A message from City & State

View this email in your browser

Wednesday, January 14, 2026

Compiled by Peter Sterne and Rebecca C. Lewis

Hochul targets state grants to curb ICE collaboration

By Rebecca C. Lewis

“New York will not allow the use of State resources to assist in federal immigration raids on people who have not committed serious crimes.”

The line from Gov. Kathy Hochul’s State of the State address on Tuesday earned her a standing ovation. But after the speech, no one quite knew exactly what Hochul had meant when she said it. She did not expand on the message on her address, nor did her accompanying policy book contain any details. In fact, the 160-page book didn't even mention the idea of restricting state funds’ use in cooperating with federal immigration agents.

Some observers made guesses about what policy the applause line would translate into. None turned out to be quite right. According to details provided to City & State, Hochul will propose restricting the use of future state-funded public safety grants given to local law enforcement. Under the new restrictions, local officials would not be allowed to use any tech paid for and personnel paid with state dollars to collaborate with federal immigration authorities. But for anything else that uses non-state dollars, local law enforcement has free range to collaborate with Immigration and Customs Enforcement all they like. Aside from these broad strokes, the Hochul administration is still ironing out the details and specific language of the proposal. Read more here.

News briefing

As she gears up for a reelection fight, Gov. Kathy Hochul’s State of the State address was a tightrope walk between challenges from the left and right throwing off her political center of gravity.

Hochul’s speech had plenty of good news for New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani, as well as some silences that spoke volumes.

Per Politico, Mamdani reiterated after the speech that he believes New York must increase taxes on wealthy New Yorkers – which Hochul has steadfastly refused to do.

More news below …

The Sports Betting Alliance and its member companies provide legal platforms that offer:

- Age/identity verification requirements that prohibit minors

- In-app, customer-controlled tools that can limit bets, deposits, and time on app

- Problem gambling resources and information 

And each year, mobile sports betting delivers $1 billion for New York schools.

Learn more: BetOnNY.com

President Donald Trump vowed to cut off all funding next month to states like New York that contain sanctuary cities, The Associated Press reports.

As President Donald Trump muses about seizing Greenland, Rep. Greg Meeks is taking part in a congressional delegation to Denmark, State of Politics reports.

Per The New York Times, state Attorney General Letitia James announced the far-right pro-Israel group Betar U.S. will dissolve its NY operation.

The policy agenda

The state Legislature is adjourned until Tuesday, Jan. 20.

Safe streets advocates are not happy with Hochul’s proposal to allow testing of autonomous vehicles in New York state, according to Streetsblog.

And Gothamist reports that immigrant advocates aren’t totally satisfied with the governor’s proposals to stand up to ICE.

Hochul announced the state’s new universal child care pilot program will start with partnerships in Dutchess, Monroe and Broome Counties.

A recently released report highlights that New York ranks 50th in business friendliness, 50th in both taxation and migration, and 49th in projected working-age population growth. It is the second most regulated state, with more than 17 million words of regulations in effect, and the most legislatively active, with over 24,000 bills introduced in the 2023–24 session. CSNY & The Public Policy Institute of New York State, Inc. present, New York's Business Blueprint: Improving Economic Competitiveness and Creating a Roadmap for Change on 1/27 in Albany. Register now to discuss NY’s long-term economic competitiveness.

The kicker

“I have a pretty good sense of people who hate Jews.” – Assembly Member Charles Lavine, criticizing Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman for supporting Trump

Do you know a rising star in Albany government, politics, advocacy, business, labor, and media? Nominate them for City & State Albany'40 Under 40! Each year, City & State recognizes 40 individuals under the age of 40, who have already distinguished themselves in their fields and are on their way to amassing accomplishments well beyond their age. They have made great strides in their career and hold the promise of a bright future! Sounds like someone you know? Nominate a friend, client, or colleague for this honor!

Read this week's edition of City & State magazine

Did someone forward you this email? Stop letting people beat you to the punch on state politics coverage! Click here to get Albany Agenda in your own inbox.

Copyright © 2026 City & State NY LLC, All rights reserved.

You are receiving this email because you have subscribed to First Read Emails from City & State.

Our mailing address is:

City & State NY LLC
44 Wall Street, Suite 702
New York, NY 10005

Want to change how you receive these emails?
You can update your preferences or unsubscribe from this list.