With assistance from Shawn Ness
New from New York
Happening now:
- Gov. Kathy Hochul is already discussing safety concerns at graduation ceremonies with college leaders.
- Assemblymember Andrew Hevesi has accused Hochul of not following through on commitments to child care.
- Catholic Charities is unhappy with the additional funding for abortions in the budget.
CANCELING GRADUATION? The pro-Palestinian encampment at Columbia University has entered Day 10, and Gov. Kathy Hochul is preparing for the possibility of disruptions to graduation ceremonies.
“I need to ensure that these commencements will be safe environments across the state,” Hochul said. “That’s our current focus.”
University of Southern California recently canceled its main graduation ceremony due to security concerns, raising questions about other schools, including Columbia.
Columbia University President Minouche Shafik is working to resolve the situation before graduation on May 15, but negotiations with protesters have hit a roadblock.
Hochul is actively working to secure university commencements across the state, discussing plans with SUNY and CUNY chancellors and other university presidents.
A canceled graduation would be particularly tough on this year’s graduates, many of whom missed traditional ceremonies due to the pandemic.
SUNY and CUNY are reviewing their graduation ceremonies at the governor’s request to prioritize student safety.
Hevesi criticized Hochul for her handling of child care issues, accusing her of obstructing efforts to expand child care in the state.
Hochul’s office defended her support for the child care sector, highlighting investments made to expand access to child care.
Comptroller Tom DiNapoli and Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg announced that a former NYU official pleaded guilty to grand larceny and must pay back over $663,000.
— Shawn Ness
‘IT IS THE LYING I CANNOT STOMACH’: Assemblymember Andrew Hevesi criticized Gov. Kathy Hochul for her budget’s impact on child care in New York State.
Hevesi accused Hochul of obstructing efforts to expand child care and failing to support key proposals during the budget cycle.
Hevesi highlighted specific instances where Hochul rejected proposals aimed at enhancing child care services in the state.
Hochul’s office defended her support for child care, emphasizing the significant investments made to improve access and affordability.
The New York State Catholic Conference criticized Hochul for allocating $25 million for abortion services in the state budget, suggesting the funds could be better utilized elsewhere.
The group believes the money should be directed towards supporting struggling families and children, rather than promoting abortion services.
A new assessment of fair housing issues in New York revealed persistent racial and ethnic disparities in housing, homeownership, and access to resources.
Gov. Hochul emphasized the need to address these disparities and expand access to affordable housing for all New Yorkers.
— Shawn Ness
WEINSTEIN RULING: Gov. Hochul is evaluating a recent court ruling that overturned Harvey Weinstein’s sex crimes conviction in New York.
The court decision raised concerns about fair trials and the impact on women coming forward with allegations of sexual misconduct.
Hochul expressed the need to ensure a safe environment for all individuals to report such crimes and seek justice.
MASKS OFF: Assemblymember Mike Reilly plans to introduce a ban on mask wearing at public assemblies and demonstrations in response to ongoing protests.
The proposed measure aims to enhance public safety by prohibiting the deceptive use of masks during public gatherings.
ABORTION FUNDING FALLOUT: The New York State Catholic Conference criticized Gov. Hochul for allocating $25 million for abortion services in the state budget.
The group believes the funds should be redirected to support struggling families and children instead of promoting abortion services.
FAIR HOUSING: A recent assessment of fair housing issues in New York highlighted persistent racial disparities and the need to expand access to affordable housing.
The report identified goals and action items to address these disparities and promote fair housing practices across the state.
— Janaki Chadha
— A Utica University professor has ended his congressional bid. (State of Politics)
— Rep. Jamaal Bowman’s proposal to ban legacy admissions faces scrutiny due to his own children potentially benefiting from such practices. (Daily News)
— Tenants and landlords express concerns over the enforcement of new tenant protections. (POLITICO Pro)
