Katherine Carroll & Kintura Williams Department of Education Commissioner MaryEllen Elia is asking state legislators to add $1.4 billion to the proposed education budget, which falls short of what the Board of Regents had requested. During her testimony at a recent budget hearing, Elia emphasized the need for continued teacher development, […]
Politics
Charter school families proud of accomplishments, lobby for more resources
Hundreds of parents, students and teachers filled the Empire State Plaza Convention Center on Tuesday for the 12th annual Charter School Advocacy Day. The event celebrates the talents of charter school students, but also serves as a lobbying event to get the attention of Gov. Andrew Cuomo and state lawmakers […]
Nine out of ten NY’ers say Albany corruption is a ‘serious’ problem
After a year of high-profile corruption cases in the state Legislature, 89 percent of registered voters say corruption in state government is a “serious” problem. More than half — 53 percent — call it “very serious” — and two-thirds say corruption is a serious problem among legislators from their […]
Assembly passes paid family leave bill
Legislation would give NY workers strongest benefits nationwide The Assembly passed a paid family leave bill Tuesday for the fifth time in as many years. Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie was joined by dozens of legislators, activists, and families in the Democrats’ conference room to announce their intention to pass it […]
SUNY training program aims to cut down on sexual assault, stalking and violence on campuses
There is no question that rape and sexual assault on college campuses has been an area of concern and debate in recent years. How faculty, staff and students deal with such a situation may vary, but the launch of a new training program means doing nothing should no longer […]
De Blasio protests $485 million in CUNY cuts
New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio visited Albany for a local government budget hearing where he addressed his issues with Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s proposed 2016-17 budget. De Blasio was not entirely dissatisfied with the budget, saying the “good news is very good.” He lauded Cuomo for his push […]
UFC star makes plea for Assembly to pass MMA bill
The lawmakers who are fighting to make mixed martial arts a professional, sanctioned sport in New York state hope their seventh attempt in as many years will finally pay off. Sponsors of a bill (S.5949-a/A.2604-c) that would establish protocols for combative sports; authorize mixed martial arts events in this state; […]
Teachout plans to run for 19th Congressional District
Zephyr Teachout is throwing her hat in the ring for New York’s 19th Congressional District. Teachout ran for governor as an independent Democrat in 2014. She plans to hold an official campaign kickoff this spring, and is spending the next several weeks organizing her campaign team and traveling throughout the […]