Albany Agenda
Policy
Andrea Stewart-Cousins: Lawmakers still waiting on labor-developer deal on housing
The state Senate majority leader said the New York budget won’t be done by April 1.
Taxes
Policy
MTA gives final approval to congestion pricing plan
Though several lawsuits against the plan are still pending, the MTA board took a major step in approving details of the road tolling program on Wednesday.
Heard Around Town
Policy
Heastie: ‘There’s an understanding’ on tenant protections in NY budget
The Assembly speaker told reporters he hopes state budget negotiations will result in a deal on housing.
Immigration
Policy
Where are asylum-seekers living in New York City?
The city’s sprawling emergency shelter system for asylum-seekers includes higher concentrations in parts of Manhattan and Queens.
Albany Agenda
Policy
NY lawmakers focused on environmental legislation this week
From Hudson River clean-up to natural gas hook-ups, lawmakers took action on protecting the state’s natural resources.
NYPD
Policy
Council leaders insist they are ‘not anti-NYPD’ as they push for transparency at police budget hearing
Council members questioned police brass on overtime, social media PR and more.
New York City
Policy
City Council passes class size transparency bill
Compliance with lower class sizes has been a major sticking point in the push to renew mayoral control in Albany.
Policy
Policy
Expansion of hate crimes pushed by Sharpton, Dukes, groups representing marginalized communities
State Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins and Assembly Member Carl Heastie are being urged to support the Hate Crimes Modernization Act.
Education
Policy
How Hochul’s education budget proposal created chaos in one Long Island school district
Long Beach School District acted quickly to cut spending assuming the worst – that their district will no longer receive full “hold harmless” funding now or in the future.
Education
Policy
David Banks on pre-K, 3-K budget restoration: “I have great confidence”
The New York City schools chancellor warned of inevitable “trade-offs” as City Council members grilled officials over budget cuts.
Heard Around Town
Policy
Jumaane Williams calls for fire retardant storage cases for lithium ion batteries
The Public Advocate wants New York City to spend $1.3 million to purchase the cases to protect users from fires triggered by the batteries.
Policy
Policy
City Hall and Legal Aid Society settle right to shelter case
The temporary settlement will allow the city to limit adults’ shelter stays to 30 days.
Albany Agenda
Policy
Assembly is silent on expanding state cannabis agency enforcement power
The state Senate and the governor both want to expand enforcement powers of the state Office of Cannabis Management.
Policy
Policy
What will New York’s next real estate developer tax break look like?
The replacement for 421-a could come down to negotiations between REBNY and organized labor.
New York City
Policy
Ghostbusters: Hochul and Adams take on fake or obscured license plates
Cracking down on so-called ghost cars will be a joint effort to recoup bridge and tunnel toll money.
Policy
Policy
New York Legislature releases budget rebuttals
Here’s a rundown of where the state Senate, Assembly and governor stand on major budget issues.
Heard Around Town
Policy
Lawmakers tackle “epidemic” of vaping at schools
State Sen. Monica Martinez and Assembly Member Charles Fall are sponsoring legislation that would prohibit the sale of vape products that target kids, resemble toys and school supplies.
Housing
Policy
City program to incentivize upgrades to rent stabilized apartments has just one applicant
The pilot program is just one way the city is trying to help get vacant units back on the market, city officials said at a City Council hearing on housing vacancies.
Albany Agenda
Policy
Legislation seeks to ban fast food surge pricing
A bill introduced by Assembly Member Angelo Santabarbara came as Wendy’s announced it was launching a “dynamic pricing” plan
Albany Agenda
Policy