Dave Lucas

1 week ago | wamc.org | Dave Lucas

Democrats are continuing to criticize the so-called “big, beautiful bill” that slashes social services and extends tax cuts passed during President Trump’s first term. Maintaining that the GOP’s domestic package will have ugly consequences for New Yorkers, the state’s Democrats are continuing to voice sharp criticisms.

2 weeks ago | wamc.org | Dave Lucas

A month before the primary, Albany's four Democratic primary mayoral candidates debated Thursday on Spectrum News.  Chief City Auditor Dorcey Applyrs, County Legislator Carolyn McLaughlin, businessman Dan Cerutti, and Common Council President Corey Ellis are running to succeed third-term Mayor Kathy Sheehan in the June 24th primary. In recent days, Cerutti and Applyrs have garnered support from high-profile Democratic figures.

2 weeks ago | wamc.org | Dave Lucas

Albany's mayoral candidates have a number of ideas about the $400 million for downtown Albany included in Governor Kathy Hochul’s recently passed state budget.  The “Championing Albany’s Potential” Initiative includes $200 million allocated for projects downtown and $150 million for revitalizing the State Museum and other cultural experiences. The four candidates running in the June 24th primary to replace outgoing three-term Democratic Mayor Kathy Sheehan welcome the cash infusion.

2 weeks ago | wamc.org | Dave Lucas

New York Attorney General Letitia James was in Albany Wednesday to endorse Dorcey Applyrs' bid for mayor. The Democrat was also keen to comment on her difficult relationship with the Trump administration. The Trump administration referred James for potential prosecution over alleged mortgage fraud, claiming James “falsified records” for purchasing of out-of-state property in 2023.

2 weeks ago | wamc.org | Dave Lucas

Most school district budgets were approved by New Yorkers voters Tuesday. But not all residents were ready to override the tax cap. Preliminary results compiled by the New York State School Boards Association show voters on Tuesday approved 97% of school district budgets statewide. But the Northville Central School budget was defeated 345 to 246. The $15.4 million budget marked a 5.24 percent increase over last year.