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Compiled by Sahalie Donaldson

Tuesday, May 20, 2025

Weather

Mostly sunny in New York City and Buffalo and mostly cloudy in Albany. New York City, high 66; Albany, high 61; Buffalo, high 61.

This week's magazine

Hochul’s changed

* Gov. Kathy Hochul said she would “change the culture” of Albany when she took office, promising a new era of transparency and cooperation with the Legislature. But in the years since, she’s increasingly turned to political hardball to get her way, especially during budget negotiations.

Nonprofit Trailblazers

* The Nonprofit Trailblazers list spotlights innovators in the sector in New York, including visionary leaders of organizations and exemplary nonprofit staffers spearheading innovative programs and initiatives. They’ll all be honored at an event on Thursday.

 ▶ Read This Week's Issue

From City & State

* Who are state Sen. John Liu, City Council Member Yusef Salaam and the animal rights group NYCLASS backing for New York City comptroller? We’re tracking all the endorsers of Justin Brannan and Mark Levine here.

* A new Siena poll shows that most voters would prefer someone other than Gov. Kathy Hochul as governor, but she’s still polling far better than her potential primary opponents, while Rep. Elise Stefanik is the leading GOP contender.

* The 5BORO Institute’s forthcoming merger with Citizens Union will create an even stronger and more influential civic organization to help clean up city government and advance smart public policy, write 5BORO Institute co-founder Tom Allon and chair Raj Goyle.

Free rides help New York veterans get to critical care

Nearly 1.8 million appointments are missed annually at the VA due to transportation issues.

The solution: A new study details how free rides through Uber Health helped veterans get to care, preventing 142,000 missed appointments and improving patient outcomes.

Read the study.

Heard around town

By Rebecca C. Lewis

Planet Albany sometimes feels like it exists in a galaxy far, far away. And yesterday, state senators celebrated a belated Star Wars Day, complete with stormtroopers and lightsabers. 

Star Wars Day falls on May 4 every year (May the Fourth be with you), but this year, state leaders were still negotiating a late budget. So instead, the commemoration happened on May 19, when lawmakers in the state Senate passed a resolution officially recognizing May 4 as Star Wars Day. There are few similarities between the Galactic Senate and the New York state Senate – Gov. Kathy Hochul may be a hard-charging executive, but she’s not a secret Sith lord – but both have a shared dysfunction that can grind government work to a standstill.

The resolution brought out the passionate inner nerds of members from both sides of the aisle. Before the session even started, state Sens. Gustavo Rivera and George Borrello showed off their lightsabers – green for Rivera, a Democrat, and red for Borrello, a Republican. (Forget that red is the color of the Sith.) They crossed sabers for a few photos in a moment of bipartisan camaraderie before taking their seats to get to work.

When the time came and state Senate Deputy Majority Leader Michael Gianaris – a diehard Star Wars fan – stood to introduce the resolution, two stormtroopers entered the chamber and went to flank Gianaris. “Madame president, I have a bad feeling about this,” he jokingly said as the soldiers of the evil Empire stood beside him. 

Gianaris, Rivera and Borrello each spoke about the impact that Star Wars has had on both themselves personally and on the wider culture – nearly 50 years after the first movie premiered. “1983, I was 8 years old, and the first movie I remember seeing in the movie theater was Return of the Jedi,” Rivera said, after putting down his lightsaber. “That’s why, even up to this day, even though people don’t like it, I still love me some Ewoks.”

Got tips? Email editor@cityandstateny.com.

New this morning

* The Trump administration yesterday allowed construction to restart on a huge wind farm off the coast of Long Island, a month after federal officials had issued a highly unusual stop-work order that had pushed the $5 billion project to the brink of collapse, The New York Times reports.

* New York City Mayor Eric Adams signed a business engagement agreement with Israel’s government yesterday, seeking to draw a sharp contrast with local progressive Democrats calling for divesting from the country over its military campaign in Gaza, the Daily News reports.

* Roughly 72 days after his arrest, Mahmoud Khalil – the country’s most prominent pro-Palestinian-protester-turned-prisoner – is still detained in Louisiana, waiting for a New Jersey federal judge to decide whether he can go free while his immigration case proceeds, the Times reports.

* New York City plans to pony up new funding for child care assistance, narrowly avoiding a doomsday scenario for now where tens of thousands of families could have lost access to their vouchers, the Daily News reports.

* Multiple former New York City Department of Correction top officials and government insiders cautioned that federal judge Laura Taylor Swain’s ruling to appoint an independent “remediation manager” to enact reforms at Rikers Island leaves open one major question: Who has ultimate authority? The City reports.

* More news below …

Brown & Weinraub continues to work on behalf of a broad range of clients in virtually every sector of New York’s economy. Our team includes former government officials and professionals experienced in advancing policy and funding agendas year-round. We help businesses navigate regulations, identify procurement opportunities, and advance their message to a variety of government stakeholders. We’re proud to provide our clients informed guidance about when and where their efforts can be most effective.

* Some immigrant students have been too afraid to attend class as President Donald Trump ramps up deportations, spurring some school districts to turn to virtual learning – a move the state’s education department is sanctioning, Chalkbeat New York reports.

* For more than an hour yesterday, attorneys and Erie County Court Judge Dennis Ward discussed the next steps in potential motion for contempt of court for correction officers who participated in illegal strikes across the state earlier this year, State of Politics reports.

* Gov. Kathy Hochul took a victory lap on restored service on the Rockaway A Train yesterday morning, but it’s still a mystery how the Metropolitan Transportation Authority will plug a funding hole in its massive five-year capital plan, the New York Post reports.

* In his first television ad in the race for mayor, there was no mention of Andrew Cuomo’s opponents in the Democratic primary or even Trump – rather, the ad focuses on the former governor’s work during the COVID-19 pandemic, NY1 reports.

* Pharmacists from Western New York to Long Island called for a new state law yesterday to limit the amount of money going to pharmacy benefit managers that they say are cutting into their reimbursements and causing drug stores around the state and country to close their doors, The Buffalo News reports.

"The Mets close out the month of May with a big homestand against the Dodgers, White Sox and Rockies. Don’t miss these match-ups!"

Editorial pages

* New York urgently needs the Earned Time Act, Second Look Act and Marvin Mayfield Act to advance safety and justice, change toxic prison cultures and offer fair pathways home for people who have transformed, Robert Ricks, the father of Robert Lee Brooks and a community leader with the Center for Community Alternatives, writes for the Times Union.

* Every other candidate has a housing plan but lacks the dedicated leadership to make it work. New York cannot survive under another spineless mayor, New York City mayoral candidate and former Assembly Member Michael Blake writes for City Limits.

The Race to Gracie Mansion

Episode 8: An Interview with Zellnor Myrie. Welcome to Episode 8 of our new podcast series: Race to Gracie Mansion. Co-host Bradley Tusk chats with mayoral candidate Zellnor Myrie about his plans to deliver more housing, safer subways and a Jalen Brunson cross-endorsement. Listen Now.

Sponsored by: Google, New York Apartment Association, AARP New York City

National politics

* The U.S. Justice Department said it would charge a Democratic New Jersey Rep. LaMonica McIver, whom authorities have accused of assaulting law enforcement officials during a confrontation last week outside an immigration detention center in Newark, The Washington Post reports.

* President Donald Trump is heading to Capitol Hill early today to seal the deal on his “big, beautiful bill,” using the power of political persuasion to unify divided House Republicans on the multitrillion-dollar package that is at risk of collapsing ahead of planned votes this week, The Associated Press reports.

* Trump yesterday backed off his demand that Russia declare an immediate ceasefire in Ukraine, instead endorsing President Vladimir Putin’s call for negotiations between Ukraine and Russia, the Times reports.

Affordability is the top priority for New Yorkers, who are already suffering from high costs. If S.1464/A.1749 is enacted, the average family of four will pay up to $732 more per year for groceries and the small businesses that are the backbone of our communities will be hurt — all without meaningfully protecting our environment. New Yorkers and businesses are saying NO to higher prices and empty shelves, and YES to an AFFORDABLE waste reduction law. Read more here.

Announcements

HAPPY BIRTHDAY: To to former Gov. David Paterson … to Jeff Friedman, regional political organizer at New York State United Teachers … to former Assembly Member Ellen Jaffee … to former Assembly Member to Mark Alan Siegel … to Vincent LeVien, director of external affairs for DeSales Media Group and the Roman Catholic Diocese of Brooklyn … to Anthony R. Jordan, district manager for Bronx Community Board 1 … to Michael S. Miller, CEO emeritus of the Jewish Community Relations Council of New York … to Maria Doulis, deputy state comptroller for budget and policy analysis … to Bhav Tibrewal, political director at the New York Hotel Trades Council … to Norman Steisel, chair and CEO of EnEssCo Strategies and former first deputy mayor of New York City … and to Alex Elmasri, vice president at The Parkside Group. 

MOVING ON: Grace Rauh, founding executive director of the 5BORO Institute, has been named the Citizen Union’s new executive director. The 5BORO Institute also has been welcomed as a new public policy program at the Citizens Union, and the nonprofit think tank's co-chairs Tom Allon and Raj Goyle have been added to the Citizens Union Board. Allon additionally is founder and publisher of City & State.

Have a birthday, career change, birth, death or life event to announce? Email us: editor@cityandstateny.com.

City & State NY Jobs

To advertise your 2025 employment opportunities here with City & State, email jobs@cityandstateny.com or call (212) 894-5417 ext. 520. To view more jobs, please visit jobs.cityandstateny.com.

State Policy Advocate - New York League of Conservation Voters – Albany, New York
We need you on the frontline of environmental advocacy, representing NYLCV in Albany during a critical time for climate and sustainability policy. During the legislative session, play a vital role in advancing NYLCV’s legislative and budget priorities. Outside of legislative session, work across the Capital Region and Western/Central NY. Learn more here!

The NYS AAPI Summit returns for its second year on May 29–30, 2025 in Albany! Hosted by the NYS APA Task Force and Chairwoman Assemblymember Grace Lee, this two-day event brings together AAPI leaders, community organizations, and elected officials for vital conversations on issues that matter to the community. Tickets are free—but space is limited. Registration is required. Don’t miss your chance to be part of it. Register today at nysaapisummit.com.

Today's sked

The state Legislature is in session.

8 a.m. – New York City Mayor Eric Adams appears live on La Mega 97.9 FM. 

9 a.m. – New York City Public Advocate Jumaane Williams launches a five-borough transit tour ahead of President Donald Trump's congestion pricing deadline, 1 Bay St., Staten Island.

9 a.m. – The Assembly Agriculture Committee meets, Room 829, Legislative Office Building, Albany.

9 a.m. – The Assembly Children and Families Committee meets, Room 624, Legislative Office Building, Albany.

9:15 a.m. – The Coalition for Equitable Education Funding holds a rally to advocate for long-term funding and additional investments for important education programs, City Hall steps, Manhattan.

9:30 a.m. – The state Senate Women’s Issues Committee meets, Room 801, Legislative Office Building, Albany.

9:30 a.m. – The Assembly Cities Committee meets, Room 843, Legislative Office Building, Albany.

9:30 a.m. – The Assembly Libraries and Education Technology Committee meets, Room 715, Legislative Office Building, Albany.

9:30 a.m. – The New York City Landmarks Preservation Commission votes on the proposed designation of the former site of the Whitney Museum of American Art, New York City Landmarks Preservation Commission, 253 Broadway ,second floor, Manhattan.

9:30 a.m. – New York City Council Speaker Adrienne Adams participates in the council’s Maternal Health Steering Committee meeting, no location provided. 

10 a.m. – Williams holds a media availability to release a review on congestion pricing and federal funding, 1 Bowling Green, Manhattan.

10 a.m. – The New York City Council Committee on Finance and Committee on Education hold an executive budget hearing, Council chamber, City Hall, Manhattan.

10 a.m. – The state Senate Social Services Committee meets, Room 410, Legislative Office Building, Albany.

10 a.m. – The state Senate Education Committee meets, Room 510, Legislative Office Building, Albany.

10 a.m. – The state Senate Local Government Committee meets, Room 904, Legislative Office Building, Albany.

10 a.m. – The Assembly Economic Development Committee meets, Room 846, Legislative Office Building, Albany.

10 a.m. – The Assembly People with Disabilities Committee meets, Room 715, Legislative Office Building, Albany.

10 a.m. – The state Senate Civil Service and Pensions Committee meets, Room 123, state Capitol, Albany.

10 a.m. – Staten Island Borough President Vito Fossella, the United States Navy and Catholic Charities of Staten Island hold the annual Mount Loretto Aviation Fleet Week event, Mount Loretto, 6541 Hylan Blvd., Staten Island.

10 a.m. – Five NYC public school students from neighborhoods considered food deserts appeal to the City Council to fund their student- and community-run farm stands and nutrition education programs in Brooklyn, City Hall Park, Manhattan.

10 a.m. – New York City Comptroller Brad Lander hosts the Prevailing Wage Council, David N. Dinkins Municipal Building, 1 Centre St., north side mezzanine, Manhattan.

10:30 a.m. – Gov. Kathy Hochul visits the Seneca Nation of Indians. Media interested in attending must RSVP to press.rsvp@exec.ny.gov for location and logistical details.

10:30 a.m. – Lander unveils his plans to grow jobs and tackle the affordability crisis in New York City, outside 1 Centre St., Manhattan.

10:30 a.m. – The state Senate Higher Education Committee meets, Room 124, state Capitol, Albany.

10:30 a.m. – The state Senate Banks Committee meets, Room 710, Legislative Office Building, Albany.

10:30 a.m. – The Assembly Social Services Committee meets, Room 843, Legislative Office Building, Albany.

10:45 a.m. – State Sen. Zellnor Myrie, Assembly Members Demond Meeks and Eddie Gibbs hold a press conference to urge the passage of the No Slavery in New York Act, The Well, Legislative Office Building, Albany.

11 a.m. – The New York City Council Subcommittee on Zoning and Franchises holds a hearing to review the land use application for the One45 project in Manhattan, 16th floor committee room, 250 Broadway, Manhattan.

11 a.m. – The state Senate Disabilities Committee meets, Room 124, state Capitol, Albany.

11 a.m. – The state Senate Finance Committee meets, Room 124, state Capitol, Albany.

11 a.m. – The Assembly Energy Committee meets, Room 715, Legislative Office Building, Albany.

11 a.m. – The Assembly Governmental Operations Committee meets, Room 623, Legislative Office Building, Albany.

11 a.m. – The Black, Puerto Rican, Hispanic and Asian Legislative Caucus and other lawmakers, NAACP of New York, formerly incarcerated New Yorkers and crime survivors rally to demand enactment of the Elder Parole and Fair and Timely Parole bills, War Room, state Capitol, Albany.

11 a.m. – State Sen. Kristen Gonzalez and Assembly Member Steven Otis hold an AI Week Press Conference to call for the passage of artificial intelligence-related legislation before the end of session, Million Dollar Staircase, third floor, state Capitol, Albany.

11:30 a.m. – Adams makes a veterans-related announcement and holds in-person media availability, Blue Room, City Hall, Manhattan. 

11:30 a.m. – The state Senate Labor Committee meets, Room 308, Legislative Office Building, Albany.

11:30 a.m. – Advocates, directly impacted individuals and elected officials hold a press conference calling for the immediate passage of the Gender Identity Respect, Dignity, and Safety Act, Senate Gallery, fourth floor, Albany.

12 p.m. – Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso and the New York City Council Brooklyn Delegation lead a rally to demand a major investment to fight deed theft in the fiscal year 2026 budget, City Hall steps, Manhattan.

12 p.m. – The state Senate Health Committee meets, Room 124, state Capitol, Albany.

12 p.m. – The state Senate Judiciary Committee meets, Room 123, state Capitol, Albany.

12 p.m. – The state Senate Cities 1 Committee meets, Room 411, Legislative Office Building, Albany.

12 p.m. – The Assembly Aging Committee meets, Room 823, Legislative Office Building, Albany.

12:30 p.m. – The state Senate Cultural Affairs, Tourism, Parks and RecreationCommittee meets, Room 123, state Capitol, Albany.

12:30 p.m. – The state Senate Transportation Committee meets, Room 801, Legislative Office Building, Albany.

12:30 p.m. – The state Senate Codes Committee meets, Room 807, Legislative Office Building, Albany.

12:45 p.m. – Hochul announces fiscal year 2026 budget investments for Western New York families, Northwest Buffalo Community Center, 155 Lawn Ave., Buffalo

1 p.m. – State Sen. Brad Hoylman-Sigal and Assembly Member Alex Bores hold a press conference to call for the passage of the Uncap Justice Act, fourth floor Senate Lobby, state Capitol, Albany.

1 p.m. – The New York State Cannabis Control Board holds a public meeting, The Community Outreach & Engagement Center, 907 Michigan Ave., Buffalo.

1 p.m. – Oneida County Executive Anthony J. Picente Jr. delivers his 2025 State of the County address, Shenendoah Club House, Turning Stone Resort Casino, 5218 Patrick Road, Verona.

1:15 p.m. – NYSUT President Melinda Person and state Sens. James Skoufis and Shelley Mayer host a press conference celebrating the power of play and the importance of recess, Million Dollar Staircase, state Capitol, Albany.

2 p.m. – Adams delivers opening remarks at the first-ever New York City Crypto Summit, Gracie Mansion, East 88th Street and East End Avenue, Manhattan. 

2 p.m. – Speaker Adams delivers remarks at funding announcement with City Council Members Lincoln Restler and Justin Brannan, United Jewish Organizations, 498 Bedford Ave., Brooklyn.

3 p.m. – The state Senate is in session, Senate chamber, state Capitol, Albany.

6:30 p.m. – Adams delivers remarks at the Israeli American Council Gala, no location provided. 

7:40 p.m. – Adams delivers remarks at the closing reception of New York City Crypto Summit, no location provided. 

Kicker

“I think the judge tried to split the baby.” – Martin Horn, who served as commissioner of the New York City Department of Correction during the Bloomberg administration, on confusion over who will actually control Rikers Island after a federal judge said she will appoint a remediation manager, via The City

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