The leader of the New York State Senate says it’s likely that changes will soon be made to the state’s new bail reform laws, which end most forms of cash bail for nonviolent offenses. Meanwhile, the state’s chief judge also called for amendments to the laws.
Karen DeWitt
Not all gig workers want proposed protections
Governor Andrew Cuomo has proposed a commission to look at improving conditions for workers in the so-called gig economy, where people work job to job with few employment rights.
Bail reform debate touches on accusations of racism on a Facebook page
Most forms of cash bail for nonviolent crimes ended on January 1. Some law enforcement officials and Republican lawmakers want the reforms reversed, while supporters of the changes see repealing them as “capitulation to white supremacy.”
Bill to ban sale of some animals at pet stores gains momentum
Sen. Michael Gianaris, who is the bill’s sponsor, said it’s necessary because too many of New York’s pet stores rely on animals from poorly regulated, out-of-state puppy mills.
Cuomo’s budget proposes legalizing cannabis, trimming Medicaid spending
Governor Andrew Cuomo’s $178.6 billion budget proposal, which he released Tuesday, also includes his plans of how to deal with the state’s $6 billion dollar budget deficit.
Cuomo addresses hate crimes, legalizing cannabis, in State of State
“It is going to be a challenging year,” Governor Andrew Cuomo said in the annual address to lawmakers.
Democrats show cracks over support for criminal justice reforms
State Republican Party Chair Nick Langworthy is calling on Governor Andrew Cuomo and Democratic lawmakers to repeal the laws, which he calls an “epic failure.”
Budget deficit looms over Cuomo’s State of the State speech
Governor Andrew Cuomo is set to deliver his State of the State message on Wednesday, as New York faces its worst budget deficit in a decade.
Vaping casts cloud over cannabis legalization
After state lawmakers failed to legalize recreational cannabis this past session, Governor Andrew Cuomo took some steps to further the goal of legalizing marijuana in New York in 2020.
Supporters and opponents of plastic bag ban find fault with proposed state regulations
After March 1, grocery stores, clothing shops, big-box retailers and others in the state will no longer offer single-use plastic bags to shoppers.
Minor political parties condemn Public Finance commission plan
One proposal would make it more difficult for minor parties to win a spot on the ballot.
GOP, law enforcement push back on state’s bail reform laws
Sweeping reforms that will end cash bail for all misdemeanor and nonviolent felony charges in New York state take effect in January. But some law enforcement groups are objecting, saying the changes go too far and could jeopardize public safety. The new law still allows cash bail to be set in the cases of those […]






