2023 session wrap-up
Policy
State lawmakers debate late into the night at session end
The legislature passed a series of bills Thursday night, from a bill to form a commission to study reparations in the state to a bill to seal criminal records after a certain amount of time.
2023 session wrap-up
Politics
State lawmakers poised to close out the session without a housing plan
Legislative leaders said they came to a two-way agreement on housing while casting blame on Gov. Kathy Hochul.
Policy
Policy
NYC DAs tell Legislature to address deed theft before session end
Homeowners across the state have been impacted by deed theft. State Attorney General Letitia James and state lawmakers have crafted two bills to address the issue head-on.
Kathy Hochul
Policy
Hochul remains tight-lipped on her plans for the revised Grieving Families Act
Just five months ago, the governor vetoed the popular bill to update the state’s wrongful death laws. Lawmakers have passed a new version they say addresses the governor’s concerns.
2023 session wrap-up
Policy
Things to look out for as legislative session closes out
From sealing criminal records to parole and campaign finance law, state lawmakers have several legislative issues to tackle before heading to their districts for the rest of the year.
Criminal Justice
Policy
Rap Music on Trial bill would stop prosecutors from citing irrelevant lyrics in court
The bill addresses the increasingly common practice of prosecutors using defendants’ rap songs to harm their character.
2023 session wrap-up
Policy
40 government reform groups decry proposed tweaks to NY campaign finance law
In a letter to legislative leaders, the watchdogs said the changes undermine the much celebrated campaign finance reforms passed in 2019.
New York State
Policy
Local elected officials from around the state call for immigrant protections from feds
New York Immigrant rights advocates and lawmakers have not given up hope on passing a bill meant to protect undocumented residents from having their immigration status reported – even as the legislative clock winds down.
Criminal Justice
Policy
Latrice Walker and public defenders pledge to fight excessive bail despite latest rollbacks to bail reform
Bail reform or no bail reform, judges are still bound by the Eighth Amendment prohibition on excessive bail, the Assembly member said.
Kathy Hochul
Personality
Hochul gets the last laugh in press show rebuttal: ‘Is that guy from Colorado still telling me what to say?’
The governor got some good-natured ribbing for her multiple trials and tribulations over the past legislative session.
Criminal Justice
Policy
Parole bills advance in NY Legislature
The bills would make it easier for incarcerated people to be considered for release.
Policy
Policy
Hochul and Adams on migrants: ‘We have one message, let them work’
The governor and mayor are calling for expedited work authorization for asylum-seekers which they say will also help industries across the state.
Policy
Policy
State comptroller says MTA should be able to manage debt with state funding
A new report by Thomas DiNapoli found the financially-strained agency should be able to get on track with state funding and a higher payroll mobility tax in the budget.
Criminal Justice
Policy
NYC comptroller says old criminal convictions cost city residents nearly $2.4 billion in annual wages
The Legislature only has a few more days left to pass the Clean Slate Act, which would seal old criminal convictions.
Campaign Confidential
Politics
The Democrats positioning for a special election in George Santos’ district
Jay Jacobs may hold the power, as candidates like Robert Zimmerman, Anna Kaplan and maybe Tom Suozzi jockey for support.
Politics
Politics
Hochul struggling with favorability among independents, seeing progress with suburbanites
A recent Siena College Research Institute poll showed Gov. Kathy Hochul with her lowest favorability yet, but suburban voters are liking her more than they did in March when she was trying to force them to build housing.
Affordable Housing Special Report
Policy
Hochul wants to pass a housing package on her own terms
Rather than accepting a compromise, the governor would rather push for a better deal next year.
Interviews & Profiles
Personality
Latrice Walker: ‘Agitate, advocate, legislate – and if that doesn't work – litigate’
After going on a three-week hunger strike to protest further bail reform rollbacks, the New York Assembly member said she plans to bring the fight to court.
Criminal Justice
Policy
Contrary to Hochul’s stated plan, bail reform rollbacks apply to low level offenses
The state budget includes removing the “least restrictive” standard for all offenses – not just bail-eligible offenses.
Budget
Policy