Albany Agenda

Policy

Hochul wants to protect Taylor Swift and drink at home

The governor’s 30-day budget amendments were somewhat minimal, targeting harmful AI and continuing to permit to-go cocktails. She also restored a fund for legal representation for low-income people.

Kathy Hochul

Policy

Kathy Hochul is not done talking about crime

The governor highlighted her proposals to curb retail theft on Wednesday.

Albany Agenda

Policy

Hochul touts her housing carrots for NY municipalities

The governor said there is increased interest in state grants to build housing.

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.

Policy

Policy

Hochul signs Rape is Rape Act

The law expands the definition of rape in New York to include non-penetrative forced sexual contact.

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.

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.

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

Hochul unveils $233 billion budget

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

Heard Around Town

Policy

Upcoming city, state budgets turn eyes to asylum-seeker dollars

Both Gov. Kathy Hochul and Mayor Eric Adams are releasing their respective budget proposals for the coming fiscal year Tuesday.

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.

Albany Agenda

Politics

Top Hochul aide Micah Lasher likely to announce Assembly run

A Democratic club announcement for a Jan. 10 forum listed him among candidates for Daniel O’Donnell’s seat.