Governor Hochul’s State Budget Proposal

Last Wednesday, Governor Hochul proposed a $227 billion State budget, a plan that would increase direct aid to schools and health care networks, fund measures to bolster public safety and law enforcement, as well as expand housing in New York.

NYS Hospitals to Reopen 850 Psych Beds

NYS-regulated hospitals have just three more weeks to submit their plans for reopening 850 psychiatric beds, following a directive announced by Governor Hochul during her State of the State Address.

Hochul Delivers State of the State Address

On Tuesday afternoon, Governor Hochul delivered her State of the State Address and released a 276-page briefing book outlining her goals for the 2023 legislative session. The speech was delivered in the Assembly Chamber to a crowd of legislators, statewide and local elected officials, staffers, and select guests and family members.  Also in attendance were the Lt. Governor, Attorney General, and State Comptroller.

Hochul: No Tax Increases

In a news conference this week, Governor Hochul declared that she would not consider tax increases in the upcoming State Budget process, saying that raising taxes would go against efforts to reduce the tax burden made earlier this year (i.e. rebate checks sent to property taxpayers and the faster phase-in of a tax rate cut aimed at middle-income earners).

Democrats Poised to Retain Supermajorities

The Democrats are on the brink of retaining their supermajorities in both the State Assembly and Senate, despite Republicans flipping several seats and coming closer to victory in the gubernatorial race than they have in decades.
Holding onto a supermajority of two-thirds of each chamber enables lawmakers to override gubernatorial veto’s and provides the legislature with greater power and negotiations.

NYS Gubernatorial Candidates Seek to Boost Voter Turnout 

With less than a week until election day, Democratic Governor Kathy Hochul and Republican challenger Rep. Lee Zeldin are focused on motivating their respective bases to “get out the vote.”

New Siena Poll: Hochul – 54% Zeldin – 37%

With just six weeks until Election Day, a new poll shows Governor Kathy Hochul widening her lead over Republican challenger Congressman Lee Zeldin. Governor Hochul holds a 17-point lead over Zeldin, 54-37%, up slightly from 53-39% in August.

On September 7th, NYS Department of Health Commissioner Mary Bassett and Governor Hochul determined that face masks arre no longer required, but still encouraged, on subway trains, correctional facilities, detention centers and homeless shelters.

Governor Kathy Hochul has extended the Executive Order, which declares a State Disaster Emergency in response to the ongoing monkeypox outbreak, through September 27. The Executive Order enables the state to respond more swiftly to the outbreak and allows health care professionals to take additional steps that will help get more New Yorkers vaccinated.

Press Release: Governor Hochul Celebrates Passage of Resolution to Enshrine Equal Rights into the New York State Constitution

Press Release: Governor Hochul Signs Landmark Legislation to Strengthen Gun Laws and Bolster Restrictions on Concealed Carry Weapons