Author Archive

Ben Jay

is a data intern at City & State.

Budget
Policy

State budget includes health care fund after $2.8 million lobbying push

Following months of threats by the Trump administration to slash federal health care spending, New York state’s 2018-19 budget responded by creating a new health care shortfall fund – and a major lobbying push likely played a role.

  • By Ben Jay

New York State
Policy

New York’s pension funds still invest in guns, tobacco and oil

New York’s pension funds still invest in guns, tobacco and oil because divesting from controversial companies or industries is not so simple – even after high-profile incidents, such as the Florida school shooting in February that left 17 dead, increase the political pressure to do so.

  • By Ben Jay

Policy

Why Uber is in favor of congestion pricing

Earlier this month, Uber threw its support behind the Fix NYC congestion pricing plan proposed by Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s task force. The ridesharing giant, which has previously worked to stifle regulatory legislation in elected bodies across the country, has joined forces with a group of advocacy organizations and unions to form a coalition to promote congestion pricing in New York state’s 2019 budget.

  • By Ben Jay