Albany Agenda

Policy

Hochul’s proposal to close 5 more NY prisons rankles state GOP

The prison population has halved since 1999, and staffing is in freefall. But Republicans say the prisons should get more resources, not less.

Albany Agenda

Policy

Hochul finishes 2023 business with no pocket vetoes

The Legislature passed hundreds of bills before breaking in June, and three had made it into 2024.

Albany Agenda

Policy

Across the political spectrum, lawmakers are peeved about Hochul’s plan for education funding

Republican state senators joined the chorus of teachers and their Democratic colleagues to condemn the proposal Monday.

Albany Agenda

Politics

Jeffries emphasizes freedom angle on abortion during ABNY breakfast

The House minority leader urged Democrats to appeal to moderate voters on the issue of reproductive rights.

Albany Agenda

Politics

Yi Andy Chen posted some jaw-dropping fundraising numbers in bid to unseat Ron Kim. Are they too good to be true?

The aspiring Assembly member amended his filing four times, and seems to have accepted multiple donations above the legal contribution limit.

Albany Agenda

Policy

New York Democrats return to abortion in the hopes of galvanizing voters

The issue has yielded mixed results in a state where access is less threatened, but Democrats are giving it another shot on the 51st anniversary of Roe.

Kathy Hochul

Politics

Hochul’s favorability up in new poll

New York’s view of the governor has improved as she attempts to help Democrats win back the House.

Energy & Environment

Policy

Quite a few lawmakers are on board to reduce NY plastic packaging by half

A bill to cut the use of plastic packaging in half has support from New York City Mayor Eric Adams’ administration and a majority of the state Senate.

Albany Agenda

Policy

Hochul’s ‘placeholder’ housing developer tax break

After her previous proposals were rejected, the governor is leaving the most controversial parts of a 421-a replacement for others to decide.

Albany Agenda

Policy

The biggest New York budget fights likely to emerge in 2024

Hochul proposed a modest state budget, but some of what it includes and excludes likely won’t sit well with some lawmakers.

Albany Agenda

Policy

Hochul unveils $233 billion budget

The spending plan includes $2.4 billion for the migrant crisis and closes the $4.3 billion budget gap.

Albany Agenda

Politics

Josh Riley reports hefty fundraising haul against Marc Molinaro

The Democrat is touting small donations as he tries for the second time to defeat the popular Dutchess County Republican.

Albany Agenda

Politics

Kathy Hochul’s suburbs-approved State of the State speech

Crime is bad! Housing is optional. The governor shied away from bold proposals that characterized her agenda last year as Democrats fight to win back the House.

Albany Agenda

Policy

Hochul ignores migrants in 2024 State of the State speech

Hochul said she would address the migrant issue during a budget speech next week but otherwise did not mention it.

Albany Agenda

Policy

Hochul’s State of the State: What’s in it for New York City?

The governor’s annual address on Tuesday included 204 proposals for the future of New York. Here’s what’s in it for New York City.

Albany Agenda

Policy

Takeaways from Hochul’s 2024 State of the State agenda

As the state faces major immigration and housing challenges, the governor launched an agenda aimed at ruffling the fewest feathers possible in a major election year.