Latest news with #NewYorkStateBudget
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Politics
- Yahoo
Zohran Mamdani missing in Albany as he campaigns for NYC mayor, was absent for whopping 50% of Assembly votes
ALBANY – Socialist Democrat Zohran Mamdani has been MIA from the state Capitol as he campaigns for New York City mayor — missing a whopping more than 50% of votes in the Assembly. The Queens pol has been absent for 231 roll call votes so far this year — more than any other member of the state Assembly, according to tallies reviewed by The Post. That number marked just over half of the total votes held by the lower chamber of the Legislature as of Tuesday. The records show that Mamdani — who announced his candidacy for the Democratic mayoral nomination in late October — hasn't made a roll call vote in the Assembly since the state budget was passed on May 8. The chamber has had 11 voting business days in that time — none of which included the far-left pol's voice. 'Some people take their jobs seriously, others don't,' one Democratic lawmaker, who asked to remain anonymous, quipped. Other state lawmakers who are also running for the Democratic nod have missed a considerable number of votes, too, though fewer than Mamdani. State Sen. Zellnor Myrie (D-Brooklyn) missed about 49% of votes, the most of any representative in his chamber. And State Sen. Jessica Ramos (D-Queens) has missed the third most votes in the senate with a 27% absence rate. Mamdani's truancy is especially noteworthy as Assembly lawmakers have the ability to cast votes remotely through a videoconferencing setup introduced during the COViD-19 pandemic. He has taken advantage of his remote-voting ability — including on a controversial measure to authorize physician-assisted suicide in April — but its unclear exactly how many of the votes he actually made were done via video. Assembly rules state that members can only vote remotely during situations such as 'disability, illness, caregiving responsibilities, or any other significant or unexpected factor.' Mamdani's spokesperson said the lefty politician has continued to push legislation from afar, such as a new bill that would require utility companies to notify customers when making a bid with the state to change their rates. His office also pointed to as proof of Mamdani doing his job events that he's held for constituents, including to support asylum seekers, and holding meetings with various groups from his district. 'Zohran became a top tier candidate for NYC mayor while maintaining a near perfect attendance record through the conclusion of the weeks-delayed New York State Budget,' Mamdani campaign spokesperson Andrew Epstein said in a statement. 'Since then, he has spent most of his time talking to voters across the five boroughs while continuing to maintain fully operational and effective Albany and district offices, cosponsoring legislation, marshaling bipartisan legislation taking on ConEd through committee, and addressing constituent concerns,' Epstein said. State Sen. Michael Gianaris (D-Queens), whose district overlaps with Mamdani's, came to the fellow Queens pol's defense over his absences. 'I know Zohran has continued to work hard for his district even while running a very active citywide campaign,' Gianaris said. 'My office interacts with his frequently on issues important to our shared constituents and that has not slowed down at all.' But Assemblyman Ed Ra (R-Nassau) — who has perfect attendance — made a dig at Mamdani's absences. 'I didn't realize he hasn't been there honestly,' Ra remarked.
New York Post
5 days ago
- Politics
- New York Post
Zohran Mamdani missing in Albany as he campaigns for NYC mayor, was absent for whopping 50% of Assembly votes
ALBANY – Socialist Democrat Zohran Mamdani has been MIA from the state Capitol as he campaigns for New York City mayor — missing a whopping more than 50% of votes in the Assembly. The Queens pol has been absent for 231 roll call votes so far this year — more than any other member of the state Assembly, according to tallies reviewed by The Post. That number marked just over half of the total votes held by the lower chamber of the Legislature as of Tuesday. The records show that Mamdani — who announced his candidacy for the Democratic mayoral nomination in late October — hasn't made a roll call vote in the Assembly since the state budget was passed on May 8. The chamber has had 11 voting business days in that time — none of which included the far-left pol's voice. 'Some people take their jobs seriously, others don't,' one Democratic lawmaker, who asked to remain anonymous, quipped. Other state lawmakers who are also running for the Democratic nod have missed a considerable number of votes, too, though fewer than Mamdani. State Sen. Zellnor Myrie (D-Brooklyn) missed about 49% of votes, the most of any representative in his chamber. Assemblymember Zohran Mamdani has missed every Assembly roll call vote since the state budget was passed on May 8. Michael Nigro And State Sen. Jessica Ramos (D-Queens) has missed the third most votes in the senate with a 27% absence rate. Mamdani's truancy is especially noteworthy as Assembly lawmakers have the ability to cast votes remotely through a videoconferencing setup introduced during the COViD-19 pandemic. He has taken advantage of his remote-voting ability — including on a controversial measure to authorize physician-assisted suicide in April — but its unclear exactly how many of the votes he actually made were done via video. Assembly rules state that members can only vote remotely during situations such as 'disability, illness, caregiving responsibilities, or any other significant or unexpected factor.' Mamdani's spokesperson said the lefty politician has continued to push legislation from afar, such as a new bill that would require utility companies to notify customers when making a bid with the state to change their rates. His office also pointed to as proof of Mamdani doing his job events that he's held for constituents, including to support asylum seekers, and holding meetings with various groups from his district. 'Zohran became a top tier candidate for NYC mayor while maintaining a near perfect attendance record through the conclusion of the weeks-delayed New York State Budget,' Mamdani campaign spokesperson Andrew Epstein said in a statement. 'Since then, he has spent most of his time talking to voters across the five boroughs while continuing to maintain fully operational and effective Albany and district offices, cosponsoring legislation, marshaling bipartisan legislation taking on ConEd through committee, and addressing constituent concerns,' Epstein said. Assembly lawmakers can vote remotely under special circumstances. Hans Pennink State Sen. Michael Gianaris (D-Queens), whose district overlaps with Mamdani's, came to the fellow Queens pol's defense over his absences. 'I know Zohran has continued to work hard for his district even while running a very active citywide campaign,' Gianaris said. 'My office interacts with his frequently on issues important to our shared constituents and that has not slowed down at all.' But Assemblyman Ed Ra (R-Nassau) — who has perfect attendance — made a dig at Mamdani's absences. 'I didn't realize he hasn't been there honestly,' Ra remarked.
Yahoo
19-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Proposed school budgets for 2025-26 school year in the Southern Tier
SOUTHERN TIER, N.Y. (WETM) — New Yorkers will go to the polls on Tuesday to vote in favor of or against their local school budgets, appoint new board members, and vote for any other propositions raised by the school districts. Similar to last year, districts in the Southern Tier have proposed increases and decreases to their budgets, along with increases and decreases to the tax rate. Five school districts in the Southern Tier will require a supermajority to pass, meaning a 60% majority is needed. The districts needing a supermajority are Horseheads, Bradford, Corning, Prattsburgh, and Waverly. A list of all the schools in our area can be found below with the proposed budgets, tax rate increases/decreases, and board seats up for election. Graduates walk in Elmira College's 167th Commencement Ceremony School District Proposed Budget Tax Rate Increase Board Seats Voting Hours Elmira School District $155,344,907 -6.44% Seven running for four seats 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Elmira Heights $29,978,969 2% Zero running for one seat 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Horseheads $93,884,722 3.03% Seven running for three seats 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. It must be noted that due to the late passing of the New York State Budget in April, additional foundation aid was received by the district. This additional aid of $364,119 is not included in the current budget, but narrows the gap between the Governor's initial budget proposal and the official state-approved funding for Horseheads, the district said. As a result, Superintendent Douglas announced he would use the late funding to reduce the taxes for the community once the school budget is passed. This reduction would reduce the estimated full-value tax rate increase for property and business owners. The current rate estimated the district at $.48 per $1,000 assessed home value. With the new funding, that rate would drop to $.36 per $1,000 assessed full value. The district said this move would help ease the burden on Horseheads residents. School District Proposed Budget Tax Rate Increase Board Seats Voting Hours Odessa-Montour $22,562,566 4% Three running for two seats Noon to 8 p.m. Watkins Glen $31,433,950 1.76% Four running for three seats Noon to 8 p.m. Steuben County Proposed Budget Tax Rate Increase Board Seats Voting Hours Addison $36,880,787 0% Two running for one seat Noon to 8:30 p.m. Arkport $15,732,523 -1.15% Two running for one seat 11 a.m. to 8 a.m. Avoca $14,562,895 2.98% One running for one seat Noon to 8 p.m. Bath $50,861,699 2.15% Four running for two seats Noon to 8 p.m. Bradford $10,286,439 5.85% One running for two seats Noon to 8 p.m. Campbell-Savona $27,287,344 2% Five running for two seats Noon to 8 p.m. Canisteo-Greenwood $30,160,712 1.92% Six running for three seats Noon to 8 p.m. Corning $146,804,840 1.65% Four running for three seats 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Hammonsdport $16,801,058 1.56% Two running for one seat Noon to 8 p.m. Hornell $44,978,293 1.24% One running for one seat Noon to 9 p.m. Jasper-Troupsburg $15,290,981 .25% Two running for one seat Noon to 8 p.m. Prattsburgh $12,157,375 11.66% One running for one seat Noon to 8 p.m. Wayland-Cohocton $38,061,723 3.08% Two running for one seat 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. School District Proposed Budget Tax Rate Increase Board Seats Voting Houts Spencer-Van Etten $29,070,645 1.30% Two running for two seats Noon to 8 p.m. Waverly $47,422,566 3.90% Two running for two seats Noon to 8 p.m. Voting is scheduled for Tuesday, May 20. 18 News will update this article as votes come in. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Time Out
01-05-2025
- Business
- Time Out
New Yorkers will receive their first-ever inflation refund checks later this year
Earlier this week, Governor Kathy Hochul led a press conference about the 2026 New York State Budget, announcing her intention to send inflation refund checks of up to $400 per family to over eight million households. 'The cost of living is still too damn high, so I promised to put more money in your pockets—and we got it done,' Hochul said during the event, explaining that the refunds will be funded by 'higher-than-expected sales tax revenue.' Whatever the reason, we're clearly here for it. Specific details regarding timing and distribution have yet to be announced, but according to an official press release, New York State will send direct payments to residents 'later this year.' The plan aims to give joint tax filers earning up to $150,000 a $400 check, while those earning between $150,000 and $300,000 will receive $300. Single tax filers making up to $75,000 will get $200, and those earning between $75,000 and $150,000 should expect $150. In addition to the inflation refunds, the 2026 New York State Budget proposes tripling the size of New York's child tax credit—essentially doubling the average payout from $472 to $943. Families will now be eligible for up to $1,000 per child under age four, and up to $500 per child through age 16. Hochul is also pushing to cut taxes for the middle class and ensure that all 2.7 million students across New York receive free breakfast and lunch at school, eliminating financial eligibility requirements entirely.
