Policy
Budget
The most important things included in the state budget
The $254 billion state budget includes changes to the discovery law and involuntary commitment standards as well as new affordability measures and a criminal charge related to wearing masks.
Events
State levels playing field for home buyers, creates pathways for affordable housing
New York State Homes and Community Renewal Commissioner Ruth Anne Visnauskas discussed efforts underway to help New Yorkers at City & State’s 2025 Affordable Housing Summit.
Budget
New York finally settles Foundation Aid debate (for now)
The final budget includes tweaks to Foundation Aid, the byzantine formula that the state uses to allocate education funding to school districts.
Policy
Lawmakers succeed in watering down Hochul’s proposed discovery changes
The governor still got legislative leaders to agree to rollbacks to the 2019 reforms, but it wasn’t exactly what she had proposed.
Policy
Four-year pilot program for housing vouchers included in final state budget
The governor and Legislature had previously agreed to a two-year pilot for the Housing Access Voucher Program, but the final budget includes a four-year pilot program.
Policy
Plastic packaging reduction bill once again a post-budget priority
Environmental advocates are hoping to get the legislation meant to reduce single-use plastics over the finish line after almost accomplishing it last year.
Policy
It’s finally happening! The Legislature has started printing budget bills
The first three budget bills were released late Tuesday night, over a month after the state budget was due.
LGBTQ+
Senate committee advances GOP anti-trans bill
Three Democrats joined with Republicans to advance a bill that would allow schools to ban trans girls from participating in women’s sports, though the bill is unlikely to pass the full Senate.
Policy
Hochul to get expanded authority to make midyear budget cuts
With financial turmoil on the horizon promising a recession, legislators have agreed to allow the governor to recommend cuts they would still need to approve.
Events
Shaping the future of New York’s state’s affordable housing
City & State’s upcoming 2025 Affordable Housing Forum features keynote speaker RuthAnne Visnauskas of New York State Homes and Community Renewal and three panel discussions.
Budget
It's official: This year's budget is the latest in 15 years
Gov. Kathy Hochul is presiding over the most tardy budget since 2010 – breaking the previous record she set in 2023.
Budget
Eric Adams’ ‘best budget ever’ by the numbers
The mayor released his $115 billion budget proposal with much pomp.
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Policy
Hochul wants condos in exchange for HAVP
The governor agreed to a two-year pilot for a popular rental voucher program, but not without getting something in return.
Albany Agenda
Proposed law would let City Council remove NYC mayor
Currently, the governor has the power to remove the mayor, but the City Council does not.
Education
School districts fret over potential changes to Foundation Aid in state budget
It’s still unclear how the state budget will tweak the Foundation Aid formula for school funding, which is a problem for school districts that are currently drawing up their own budgets.
Policy
Assembly passes Medical Aid in Dying Act
For the first time in either chamber, lawmakers approved legislation that would permit doctors to help terminally ill patients to end their own lives.
Budget
$50 million for housing vouchers is better than nothing
Supporters of the Housing Access Voucher Program are glad to see it finally included in the budget, though they wish Gov. Kathy Hochul had committed more funding to it.
Policy
Gov. Kathy Hochul announces $254 billion state budget deal
The conceptual deal includes changes to the state’s discovery laws, a ban on phones in schools, a new criminal charge for committing a crime while wearing a mask and new funding for the MTA.
Immigration
After Wisconsin judge arrest, NY lawmakers look to strengthen immigrant protections in courthouses
ICE is largely prevented from making arrests in and around courthouses in the state, but officials want to shore up the Protect Our Courts Act in light of recent news.
Policy
Eric Adams to prioritize supportive housing in upcoming NYC budget
The mayor will commit to building thousands of congregate units where tenants can access services including mental health care.
