Blog

New York Capital Brief:
December 21, 2022


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).

New York Capital Brief:
November 23, 2022


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.

New York Capital Brief:
November 04, 2022


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 York Capital Brief:
October 06, 2022


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.

Commissioner’s Determination on Masking in Certain Indoor Settings
September 07, 2022


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.

EXTENDED: NY State of Emergency for Monkeypox
August 29, 2022


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.

New York Capital Brief:
May 05, 2022


Hochul Enacts Election Law Changes– Benjamin Declines Nomination

On Monday evening, lawmakers narrowly approved a bill to allow indicted former Lieutenant Governor Brian Benjamin to decline his nomination as a Democratic candidate for Lieutenant Governor.

New York Capital Brief:
April 15, 2022


Lt. Gov. Benjamin Resigns

This past Tuesday, Lt. Governor Brian Benjamin was arrested on charges related to campaign finance fraud. The five-count indictment alleges that while he was a State Senator, Benjamin conspired to direct $50,000 in State funds to a Harlem real estate developer’s charity. In exchange, the developer gathered thousands of dollars in illegal contributions to Benjamin’s 2020 Senate campaign and his unsuccessful 2021 bid for New York City comptroller.  According to the indictment, Benjamin is being charged with bribery, wire fraud, and conspiracy.

New York Capital Brief:
March 04, 2022


Mask Mandates Lifted for Businesses and Schools

Due to declining trends in new COVID cases and New York State’s strong vaccination rates, Governor Hochul has lifted the school mask mandate, with Wednesday March 2nd marking the first day children are no longer required to wear masks in school. This comes shortly after the ‘Mask or Vax’ mandate for all indoor businesses was lifted on February, 10th.