The recent announcement that the federal government will give New York several million dollars to improve railroad crossings highlights the need for legislation requiring the Department of Transportation to assess and prioritize rail crossing deficiencies across the state, said Assemblyman Tom Abinanti, D-Greenburgh, the author of a bill that […]
Policy
DOB launches new website to assist nonprofits
The Division of the Budget is launching a new website — www.ny.gov/nonprofits — designed to improve the working relationship between the state and those not-for-profits that provide services to New Yorkers. The website will serve as New York’s source for information impacting the nonprofit sector and as a portal […]
Lawmaker wants to exempt Olympic awards from state taxes
As Americans root for Team USA at the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio, Assemblywoman Nicole Malliotakis, R-Staten Island, wants to exempt athletes from New York’s “insatiable hunger for tax revenue.” The assemblywoman said she will introduce legislation next session to eliminate the state tax on income earned as […]
NY sets goal of 50 percent renewable energy by 2030
The New York State Public Service Commission has approved a new energy standard that will require 50 percent of New York’s electricity to come from renewable energy sources like wind and solar by 2030, with an aggressive phase in schedule over the next several years. In its initial phase, […]
Shopping bag tax remains unresolved
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 […]
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 […]