Campaigns & Elections

Politics

Sarahana Shrestha and Gabi Madden spar over local issues in debate

The socialist Assembly member defended her record in office and argued she has brought money back to the district.

Albany Agenda

Policy

The bills that passed and failed to pass in the last week of session

Landmark new social media regulations for kids passed the Legislature, but the NY HEAT Act didn’t make it past the finish line.

Policy

Policy

MTA confirms congestion pricing won’t go into effect on June 30

Lawmakers have not found an alternative source of funding for the MTA, and the agency said it will have to cut programs if the governor doesn’t let congestion pricing go into effect.

Transportation

Policy

Lawmakers hold dueling press conferences on congestion pricing

Some state legislators are concerned about how to fund the MTA, but others are just glad their constituents won’t have to pay more tolls.

Immigration

Policy

Hochul attends Biden’s rightward border security announcement

A bipartisan group of elected officials traveled to D.C. for the president’s announcement of executive action on immigration.

Albany Agenda

Policy

Will these bills pass before session ends?

From social media regulations to red light cameras, here are some of the bills to watch during the last week of the legislative session.

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.

New York State

Policy

Assembly has reservations about the Harvey Weinstein bill

Members believe the legislation could have unintended consequences for communities of color.

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

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.

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.

Personality

Politics

State Sen. Kevin Parker’s most notable eruptions

A hot temper continues to cause trouble for Brooklyn legislator Kevin Parker.

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

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.