Albany Agenda
Policy
Tech watchdog fears social media regulation bill could harm minors’ privacy
The Surveillance Technology Oversight Project argues that the SAFE for Kids Act’s age verification requirements could result in social media giants collecting even more sensitive data.
Albany Agenda
Policy
State releases details of $239 billion budget
The Division of the Budget also projects a “structural deficit” that could reach $7.25 billion in three years.
Politics
Politics
Danny O’Donnell endorses Eli Northrup to succeed him in Assembly
The longtime Assembly member is breaking from many Upper West Side political power brokers to endorse Northrup over opponent Micah Lasher.
Albany Agenda
Politics
High-profile bills are languishing in the Assembly
The state Senate has passed several bills this year that haven’t gotten the OK from the lower chamber.
Albany Agenda
Politics
Hochul mocks Republican South Dakota governor in LCA rebuttal
New York’s first female governor took shots at her Republican counterpart and poked fun at herself.
Albany Agenda
Policy
Hochul makes end-of-session push for social media bills
The governor used dire language to describe the impact of algorithms on kids’ mental health.
Albany Agenda
Policy
Advocates rally for MENA bill as NY session winds down
People who are Middle Eastern and North African shouldn’t be categorized as white by the state, advocates say.
Albany Agenda
Politics
BOE mails paper checks to state legislative candidates, delaying matching funds
Rather than electronically depositing funds in campaigns’ accounts, the state Board of Elections sent paper checks worth tens or hundreds of thousands of dollars to candidates.
Heard Around Town
Politics
Lawler, fresh off his bipartisan victories, visits a redder part of his district
The popular freshman lawmaker leaned into border policy and criticizing the MTA at a recent sparsely attended town hall.
Albany Agenda
Policy
Progressives launch campaign to get upstate cities to opt in to ‘good cause’ law
The state budget’s “good cause” eviction protections only apply automatically to tenants in New York City, but other cities can choose to opt in to the regulations.
Heard Around Town
Politics
Hochul admin touts drop in gun violence in urban areas outside NYC
In many regions of the state, officials said there were significant reductions in shootings.
Albany Agenda
Politics
First $3.6 million in New York campaign matching funds headed out the door
Three dozen candidates were part of the first disbursement of public campaign cash approved last week
Albany Agenda
Politics
Will Manhattan Democratic Party boss Keith Wright start a political dynasty or trigger a rebellion?
Wright’s son is running to represent the 70th Assembly District, and the primary election could become a proxy battle for Wright’s rivals in the county party.
Albany Agenda
Personality
Jeremy Cooney lays out his new transportation vision for New York
The state Senate Transportation Committee chair will have an ally in Congress to help with funding.
Albany Agenda
Policy
Legislators and formerly incarcerated mothers rally for sentencing reform bills
State Sens. Julia Salazar and Jeremy Cooney joined advocates to push for a trio of bills that would reduce excessive prison sentences.
Campaigns & Elections
Politics
Heastie visits incumbents facing left-wing primary challenges
In recent weeks, Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie has hosted in-district events with Assembly Members Didi Barrett, Michael Benedetto and Stefani Zinerman – who are all fighting off primary challenges backed by the WFP or DSA.
2024 New York congressional battleground
Politics
AOC challenger hit with FEC complaint
The complaint alleges that Marty Dolan, who is challenging the progressive member of Congress, failed to properly report his campaign contributions and expenditures.
Albany Agenda
Politics
Zellnor Myrie may run for mayor on legislative record
The state senator has focused on criminal justice and election reforms in Albany.
Albany Agenda
Policy