Covering the politics, policies and people of New York State government.
For the third straight year, the state Assembly has passed a bill that would require expanded training for organizations that care for runaway and homeless youths. The bill (A.2662) was introduced by Assemblyman Felix Ortiz, D-Brooklyn. It would require all employees of organizations that provide care to runaway and homeless […]
As the dust settles on primary day 2017, some of the state legislators with an eye on a job outside the state Capitol are a step closer to knowing their political futures. Eight state lawmakers were involved in primary races on Tuesday that, should they win in November, will likely […]
Lawmakers and environmental advocates are hoping to pass a bill this session that would divest state pension funds from the top 200 fossil fuel companies over the next five years. The bill (S.4596/A.3712), sponsored by Senator Liz Krueger, D-Manhattan, and Assemblyman Felix Ortiz, D-Brooklyn, would require the state comptroller to […]
After a 16-year-decline in motor vehicle accidents and deaths per miles traveled, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, trends are beginning to reverse and skyrocket with no statistically discernible cause. Legislators and safety advocates point to one culprit that often is not investigated — distracted driving. […]