Covering the politics, policies and people of New York State government.
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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; […]
An investigation led by Attorney General Eric Schneiderman has uncovered practices and abuses that he says prevents consumers from accessing tickets at affordable prices — or even accessing them at all. Schneiderman also announced settlements with two ticket brokers that were illegally operating without a ticket reseller license. The businesses, […]
The question of whether or not parents should vaccinate their children has long been a topic of controversy, but here in New York, a new bill proposed January 25 would repeal the right to exempt children from vaccinations due to religious beliefs. The bill (S.6017/A.8329) is sponsored by Assemblyman […]
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 […]
