Covering the politics, policies and people of New York State government.
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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.” […]
Governor Kathy Hochul’s favorability and job approval ratings both ticked down this month, according to a new Siena poll released Monday. Hochul has a 46-43 percent favorability rating, down from 48-42 percent last month, and her job approval rating stands at 56-40 percent, compared to 56-36 percent last month. Of […]
Following Gov. Kathy Hochul’s budget proposal that could create new charter schools in New York City, a poll commissioned by the state’s largest teachers unions indicates there is little public support for the idea. The poll conducted by Hart Research Associates for the New York State United Teachers and the […]
On Valentine’s Day, United University Professions leaders and supporters will be in Albany for a day-long lobbying effort called “Love Your SUNY.” SUNY professors, students, staff and supporters are calling for a “fully-invested” SUNY fund in the 2024 FY budget. “The Executive Budget, if enacted, would be a flat budget […]
State Education Commissioner Betty Rosa testified before the Legislature’s Joint Budget Committee on Wednesday Feb. 8, where she stressed the importance of early childhood education, advanced high school classes and vocational programs. This was the third of the New York State Legislature’s 2023 Joint Budget hearings, which focused on issues […]