Covering the politics, policies and people of New York State government.
When New York state enacted a $15 minimum wage in 2016, it did not include cost of living adjustments after reaching $15. The Raise the Wage Act sponsored by Senate Labor Committee Chair Jessica Ramos and Assembly Labor Committee Chair Latoya Joyner would change this by incrementally raising the minimum […]
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 […]
Led by Senator Jessica Ramos, hundreds of supporters gathered for a rally in Albany on March 1 in support of a bill, which would incrementally increase New York’s minimum wage to $21.25 by 2027. Cover photo by Alexander Thomas, Legislative Gazette.
On March 2, more than 30 faith, good government and advocacy organizations from across New York sent a letter to Assembly Speaker Heastie and Senate Majority Leader Stewart-Cousins asking them to freeze all current corporate handouts and reject any new and expanded subsidies in the final budget. They say Gov. Kathy Hochul’s […]
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 […]