Author Archive

Rebecca C. Lewis

is the senior state politics reporter at City & State New York.

Education

Policy

State leaders agree to school cellphone ban as rest of budget remains in limbo

Legislative leaders and Gov. Kathy Hochul have settled on a bell-to-bell cellphone ban in schools, a top priority for the governor and the first budget item that appears settled

Taxes

Policy

Bill to limit taxpayer funding of Cuomo’s legal fees worries public sector unions

The STOP Act would apply to all public workers, not just elected officials like former Gov. Andrew Cuomo.

Immigration

Policy

Immigrant advocates demand local jails stop working with ICE

The Dignity Not Detention Act would ban New York jails and prisons from contracting with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

Policy

Policy

Survivor groups split over Hochul’s proposed changes to discovery laws

After a number of organizations representing survivors of sexual and domestic violence called on lawmakers to support the governor’s proposal, other survivor groups called on lawmakers to reject it.

News & Politics

Politics

Fearing federal cuts, unions ask Hochul for more DOL funding

32BJ SEIU, CWA District 1, NYSNA and others are calling on the governor and legislative leaders to include an additional $200 million for the state Department of Labor in the budget.

New York State

Policy

State releases initial rules for cap-and-invest program

The state Department of Environmental Conservation released draft greenhouse gas reporting rules, a necessary step for the state to limit emissions and sell carbon credits.

Budget

Policy

Feds suddenly terminate funding for NY addiction recovery programs

Lawmakers and advocates are calling on the state government to backfill the federal grant funding that’s been cut.

Policy

Policy

Department of Health and PPL: CDPAP transition issues are not our fault

The state is offering a 30-day grace period for those who don’t finish registering with a new state-approved payment processor by the April 1 deadline, while blaming misinformation and uncooperative fiscal intermediaries for any problems with the transition.

Policy

Policy

Advocacy groups demand state restore cut public health funds to NYC

The state pays for 36% of cities’ core health services costs – except in New York City, where it only pays for 20%.

Politics

So you’re telling me there’s a chance? Citi Field casino bid gets new life with Assembly bill

Assembly Member Larinda Hooks introduced legislation needed to clear a path for a casino next to the ballpark. Now she just needs a state Senate partner.

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Health Care

Policy

Lawmakers, advocates and contractors beg Hochul to delay April 1 CDPAP deadline

Tens of thousands of people could temporarily lose their home care if the transition isn’t completed in time

News & Politics

Politics

Will GOP lawmakers sacrifice hundreds of thousands of dollars to stay in office?

After a state court upheld a limit on outside income, dozens of state legislators may have to choose between elected office and lucrative second jobs.

Heard Around Town

Politics

Hochul and Trump talk congestion pricing, energy

The conversation touched on nuclear energy, wind power, an upstate natural gas pipeline and the much-maligned Manhattan tolling scheme.

Immigration

Policy

Nassau enters controversial ‘task force’ agreement with ICE

The Long Island county’s police department is working with federal immigration officials under a type of agreement that was banned during the Obama administration.

Heard Around Town

Personality

James turns to D.C. for new comms director

State Attorney General Letitia James hired Geoff Burgan to take over communications at her office.

Campaigns & Elections

Politics

Delgado in campaign mode

After announcing he wouldn’t run for reelection, Lt. Gov. Antonio Delgado sure seems like he’s getting ready to run for something else.

Policy

Policy

Advocates for domestic violence survivors back Hochul’s proposed discovery changes

Groups that support survivors of domestic and sexual violence are asking lawmakers to approve controversial changes to the state’s discovery laws that are favored by prosecutors and opposed by criminal justice reformers.

Heard Around Town

Politics

Lawmakers and union demand NYU Langone resume offering gender-affirming care for minors

After Trump threatened to pull federal funding, NYU Langone stopped taking new patients under 19 years old who seek gender-affirming care.

Immigration

Politics

Trump border czar blasts sanctuary state laws in Albany visit

Homan also criticized Gov. Kathy Hochul for trying to place limits on Mayor Eric Adams’ ability to collaborate with ICE.