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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."
Public Sector Pays As Hochul Hauls in Millions
Public service sure is paying off for New York Governor Kathy Hochul and her husband Bill. Full disclosure, I know both personally.
Shouldering the Cost: Who Will Foot the Bill for Hochul's Green Agenda?
In the corridors of power in New York, a fierce debate is underway. The state is grappling with the financial realities of Governor Kathy Hochul's ambitious green energy agenda. This discourse is not just fueled by environmental aspirations but also by mounting concerns over the economic burden and public backlash. The key players in this debate are the Governor's administration, environmental advocates, and critics of the state's climate policies.
Cops Kick Hochul Out of Wake for Fallen Officer
At the solemn gathering at a Massapequa Funeral Home on Long Island, the hasty departure of New York Governor Kathy Hochul from the wake of slain New York City Police Officer Jonathan Diller sparked a chorus of claps from bystanders, captured in video footage. A mere ten minutes after her arrival, this abrupt exit cast a shadow over the somber proceedings, leaving many questioning the sincerity of political support in times of tragedy.
Taxpayer Money for Migrants: NYC Mayor Faces Backlash!
New York City's latest initiative, a six-week pilot program doling out preloaded debit cards to migrants for necessities like food and baby supplies, is under fire for its hefty contract and perceived handouts. While city officials defend it as a trial run, critics decry it as a misuse of taxpayer funds and an incentive for illegal immigration.
Stopping Anti Semitism in its Ugly Tracks
Even before the horrific attack by Hamas on Israel on October 7th of last year, the New York State Republican Senate Minority created an "antisemitism working group" with the goal of collecting a report on rampant discrimination and attacks on Jews across New York State.
The Rise, Fall, and Lonely Death of Sheldon Silver
No one knows the power, anger, and wretched wrath Sheldon Silver once yielded in the halls of Albany more than former Democratic New York State Assemblyman Michael "Mickey" Kearns.
Guest Editorial: Do Not Let Illegal Immigrants Vote
After suffering losses in State Supreme Court and at the Appellate Division, supporters of the New York City law to allow illegal immigrants and noncitizens to vote in local elections filed their notice of appeal with New York's highest court, the Court of Appeals.
They Will Never Forget Cuomo's Disastrous COVID Decision
Still pressing for answers four years later, state legislators marked the anniversary of former Gov. Andrew Cuomo's decision to send COVID victims to nursing homes, leading to the deaths of nearly 15,000 seniors. The infamous order was a public health catastrophe that devastated long-term care facilities and nursing home populations during the pandemic.
Senior Medicare Patrol Issues "Fraud of the Month"
Unauthorized claims related to urinary catheters that weren't ordered by Medicare beneficiaries were exposed as the "Fraud of the Month" by the New York StateWide Senior Action Council. Scammers are targeting seniors and billing for supplies that aren't medically necessary and the council wants to warn seniors and help them file complaints.
New York's Cannabis Operation a Predictable Failure
New York's attempt at legalizing cannabis has been a predictable failure. The state bureaucracy is bad enough when it comes to basic policy items such as infrastructure and taxation, so a complex policy involving the commercial sale of marijuana was destined to be a nightmare.
Hochul Makes Birth Control Available Over the Counter
The New York State Health Department, under the leadership of Governor Kathy Hochul, issued an order allowing three forms of birth control to be sold over the counter at pharmacies without a prescription.
NYS to Spend $500K Convincing You Climate Change is Real
New York State wants to spend $500,000 on a public relations firm convincing you that climate change is real and to promote state government sponsored clean energy goals.
Hide Fingers: No Bail. Five Finger Discount: Behind Bars
I wish typing this were a sick and twisted joke. Unfortunately it is not.
Daily Feed
Brewport Coffee House Joins MMSCL, Blending Books and Brews in Shirley
Brewport Coffee House marked the opening of its third location with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Saturday, April 12, at the newly renovated Mastic-Moriches-Shirley Community Library (MMSCL)
BUSTED! A Nationwide Narcotics Ring Centered Around a Centereach-Set Dark Web Den
DA Tierney announced a big-time drug trafficking bust - a 109-count indictment that spawned 21 arrests - on Friday, April 11th.
Supervisor Panico Provides Mastic-Shirley Update
Home Goods, Five Guys, and a new bank for Mastic-Shirley.