Legislative Races

How the New York state budget might address decarbonization in buildings

BY Susan Arbetter New York State

Buildings are the number one emitters of carbon in New York state. Those emissions come from the burning of fossil fuels like oil and gas for heating and cooling.

Convincing New Yorkers to support a ban on natural gas connections to newly constructed homes and buildings was going to be a heavy lift even before Russia invaded Ukraine. With the subsequent increase in gas prices and utility costs on the rise, it may seem even more daunting.

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Lawler Announces Campaign for Assembly

BY Nick Reisman New York State

Republican Michael Lawler this week launched his bid for the Assembly seat held by Democrat Ellen Jaffee in Rockland County.

Lawler, the Orangetown deputy supervisor, is running on a platform of public safety, reducing taxes, seeking a fairer share of school aid funding from the state, and budget reforms.

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Michelle Hinchey Endorsed by CWA for State Senate

BY Nick Reisman New York State

Democratic state Senate candidate Michelle Hinchey has been endorsed by the Communications Workers of America, a labor group that represents 1,800 workers in the Hudson Valley and Albany areas.

"It is an honor to receive the support of the hard working men and women of the CWA," Hinchey said. "One of my top priorities is to invest in our upstate infrastructure, specifically addressing the lack of broadband access in our upstate communities."

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Chamber of Commerce Leader Launches Bid for Brian Kolb's Seat

BY Nick Reisman New York State

A top chamber of commerce leader in Seneca County on Tuesday evening announced his bid for retiring Assemblyman Brian Kolb's seat.

Seneca County Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Jeff Shipley is seeking the Republican nomination for the seat, and pointed to what he said was a need for upstate voices in the Legislature, while criticizing Gov. Andrew Cuomo.

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Cuomo, Lawmakers Back Limo Safety Measures

BY Nick Reisman Albany

One of the first agreements of the legislative session coalesced on Tuesday with a deal announced to bolster limousine safety.

What was initially termed a two-way Senate and Assembly deal was backed by Governor Andrew Cuomo, who had supported the broad outlines of plan that includes requiring seat belts, the creation of a task force to study the issue, boosted penalties for illegal U-turns, and new commercial driver's licenses requirements for limo drivers.

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Child Victims Advocate Eyes Run For SD-46

BY Nick Reisman Albany

Gary Greenberg for years was fed up with the state Senate and the stalled Child Victims Act, a proposal that is meant to make it easier for the survivors of childhood sexual abuse to file lawsuits.

Greenberg is a victim of childhood abuse himself. But as an adult, he has money. And with that money came some power to move the needle on the issue in Albany.

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32BJ SEIU Endorses Gianaris’s Re-Election

BY Nick Reisman Albany

The re-election of Sen. Mike Gianaris, the deputy majority leader for the Democratic conference, was endorsed on Thursday by union 32BJ SEIU.

“We are proud to endorse Senator Mike Gianaris for re-election,” said union President Kyle Bragg.

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