Covering the politics, policies and people of New York State government.
Statewide testing for grades 3 – 8 has been suspended for the remainder of the school year as districts struggle with disruption caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Board of Regents Chancellor Betty Rosa and Interim State Education Commissioner Shannon Tahoe announced the suspension after New York state United Teachers union […]
With the coronavirus rampant in New York state, Gov. Andrew Cuomo and lawmakers could accelerate the budget process, including tweaks to bail reform. The controversial new law has been unpopular among some prosecutors, police, some lawmakers and voters, so state legislators have been discussing ways to change it. Gov. Cuomo […]
On Wednesday, March 18, county executives from New York and across the country discussed their needs as the COVID-19 outbreak became more widespread. During a phone conference held by the National Association of Counties (NACo), county leaders from New York, Washington, California and Nebraska called for more help from the […]
With COVID-19 leaving many without work, Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced a three-way agreement with legislative leaders for a paid sick leave bill that would also provide assistance and job protection for New Yorkers affected by the coronavirus outbreak and its economic impact. On March 18, Governor Cuomo signed the bill […]
Originally given a deadline of April 1, 2020, New York State legislators are now working on passing the state’s 2021 fiscal year budget as early as this week in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. New York now has the most confirmed COVID-19 cases in the nation, with 1,700 people testing […]
Village elections across New York are postponed until April 28 in an attempt to shield poll workers and voters from possible exposure to the coronavirus. General village elections are normally held the third Tuesday in March, but were scheduled for March 18 this year. Gov. Andrew Cuomo issued an executive […]
State officials are making plans to drastically increase the number of available hospital beds in New York and recruit more medical professionals to prepare for the coming peak of coronavirus cases, Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced Tuesday. The Governor’s Office is working with FEMA, the National Guard, the Army Corp of […]
The American Red Cross is facing a blood shortage due to blood drives being canceled over fears of COVID-19. As workplaces, colleges, universities, and schools are temporarily closing or urging employees to work from home, the Red Cross is feeling the impact of those closings. The American Red Cross has […]