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New York State Assembly

Chemistry Council Lobbyists Skirt Campaign Finance Laws: Rivertowns Activists Fight Back Chemistry Council Lobbyists Skirt Campaign Finance Laws: Rivertowns Activists Fight Back
Chemistry Council Lobbyists Skirt Campaign Finance Laws: Rivertowns Activists Fight Back In a David and Goliath standoff, 33 members of Beyond Plastics’s Lower Westchester Chapter, mostly Rivertowns residents, and 250 recycling and plastic reduction advocates met in Albany on May 7th to challenge industry lobbyists and encourage State legislators to Put People over Plastics. The group is fighting for passage of the NYS Packaging Reduction & Recycling Infrastructure Act (PRRIA) even as industry lobbyists try their best to kill it. With a strong PRRIA, New York has an opportunity to address the monumental scourge of plastic pollution and lead the nation in reducing wasteful si…
Ex-NY Rep. Charles Rangel, Who Spent 4 Decades In Congress, Dies Ex-NY Rep. Charles Rangel, Who Spent 4 Decades In Congress, Dies
Ex-NY Rep. Charles Rangel, Who Spent 4 Decades In Congress, Dies Former Congressman Charles "Charlie" Rangel, who represented five districts in New York City over 46 years, has died. He was 94. A cause of death was not given. A founding member of the Congressional Black Caucus, Rangel, a native of Harlem who went on to serve that section of upper Manhattan in the House of Representatives, was the first African American chair of the powerful House Ways and Means Committee.  "Rep. Charlie Rangel was a phenomenal patriot, hero, statesman, leader, trailblazer, change agent & champion for justice," House Democratic Minority Leader Rep. Hakeem Jeffri…
Trouble Ahead For Hochul In NY Governor's Race, Fresh Polling Shows Trouble Ahead For Hochul In NY Governor's Race, Fresh Polling Shows
Trouble Ahead For Hochul In NY Governor's Race, Fresh Polling Shows Fresh polling has alarm bells ringing in Albany. As New York’s 2026 race for governor begins to take shape, a new Siena College poll shows voters are craving new leadership, though incumbent Gov. Kathy Hochul still leads potential Democratic challengers by a wide margin. The poll, released Tuesday, May 20, found that 36% of voters are ready to reelect Hochul, while 55% prefer “someone else,” a 10-point dip in support compared to last month. Her favorability rating sits at 44-46% and job approval at 50-46%—largely unchanged from April. Among Democrats, Hochul remains the frontrunner in a hy…
Outrage Over Squirrel Sensation's Euthanasia Prompts State Changes: 'We Can Do Better' Outrage Over Squirrel Sensation's Euthanasia Prompts State Changes: 'We Can Do Better'
Outrage Over Squirrel Sensation's Euthanasia Prompts State Changes: 'We Can Do Better' New York State environmental officials are revamping their wildlife enforcement procedures in the wake of public outcry over the state-ordered euthanasia of a popular social media squirrel. Following an internal investigation, the Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) is implementing new protocols to avoid similar incidents in the future, the agency announced Friday, March 28. The changes follow national backlash surrounding “Peanut,” a Chemung County squirrel with nearly one million followers on Instagram who was seized and later euthanized by the agency last fall, as Daily Voice …
Latimer’s Exit: County Executive to Deliver Farewell Before Taking Congressional Seat Latimer’s Exit: County Executive to Deliver Farewell Before Taking Congressional Seat
Latimer’s Exit: County Executive to Deliver Farewell Before Taking Congressional Seat As Westchester County Executive George Latimer prepares to be sworn in as a US Congressman representing New York’s 16th Congressional District, he has scheduled when he will say farewell to his current position.  Latimer, age 70, will give his farewell address on Monday, Dec. 30 at 2 p.m. The speech will be live-streamed on Facebook, according to county officials.  Following these remarks, Latimer’s resignation will take effect a few days later on Thursday, Jan. 2, 2025, at 12:01 p.m., he said during a public address in November.  Latimer will then transition to hi…
Westchester County Executive George Latimer Announces Resignation For Bigger Plans: Congress Westchester County Executive George Latimer Announces Resignation For Bigger Plans: Congress
Westchester County Executive George Latimer Announces Resignation For Bigger Plans: Congress Westchester County Executive George Latimer has announced his resignation as he prepares to be sworn in as a US Congressman representing New York’s 16th Congressional District. Latimer’s resignation will take effect on Thursday, Jan. 2, 2025, at 12:01 p.m., he said during a public address on Monday, Nov. 25.  The announcement comes as he transitions to his new role in Congress, where he will begin serving the following day, Friday, Jan. 3. In this role, Latimer. a Democrat, will represent the southern portion of Westchester, including White Plains, Mount Vernon, Yonkers, New Roche…
Election 2024: Winner Projected In Hudson Valley's 17th Congressional District Race Election 2024: Winner Projected In Hudson Valley's 17th Congressional District Race
Election 2024: Winner Projected In Hudson Valley's 17th Congressional District Race The votes have been tallied, and a projected winner has come out on top in the race for New York's 17th Congressional District seat.  Incumbent Republican Rep. Mike Lawler has emerged as the winner for the House seat representing Rockland and Putnam counties, most of Northern Westchester, and portions of southern Dutchess County, defeating Democratic challenger Mondaire Jones, according to the state Board of Elections. Lawler was leading Jones 52.5 to 45.5 percent with 95 percent of the vote counted as of 2:50 a.m. Wednesday, Nov. 6. Thank you NY-17! https://t.co/GOPZdDcT0l — …
Election 2024: Winner Projected For Long Island's 3rd Congressional District Race Election 2024: Winner Projected For Long Island's 3rd Congressional District Race
Election 2024: Winner Projected For Long Island's 3rd Congressional District Race Election Day 2024 is in the books, and Long Islanders have chosen their next representatives in Congress. In New York’s 3rd congressional district race, incumbent Democratic Rep. Tom Suozzi defeated Republican challenger Mike LiPetri for the House seat representing portions of the North Shore, Nassau County, and Queens, according to the state Board of Elections. Suozzi was leading LiPetri by a margin of 52.5 to 47.5 percent, with 90 percent of the vote in as of 1:25 a.m. Wednesday, Nov. 5. pic.twitter.com/LZDhxMTfoI — Tom Suozzi (@Tom_Suozzi) November 6, 2024 The 62-year-old Suozzi, w…
Election 2024: Winner Projected In 16th Congressional District Representing Much Of Westchester Election 2024: Winner Projected In 16th Congressional District Representing Much Of Westchester
Election 2024: Winner Projected In 16th Congressional District Representing Much Of Westchester The votes are in, and New York's 16th Congressional District now knows its next representative in Congress.  Democrat George Latimer has been projected as the winner for the House seat representing the southern portion of Westchester, including White Plains, Mount Vernon, Yonkers, New Rochelle, and Rye, and a small part of the northern Bronx, defeating Republican Miriam Flisser, according to the state Board of Elections. Latimer was leading Flisser by a margin of 72 to 28 percent, with 54 percent of the vote in as of 12:15 a.m. Wednesday, Nov. 6.  The people of Westc…
Election 2024: Winner Projected For Long Island's 2nd Congressional District Race Election 2024: Winner Projected For Long Island's 2nd Congressional District Race
Election 2024: Winner Projected For Long Island's 2nd Congressional District Race Election Day 2024 is in the books, and Long Islanders have chosen their next representatives in Congress. In New York’s 2nd congressional district race, incumbent Republican Rep. Andrew Garbarino defeated Democratic challenger Rob Lubin for the House seat representing the South Shore of Long Island, according to the New York State Board of Elections. Garbarino was leading Lubin 59 to 41 percent with 79 percent of the vote in as of 10:45 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 5.  Thank you to the people of New York’s Second District for once again voting to send me to Congress to fight for Long Is…
Election 2024: Winner Projected In Hudson Valley's 19th Congressional District Race Election 2024: Winner Projected In Hudson Valley's 19th Congressional District Race
Election 2024: Winner Projected In Hudson Valley's 19th Congressional District Race The votes are in for New York’s Capital Region District 19 congressional seat, where Democrat Josh Riley is on track to defeat Republican incumbent Marc Molinaro, according to The New York Times. New: Molinaro Says District 19 Race To Close To Call, Waiting For Final Absentee Ballots District 19 includes Broome, Chenango, Columbia, Cortland, Delaware, Greene, Sullivan, Tioga, Tompkins counties and parts of Otsego, Rensselaer, and Ulster counties. According to early projected numbers by the Associated Press, Riley led Molinaro by 127,053 to 96,216, with 59 percent of the vote as of 10:20 …
Election 2024: Here’s Final Look At Long Island Congressional Races Election 2024: Here’s Final Look At Long Island Congressional Races
Election 2024: Here’s Final Look At Long Island Congressional Races These competitive races on Long Island could determine which party controls the US House next year. Below are the four congressional races that will be decided by Nassau and Suffolk county voters this Election Day. US House Office of Photography // Wikimedia Commons user Meenween 1st District: Nick LaLota vs. John Avlon Incumbent Republican Rep. Nick LaLota is hoping to defend his 1st District seat from Democratic challenger John Avlon. The district includes the eastern two-thirds of Suffolk County. The 46-year-old LaLota is a US Navy veteran who received a law degree from Hofstra …
Jones-Lawler 17th District Congressional Showdown Labeled 'Race To Watch' By Politico Jones-Lawler 17th District Congressional Showdown Labeled 'Race To Watch' By Politico
Jones-Lawler 17th District Congressional Showdown Labeled 'Race To Watch' By Politico The race for New York's 17th District seat is drawing national attention, as it may play a large role in what party ends up securing a majority in the House, according to a new report by Politico. The race between incumbent Rep. Mike Lawler, a 38-year-old Republican, and Democrat Mondaire Jones, age 37, has been labeled a "race to watch" by Politico in a new report from Sunday, Oct. 27.  The 17th District consists of all of Rockland and Putnam counties, most of Northern Westchester, and portions of southern Dutchess County. According to the outlet, the seat is one of a handf…
Mondaire Jones Slams Putnam Rep. Lawler For Supporting Trump After Report He Praised Hitler Mondaire Jones Slams Putnam Rep. Lawler For Supporting Trump After Report He Praised Hitler
Mondaire Jones Slams Putnam Rep. Lawler For Supporting Trump After Report He Praised Hitler Mondaire Jones is not holding back his criticism of his opponent in the race for New York's 17th Congressional District seat, Rep. Mike Lawler, for his support of former President Donald Trump despite his longest-serving chief of staff saying he meets the definition of a fascist.  Jones, a Democrat, made comments against Lawler, a Republican, following remarks made by former Trump chief of staff and four-star Marine general John Kelly, who told The New York Times that Trump "certainly falls into the general definition of fascist."  According to the Times, Kelly also said that Trum…
Brand-New Poll Sheds Light On Riley-Molinaro Congressional Race Brand-New Poll Sheds Light On Riley-Molinaro Congressional Race
Brand-New Poll Sheds Light On Riley-Molinaro Congressional Race A new poll shows Democrat Josh Riley with a four-point lead in the hotly contested 19th Congressional District 19 race against Republican incumbent Marc Molinaro. The poll, produced by SurveyUSA for News Channel 13 in Albany, found the two in a tight race but with the potential for a different result from the showdown between the same candidates two years ago. In 2022, Molinaro beat Riley by 1.6 points, or 4,500 votes. District 19 includes all of Broome, Chenango, Columbia, Cortland, Delaware, Greene, Sullivan, Tioga, and Tompkins counties and parts of Otsego, Rensselaer, and Ulster counti…
Food Hall Gets Liquor License In Mount Kisco Thanks To Amended Legislation Food Hall Gets Liquor License In Mount Kisco Thanks To Amended Legislation
Food Hall Gets Liquor License In Mount Kisco Thanks To Amended Legislation Thanks to the efforts of lawmakers, a Northern Westchester eatery that had been unable to get a liquor license for years because of its proximity to a church can finally serve drinks.  Since opening in February 2016, Mount Kisco's Exit 4 Food Hall, located at 153 East Main St., had been trying to secure a state liquor license. However, co-owner Isi Albanese was unable to do so for years because the eatery was located within 200 feet of a local church.  This posed a problem, as New York state law prohibited issuing liquor licenses to establishments within 200 feet of a house o…
Competitive Long Island, Hudson Valley Races Seen As Key To What Party Controls House Competitive Long Island, Hudson Valley Races Seen As Key To What Party Controls House
Competitive Long Island, Hudson Valley Races Seen As Key To What Party Controls House As Election Day draws closer, political pundits are closely watching three New York congressional races that could determine which party controls the House next year. Freshmen Republican Reps. Mike Lawler, Marc Molinaro, and Anthony D’Esposito – supporters of former President Donald Trump in districts won by President Joe Biden in 2020 – are all hoping for repeat wins in November. Here’s a closer look at their races. Mondaire Jones (left) and Rep. Mike Lawler. Campaign Facebook Pages 17th District: Lawler vs. Jones Lawler, whose 17th District represents all of Rockland and Pu…
Rockland County Rep. Lawler Admits Donning Blackface As 'Hero' Michael Jackson In NYT Exposé Rockland County Rep. Lawler Admits Donning Blackface As 'Hero' Michael Jackson In NYT Exposé
Rockland County Rep. Lawler Admits Donning Blackface As 'Hero' Michael Jackson In NYT Exposé New York Rep. Mike Lawler – a freshman Republican hoping to defend his battleground congressional seat in the Hudson Valley – admitted to once donning blackface, The New York Times reports. The 38-year-old Lawler darkened his skin and dressed up as Michael Jackson for Halloween while he was a sophomore at the now Manhattan University in 2006, photos obtained by the outlet show. In a statement to the New York Times, Lawler said the costume was meant to be “truly the sincerest form of flattery, a genuine homage to my musical hero since I was a little kid trying to moonwalk through my mom’s ki…
'Jury Of Our Peers Act' Allowing Convicted Felons To Serve On Juries Passes NY Legislature 'Jury Of Our Peers Act' Allowing Convicted Felons To Serve On Juries Passes NY Legislature
'Jury Of Our Peers Act' Allowing Convicted Felons To Serve On Juries Passes NY Legislature New Yorkers with felony convictions could soon serve on court juries after state lawmakers passed legislation reversing the lifetime ban on such service. The New York State Assembly on Friday, June 7, passed the “Jury of Our Peers Act,” which would allow those convicted of felonies to serve on New York juries once they are released from prison or have otherwise satisfied all of their sentencing requirements. Advocates say the move will help rectify an underrepresentation of minorities on juries. “Black New Yorkers have been systematically denied the right to serve on juries as they are dis…
Park In Yorktown To Be Named After Former Town Supervisor After His Sudden Death Park In Yorktown To Be Named After Former Town Supervisor After His Sudden Death
Park In Yorktown To Be Named After Former Town Supervisor After His Sudden Death A park and sports complex in Northern Westchester will soon be named in honor of a former town supervisor who died suddenly.  During a ceremony to be held on Saturday, June 8, at 9 a.m. the Granite Knolls Recreation & Sports Complex at 2975 Stony St. in Yorktown will be renamed after the town's former supervisor Tom Diana, who died on Friday, Jan. 5 at the age of 66 only days after being sworn into the position.  Earlier Report - Update: Funeral Details Released After Sudden Death Of Yorktown Town Supervisor Thomas Diana According to Yorktown officials, the park wil…
Bill Adding Fencing To Hudson Valley Bridges To Prevent People From Deadly Jumps Moves Forward Bill Adding Fencing To Hudson Valley Bridges To Prevent People From Deadly Jumps Moves Forward
Bill Adding Fencing To Hudson Valley Bridges To Prevent People From Deadly Jumps Moves Forward A bill aimed at stopping suicides by adding preventive fencing to five Hudson Valley bridges has passed the New York State Senate unanimously. Now, the bill introduced by State Sen. Pete Harckham (D, Mount Kisco), will move to the State Assembly, whose session ends on Friday, June 7, for consideration. The bill mandates that climb deterrent fencing be installed on all bridges under the New York State Bridge Authority (NYSBA) jurisdiction. The five Hudson Valley bridges are: Bear Mountain Bridge. Rip Van Winkle Bridge,  Kingston-Rhinecliff Bridge,  Mid-Hudson Bridge,  Newbu…
'Melanie's Law' Closing Loophole That Led To Hudson Valley Mom's Killing Passes Assembly 'Melanie's Law' Closing Loophole That Led To Hudson Valley Mom's Killing Passes Assembly
'Melanie's Law' Closing Loophole That Led To Hudson Valley Mom's Killing Passes Assembly Two years after a young mother from New York was stabbed to death by her mother’s ex-boyfriend, state lawmakers have passed legislation aimed at closing the dangerous loophole that led to her killing. On Tuesday, May 21, the New York Assembly passed “Melanie’s Law,” allowing judges to expand orders of protection for immediate family members or household members of named victims of domestic violence, regardless of their age. The legislation is named after Melanie Chianese, who was stabbed to death on May 29, 2022, inside the Dutchess County residence in Wappingers Falls that she shared with …
Briarcliff Manor Seeks $20M To Help Fix 'Outdated, Dilapidated' Route 9A Briarcliff Manor Seeks $20M To Help Fix 'Outdated, Dilapidated' Route 9A
Briarcliff Manor Seeks $20M To Help Fix 'Outdated, Dilapidated' Route 9A A village in Northern Westchester is urging state officials to allocate $20 million toward designing improvements for a busy main route that has fallen into disrepair.  In an announcement on Thursday, March 21, Briarcliff Manor village officials urged New York Gov. Kathy Hochul and the State Assembly to allocate $20 million in the new state budget for the preliminary design of improvements for Route 9A, which they say is "outdated and dilapidated."  The request follows the completion of a yearlong study into Route 9A conducted by the New York State Department of Transportation. I…
Yorktown To Hold Special Election After Supervisor's Sudden Death Yorktown To Hold Special Election After Supervisor's Sudden Death
Yorktown To Hold Special Election After Supervisor's Sudden Death A town in Northern Westchester will hold a special election to replace its supervisor, who died suddenly just days after being sworn in.  In a special meeting held on Wednesday night, Jan. 31, the Yorktown Town Board unanimously passed a motion to hold a special election on Tuesday, April 16 to determine who will replace Supervisor Thomas Diana, who died suddenly on Friday, Jan. 5 at the age of 66.  Earlier Report - Update: Funeral Details Released After Sudden Death Of Yorktown Town Supervisor Thomas Diana In addition to in-person voting, residents can vote via both ea…
Update: Funeral Details Released After Sudden Death Of Yorktown Town Supervisor Thomas Diana Update: Funeral Details Released After Sudden Death Of Yorktown Town Supervisor Thomas Diana
Update: Funeral Details Released After Sudden Death Of Yorktown Town Supervisor Thomas Diana Funeral arrangements have been announced for a beloved Northern Westchester town supervisor who died suddenly just days after being sworn in.  A visitation for Yorktown Town Supervisor Thomas Diana, who died on Friday, Jan. 5 at the age of 66, will be held on Monday, Jan. 8 between 2 p.m. and 9 p.m. at Yorktown Funeral Home located at 945 East Main St., according to his obituary.  Earlier Report - Yorktown Supervisor Thomas Diana Dies Suddenly: 'Was Incredible Friend To So Many' To help Yorktown residents travel to the visitation service, the town will provide a sh…
$1 Million Project: Animal Shelter To Be Reconstructed By Mount Vernon $1 Million Project: Animal Shelter To Be Reconstructed By Mount Vernon
$1 Million Project: Animal Shelter To Be Reconstructed By Mount Vernon After years of neglect, an animal shelter in Westchester that closed earlier in 2023 is getting $1 million toward restoring and enhancing its services, city officials announced.  The Mount Vernon Animal Shelter, which closed earlier in 2023, will receive a million dollars in funding that will go toward "essential resources" needed to restore its operation, city officials said.  The funding was announced on Friday, May 3 by Mount Vernon Mayor Shawyn Patterson-Howard and New York State Assemblyman J. Gary Pretlow, who represents parts of Yonkers and Mount Vernon.  In addi…
NY Assemblywoman And Ossining Resident Representing Northern Westchester To Retire NY Assemblywoman And Ossining Resident Representing Northern Westchester To Retire
NY Assemblywoman And Ossining Resident Representing Northern Westchester To Retire Democratic New York Assemblywoman Sandy Galef, who represents the 95th Assembly District, has announced her retirement from public office after 30 years of service.  Galef, an 82-year-old resident of Ossining, said that she would retire from her seat at the end of 2022 in an announcement on Thursday, Dec. 15.  First elected to the seat in 1992, Galef represents parts of Northern Westchester, including Peekskill, Cortlandt, Croton-on-Hudson, Ossining, and parts of Yorktown, as well as parts of Putnam County, including Philipstown, Kent, Cold Spring, and Nelsonville.  She has …
Historic: House Democrats Elect NY Rep. As Leader, First Black Person To Head Party In Congress Historic: House Democrats Elect NY Rep. As Leader, First Black Person To Head Party In Congress
Historic: House Democrats Elect NY Rep. As Leader, First Black Person To Head Party In Congress History has been made after House Democrats elected New York Congressman Hakeem Jeffries as their leader, marking the first time a Black person will lead a party in either chamber of Congress. The move came in a closed-door meeting on Capitol Hill Wednesday morning, Nov. 30, CNN reports. Earlier Report: NY Congressman Seen As Favorite To Become Dems' Congressional Leader After Pelosi Departure Jeffries, the caucus chair who represents New York’s 8th Congressional District covering eastern Brooklyn and southwestern Queens, was unopposed in running for leader, the outlet reports. The 52-ye…
NY Congressman Seen As Favorite To Become Dems' Congressional Leader After Pelosi Departure NY Congressman Seen As Favorite To Become Dems' Congressional Leader After Pelosi Departure
NY Congressman Seen As Favorite To Become Dems' Congressional Leader After Pelosi Departure The next House Minority Leader will most likely hail from New York, according to multiple reports. Democratic Rep. Hakeem Jeffries, who represents the state’s 8th Congressional District covering eastern Brooklyn and southwestern Queens, is widely viewed as the favorite to succeed California Rep. Nancy Pelosi, who announced Thursday, Nov. 17, that she would not seek a party leadership role in the next Congress. Jeffries, age 52, was elected to Congress in 2012 after previously serving in the New York State Assembly since 2007, representing the 57th Assembly District. He has chaired the Hous…
'Incredibly Grateful': Republican Marc Molinaro Prevails In NY's 19th District Race 'Incredibly Grateful': Republican Marc Molinaro Prevails In NY's 19th District Race
'Incredibly Grateful': Republican Marc Molinaro Prevails In NY's 19th District Race In another win for Republicans, Marc Molinaro has prevailed over Democrat Josh Riley in New York’s 19th Congressional District, NBC News projects.  Molinaro, the Dutchess County executive, was leading Riley 51.1 to 48.9 percent with 99 percent of the vote counted as of Wednesday evening, Nov. 9. Earlier Report: Republican Marc Molinaro On Track To Win In NY’s 19th District (Developing) The 19th District includes the counties of Columbia, Delaware, Greene, Otsego, Schoharie, Sullivan, and Ulster, as well as portions of Broome, Dutchess, Montgomery, and Rensselaer counties. President Biden…
Sayegh Emerges Victorious In Close Assembly Race Representing Most Of Yonkers Sayegh Emerges Victorious In Close Assembly Race Representing Most Of Yonkers
Sayegh Emerges Victorious In Close Assembly Race Representing Most Of Yonkers Incumbent Democratic Assemblyman Nader Sayegh was able to hold back Republican Michael Breen to be reelected to represent District 90, which includes parts of Westchester County.  Sayegh beat Breen, a Yonkers City councilman, by more than 1,600 votes, out-polling him 53 percent to 47 percent, according to a release from Sayegh's campaign.  Assemblyman Nader Sayegh and supporters celebrate as he declares Victory in his re-election to serve the CIty of Yonkers in the State Assembly. pic.twitter.com/aUggkyyKQg — Nader J. Sayegh (@NaderJSayegh) November 9, 2022 In his victory speech at Cas…