Covering the politics, policies and people of New York State government.
Gov. Kathy Hochul has nominated Judge Rowan D. Wilson on April 10, to assume the vacant position of Chief Judge of the New York State Court of Appeals. This comes after her initial choice, Hector LaSalle, was rejected by fellow Democrats in the state Senate. The nomination, Wilson said, would […]
New York Farm Bureau members donated nearly 6.4 million pounds of food to regional food banks across the state last year. Through the Harvest for All program, a nationwide annual farm donation program, Farm Bureau members distributed the donation among 10 Feeding America food banks throughout the state. The number […]
On March 28, the Cannabis Association of New York (CANY) and their legislative supporters called for a change to how recreational cannabis will be taxed. The organization, joined by Senator Jeremy Cooney, D-Rochester, is pushing for a bill (S.4831/A.4619) that would repeal the THC potency tax and replace it with […]
A coalition of 30 groups have sent a letter to Gov. Kathy Hochul and legislative leaders asking them to remove “corporate handouts” in this year’s budget. During an event in the state Capitol on Thursday, March 2, government watchdogs asked state leaders to reject billions in new and expanded tax […]
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 […]
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 […]
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,” […]
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 […]