Budget
Policy
Legislation to watch in the final weeks of the 2021 session
A dozen outstanding bills remain on criminal justice reforms, single-payer health care and more.
Energy & Environment
Policy
New York carbon tax proposal fizzles
The Assembly sponsor of the Climate and Community Investment Act says another year or so is needed to rally support.
Budget
Policy
De Blasio spending big on NYC’s recovery
But will the city’s coffers be empty for the mayor’s successor?
New York State
Policy
Can New York state force people to get COVID-19 vaccines?
The answer depends on a number of factors.
Health Care
Policy
Should NY relax its mask mandate?
Public health experts and epidemiologists are concerned that doing so could lead to a spike in COVID-19 cases.
Transportation
Policy
So when will NYC have congestion pricing?
Biden’s approval of an environmental assessment is a shortcut on the long road to completing the toll project.
New York City
Policy
How NYC can protect residents from extreme heat
Air conditioning is a lifeline, and it’s expensive. There are policies that can help.
Energy & Environment
Policy
Achieving New York’s climate goals will be massively challenging
From retrofitting buildings to finding land for renewable energy projects, the state is in for a few decades of really hard work.
Labor
Policy
When union endorsements matter, and when they don’t
In 2021, the smaller the race, the bigger the bounce from organized labor’s backing.
Criminal Justice
Policy
The police are watching you, and some lawmakers aren’t happy about it
Concerns about police surveillance hardly begin and end with “digidog.”
New York City
Policy
Is NY reopening too quickly?
It all depends on how well the city can adhere to COVID-19 restrictions.
Education
Policy
How did New York colleges use federal coronavirus relief money?
Some schools cut tuition and others reimbursed students for on-campus housing.
New York City
Policy
New York is inching toward its MWBE goals
The pandemic hit MWBEs particularly hard, making New York City and state contracting even more important.
New York State
Policy
Prisoners slowly receiving COVID-19 vaccines
After winning a lawsuit against Cuomo and navigating the J&J pause, incarcerated people are finally getting vaccinated.
New York State
Policy
Progressives are enlisting businesses in support of New York Health Act
A successful single-payer system would give employees of small businesses more access to health care.
Budget
Policy
De Blasio proposes expanded “recovery budget”
New York City’s fiscal outlook was improved by the federal pandemic relief package.
Housing
Policy
Lawmakers are extending eviction moratorium the easy way
A quick deal gives Democratic lawmakers four more months to figure out how to avoid a potential tidal wave of residential and commercial evictions.
Energy & Environment
Policy
Climate bill would tax carbon in New York
New legislation aims to raise billions of dollars to fund a “just transition” away from fossil fuels.
Energy & Environment
Policy