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DeStefano Named to Key Legislative Commission
“It’s important to have a local voice on this commission, which is charged with examining, evaluating, and making recommendations concerning the distribution of state aid,” DeStefano said.
Hunters, Fisherman, and Gun Owners Left Out of New York’s Automatic Voter Registration Law
During debate on the Senate floor, it became clear that the law excludes certain groups of potential voters who also interact with state registration agencies on applications and checks. Hunters, fishermen, and gun owners are specifically excluded.
State Conservatives: Governor Hochul ‘Lays an Egg’ at 2025 State of the State Address
There are over 200 proposals in the State of the State book including programs ranging from a Baby Benefit paying women $100 a month during pregnancy and $1,200 upon birth, child care funding, and free community college for students ages 25-55 in certain needed fields.
Suffolk County Wins Millions in State Regional Economic Development Awards
Empire State Development (ESD) announced more than $11 million has been awarded to support over 100 economic development projects through three programs during Round XIV of the Regional Economic Development Council initiative.
Hochul Unveils Free School Lunch and Breakfast Program
Governor Kathy Hochul announced a free breakfast and lunch program for more than 2.7 million students in New York.
NY’s Reparations Commission Blew Millions of Dollars, Wants Millions More
New York’s Community Commission on Reparations Remedies has asked for more time and money from the legislature to study and complete a report on the impacts of slavery and systemic racism.
Shirley Man Shares Personal Story to Help Others to Kick the Habit
"Of all the drugs I once used, nothing compares to the challenge of overcoming an addiction to cigarettes. I'm living my best life now that I'm tobacco-free."
Local Leaders Back in Albany
South Shore-based representatives are back in the state capital to kick off the 2025 Legislative session
Hochul Proposes Tripling of the Child Tax Credit
Governor Kathy Hochul has proposed tripling the Child Tax Credit for children under four years old and doubling the average tax credit for all families. Hochul released the proposal in advance of her upcoming State of the State 2025 address.
NYS to Ban Toll Evaders From the Thruway
There are 570 miles of NYS Thruway between Buffalo and New York City and if you are a serial toll evader get ready to be banned – maybe even have your vehicle impounded.
Rules For Thee, But Not For Me – Hochul Racks Up Private Plane Miles
Governor Kathy Hochul racked up a boatload of private plane miles while at the same time issuing dictates to average New Yorkers that they should not, and even cannot, use fossil fuels themselves.
Use it or Lose it: Use Your Christmas Gift Cards ASAP
In 2024, the office recovered over $21 million from gift cards, more than three times the amount received in 2014 ($5.8 million). New Yorkers are encouraged to spend holiday gift cards early this new year and remember to check for unclaimed funds.
NYS Senator Dean Murray Releases Statement on Critically Injured Cop
"Please keep Suffolk County Police Officer Brendon Gallagher in your prayers as he battles for his life following yesterday's accident on the LIE."
Republican Senators say, ”Wait a minute” on Hochul Rebate Plan
The refund would return about $3 billion to New York taxpayers in direct payments to around 8.6 million New York taxpayers statewide in 2025. Those eligible would receive payments of $300 to single taxpayers who make up to $150,000 per year, and a payment of $500 for joint tax filers making up to $300,000 per year.
New Session, Same Battles in Albany
Long Island legislators return to Albany this week for the start of a new session with a familiar slate of issues that will once again highlight the ongoing conflict between local taxpayers and the forces that control state government.
Automatic Voter Registration in New York is Coming - Two Years Late
What is AVR? AVR takes the individual’s decision to register to vote out of their hands and gives state agencies the mandate to register you to vote. This means that if you interact with the Department of Motor Vehicles, state social service agencies, or SUNY you will be registered to vote unless you specifically opt-out at that time.
Fight Inflation by Removing Business Burdens
Senator Dean Murray is heading to the capital with a plan that would save billions. Rallying a coalition of Republican legislators from across the state, Murray has appealed to Gov. Kathy Hochul to eliminate the dreaded UIAS—Unemployment Insurance Assessment Surcharge—a state mandate that is draining $10.2 billion from New Yorkers.
New Down-Payment Assistance for First Time Homebuyers in New York
The awards will help low—and moderate-income homeowners make their homes safe and accessible and provide down-payment assistance for first-time homebuyers.
Musk Calls for Hochul to be Recalled Over Subway Safety Posts
Musk took to the social media platform he owns, Twitter/X, and demanded that New York voters “recall” Hochul and remove her from office.
Education Aid Showdown on Albany Agenda
A hot topic in the school spending debate will be the Foundation Aid formula used to estimate how much each district should receive. Given the age-old pull between the urban and suburban parts of the state, city legislators want the formula skewed toward their interests. Bending to the urban Democrats who control the state, Gov. Kathy Hochul proposed the elimination of the “Save Harmless” provision, which ensures that no district gets less in state education aid than the year before.
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The King is Back in the South Shore Press
The legendary Long Island journalist Karl Grossman’s latest column.
Don't Expect Bregman to Pay Off
This week, one of the bigger names in the free agency cycle signed with the Chicago Cubs, and fantasy managers everywhere sighed. Usually, anyone heading to Wrigley Field is viewed as a positive, but for Alex Bregman, more information has emerged suggesting this move could spell trouble for his fantasy outlook. Bregman is a right-handed pull hitter who previously played in two of the more favorable home parks for that profile in Houston and Boston. Both parks feature short left-field dimensions that reward pulled fly balls and help inflate power numbers.
Futures Bettors Will Be Smiling
The College Football Championship is set, and it pits two of the more unlikely teams against each other. Indiana may have the largest living alumni base in the country, with more than 800,000 graduates, but few expected the Hoosiers to reach this stage. They feature zero five-star recruits and have instead relied on depth, discipline, and consistency while dominating all season long.