Setting the Agenda 2016

For many organizations, advocates and interest groups, by the time the focus shifts to next year’s legislative agenda in Albany, the leaders will have already charted a new course. As the Boy Scouts motto goes, “Be prepared.”

So in that survivalist spirit, City & State is presenting its annual Setting the Agenda special section, an in-depth analysis of the most pressing issues that will be debated in Albany during the 2016 legislative session.

After a tumultuous session marked by corruption charges and convictions and unexpected transfers of power, we have reviewed what actually got done in a number of key sectors. We also look ahead to the coming session, which will feature funding fights and policy debates over everything from the minimum wage to medical malpractice to the MTA.

So be a good scout and read through the following articles. You’ll be ready to survive next year’s Albany adventure.

CONTENT:

THE TERRIBLE TWOS 2015 was a rough year for Flanagan and Heastie. 2016 could be even tougher.

		LABOR
The fight for a $15 minimum wage across the state The odds of seeing any Scaffold Law reforms next year	Economic equality in New York Government action to raise minimum wage Raise minimum wage for working men and women

		EDUCATION
Issues like Common Core, teacher evaluations and school funding will test state lawmakers Supporters urge Cuomo to include the Dream Act in the budget –and keep it there	De Blasio’s game-changing education plan An education to-do list for New York Higher learning standards are essential

		ENERGY & ENVIRONMENT
Bills seek to crack down on toxins in everyday products Lawmakers work together to produce cleaner energy in New York	Prioritize affordable energy in New York

		HEALTHCARE
The debate over medical malpractice and the organ donor registry	The road to health care reform The need for safe staffing levels in hospitals

		ETHICS REFORM
Lawmakers are under pressure to curb corruption

		TRANSPORTATION & INFRASTRUCTURE
Upstaters fear city’s transit woes will eclipse statewide needs	Expanding transportation in Brooklyn Infrastructure priorities in the upcoming legislative session

		CRIMINAL JUSTICE
Cuomo needs the Legislature’s stamp to make his temporary reforms permanent