Covering the politics, policies and people of New York State government.
On March 28, the Cannabis Association of New York (CANY) and their legislative supporters called for a change to how recreational cannabis will be taxed. The organization, joined by Senator Jeremy Cooney, D-Rochester, is pushing for a bill (S.4831/A.4619) that would repeal the THC potency tax and replace it with […]
A coalition of 30 groups have sent a letter to Gov. Kathy Hochul and legislative leaders asking them to remove “corporate handouts” in this year’s budget. During an event in the state Capitol on Thursday, March 2, government watchdogs asked state leaders to reject billions in new and expanded tax […]
On Wednesday, March 29, 2023, Senators Jim Tedisco and Steve Rhoads, accompanied by Assemblyman John McGowan and other lawmakers, held a press conference to make a case for their bill before the April 1 New York state budget deadline. The “NYS Budget Transparency Act” aims to prohibit the passage of […]
With the clock ticking on the budget deadline, a large majority of voters from both parties strongly support a higher income tax on New Yorkers earning at least $5 million and changing the state’s controversial bail laws to give judges more discretion in setting pre-trial bail. Meanwhile, there is also […]
Following the economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, lawmakers in Albany are pushing for the “Raise the Wage Act” (S.1978-A/A.2204-A) that would adjust the minimum wage rate annually based on the rate of inflation, which could push the minimum wage standard upwards of $20 within the next five years. The […]
Gov. Kathy Hochul has announced she and her staff will embark on a series of listening sessions across the state, culminating in a spring summit aimed at exploring the issues that are impacting the mental health of New York’s young people. The listening tour will provide an opportunity for experts […]
On Tuesday, March 21, members of the SEIU 1199 health care workers union, as well as supporters and legislators, marched around the Capitol and down to the MVP arena in downtown Albany. Those in attendance were there not only to celebrate recent union victories, but also to call on the […]
On March 22, Gov. Kathy Hochul unveiled new crime statistics at a press conference in Albany to highlight her public safety proposals for the FY 2024 budget. The centerpiece of Hochul’s plan to make New York safer is a proposed $337 million in programs designed to prevent and reduce gun […]
