New York State

Proposed wage theft legislation would strip violators of their ability to do business in New York

If passed, the three bills would suspend businesses' ability to operate, collect sales tax or use their liquor licenses unless employers resolve wage theft claims within 15 days.

  • By Marcus Baram, ProPublica

Governors propose spending billions on overdue infrastructure projects

In State of the State addresses this week, several governors said they would prioritize ambitious and much needed infrastructure projects. Plus, more news to use from around the country in this week's State and Local Roundup.

  • By Daniel C. Vock

New York governor pledges to ‘shape the trajectory’ of AI development

Kathy Hochul announced in her State of the State address an AI consortium and research center, and issued a new policy for responsible AI governance.

  • By Chris Teale

Mental health funding is fast becoming “the bipartisan issue of our time”

States from California to Texas are increasingly investing in mental health as a recognition takes hold that the status quo isn’t working.

  • By Katherine Barrett & Richard Greene

Lessons from one state’s effort to modernize its criminal justice system

New York’s sweeping 2020 law sought to accelerate pre-trial processes with technology upgrades. But the state’s experience offers lessons for other jurisdictions undertaking similar efforts to modernize the justice system.

  • By Stephanie Kanowitz

New York weighs bills regulating minors’ social media use

If the bills pass, they would likely face legal scrutiny. A similar law in California has already been halted by a federal court from taking effect.

  • By Rebecca C. Lewis

The hazards of facial recognition in schools

New York has banned the emerging technology in its schools, arguing that the concerns surrounding it “are not outweighed by the claimed benefits.” Plus, more news to use from around the country in this week's State and Local Roundup.

  • By Daniel C. Vock

Legislative Staffs Are Pushing to Unionize

Since Oregon successfully unionized in 2021, statehouse employees in half a dozen states have also sought to organize.

  • By Kyle Chouinard

New York’s Death Grip on In-office Work is Starting to Loosen

Amid workforce crises, Eric Adams cracks open the door to “flexible” arrangements and Kathy Hochul invests in a hybrid future.

  • By Annie McDonough

New York Wants to Build 800K Housing Units in 10 Years. How Do You Do That?

Gov. Kathy Hochul has pledged to address the state’s housing crisis in the 2023 legislative session. Experts weigh in on the ways she could accomplish her goal.

  • By Shantel Destra

E-bike Battery Fire Spike Spurs NYC Council to Rethink Regulation

Lawmakers reconsidered how to best maintain safety without hurting disadvantaged workers' livelihoods.

  • By Sahalie Donaldson

New York Governor's Race is Closest in Decades

Incumbent Kathy Hochul, a Democrat, eked out a victory against Republican challenger Lee Zeldin. She also became the first woman elected as governor of the state.

  • By Rebecca C. Lewis and Shantel Destra
Featured eBooks
The State of Trust in Government
Cybersecurity in State and Local Government
Building Data Literacy in the State and Local Workforce

Chip Maker Commits Up to $100B for U.S. Manufacturing Site

The facility is planned for upstate New York. It would mark one of the first major new investments by semiconductor companies following the passage of billions in federal incentives.

  • By Daniel C. Vock

New York Legislative Staffers Optimistic About Union

After going public with their campaign in July, organizers say momentum has continued to grow.

  • By Rebecca C. Lewis

States Seek to Clarify If Forgiven Student Loans Will be Taxed

President Biden's loan forgiveness plan could result in additional tax liability in at least six states, according to a think tank. But officials in some places are taking steps to ensure the canceled debt doesn't count as income.

  • By Daniela Altimari

Elected Officials Past ‘Child-bearing Age’ Bristle at Lawmaker's Tweet

A New York state senator suggested older officials won’t fight as hard for reproductive rights. It reignited a longtime debate over what ageism looks like for people who hold political office.

  • By Sahalie Donaldson

New York State Pumps the Brakes on Crypto Mining

With the value of cryptocurrency dropping and environmental concerns moving front and center, New York considers a two-year pause on fossil-fuel powered crypto mining operations.

  • By Susan Miller

The New Yorkers Who Moved to Florida

A roundup of celebrities and politicians who headed south to the Sunshine State.

  • By Jonathan Lentz

'We Battled to Get That Food Store': What the Tops Supermarket Meant to Buffalo’s Black Community

The racist mass shooting has left a deep scar at a symbol of resilience on the city’s east side.

  • By Justin Sondel

Police Could Have Used New York’s Red Flag Law to Stop the Buffalo Shooting Suspect

State police said they did not file for a protection order under the law after they were called to the accused shooter’s school, where they reportedly investigated a “murder-suicide” threat he made.

  • By Sara Dorn

New York’s Once-booming Oil Industry and the Risky Wells It Left Behind

Western New York towns were built around oil production. Now, they’re grappling with the remnants of a declining industry.

  • By Ilena Peng and Jessie Blaeser