Republican lawmakers say the 2020 budget adopted earlier this week will make it even more difficult for “hardworking, middle-class taxpayers to provide for their families and make ends meet.” Some have gone so far as to label the new budget an “April Fool’s joke,” a “monstrosity,” and even “criminal.” Senate […]
Politics
Governor Cuomo sees the 2020 budget as a “strong progressive statement”
The state’s new $175.5 billion spending plan for fiscal year 2020 achieves many of Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s goals outlined earlier in the session, including eliminating cash bail for many non-violent crimes, a permanent 2 percent property tax cap and an MTA funding plan that includes tolling in lower Manhattan. “From […]
Budget allocates $24.7M to improve voting process — publicly funded elections delayed
Election reformers are seeing mixed results in the new state budget passed this week. On one hand, New Yorkers will now be able to vote before Election Day, register to vote online, and polls will open earlier for upstate primaries. Additionally, employers will be required to give all workers three […]
Last push for campaign finance reform
With the start of the new fiscal year coming on Monday, campaign finance reformers made a last push for smaller campaign contribution limits and publicly funded campaigns during a rally outside the governor’s office in the Capitol on Thursday. About 40 members of the Fair Elections coalition — led by […]
Cuomo: No budget deal without a permanent tax cap
Gov. Andrew Cuomo met with the full delegation of Long Island senators for a rally at Clinton G. Martin Park in New Hyde Park on Sunday in support of a permanent 2 percent property tax cap. Earlier this month, the governor vowed he will not sign a budget without the […]
Campaign finance reformers playing hardball as budget deadline nears
A group pushing for campaign financing reform is planning a rally in the Capitol this coming Monday to pressure lawmakers who appear to be backing away from earlier proposals to fund some elections with public matching funds. Even though the Assembly Democratic Conference — the largest in the state […]
In new poll, voters identify “heroes” and “villains” in Amazon HQ debacle
By a 67-to-21 percent margin, New Yorkers say that Amazon cancelling its planned second headquarters in Queens was bad for New York. By as nearly as large a margin, 61-to-30 percent, they support the deal in which Amazon would receive up to $3 billion in state and city incentives and […]
Gillibrand makes it official; launches 2020 presidential campaign with “Brave Wins” video
On Sunday, U.S. Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand officially launched her campaign for president of the United States with a video called “Brave Wins.” At the end of the video, she announced that her first major speech will be in front of Trump International Hotel in New York City, next Sunday, March […]