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Governor Hochul Announces Budget Priorities and School Smartphone Ban
Governor Kathy Hochul has outlined her priorities for the fiscal year 2027 budget, focusing on universal child care and significant investments without increasing taxes. Additionally, she enacted a statewide ban on smartphone use in K-12 schools starting September 2025 to eliminate distractions. The governor also celebrated fairlife's $650 million investment in Monroe County, which will create jobs and bolster New York’s dairy industry.
NYC Department of Finance Services and Updates
The New York City Department of Finance is responsible for collecting revenues that fund city services. Due to a technical issue affecting the call center phone systems, residents are advised to visit any of the department's business centers in the five boroughs or submit inquiries online. The centers will be open from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on February 24th for all transactions. Additionally, the Department offers various services including property tax payments and disputes, parking ticket services, exemptions quick help, business tax services, and more, most of which can be conducted online through their website.
New York State Budget Signed After Delay, Includes Measures on ICE and Utilities
Governor Kathy Hochul signed a $268.5 billion budget for New York State nearly two months after the original deadline, addressing various issues including immigration and utility costs. The budget includes measures to limit cooperation between local governments and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), such as prohibiting formal agreements known as 287(g) agreements and preventing local jails from holding individuals on behalf of ICE. A federal judge later ruled in favor of the state's ban on these agreements, supporting New York’s stance that it is an appropriate means to protect public welfare and manage resources effectively. Additionally, the budget addresses high utility costs by enacting new reporting requirements for rate hikes, requiring lower-cost alternatives from companies seeking increases over 3%, and allowing for independent affordability monitors if necessary.
Mayor Mantello Highlights Troy's Strong Financial Position in Q2 Report
Troy Mayor Carmella R. Mantello previewed the city’s Second Quarter Financial Report for 2026, showcasing a strong financial position with expenditures under budget and superior credit ratings. The report demonstrates fiscal responsibility and strategic investments, including projects like Frear Park improvements and construction of a new firehouse in Lansingburgh. The city's financial discipline has maintained its high bond rating from S&P Global Ratings, providing flexibility for major capital projects and the use of $42 million in American Rescue Plan Act funding.
Comptroller Levine Reports Limited Use of NYC 'School Streets' Program
New York City Comptroller Mark Levine released a report ahead of the school year's start on September 10th, revealing that only 48 out of nearly one million public schools in New York City are utilizing the city’s “School Streets” program. The program aims to convert adjacent streets into additional outdoor space for physical education and other activities. Despite its potential benefits, the report highlights that just 27,000 students across these 48 schools benefit from this initiative, while nearly one in four public school students lack adequate outdoor space for physical education. The analysis suggests that 324 schools could potentially participate in the program if the cumbersome approval process were streamlined.
Albany Mayor's Financial Team Faces Tough Questions on Budget Crisis
At a Common Council Finance Committee meeting, city lawmakers questioned the mayor’s financial team about Albany’s fiscal crisis. The city faces a $22 million shortfall between revenue and expenses, raising concerns about potential inability to meet obligations by year-end. With reserves depleted, the possibility of borrowing funds at higher interest rates due to recent credit rating downgrades was discussed. Committee Chair Meghan Keegan asked for an emergency plan as the city approaches its fourth quarter with limited time to implement cost controls.
Mamdani Sues City Council Over $10,000 Bonuses to Teachers' Aides
The New York Times reports that Mamdani has filed a lawsuit against the City Council over legislation that grants $10,000 bonuses to teachers’ aides. The city claims this action violates collective bargaining laws and could lead to a significant conflict between the mayor's office and public sector unions. This dispute marks a potential high-profile battle in labor relations within New York City’s education system.
Governor Hochul Announces Budget and School Smartphone Restrictions
Governor Kathy Hochul has unveiled the FY 2027 Executive Budget, emphasizing investments in universal child care without increasing taxes. Additionally, she enacted a statewide ban on smartphone use during school hours for K-12 students starting September 2025 to reduce distractions and improve learning environments. The budget also includes inflation refund checks up to $400 sent to households across New York State in fall 2025.
Governor Hochul Announces $38 Million for County Infrastructure Projects
Governor Kathy Hochul has announced the allocation of over $38 million to support 49 infrastructure projects across New York State through the second round of the County Infrastructure Grant Program. Administered by Empire State Development, this program provides grants to small- and medium-sized county-led initiatives aimed at enhancing economic vitality and supporting Governor Hochul's housing agenda. The funding will facilitate the construction of over 3,200 new homes and includes a specific focus on projects that encourage placemaking and tourism. Additionally, an extra $50 million has been earmarked for the third round of grants in the FY 2027 budget.
NYC Department of Finance Services and Updates
The NYC Department of Finance is responsible for collecting revenues that fund city services. Due to a technical issue with their call center phone systems, the department advises residents to visit any business centers in the five boroughs or use online tools for assistance. The centers will be open on February 24 from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Services include paying tickets and property taxes, disputing tickets, parking ticket services, exemptions, property tax bills and payments, ACRIS (property records), business tax services, OATH ECB violations, and online payment options.
New York State Budget Signed After Deadline, Includes Measures on ICE and Utilities
Governor Kathy Hochul signed a $268.5 billion state budget nearly two months after the deadline. The budget includes measures to limit cooperation with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), such as prohibiting local jails from holding individuals on behalf of ICE and banning formal agreements between local governments and ICE known as 287(g) agreements. A federal judge has also denied a federal government motion for an injunction on New York’s new immigration law, which bans these agreements while blocking part of the law that prohibits ICE agents from wearing masks. Additionally, the budget addresses high utility costs by enacting new reporting requirements and rebate checks for eligible households.
Troy Council Reviews Budget Options Amid Deficit Concerns
The City of Troy's administration is exploring various measures to address a budget deficit. Mayor Dorcey Applyrs has stated that all options are on the table, including non-taxable land strategies, tax increases, and staff reductions. The city aims to find cost-saving solutions and revenue-raising methods to stabilize its financial situation.
Former DOJ Lawyer Says Trump Officials Ignored Evidence on Elite Universities
A former Justice Department lawyer has alleged that during the Trump administration, officials ignored their own investigators' findings and pressured elite universities like Brown and Columbia into making deals. The lawyer claims these schools were not found to have broken any laws by internal investigations but were still compelled to enter into agreements under political pressure. This revelation raises questions about the integrity of legal processes and the influence of politics on educational institutions during that period.
Governor Hochul's Budget and Policies for New York State
Governor Kathy Hochul has outlined several initiatives in her 2026 agenda aimed at making life more affordable, safer, and fairer for all New Yorkers. The budget includes funding for universal child care without increasing taxes, as well as historic investments across various sectors. Additionally, Governor Hochul enacted a statewide ban on smartphone use during school hours starting September 2025 to eliminate distractions in K-12 schools. Inflation refund checks up to $400 were sent out to over eight million households in fall 2025, further supporting New Yorkers financially.
Governor Hochul Launches FutureWorks Commission Phase to Address AI Workforce Impacts
Governor Kathy Hochul announced the launch of a new phase for her FutureWorks Commission aimed at addressing the workforce impacts of artificial intelligence (AI). The initiative includes a series of listening sessions designed to gather input from various stakeholders. Additionally, Governor Hochul appointed Audrey Zibelman as Chair of the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) Board of Directors, with her appointment confirmed by the New York Senate on June 4, 2026.
New York State Budget Signed After Delay, Includes Immigration Protections and Utility Rebates
Governor Kathy Hochul signed a $268.5 billion New York State budget nearly two months after the original deadline of April 1st. The budget includes measures to limit cooperation with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), such as prohibiting local jails from holding individuals on behalf of ICE and banning formal agreements between local governments and ICE known as 287(g) agreements. A federal judge has also allowed New York's new immigration law, which bans these agreements but blocks a provision that prohibits ICE agents from wearing masks. Additionally, the budget addresses high utility costs by enacting reporting requirements for utilities seeking rate hikes, requiring companies to submit lower-cost alternatives, and providing eligible households with rebate checks ranging from $150 to $200.
Governor Hochul Launches Quantum Technology Commercialization Hubs Initiative
Governor Kathy Hochul announced a competitive Request for Proposals to establish up to four Regional Quantum Technology Commercialization Hubs across New York State. The initiative, funded with $60 million in the FY27 Budget and first proposed in her 2026 State of the State address, aims to translate groundbreaking quantum research into new products, growing companies, and good-paying jobs. Selected hubs will receive up to $15 million each to advance commercialization and support quantum startups. Applications are due October 14, 2026, and the initiative builds on New York's existing investment in a Quantum Research and Innovation Hub at SUNY Stony Brook.
San Antonio Presents Balanced Fiscal Year 2027 Budget
City Manager Erik Walsh presented the Fiscal Year 2027 Proposed Budget to San Antonio's Mayor and City Council. The budget is balanced despite projected General Fund shortfalls of nearly $158 million through FY 2028 due to rising costs, lower property values, and state revenue limits. It includes spending cuts totaling $89.6 million across FY 2027 and FY 2028 while protecting essential services such as public safety, streets, sidewalks, homeless services, affordable housing, senior services, parks, and libraries. The budget recommends a property tax increase from 54.159 cents to 56.288 cents per $100 of taxable value, with an estimated monthly increase of $2.95 for the average homeowner. Property-tax relief through homestead exemptions and tax freezes for seniors and disabled homeowners is also proposed.
NYC Department of Finance Provides Updates on Services and Notices
The NYC Department of Finance informs that all business centers will be open on February 24 from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., despite call center phone system issues due to technical difficulties. Property owners are notified about the new Pied-à-Terre tax by Mayor Mamdani, and Edwin Raymond was sworn in as New York City Sheriff. The department encourages online transactions for various services including property taxes, business taxes, parking tickets, and exemptions.
Governor Hochul Announces $4 Billion in Public Safety Investments
Governor Kathy Hochul highlighted significant investments totaling nearly $4 billion aimed at enhancing public safety across New York State. These funds have contributed to notable reductions in crime and gun violence, aligning with her broader agenda of making life more affordable and expanding opportunities for all residents. Additionally, Governor Hochul's budget includes a path towards universal child care without increasing taxes on New Yorkers. Other initiatives include sending inflation refund checks up to $400 to 8.2 million households in fall 2025 and implementing statewide restrictions on smartphone use during school hours starting September 2025.
Upcoming Meetings
Troy City Council Regular Session
📅 2026-04-10 · 🕐 7:00 PM
📍 Troy City Hall, 433 River Street
Troy Planning Commission
📅 2026-04-24 · 🕐 6:00 PM
📍 Troy City Hall, Council Chambers