
For the first time in either chamber, lawmakers approved legislation that would permit doctors to help terminally ill patients to end their own lives.
Budget
Policy
$50 million for housing vouchers is better than nothing
Supporters of the Housing Access Voucher Program are glad to see it finally included in the budget, though they wish Gov. Kathy Hochul had committed more funding to it.
Policy
Policy
Gov. Kathy Hochul announces $254 billion state budget deal
The conceptual deal includes changes to the state’s discovery laws, a ban on phones in schools, a new criminal charge for committing a crime while wearing a mask and new funding for the MTA.
Immigration
Policy
After Wisconsin judge arrest, NY lawmakers look to strengthen immigrant protections in courthouses
ICE is largely prevented from making arrests in and around courthouses in the state, but officials want to shore up the Protect Our Courts Act in light of recent news.
News & Politics
Politics
Forget the budget, get ready for Trump Station
Gov. Hochul didn’t shoot down the prospect of renaming Penn Station after the president while providing an update on the nearly month-late budget.
Budget
Policy
Finances are an afterthought as state leaders approach a budget deal
Despite federal cuts and a recession looming, talk of the actual state spending plan has taken a backseat to nonfiscal policy negotiations.
Heard Around Town
Policy
Lawmakers prep for virtual budget conference all weekend
Legislative leaders say that a final budget deal is within reach.
Immigration
Politics
House GOP targets NY nonprofit over Know Your Rights training
Republicans in Congress are investigating the Chinese-American Planning Council for sponsoring a seminar to educate immigrants about their rights when dealing with ICE.
Budget
Policy
Housing vouchers are back from the dead in budget talks
After years of rejection by the governor, state leaders are discussing a potential deal to approve the Housing Access Voucher Program.
Budget
Politics
Despite what Hochul says, New Yorkers do care the budget is late
But a new poll from Siena College also shows that voters are fine with the governor delaying the spending plan over her policy priorities.
News & Politics
Politics
Hochul up and Schumer down in new poll
While the governor has her best polling in over a year, the state’s senior senator is at a 20-year low.
Albany Agenda
Policy
The discovery debate is almost done. What’s next for the budget?
Changes to the state’s involuntary commitment laws, a potential mask ban and a tax hike to fund the MTA are all on the table.
Criminal Justice
Policy