A new bill that would prohibit a tax, fee or charge on any paper, plastic, or other merchandise bags was passed by the Senate and saw movement in the Assembly late in the session. The bill is seen as a reaction to a controversial New York City law that places […]
Policy
Casino licensing fees generated $120.8 million for public schools statewide
Nearly $121 million generated by the licensing fees for three upstate casinos will be distributed to schools across the state, the governor announced Tuesday. In addition, 22 counties and three upstate municipalities are receiving $30.2 million in license fees paid by the state’s casinos. “This funding will help counties […]
Bill would educate new parents on Sudden Infant Death Syndrome
A bill that would educate new parents about safe sleep practices for infants has passed both houses and will be sent to Gov. Cuomo to be signed or vetoed. The bill ( S.5100/A.7181) amends Public Health Law to require that the informational leaflet provided by hospitals and birth centers […]
Bill sent to governor would encourage schools to buy local food
Both houses of the Legislature have passed a bill that would make it easier for school districts to buy local food for their lunch programs. Specifically, the bill amends general municipal law to allow school districts to purchase food from small producer and grower associations or to make purchases […]
As more states offend NY’s sensibilities, assemblyman calls for blanket travel ban
Assemblyman Daniel O’Donnell, D-Manhattan is, for the third time, pushing for the passage of a bill that would ban state funded travel to places that discriminate. Bill A.6913 directs the new York state comptroller to prohibit payment of any travel to, from, or within a state that allows businesses […]
Gillibrand pushing for federal campus assault bill; praises NY’s new policy
To mark sexual assault and awareness month, U.S. Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand D-Brunswick, is urging Congress to pass legislation that would ensure cases of sexual assault on college campuses are handled properly and that students are provided support following these situations. This legislation is known as the Campus Accountability and […]
Lawmakers hope film will draw attention to Child Victims Act
Assemblywoman Margaret Markey and Senator Brad Hoylman are sponsors of a bill that would eliminate the civil statute of limitations for child sexual abuse crimes. The legislation also includes a one-year window during which the statute of limitations is suspended so older victims can seek justice. Markey will screen […]
Turning awareness into action
In an effort to pass legislation aimed at assisting New Yorkers with autism and developmental disabilities, Assemblyman Angelo Santabarbara joined advocates to present the first-ever “Autism Action Award” to Sara Mae Hickey, owner of a café that employs autistic adults. Santabarbara unveiled five bills he hopes will increase job […]