Gov. Kathy Hochul has announced she and her staff will embark on a series of listening sessions across the state, culminating in a spring summit aimed at exploring the issues that are impacting the mental health of New York’s young people. The listening tour will provide an opportunity for experts […]
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SEIU Floods Albany, Calling for $2.5B in Health Care Spending in Final Budget
On Tuesday, March 21, members of the SEIU 1199 health care workers union, as well as supporters and legislators, marched around the Capitol and down to the MVP arena in downtown Albany. Those in attendance were there not only to celebrate recent union victories, but also to call on the […]
Hochul Calls for Bail Changes and Gun Violence Programs in Final Budget, Citing New Crime Data
On March 22, Gov. Kathy Hochul unveiled new crime statistics at a press conference in Albany to highlight her public safety proposals for the FY 2024 budget. The centerpiece of Hochul’s plan to make New York safer is a proposed $337 million in programs designed to prevent and reduce gun […]
Publisher’s Corner: Imagining a Cuomo-Gillibrand Primary
So now comes news of a possible primary challenge to Senator Kirsten Gillibrand from none other than Andrew Cuomo. Both are terrific and accomplished politicians. How would you vote in such a contest? As a woman at a time when our politics probably need more women, Gillibrand has a probable […]
Lawmakers Want to Decriminalize Adult Consensual Sex Work
A sea of red accessories, lipstick, umbrellas and clothing embellished the crowd of around 60 people chanting at the Million Dollar Staircase in the Capitol on March 1. Sporting a red umbrella symbolizes the solidarity of the sex workers’ rights movement, the practice was established in Venice, Italy in 2001 […]
Opinion: Medicaid Shuffle Will Devastate Localities
As the Executive Budget proposal inches closer to a final product, its insufficiencies and impacts become clearer. One area of especially great concern is the governor’s plan to intercept federal funding meant to help offset localities’ Medicaid costs. Under the governor’s plan, more than $624 million in federal money earmarked […]
Chancellor King Makes Surprise Appearance at SUNY Student Assembly Lobby Day
Newly-appointed Chancellor of the State University of New York John King supported the SUNY Student Assembly on Feb.14 during the group’s annual Advocacy Day in Albany, giving an impromptu speech and pledging support for more resources. “SUNY is the most affordable high quality public higher education option in this country,” […]
Students With Disabilities Seek Additional Funding for Support Services
More than 100 students rallied at the state Capitol on Feb. 8, to ask state lawmakers for additional funds aimed at supporting college students with disabilities. Students from across New York first joined together at the well of The Legislative Office Building in Albany to organize before marching to the […]