Assisted by Shawn Ness, the latest news from New York includes Governor Kathy Hochul visiting the Vatican as part of her European tour focused on climate issues. Marijuana may soon be recognized as an official crop in New York, while a vote of no confidence was cast against the president of Columbia University. Additionally, former Governor Andrew Cuomo’s battles against the state’s ethics board are ongoing.
Governor Hochul discussed New York’s environmental challenges at the Vatican, highlighting issues such as disappearing shorelines on Long Island and floods in upstate streams. She emphasized the impact of extreme weather events during her tenure, including storms that caused fatalities in different parts of the state.
Hochul’s international trip included meetings with global leaders and discussions on climate action and clean energy. She also announced funding for water and climate adaptation programs during her visit to the Vatican. Weed legalization as an agricultural crop in New York is also making progress, with bipartisan support in the state Legislature.
Efforts to create a Youth Justice Innovation fund and expand access to “Raise the Age” funding in the state budget were unsuccessful. Lawmakers are now working on a standalone bill to address these issues, aiming to support local youth diversion programs.
At Columbia University, the Arts and Sciences faculty passed a vote of no confidence against President Minouche Shafik. This symbolic resolution reflects a lack of trust in her leadership among faculty members.
Meanwhile, Speaker Adrienne Adams is scheduled to meet with Randy Mastro, the mayor’s nominee for corporation counsel, highlighting ongoing discussions in city politics. “I wouldn’t object to meeting with Randy Mastro,” said the individual nominated by the mayor’s team for individual meetings. These meetings are being arranged to gain support for Mastro, who has faced opposition in the council. Meanwhile, the Commission on Ethics and Lobbying in Government is taking steps to continue operating despite a lawsuit from ex-Governor Andrew Cuomo. The lawsuit found the commission unconstitutionally structured, leading to a block on enforcing ethics law. The commission is seeking a judgment to resolve this issue. In addition, a report from Comptroller Tom DiNapoli highlights high rates of child poverty in New York, with some cities having rates double that of others. The report suggests that pandemic-era policies and aid helped reduce child poverty. The state is considering solutions to address this issue, including an anti-poverty pilot program. Despite an expected increase in electricity use this summer, the state’s Public Service Commission believes the electric grid is prepared and utility costs are expected to be lower. The state Senate passed a bill requiring businesses to prove they don’t contribute to tropical deforestation when selling goods to New York. Governor Hochul vetoed a similar bill last year, citing concerns over small businesses and tropical hardwood exemptions. The current bill includes revisions to address these concerns. Furthermore, the New York State United Teachers union brought saunas to the state Capitol to demonstrate the impact of hot classrooms on students. They are advocating for legislation to cap classroom temperatures at 88 degrees, with some pushback due to potential costs for cooling buildings. Legislators are working to pass this bill before the session ends on June 6. Skoufis notó que el liderazgo en el Senado ha sido receptivo a sus llamadas para agilizar el proceso y llevar el proyecto de ley al suelo. — Katelyn Cordero
— Las oficinas estatales de Asistencia Temporal y Discapacidad y Servicios para Niños y Familias tienen nuevos comisionados. (State of Politics)
— Las comunidades de Long Island están tomando enfoques únicos para prepararse para el aumento del nivel del mar. (Newsday)
— Los defensores del medio ambiente están presionando para restricciones de “productos químicos para siempre” a medida que la sesión legislativa llega a su fin en junio. (Times Union)
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