Governor Cuomo‘s State of the State address comes as we are celebrating Martin Luther King’s birthday. Unfortunately, half a century after the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom, the dream of equality and prosperity for all remains unrealized. Income inequality in New York is the highest in the nation, with one-sixth of New Yorkers living below the poverty line. …
Future of Public Education Needs a Civil Conversation By Hon. RICHARD BRODSKY
There are never any easy issues in Albany, but the disagreements about public education are moving from argument to fistfight to brawl. In a bizarre way, almost every side has a legitimate point to make. But the influx of money, the exigencies of power, and the growing public interest is turning this into a witches’ cauldron. The players are known and …
Governor Cuomo Appoints Christine C. Quinn To Special Advisor
ALBANY, NY – January 17, 2015 — Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today announced the appointment of Christine C. Quinn as a Special Advisor. Quinn, joining an accomplished team, has long been committed to public service and will be an asset to the Governor as he expands on his agenda heading into his second term. “Christine Quinn is a proven leader …
CURRENT COMMENTARY: What Makes Republicans Evil? By LARRY M. ELKIN
Photo by and courtesy of Danny Huizinga “Republicans are evil,” my wife’s cousin said to me during a recent get-together. She knows I am a Republican, and she made no exception for my benefit, yet I did not take offense. I knew she did not mean to say that I am personally evil. Notwithstanding my party registration, voting habits and …
Senator Ruth Hassell-Thompson Elected to Leadership Role with Women In Government
At the 21st Annual State Directors’ and 11th Biennial First Term Legislators’ Conference in St. Pete Beach, Florida, Senator Ruth Hassell-Thompson was sworn in as a 2015 State Director with Women In Government, following her election to this position by her fellow state legislative colleagues this past year. “Women In Government congratulates Senator Ruth Hassell-Thompson in her position as a …
HAMILTON COMMENTARY: Looking Forward by Looking Back By Hon. LEE H. HAMILTON
The leadership of the new Congress is under pressure to show Americans that they can be successful. Let’s hope they consider “success” to include avoiding the bad habits of the past. With the 114th Congress just underway, the political world is focused intently on the road ahead. Taxes, trade, immigration, climate change, job creation, the Affordable Care Act there’s a …
What Hillary Needs to Learn from Mario By Hon. RICHARD BRODSKY
The history of the Clinton/Cuomo relationship is well known, but worth considering. The “what-ifs” are legion and fascinating. What If Mario had run in ’84, ’88 or ’92? What If Mario had accepted the Clinton offer to serve on the Supreme Court? And don’t forget the perception that Bill couldn’t hold a candle to Mario’s bright star, largely resulting from …
BREAKING NEWS EXCLUSIVE: Gov. Cuomo’s Aide Larry Schwartz to Depart; Bronxville’s William J. Mulrow to Fill Position By HEZI ARIS
Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s Other Appointments Below New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s top aide Larry Schwartz, holding the title of Secretary to Governor Cuomo will on Monday, January 12, 2015, announce his departure. Under the Governor Cuomo’s aegis, Mr Schwartz oversaw the transition that consumed the Long Island Power Authority, was the can-do guy instrumental in bringing about four ontime state …
Senate Democratic Conference Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins Re-elected at 2015-2016 Senate Session
ALBANY, NY – January 7, 2015 – The 2015-2016 Senate Session came to order and Democratic Conference Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins won re-election to maintain her leadership. “Thank you to the constituents of my district for re-electing me. And thank you to my Conference for once again choosing me as your Leader. I am truly honored and humbled by your support.” “I want …