Albany Fights Over Rent Control + The Secret Lists of Lying Cops
No 112
Monday, April 29, 2019
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Local News
- The State legislature is currently considering nine different bills addressing the expiration of New York’s rent laws this year. The State Assembly will be holding public hearings on the issue this week in Manhattan.
- Public defenders and criminal justice advocates want New York City DAs to make public their list of police officers with credibility problems. The Philadelphia DA’s office made public a similar list last year. Tiffany Cabán and two other candidates in this year’s Queens DA race have pledged to release the list if elected.
- The City is considering a plan to demolish two NYCHA buildings and replace them with private developments to meet budget shortfalls.
- Mayor Bill de Blasio released a revised budget plan, ahead of the July 1st start of the City’s new fiscal year. Like the plan de Blasio released in February, this one includes few new expenditures, in anticipation of lower tax revenues.
- After finally passing congestion pricing in this year’s State budget, Governor Cuomo has now reached an agreement to exempt drivers from New Jersey.
- ICE may have violated Ravi Ragbir’s free speech when it attempted to deport him last year, according to a federal appeals court ruling.
- In response to debate that stemmed from a recent CNN town hall for Democratic presidential candidates, Governor Cuomo stated that he opposes granting incarcerated people the right to vote.
- The L train slowdown got off to a rough start.
Elections
- State Senator Jessica Ramos (D-Elmhurst) endorsed Tiffany Cabán for Queens DA. Ramos, who defeated IDC-member Jose Peralta last year, has sponsored legislation to decriminalize sex work.
- Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie endorsed Melinda Katz for Queens DA.
- Council Member Jimmy Van Bramer (D-Long Island City) has announced his plans to run for Queens Borough President. The next election is currently scheduled for 2021, but a vacancy could open up earlier if current Borough President Melinda Katz is elected District Attorney this year.
- The 2019 Charter Revision Commission is considering a plan to establish ranked-choice voting in City elections.