Covering the politics, policies and people of New York State government.
Seven bills are aimed at reversing New York’s historically low voter turnout The Legislature on Monday passed seven bills that bring major revisions to the state’s elections system. The bills, all passed by the Senate and Assembly on January 14, are expected to be signed by the governor. They will […]
After a recent increase in gang violence in New York, legislators have introduced two bills that would help investigate, prosecute and prevent gang activity in the state. In the past two years, the gang MS-13 has taken at least 25 lives on Long Island alone. The bills being acted on […]
Control of the state’s upper house will remain with Republicans until at least November, according to Sen. Simcha Felder, D-Brooklyn. Though Democrats won Tuesday’s special elections in Senate Districts 32 and 37, giving them the electoral majority — 32 Democrats to 31 Republicans — Felder’s support of the Democratic party […]
In the wake of the flood of sexual harassment accusations against powerful men in politics, entertainment and media, Assemblywoman Sandy Galef is calling on Gov. Andrew Cuomo to immediately convene a task force charged with reviewing existing policies and making recommendations for a uniform standard to handle claims and investigations […]
There are a bunch of self-styled Democrats in the New York State Senate who deserted the regular Democrats and formed their own conference known as the Independent Democratic Conference. They soon forged a relationship with the Republicans in the Senate and from time to time, they have saved the Republicans […]
Senate Minority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins has appointed Sen. Kevin Parker minority whip in the Democratic Conference. The Brooklyn senator said he was “honored to be given the important leadership position.” “I am looking forward to continue working with my colleagues in developing a legislative agenda and passing bills that […]
Senate Finance Committee Chair Catharine Young and Assembly Ways and Means Committee Chair Herman Farrell, Jr. announced the Joint Legislative Hearing Schedule on the 2017-2018 Executive Budget proposal. These hearings, each of which focuses on a programmatic area, are intended to provide the appropriate legislative committees with public input […]
The Police Benevolent Association of New York State Law Enforcement announced its endorsements of candidates running in New York state legislative races. The PBA of NYS Law Enforcement represents New York State University Police, the New York State Environmental Conservation Police, the New York State Park Police and the […]