Covering the politics, policies and people of New York State government.
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 […]
Progressive Democrat Sarahana Shrestha won the 103rd Assembly seat Tuesday, defeating Republican Patrick Sheehan. According to the New York State Board of Elections, Shrestha won with 59 percent of the votes compared to Sheehan’s 38 percent. The 103rd Assembly District includes parts of Ulster and Dutchess counties in the Hudson […]
This past Saturday, SUNY New Paltz hosted newly elected Congressman Pat Ryan, who celebrated his recent victory with a swearing-in ceremony for supporters in his Hudson Valley district. Ryan, D-Gardiner, was officially sworn into office September 13, 2022 in Washington as the new representative for Congressional District 19. Constituents, family, […]
In light of near-record inflation, and a desire for families to shed the “doldrums of the pandemic,” two state lawmakers have introduced a bill to give New Yorkers a 50 percent discount on admission fees for all state parks, historic sites and recreational facilities during the 2022 season. The legislation […]
Gov. Kathy Hochul has tapped Sen. Brian Benjamin as her lieutenant governor, a move that drew praise from fellow Democrats and criticism from others who call the Harlem lawmaker a “radical leftist.” Benjamin who ran for state comptroller in this year’s state elections, has served as the New York State […]
Live event spaces are still under heavy regulations eight months after the initial lockdown in New York state as a result of COVID-19 guidelines issued by Gov. Andrew Cuomo, with lockdowns likely to become even more restrictive if coronavirus cases continue to spike this winter. As U.S. Sen Kirsten Gillibrand […]
Attorney Shoshana Bewlay will take over as executive director of the state’s Committee on Open Government following the resignation of Robert Freeman, who held the job for decades until accusations of sexual misconduct surfaced last June. Secretary of State Rossana Rosado announced Bewlay’s appointment on Monday. After an extensive […]