Explore

Rapid Read Rapid Read
Blakeman Proposes $3.8B Fund for New York Tax Relief

Blakeman Proposes $3.8B Fund for New York Tax Relief

Republican gubernatorial candidate Bruce Blakeman has announced his intention to use a $3.8 billion state discretionary fund to provide immediate tax relief to New Yorkers. This fund, set aside for economic uncertainties, is currently being criticized by Blakeman as a 'secret slush fund' used by Governor Kathy Hochul. Blakeman argues that the fund could be better utilized to lower taxes, invest in education, and provide permanent tax relief. He also suggests using the state's $9.2 billion 'rainy-day reserve' for emergency funds if necessary. Blakeman's campaign focuses on making New York safer and more affordable, with promises of significant financial relief during his first 100 days as governor.
Rapid Read Rapid Read
Former 1199SEIU President George Gresham Passes Away at 72, Leaving Legacy in Labor Movement

Former 1199SEIU President George Gresham Passes Away at 72, Leaving Legacy in Labor Movement

George Gresham, the former president of 1199SEIU United Healthcare Workers East, has passed away at the age of 72 after a prolonged illness. Gresham was a significant figure in New York's labor movement, having joined 1199SEIU as a rank-and-file member at Presbyterian Hospital 50 years ago. Throughout his career, he was known for his dedication to securing fair wages, benefits, and continuing education for union members. His leadership extended beyond labor rights, as he was also a prominent advocate for social justice, particularly for communities of color. Gresham's contributions have been recognized by various leaders, including New York Governor Kathy Hochul and Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie, who praised his unwavering commitment to the dignity and rights of working people.
Rapid Read Rapid Read
Former 1199SEIU President George Gresham Remembered for His Contributions to Labor Movement

Former 1199SEIU President George Gresham Remembered for His Contributions to Labor Movement

George Gresham, the former president of 1199SEIU United Healthcare Workers East, passed away at the age of 72 after a long illness. Gresham was a significant figure in New York's labor movement, having joined 1199SEIU as a rank-and-file member at Presbyterian Hospital 50 years ago. He was known for his dedication to securing fair wages, benefits, and continuing education for union members, as well as his advocacy for social justice. Under his leadership, 1199SEIU grew to over 450,000 members across several eastern states and Washington, DC, becoming the largest and fastest-growing healthcare union in the nation. Prominent figures, including New York Governor Kathy Hochul and Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie, have praised Gresham's lifelong commitment to the labor movement and his impact on working people and communities of color.
Rapid Read Rapid Read
New York Governor Hochul Supports Trump's School Choice Program, Impacting State Education

New York Governor Hochul Supports Trump's School Choice Program, Impacting State Education

New York Governor Kathy Hochul has announced her decision to opt the state into a new federal private school choice program, part of a domestic policy bill signed into law by President Trump. This program allows taxpayers to receive dollar-for-dollar tax credits for donations to organizations that provide private school scholarships. The policy, set to take effect next year, aims to direct taxpayer funds to families for private school enrollment. Hochul's decision makes her one of the first Democratic governors to participate, highlighting a division among Democratic leaders regarding the program. The program allows individual taxpayers to claim a federal tax credit of up to $1,700 for donations to nonprofit organizations that award scholarships to K-12 students. These scholarships can also cover costs for public school students, but the majority of funds are expected to support private school attendance.
Rapid Read Rapid Read
Jack Schlossberg Proposes Monthly Child Tax Credit Payments to Support Families

Jack Schlossberg Proposes Monthly Child Tax Credit Payments to Support Families

Jack Schlossberg, a Democratic candidate for New York's 12th Congressional District, has proposed a plan to modify the existing Child Tax Credit system. His proposal aims to transform the current annual payment into a monthly benefit for qualifying families. The plan, dubbed the 'Monthly Moms Bonus,' seeks to provide $300 per month for children under six and $250 per month for children aged six and older. This initiative is part of Schlossberg's campaign to succeed retiring Rep. Jerry Nadler. Schlossberg, the grandson of former President John F. Kennedy, intends to discuss this proposal further at a Mother's Day event with his mother, Caroline Kennedy. The proposal is inspired by the COVID-era American Rescue Plan, which temporarily increased the Child Tax Credit.
Rapid Read Rapid Read
New York Governor Hochul Announces Tentative State Budget Deal with New Taxes

New York Governor Hochul Announces Tentative State Budget Deal with New Taxes

New York Governor Kathy Hochul has announced a tentative agreement on a $268 billion state budget, which includes a new pied-à-terre tax on multi-million dollar second homes in New York City. The budget aims to address the city's $5.4 billion deficit by generating an estimated $500 million annually from this tax. Additionally, the budget includes measures to expand child care and limit local police cooperation with ICE operations. However, Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie has contradicted the announcement, stating that major points of the deal are still unresolved.
Rapid Read Rapid Read
Governor Hochul Announces Tax Exemption on Tips for New Yorkers

Governor Hochul Announces Tax Exemption on Tips for New Yorkers

Governor Kathy Hochul has announced a new tax policy that exempts tips from state income taxes in New York. This decision is part of a broader budget deal and aims to provide financial relief to workers in the service industry. The exemption applies to gratuities up to $25,000 and aligns with a similar federal policy introduced by President Trump. The move comes after pressure from service industry workers and advocacy groups who argued that taxing tips disproportionately affects low-income earners. The policy is expected to take effect for tips earned in 2026.
Rapid Read Rapid Read
Governor Hochul's New York Budget Plan Faces Unresolved Issues Amidst Tentative Agreement

Governor Hochul's New York Budget Plan Faces Unresolved Issues Amidst Tentative Agreement

New York Governor Kathy Hochul announced a tentative agreement on the state budget, which includes a proposed tax on pieds-à-terre in New York City. The tax aims to address the city's budget deficit by targeting high-value second residences. However, key details such as the tax rate and the number of affected units remain undecided. Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie criticized Hochul's announcement, stating that financial issues are still unresolved, and no final budget deal has been reached. The proposed tax is part of a broader effort to raise $500 million for the city, but the complexity of assessing property values poses challenges. Hochul's plan also includes pension reforms, which have faced opposition from lawmakers.
Rapid Read Rapid Read
New York to Limit ICE Cooperation Despite Threats from Trump's Border Czar

New York to Limit ICE Cooperation Despite Threats from Trump's Border Czar

New York Governor Kathy Hochul has announced plans to pass legislation limiting local cooperation with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), despite threats from President Trump's border czar to increase immigration enforcement in the state. The proposed measures would prevent state and local law enforcement from acting as civil immigration agents and restrict ICE access to sensitive locations without a warrant. The legislation aims to protect New Yorkers and place guardrails around the Trump administration's immigration agenda. Hochul emphasized the state's commitment to targeting violent criminals while opposing federal overreach.
Rapid Read Rapid Read
Judge Rules Trump Administration's Cancellation of Humanities Grants Unconstitutional, Impacting Federal Funding

Judge Rules Trump Administration's Cancellation of Humanities Grants Unconstitutional, Impacting Federal Funding

A federal judge in New York has ruled that the Trump administration's cancellation of over $100 million in humanities grants was unconstitutional. The Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) lacked the authority to terminate the funding, which was intended for scholars, writers, and research groups. The court found that the cancellations violated the First and Fifth Amendments, constituting viewpoint discrimination. The ruling permanently bars the administration from ending the grants and criticizes the use of artificial intelligence in the decision-making process. The decision is a victory for several organizations that sued the government, including the American Historical Association and the Authors Guild.
AP News AP News
Judge rules Trump administration's cancellation of humanities grants was unconstitutional

Judge rules Trump administration's cancellation of humanities grants was unconstitutional

A federal judge in New York has ruled that the Trump administration's cancellation of over $100 million in humanities grants was unconstitutional
Trendline Trendline
Federal Court Rules Against President Trump's Global Tariffs, Citing Overreach

Federal Court Rules Against President Trump's Global Tariffs, Citing Overreach

Federal Court Rules Against President Trump's Global Tariffs, Citing Overreach