State Budget Negotiations Begin + NYC-DSA Endorses AOC
No. 366 | Monday, March 18, 2024
The NYC Thorn is a weekly roundup of local political news compiled by members of NYC-DSA.
Local News
Both the New York State Assembly and Senate released their budget proposals, an important step in negotiating the final state budget between the governor and legislature. Some proposal highlights include: new taxes on the wealthiest New Yorkers, watered down tenant protections (the fight for Good Cause Eviction is ongoing), and changes to the governor’s education spending proposal.
Assembly Member Zohran Mamdani (District 36, Astoria) and State Senator Michael Gianaris (District 12, Western Queens) proposed expansions to bus service as part of the legislature's budget negotiations with Governor Hochul. They intend for these service expansions to begin ahead of the rollout of congestion pricing later this year.
City agencies and Mayor Eric Adams are punting on whose responsibility it is to ensure migrant children attend school, after recent questioning regarding frequent instances of such children selling candy on subway platforms during school hours.
Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie has been quietly dating a legislative lobbyist who has active business before the New York State Legislature, raising significant concerns about conflict of interest.
New York City reached a settlement to modify the city’s right to shelter, now guaranteeing only 30 days of shelter for adults over 23, 60 days for adults under 23, and access to bathrooms, food and other essentials.
Election News
NYC-DSA endorsed Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez in New York Congressional District 14 (The Bronx and Queens).
The NYC Local
Our chapter's labor newsletter, The Local, arrives every other week with a focus on labor organizing, bargaining, and local legislation that impacts NYC's workers. Give them a follow here.
Revolutions Per Minute
Listen to NYC-DSA's weekly radio show Revolutions Per Minute. Check out the show here.
