Covering the politics, policies and people of New York State government.
A bill recently amended in both the Senate and Assembly this week would essentially decriminalize small amounts of marijuana in New York state. The Marijuana Regulation and Taxation Act (S.3040-a/A.3506-a) decriminalize possession of up to two pounds of marijuana as well as the private cultivation of up to six plants. […]
People have given up on state government; they really have. They have lost faith and that’s when democracy goes south. Incredible numbers of people don’t know who their legislators are. They tell their children, “They’re all a bunch of crooks.” As a result, the people have no real way of […]
With New York positioning itself as a craft beverage producer, independent theater owners are urging the Legislature to allow alcohol sales in theaters across the state. The legislation (A.7188/S.5784) will help mom and pop theaters stay afloat and promote local craft beverage companies. Theaters are currently allowed to serve alcohol, […]
With the legislative session winding down, advocates as well as legislators, are looking to Governor Cuomo to cut through the cacophony and use his political influence to pass a bill that would expand protections for survivors of childhood sexual abuse. A version of the Child Victims Act passed by the […]
As a way to end forced marriages in New York, Gov. Andrew Cuomo is expected to sign a bill passed late last week that bans marriage for children under the age of 17, and requires 17-year-olds to get court approval after a thorough review process. Cuomo released a statement on […]
In light of President Donald Trump signing an anti-abortion law that allows states to refuse funding for Planned Parenthood, a group of state lawmakers are pressing the Senate to pass two bills they say will preserve women’s health services here in New York. With just days left in the […]
The Assembly passed a long-contested Child Victims Act bill Wednesday afternoon, giving childhood sexual abuse victims hope they may soon have the opportunity seek justice for crimes committed years ago. Passing by a margin of 139-7, the Child Victims Act (A.5885-a) extends the statute of limitations for criminal prosecution of […]
With 137 sponsors attached to it, a leading advocate for the disabled is calling on the Assembly to act on a bill that would require a mandatory 911 call for even the suspicion of abuse against a disabled person in New York. Failure to do so would result in being […]