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Governor Hochul Blasted for Bigotry on "Black Kids" Comment
Black children in the Bronx don't know what computers are. Those are the exact words from New York Governor Kathy Hochul, who faced fierce and immediate backlash for the racially insensitive comments.
Good News for Those Hit With Astronomical Toll By Mail Late Fees
The "Tollpayer Protection Act" passed both the New York State Senate and Assembly and establishes much needed change to how those who do not use an EZ Pass receive toll bills and any associated late fees and fines.
Tougher Penalties in NY for Assaulting Retail Workers
Sen. Jessica Scarcella-Spanton (D-North Shore/South Brooklyn) claims victory as her bill was signed into law Sunday by New York Governor Kathy Hochul. The bill elevates an assault of a retail worker to a Class D felony in the Second Degree. The proposal recently included in the state budget will go into effect in October.
Hungry for Change: New Yorkers Struggle Despite Economic Recovery Claims
DiNapoli's follow-up analysis revealed a significant jump in food insecurity compared to previous years, where one in ten households (800,000 families) faced similar challenges from 2019 through 2021. Nationally, the food insecurity rate also climbed to 11.2% from 2020 through 2022, indicating a broader economic struggle despite recovery narratives.
State Boost for Journalism
Journalism in New York, the media capital of the world, will get a $30 million boost under a first-of-its-kind measure approved in the state budget providing tax credits to cover up to half of a reporter's salary. Aimed at helping publishers build up their newsroom and retain staff, the credits will cover up to $50,000 of a journalist's pay every year.
Winds of Change Stalled: Hochul's Climate Goals Hit by Wind Farm Failures
Governor Hochul's administration placed significant bets on these wind farms, touting them as pillars of the state's renewable energy future. However, the reality of these projects collapsing due to supply chain issues and technical shortcomings paints a bleak picture of the state's renewable energy ambitions.
Penn Station Improvements
Commuters exiting Penn Station will experience a more welcome streetscape thanks to $65 million in upgrades planned for the 114-year-old station. A major hub for Long Island riders, the upgrades will include new sidewalks, trees, flowers, and granite pavers, the owner of the property, Vornado Realty Trust, announced.
Hochul's $60M Green Grants: Environmental Stewardship or Political Theater?
Critics argue that while environmental initiatives are essential, the GRG program is more about furthering Hochul's political goals than addressing urgent ecological needs. They point out that the program's objectives, terms like "green streets" and "cleaner air," are seen as politically charged rather than focusing solely on environmental conservation. They also raise significant concerns about the program's potential to be used for political gain rather than for their intended purpose of promoting environmental resilience, a worry that demands our attention.
Suffolk Officials Push Volunteer Responder Bills
Looking to make it easier for local fire departments and ambulance services to recruit and retain volunteers, Suffolk officials called on the state legislature to pass a package of bills to benefit first responders.
Flawed Siena College Poll Misrepresents New Yorkers' Views on Trump Trial
The poll, which included 517 respondents contacted via a dual frame (landline and cell phone) mode and 289 drawn from a proprietary online panel (Lucid), has been criticized for its sampling methods. By relying on a combination of landline calls, cell phone interviews initiated via text, and online surveys, the poll may have inadvertently skewed results and failed to capture a genuinely representative sample of New Yorkers. This underscores the need for more accurate and representative polling methods.
Conservatives Condemn Campus Protests
That's how the New York State Conservative Party describes pro-Palestinian protestors on college campuses here in New York and across the country.
State Drops Ball on Stolen Vehicle Program
With a 15% increase in thefts from 2022 to 2023, the Motor Vehicle Theft and Insurance Fraud Program hasn't done much over the last three years of tapping motorist insurance premiums.
Supreme Court Could Spike Statewide Funds For New Bills Stadium
While it could be considered a legal "Hail Mary," this case could put the brakes on using $600 million in state funds to construct a new stadium for the only NFL team that currently plays within New York State.
Record Breaking NYS Budget Passed
$237 billion. That's how big of a budget just passed by New York State and approved by Democratic Governor Kathy Hochul, along with the Assembly and Senate. Both of those chambers are controlled by a majority of Democrats.
Hate Crime Bill to Protect Emergency Workers
"It's difficult enough for emergency personnel to do their jobs without being subject to attacks by the people they are sworn to serve," said Joseph DeStefano (R, C-Medford), the assembly sponsor of the bill. "Sadly, these workers have been the subject of harassment and, in too many unfortunate cases, deadly assault that can't be characterized as anything else but a hate crime."
Funding Flows: Inside New York's Surprising Financial Shift with Federal Funds
In a momentous financial shift, New York State has recently found itself in an unprecedented position: receiving more financial aid from Washington than it contributes, primarily due to the infusion of historic federal pandemic relief funds. This substantial change in New York's financial dynamics, as revealed in a detailed analysis by State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli for Federal Fiscal Year (FFY) 2022, is a significant departure from the state's traditional role as a net contributor to the federal treasury.
Hochul's Housing Hiccup: $400M for 1,100 Homes Raises Concerns
Governor Kathy Hochul's recent allocation of $412 million towards affordable housing initiatives across New York has ignited a heated debate and intense scrutiny. The initiative, which aims to create and preserve nearly 1,100 affordable homes, has come under fire for its allocation disparities in various regions. This controversy has raised significant questions about the responsible use of taxpayer funds.
Senator Dean Murray, Long Time Capitol Voice
If there's anyone who knows the way around the state Capitol, it's Dean Murray, a Senator who's also served separate terms in the Assembly. The East Patchogue resident has been the area's voice in Albany since 2010 and stands at the forefront of every critical issue that affects Long Island.
Three Clowns in a Room: State Budget Circus Continues
New York State Conservative Party Chairman Gerard Kassar perfectly summed up the dysfunction better known as passing an on-time budget in Albany, when he called the secretive, closed door process as "budget shenanigans."
Daily Feed
Stony Brook students blend fitness and ecology in 3K EcoWalk
Stony Brook University students participated in the "Running Wild 3K EcoWalk," a new Earthstock event conducted on April 21 at the Ashley Schiff Preserve.
South Shore Press Video Vault: Colonial Youth & Family Services Summer Camp
If you're looking for a month-long summer camp for your kids, Colonial Youth and Family Services is hosting one
Former Employee Alleges Discrimination Against Horse Racing Authority
Hector Soler has filed a lawsuit against his former employer, alleging racial discrimination and wrongful termination after years of service at a leading horse racing association.