State Senate and Assembly Release One-House Budgets

The New York State Senate and Assembly have released their one-house budgets, in response to Gov. Kathy Hochul’s Executive FY24 Budget. Notably, both chambers have rejected the Governor’s plan to mandate new housing, instead utilizing a $500M incentive plan. The proposals also removed changes to bail laws, allowances to create more charter schools, and a ban on flavored tobacco products. Gov. Hochul, Speaker Heastie, and Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins will now negotiate the budget before the March 31 deadline. You can find the Assembly budget resolution here and the Senate resolution here.

NYC Council Passes and Introduces Legislation

Last Thursday, the NYC Council convened a Stated meeting, where they passed and introduced multiple pieces of legislation. City Council passed legislation codifying the NYC Ferry Discount Program, and requiring the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene to develop a diabetes reduction plan. They also passed a bill requiring that certain city-owned and city-funded buildings are built to green design standards. The Council introduced bills prohibiting the time that gas-powered leaf blowers can be used, and banning the possession of elephants. You can find all of the bills that were passed and introduced here.

Mayor Adams Announces Appointments

Mayor Adams recently announced several appointments to the Family Court, Criminal Court, Civil Court, the New York City Banking Commission, and the Rent Guidelines Board. Six judges have been appointed to Family Court, three were appointed to Criminal Court, and there is one interim appointment to Civil Court. Additionally, Tonya Jenerette will serve as the mayoral designee on the New York City Banking Commission. Jenerette is currently the Chief Strategy Officer for First Deputy Mayor Sheena Wright. Nestor Davidson will be Chair of the New York City Rent Guidelines Board; he is currently a professor of housing and land use at Fordham University School of Law.