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.
Author: ALEXANDER THOMAS, Gazette Video Reporter
Video: Watchdogs Ask Legislators to Reject “Corporate Handouts” in Final Budget
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 […]
Gov. Hochul Launches Statewide Listening Tour on Youth Mental Health
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 […]
SEIU Floods Albany, Calling for $2.5B in Health Care Spending in Final Budget
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 […]
Hochul Calls for Bail Changes and Gun Violence Programs in Final Budget, Citing New Crime Data
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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.” […]