Cannabis

Policy

Bill targeting illegal weed shops gets push as budget talks continue

The legislation would revoke the liquor, tobacco and lottery licenses of businesses caught selling cannabis under the table.

Budget

Policy

Criminal justice reform push comes as state budget negotiations drag on

Advocates join in a call for passing a package of bills that make it easier to challenge wrongful convictions and ease financial burdens on incarcerated persons and their families.

New York State

Personality

Q&A: Julia Salazar on ‘good cause’ negotiations and why Solidarity PAC is nothing new

The state senator talks about the state of play on her landmark housing bill as budget negotiations ramp up.

Education

Policy

Even before Hochul proposed cuts, many school NY districts were struggling

COVID-19-related federal aid is running out, and tax revenues were also impacted by the pandemic.

Politics

Politics

How NY’s establishment Democrats are testing progressives’ staying power in 2024

After the progressive waves of the Trump years, some Democrats are challenging one-time insurgents.

Albany Agenda

Policy

NY lawmakers focused on environmental legislation this week

From Hudson River clean-up to natural gas hook-ups, lawmakers took action on protecting the state’s natural resources.

Albany Agenda

Personality

Basil Seggos wants to trust the science

The departing DEC commissioner says New York is serious about addressing climate change.

Albany Agenda

Policy

Assembly is silent on expanding state cannabis agency enforcement power

The state Senate and the governor both want to expand enforcement powers of the state Office of Cannabis Management.

Heard Around Town

Policy

Lawmakers tackle “epidemic” of vaping at schools

State Sen. Monica Martinez and Assembly Member Charles Fall are sponsoring legislation that would prohibit the sale of vape products that target kids, resemble toys and school supplies.

Albany Agenda

Policy

Legislation seeks to ban fast food surge pricing

A bill introduced by Assembly Member Angelo Santabarbara came as Wendy’s announced it was launching a “dynamic pricing” plan

Albany Agenda

Policy

NY Legislature seems poised to push back on Hochul’s school funding proposal

The governor wants to move money around based on enrollment, but legislative leaders seem skeptical of that idea.

Albany Agenda

Personality

A wave of retirements hits the New York Legislature

A dozen lawmakers have already announced they’re heading for the exits. Some say they’ve had enough of the Albany grind.

Albany Agenda

Politics

Upstate New York Senate ‘primary’ is over before it even starts

A local Democratic Party official was waiting in the wings just in case state Sen. James Skoufis decided to run for higher office.

Albany Agenda

Politics

New York officially creates state body to study reparations

The State’s Commission to Study Reparations And Racial Justice will deliver a report with its findings to the governor and state Legislature next year.