Blog

On Monday, the Senate and Assembly passed a package of election reform measures aimed at making voting in New York more accessible. Among the measures is a system of early voting which will allow for a nine day early voting window. The package also makes it easier to transfer registration upon moving, closes the LLC loophole for campaign […]

On Tuesday, the Senate and Assembly passed the bill known colloquially as GENDA. The bill prohibits discrimination based on gender identity or expression. Previous to the passage of this legislation, discrimination prohibitions outlined in statute applied specifically to age, race, creed, color, national origin, sexual orientation, military status, sex, marital status, or disability. The bill also includes […]

Earlier this week, Governor Cuomo announced the expert counterterrorism advisory panel he commissioned has delivered its recommendations for strengthening New York’s counterterrorism readiness incluidng enhancing counterterrorism coordination at major transportation hubs, exploring state-of-the-art security technology, expanding counterterrorism risk assessments and training, addressing emerging terrorist tactics, designating a senior counterterrorism advisor and convening statewide counterterrorism council. The panel is […]

On Monday, Governor Cuomo announced that Nassau County Democratic Party Chairman Jay Jacobs will take over as state party chairman. Jacobs will replace Byron Brown, the Mayor of Buffalo, as party chairman. Jacobs will retain his post as Nassau County chairman. Cuomo said: “Jay Jacobs is an outstanding champion for Long Island with an unparalleled record of […]

It appears increasingly likely that sports betting in New York will be initially offered only on the physical premises of any of the four land-based casinos currently operating in New York and by extension any of the Indian-nation casinos. Cuomo’s budget director, Robert Mujica, said Tuesday the Cuomo administration believes extending sports betting beyond the casino’s physical […]

On Tuesday, U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand announced on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert that she would be forming an exploratory committee to run for President. Gillibrand joins an already crowded Democratic field including Sen. Elizabeth Warren and former HUD Secretary Julian Castro. Former Vice President Joe Biden, who has the standing endorsement of Gov. Andrew Cuomo, is also […]

City & State NY’s weekly Winners & Losers here. City & State NY’s Healthcare Power 50 here. City & State NY’s Public Advocate Endorsement and Money Tracker here. The Buffalo News does a deep dive into Cuomo’s marijuana proposal here. New York Gas and Electric Utilities lend a hand to furloughed federal employees. Epic snowfall expected in New York, stay safe.

The Legislature announces joint budget hearing schedule. The Assembly plans to hold a public hearing on NYSERDA programs funded by the SFY 2018-2019 budget on January 22. The January 23, Assembly Environmental Conservation Committee public hearing “to examine recycling-related issues” has been postponed. New date TBD. The Joint Commission on Public Ethics (JCOPE) holds its next meeting on January 29. The […]

Leadership Assignments: Deputy Minority Leader:  Griffo Ranking Member of the Finance Committee:  Seward Chair of the Senate Minority Conference:  LaValle Minority Whip:  Lanza Assistant Minority Leader for Policy and Administration:  Little Assistant Minority Leader for Conference Operations:  Young Assistant Minority Leader for Floor Operations:  Gallivan Vice Chair of the Senate Minority Conference:  Ranzenhofer Secretary of the […]

On New Year’s Day, Governor Cuomo was inaugurated to his third term as Governor of New York. Speaking to a crowd on Ellis Island, Cuomo promised “the most progressive agenda this state has ever seen, period.” The Governor called his plan for this coming year his “justice agenda” and characterized the national political atmosphere as […]