After a long battle followed by days of protracted deal-making, the New York State Senate voted Friday night to legalize same-sex marriage in the Empire State. The historic yet divisive measure passed by a narrow margin of 33 votes to 29. The vote will make New York the sixth state – and the largest one [...]
A new state law cracking down on illegal hotels is already getting results. The city says it has taken action against 15 illegally converted hotels since the law took effect two weeks ago. The mayor’s office released video of some of the residences located in Brooklyn and Manhattan. Investigators say the buildings were overcrowded, and [...]
Governor Cuomo plans to meet with prominent gay activists in order to push for a bill that legalizes same-sex marriage in New York, sources tell NY1. They say the governor will attend a brain storming session on Wednesday in order to put together a solid measure and introduce it by June. Source: NY1 Continue reading [...]
A bill that would end the “last in, first out” layoff policy for New York City teachers passed in the State Senate today, but faces an uphill battle in the Assembly. Introduced late last week by State Senator John Flanagan, a Long Island Republican, the bill rules out seniority as the sole factor in determining who [...]
Do you care how much salt State Assemblyman Felix Ortiz has in his food? Well, he cares about how much you have in yours. The Brooklyn Democrat has introduced a bill that would completely ban the use of salt in every restaurant kitchen in New York State. Violations would result in a $1,000 fine, according [...]
Medical marijuana is a “good idea,” New York State voters say 71 – 25 percent, with support among all political, racial and regional groups, according to a Quinnipiac University poll released today. Even Republicans say 55 – 41 percent that adults should be allowed to use marijuana if their doctor prescribes it, the independent Quinnipiac [...]
Just more than two weeks ago, the overwhelming majority of both the state Senate and Assembly passed an ethics reform bill. Governor David Paterson called it weak then and, on Tuesday, made good on his promise to veto the plan. “I think we can do better. I think the people of the State of New [...]
David Paterson says he’ll keep pushing legislation to lift the cap on charter schools in New York. Paterson says the state is close to reaching its limit and there are now 30,000 students enrolled. Noting that the Legislature last month didn’t approve his measure to lift the cap, Paterson says he’ll try again either in [...]
With 59 largely unenthusiastic ayes, the State Senate on Wednesday approved a package of bills meant to combat political corruption and require elected officials to disclose more about their outside financial interests. Despite more than three hours of debate and grousing from many senators that they felt the bills were at best a half-step toward [...]
New York’s Assembly and Senate agree on a reform of state ethics laws, but the package lacks the independent oversight of lawmakers’ behavior that Gov. David Paterson seeks. Legislative leaders are scheduled to release the agreement Wednesday. It will include separate boards to regulate lawmakers and their staff, the executive branch, and lobbying. The Democratic [...]
