Covering the politics, policies and people of New York State government.
The New York State Senate passed legislation (S.5598) that would establish the new crime of inciting violence against a police officer. Sponsor Michael Nozzolio, R-Fayette, said the bill is in response to input received during a series of public hearings held by the Senate Majority last year, which examined police […]
Assembly Republicans unveiled a bill that would require member items, discretionary funds, and so-called “lump sum payments” — typically controlled by legislative leaders and the governor, and negotiated behind closed doors — be made public and fully transparent in the state budget for rank-and-file legislators, the public and the […]
The Assembly this week passed a bill creating a voluntary income tax check-off box to fund the 231 school based health centers in districts across New York state. Funds donated by New Yorkers would be deposited in a “school-based health centers fund” under control of the state comptroller. The state […]
A bill that would better protect New Yorkers in the workplace passed the Senate and was sent to the Assembly for consideration this week. Bill S.1677, known as Joanne’s Law, would provide a warning when a former employee who was convicted of a crime committed in the workplace is released […]
So here’s a primer on where Governor Andrew Cuomo is at. In one way, it looks like he is positioned to successfully run for and win a third term. His people believe the only way he could lose is if someone emerged from the left of the party and […]
For many New Yorkers, the choice between taking care of a loved one and keeping their job is almost impossible. With Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s Paid Family Leave proposal now officially endorsed by the AARP, New York family care givers have a strong ally to help push the bill through the […]
A new bill would require teachers to complete mental health education and awareness courses to make them more knowledgeable about mental health issues with their students. Assemblyman Marcus Crespo and Sen. Jesse Hamilton proposed the new legislation (S.6234/A.9299) because, they noted, children spend much of their time in school, making […]
In the wake of a shocking crime in the Capital Region, state lawmakers are calling for a new law (S.2936/A.1596) that would expand the definition of cruelty to animals. Specifically, the bill would impose two years in jail and a $5,000 fine on those who harm animals while committing another […]
