Albany Agenda
Labor
Actually, the LIRR strike may not be that bad for Hochul politically
Even before the strike, the governor lost on Long Island in her last election, and the state’s largest transit union has already indicated it would abandon her.
Albany Agenda
Room for shrooms? Medical psilocybin access eyed for after-budget rush
With the budget still not done, it’s unclear what nonfiscal bills state lawmakers will adopt before they leave Albany for the year.
Budget
Can the state keep 450K Essential Plan enrollees insured after July? It’s not looking great.
Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie said the situation is “heartbreaking,” but expressed doubt about whether the state has the money right now.
Energy & Environment
With CLCPA rollbacks imminent, lawmakers continue push for packaging bill
Sponsors recently introduced new concessions to the legislation, but opponents still aren’t on board.
Budget
Legislative leaders still don’t have pied-à-terre details days after Hochul announces budget ‘deal’
State Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins said details about state aid for New York City are scarce, but lawmakers will vote for the budget anyway.
Budget
Hochul stands firm on her policy-first approach to budget negotiations
The governor suggested that average New Yorkers are more “excited” about her policy proposals rather than specific funds for school aid.
Campaigns & Elections
New state bill seeks to protect mail-in votes received late
An upcoming decision from SCOTUS could overturn a state law that allows mail-in ballots be counted if they are postmarked by Election Day but received days later.
Albany Agenda
Budget deal or no budget deal? Depends who you ask.
Gov. Kathy Hochul unveiled a “general agreement” with lawmakers on the state budget – but Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie said that was “premature.”
News & Politics
In Albany, Democrats get serious about redistricting – without admitting they’ll gerrymander
Rep. Joe Morelle and state leaders want to respond to partisan Republican redistricting in kind, but insist it will all be above board.
Childcare
Childcare providers and lawmakers want $500M to eliminate waitlists
Providers say Gov. Kathy Hochul’s plan to achieve universal childcare is promising, but millions more are needed to support the workforce to make it a reality.
Policy
A limit on informal ICE collusion is nixed from budget talks
Lawmakers and the governor had been at odds over informal local cooperation with immigration agents in civil and criminal matters
Budget
Mamdani and Menin join forces to call for Hochul to send more $$$ to NYC
And Gov. Kathy Hochul is not having it.
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Campaigns & Elections
Dems kick off statewide anti-Blakeman tour
Democrats are spending millions to push back on Blakeman’s record as he’s made gains in recent polls.
Budget
Heastie doesn’t hate the budget player, but hates the budget game
The Assembly speaker said the current process is too tilted in favor of the governor and supports a change in theory – if not in practice.
Budget
Upstate Dems push for pied-à-terre tax outside NYC
State lawmakers outside the city want in on a proposed tax for luxury second homes.
Energy & Environment
Hochul’s non-compromise on climate rollbacks
Gov. Kathy Hochul gave little ground in her latest meeting with legislative leaders. Members aren’t biting.
Budget
Lawmakers pass fifth extender as budget talks lag
Leaders continue to slowly plod through policy items holding up the late spending plan.
Albany Agenda
Lawmakers and activists say Westchester prison for women is in crisis
Bedford Hills Correctional Facility, the only maximum security prison for women in the state, has had two suspected suicides by inmates since the start of the year.
Budget
Immigration budget deal within reach as lawmakers pass fourth extender
Budget negotiations are in full swing with no end in sight as the Legislature circles a deal to bar local police from working with ICE.
Budget
Hochul wants to tax the rich … if they don’t live in NYC
Gov. Kathy Hochul introduced an entirely new tax proposal on ritzy second homes in New York City – two weeks after the state budget was due.
