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Assemblymember Bronson Urges Governor to Sign Labor Bills
Democratic Assemblymember and Chair of the Assembly Labor Committee, Harry Bronson, has called on Governor Kathy Hochul to sign several labor-related bills that passed during the legislative session. Despite the end of the current session and the upcoming November elections where all members will be up for re-election, lawmakers continue to introduce new legislation. This includes Senator Pat Fahy's Purple Alert bill aimed at creating an Amber Alert-like system for individuals with disabilities who go missing, and Senator James Skoufis' TEXAS Act which aims to prevent New Yorkers from bearing life insurance costs originating in other states. Additionally, Assemblyman Pat Burke has urged the New York State Police to investigate the Diocese of Buffalo following recent arrests involving child sexual abuse by a priest.
Governor Hochul Announces $10 Million for New Cardiac Lab and Details Budget Initiatives
Governor Kathy Hochul announced a nearly $10 million investment to build a new cardiac catheterization lab at Lincoln Hospital in the South Bronx, aimed at expanding access to critical heart care services. This initiative is part of Governor Hochul's broader efforts to improve healthcare accessibility and affordability across New York State. Additionally, she highlighted key budget initiatives for fiscal year 2027, which include funding for universal child care without increasing taxes on residents. The governor also emphasized her commitment to making life more affordable for New Yorkers through measures such as inflation refund checks sent out in fall 2025 and the implementation of smartphone restrictions in K-12 schools starting September 2025.
New York State Approves $268.5 Billion Budget Two Months Late
Governor Kathy Hochul and the Democrat-led legislature in New York have approved a $268.5 billion state budget nearly two months after its deadline, addressing high utility costs with new measures including reporting requirements for rate hikes and affordability monitors. The budget also includes immigration protection laws that prohibit local jails from holding individuals on behalf of ICE and ban formal agreements between local governments and ICE (287(g) agreements). A federal judge has upheld the state's ban on 287(g) agreements, ruling it as an appropriate means to protect public welfare and manage resources. However, the judge blocked a part of the law that prohibits ICE agents from wearing masks.
Assemblymember Bronson Urges Governor to Sign Labor Bills
Democratic Assemblymember Harry Bronson has called on Governor Kathy Hochul to sign a series of labor-related bills he sponsored during the legislative session. Despite the end of the legislative session and upcoming November elections, lawmakers continue introducing new legislation. This includes State Senator Pat Fahy's Purple Alert bill for individuals with disabilities and State Senator James Skoufis' TEXAS Act to prevent New Yorkers from bearing life insurance costs originating in other states. Additionally, Assemblyman Pat Burke has urged the New York State Police to investigate the Diocese of Buffalo over child sexual abuse allegations following the arrest of a priest on federal charges.
Governor Hochul's Budget and Initiatives for New York State
Governor Kathy Hochul has outlined her budget initiatives for the fiscal year 2027, emphasizing a path towards universal child care without increasing taxes. The budget also includes historic investments in various sectors aimed at enhancing affordability and opportunity for all residents of New York State. Additionally, Governor Hochul criticized federal plans to cut Medicare Part D subsidies, which would raise prescription drug costs for over one million seniors in the state. She has also enacted a statewide ban on smartphone use during school hours from September 2025 onwards, aiming to reduce distractions and improve educational outcomes.
New York State Budget Signed After Delay; Includes Immigration and Utility Measures
Governor Kathy Hochul signed a $268.5 billion New York State budget nearly two months after the deadline, addressing various issues including immigration and utility costs. The budget includes measures to limit cooperation with ICE by prohibiting local jails from holding individuals on behalf of ICE and banning formal agreements between local governments and ICE (known as 287(g) agreements). Additionally, a federal judge has allowed New York's ban on these agreements while blocking part of the law that prohibits ICE agents from wearing masks. The budget also addresses high utility costs by enacting new reporting requirements for utilities seeking rate hikes and allowing the Public Service Commission to install an independent affordability monitor if rate requests exceed 3%. Eligible households will receive rebate checks between $150 and $200.
New York State Lawmakers Continue Introducing Bills Despite Upcoming Election
Despite the legislative session being over and all members facing reelection in November, New York State lawmakers continue to introduce new bills. Senator Pat Fahy introduced a bill aimed at expanding swimming lessons for children with autism following the tragic death of a seven-year-old boy named Harbe Nagi. Another bill by Senator James Skoufis, known as the TEXAS Act, seeks to prevent New Yorkers from paying life insurance costs originating in other states. Additionally, there is ongoing discussion about protecting election integrity amidst President Trump's claims regarding the 2020 election.
Governor's Role and Powers in New York State
The executive power of the State is vested in the Governor who serves a four-year term. The Governor has significant responsibilities including convening the legislature to submit proposed budgets, communicating with the legislature on state conditions, considering bills passed by the legislature for approval or veto, and serving as commander-in-chief of military forces. In case of the governor's removal from office due to death, resignation, or other reasons, the Lieutenant-Governor assumes the role until the end of the term. The Governor’s website includes key documents like annual budget addresses and State of the State speeches delivered in January each year.
New York Advocates Push for Governor Hochul to Sign Kyra's Law and PFAS Legislation
Advocates in New York are urging Governor Kathy Hochul to sign two significant pieces of legislation. The first is 'Kyra’s Law,' which aims to prioritize a child’s safety and well-being in custody disputes by expanding risk factors judges can consider and requiring additional judicial training on family violence and child abuse. This bill was unanimously passed by both houses of the Legislature following the tragic murder-suicide involving 2-year-old Kyra Franchetti ten years ago. Additionally, environmental advocates are pushing Hochul to sign legislation banning PFAS in drinking water amid concerns about algal blooms exacerbated by recent heavy rains.
Assemblymember Bronson Urges Governor to Sign Labor Bills
Democratic Assemblymember and Chair of the Assembly Labor Committee, Harry Bronson, has called on Governor Kathy Hochul to sign a series of labor-related bills that passed through the New York State Legislature. Despite the legislative session being over and upcoming November elections requiring all active bills to be reintroduced in January, lawmakers continue introducing new legislation. Among these are initiatives such as Senator Pat Fahy's Purple Alert bill for individuals with disabilities and Senator James Skoufis' TEXAS Act to prevent life insurance costs from other states impacting New York residents. Additionally, Assemblyman Pat Burke has requested the New York State Police to investigate the Diocese of Buffalo following recent child sexual abuse allegations against a priest.
California Governor Announces Balanced Budget and Federal Assistance for Wildfire Recovery
Governor Gavin Newsom of California has announced a balanced budget agreement that ensures no deficit in both the current and next fiscal years. The agreement includes funding for small business tax cuts, free school meals, summer school programs, universal preschool, childcare slots, and significant investments in services for students with disabilities. Additionally, Governor Newsom signed a tribal-state gaming compact between California and the Yurok Tribe. He also secured federal assistance through a Fire Management Assistance Grant from FEMA to support the response to the Gann Fire in Calaveras County. Furthermore, the state's tax agency has recovered $168 million worth of illicit cannabis and tobacco goods since 2019 as part of ongoing investigations against illegal cultivation and criminal organizations.
2026 State Legislative Session Dates and Deadlines
MultiState provides a comprehensive guide to the 2026 legislative session dates for all 50 states. The resource includes start and end dates, bill introduction deadlines, crossover deadlines, and carryover provisions. Key highlights include that most state sessions begin in January, with notable exceptions like Montana, Nevada, North Dakota, and Texas which do not hold regular sessions every even-numbered year. Session lengths vary widely; for instance, New Mexico has a 30-day session while Michigan, New Jersey, Ohio, and Pennsylvania have year-round legislatures. Additionally, bill introduction deadlines range from the first day of session in Florida to mid-February in California. Carryover provisions allow multi-year legislative strategies in 23 states but require fresh introductions each session in the remaining 27.
Governor Hochul Announces Progress on Universal Childcare and Other Initiatives
Governor Kathy Hochul and Mayor Mamdani announced that over 2,000 children have received offers to join the inaugural 2-K class, which provides free childcare for New York City families. The Governor’s budget aims to fund universal child care without increasing taxes on New Yorkers. Additionally, Governor Hochul enacted a statewide ban on smartphone use in K-12 schools during school hours starting September 2025 and sent inflation refund checks up to $400 to 8.2 million households across the state in fall 2025.
New York State Approves $268.5 Billion Budget Two Months Late
Governor Kathy Hochul and the Democrat-led New York legislature finalized a $268.5 billion state budget nearly two months after its original deadline, addressing various issues including high utility costs and immigration policies. The budget includes new reporting requirements for utilities seeking rate hikes and mandates that companies submit lower-cost alternatives if they request rate increases over 3%. It also establishes an independent affordability monitor at utilities where the Public Service Commission approves higher rates. Additionally, eligible households will receive rebate checks of $150 to $200 this fall. The budget also includes immigration protection measures signed by Hochul, which prohibit local jails from holding individuals on behalf of ICE and ban formal agreements between local governments and ICE known as 287(g) agreements.
Governor Hochul Announces Investments and AI Access for Researchers
Governor Kathy Hochul announced an additional $750,000 investment to close the funding gap for Pendragon Theatre in Lake Placid. She also highlighted the launch of Empire AI Beta, providing researchers at New York’s leading public and private universities access to the most powerful academic research computer in the country. Additionally, Governor Hochul visited Lake Placid's Olympic venues to meet with Team USA athletes and emphasize the region's potential for hosting future events.
Governor Hochul Faces Deadline to Sign Medical Aid in Dying Bill
New York Governor Kathy Hochul has until February 6th to sign the Medical Aid in Dying bill into law. The legislation legalizes medically assisted suicide for terminally ill adults with fewer than six months to live and was passed by the Legislature on December 31st. A federal judge dismissed a lawsuit against the bill, filed by disability rights advocates who argued it discriminates against people with disabilities under the Americans with Disabilities Act. Meanwhile, the state's Department of Health faces a lawsuit from the U.S. Justice Department over the transition of the Consumer Directed Personal Assistance Program (CDPAP) to Public Partnerships LLC.
New York State Lawmakers Introduce Bills Despite January Reset Looming
Despite the legislative session being over and every member of the New York State Legislature facing reelection in November, lawmakers continue to introduce new bills. Senator Pat Fahy has proposed a Purple Alert bill similar to Amber Alerts for individuals with disabilities who go missing, while Senator James Skoufis introduced the TEXAS Act aimed at preventing New Yorkers from paying life insurance costs originating from other states. Additionally, Fahy introduced legislation following the tragic death of 7-year-old Harbe Nagi in Menands, which seeks to expand swimming lessons access for children with autism. These actions highlight ongoing legislative efforts despite the impending January reset.
New York City Approves Changes to Business Tax Credit and Introduces Pied-à-Terre Tax
The New York City Council has approved a bill that modifies the Unincorporated Business Tax (UBT) credit for higher-income residents. Starting from January 1, 2026, individuals with NYC taxable income between $1 million and $1.25 million will see their UBT credit gradually decrease to 15%, while those earning more than $1.25 million will receive a flat 15% credit. The bill now awaits the mayor's signature before it becomes law. Additionally, New York City has begun issuing notices under its new Pied-à-Terre Tax for second homes. By August 30, 2026, property owners of non-primary residences may be subject to this tax based on specific valuation thresholds and property types. The initial phase will see single-family homes valued at $5 million or more taxed at a rate between 0.8% and 1.3%, while co-ops and condominiums over $1 million will face rates from 4.0% to 6.5%. Rates for properties above $5 million will be phased in starting July 1, 2028.
New York State Lawmakers Tackle Environmental and Immigration Issues
State Senator Rob Ortt has introduced legislation to amend New York's environmental conservation law in response to radioactive pollution discovered in Niagara County. The proposed changes aim to provide the Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) with additional resources to assist affected homeowners. Meanwhile, a federal judge ruled that New York’s ban on agreements between local governments and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), known as 287(g) agreements, is lawful while blocking part of the law that prohibits ICE agents from wearing masks.
Assemblymember Bronson Urges Governor to Sign Labor Bills
Democratic Assemblymember and Chair of the Assembly Labor Committee, Harry Bronson, is urging Governor Kathy Hochul to sign a series of labor-related bills that passed during the legislative session. Despite the legislative session being over and all members facing reelection in November, lawmakers continue to introduce new legislation. Notable examples include Senator Pat Fahy's Purple Alert bill for individuals with disabilities and Senator James Skoufis' TEXAS Act to prevent New Yorkers from paying life insurance costs originating from other states. Additionally, Assemblyman Pat Burke called on the New York State Police to investigate the Diocese of Buffalo following recent child sexual abuse allegations against a priest.
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