Policy
Budget
Finances are an afterthought as state leaders approach a budget deal
Despite federal cuts and a recession looming, talk of the actual state spending plan has taken a backseat to nonfiscal policy negotiations.
Policy
Report: More than 80% of NY parents support law restricting app downloads for teens
The study released by the Black Institute comes as two states already have passed legislation with such restrictions.
Heard Around Town
Lawmakers prep for virtual budget conference all weekend
Legislative leaders say that a final budget deal is within reach.
Budget
Housing vouchers are back from the dead in budget talks
After years of rejection by the governor, state leaders are discussing a potential deal to approve the Housing Access Voucher Program.
Budget
Could a stock transfer tax help NYC weather the Trump administration?
Two lawmakers say restoring a five-cent tax on stock trades could help compensate for potential cuts in federal funding.
Albany Agenda
DOCCS wanted people convicted of violent crimes to be eligible for early release
A “program bill” circulated last year would have dramatically expanded eligibility for merit time programs that allow incarcerated people to earn time off of their sentences
Cannabis
Upstate town sees benefits of cannabis tax revenue
Local tax revenue from sales of the once-illegal substance allowed Henritta to hire an additional sheriff’s deputy.
Albany Agenda
The discovery debate is almost done. What’s next for the budget?
Changes to the state’s involuntary commitment laws, a potential mask ban and a tax hike to fund the MTA are all on the table.
Criminal Justice
DAs say judge confusion is to blame for some discovery dismissals
Staten Island DA Michael McMahon said that judges are dismissing cases even after prosecutors show good faith and due diligence, in violation of case law.
Policy
Eric Adams embraces his favorite scapegoat Bill de Blasio
The two mayors touted $167 million in pre-K funding.
Eric Adams
Adams admin skips council hearing on possible Trump budget cuts
No one from any of the multiple agencies the council invited to testify showed up. Council members said they also didn’t receive written testimony from the mayor’s administration in time for the hearing.
Budget
Breaking News
Legislative leaders reach deal with DAs on discovery
The debate over when cases should be dismissed if prosecutors fail to turn over evidence held up the state budget for weeks.
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Housing
Poll: 3 in 4 New Yorkers want a rent freeze
Capping the rents on rent-stabilized apartments has support across the political spectrum.
Albany Agenda
State budget unlikely to be finished before end of month
Will April policy debates bring a May budget deal?
Special Reports
Lawmakers strive to protect New York’s universal broadband rollout
The state is pushing forward with its goals under the threat of Trump administration cuts.
MTA
Quiet transportation upgrades are moving New Yorkers forward
How innovations in New York City are proving their value behind the scenes.
Special Reports
Does anyone want to be New York City’s tech mayor?
In 2021, Eric Adams ran on government modernization, but few candidates running to replace him are talking about picking up that work.
Special Reports
Does Albany need its own management report?
State government is looking to borrow from New York City’s playbook.
Policy
Zyn ban falters amid industry backlash
Poppers of “upper deckys” and “babwes” in New York can breathe easy after proposed Zyn ban dies in committee.
Albany Agenda
With little public progress made, Cleare introduces her own discovery bill
As legislative leaders and district attorneys negotiate behind closed doors, state Sen. Cordell Cleare has introduced her own proposed compromise on discovery.
