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 […]
Month: March 2023
Publisher’s Corner: Imagining a Cuomo-Gillibrand Primary
So now comes news of a possible primary challenge to Senator Kirsten Gillibrand from none other than Andrew Cuomo. Both are terrific and accomplished politicians. How would you vote in such a contest? As a woman at a time when our politics probably need more women, Gillibrand has a probable […]
Lawmakers Want to Decriminalize Adult Consensual Sex Work
A sea of red accessories, lipstick, umbrellas and clothing embellished the crowd of around 60 people chanting at the Million Dollar Staircase in the Capitol on March 1. Sporting a red umbrella symbolizes the solidarity of the sex workers’ rights movement, the practice was established in Venice, Italy in 2001 […]
Opinion: Medicaid Shuffle Will Devastate Localities
As the Executive Budget proposal inches closer to a final product, its insufficiencies and impacts become clearer. One area of especially great concern is the governor’s plan to intercept federal funding meant to help offset localities’ Medicaid costs. Under the governor’s plan, more than $624 million in federal money earmarked […]
Chancellor King Makes Surprise Appearance at SUNY Student Assembly Lobby Day
Newly-appointed Chancellor of the State University of New York John King supported the SUNY Student Assembly on Feb.14 during the group’s annual Advocacy Day in Albany, giving an impromptu speech and pledging support for more resources. “SUNY is the most affordable high quality public higher education option in this country,” […]
Students With Disabilities Seek Additional Funding for Support Services
More than 100 students rallied at the state Capitol on Feb. 8, to ask state lawmakers for additional funds aimed at supporting college students with disabilities. Students from across New York first joined together at the well of The Legislative Office Building in Albany to organize before marching to the […]
Bill Would Dedicate Funding for MTA Improvements, Service Expansion
Legislators and transit riders alike unveiled a series of legislation in both the state Assembly and Senate that would cap the subway fare at $2.75, make the MTA free and improve subway headways. The package of eight bills will be deliberated and sponsors are hopeful it will pass in the […]
Publisher’s Corner: Can’t Stop Cold Turkey
About a week ago, I wrote that I might not be writing every week. The key word there is “might.” I like writing. If I didn’t, I wouldn’t do it. I remember as a kid we had this routine. Someone would say something and we might respond, “Well, that’s life.” […]