Here are the key issues facing New York lawmakers as they return for the 2015 session.
MINIMUM WAGE
The state’s minimum wage is set to go to $8.75 per hour on New Year’s eve, but Democratic lawmakers want to raise it to $10.10, and New York Mayor Bill de Blasio is seeking authority for New York City to set its own wage laws. Gov. Andrew Cuomo has said he’ll support both ideas, but they face opposition in the GOP-led Senate.
EDUCATION
Teachers unions are preparing for a big fight with Cuomo over allowing more charter schools, changing teacher evaluations and other changes that Cuomo says will improve education but that public education advocates worry will erode the system.
DREAM ACT
Lawmakers have long debated extending financial aid to students in the country illegally, and the proposal is likely to return this session. But prospects for passage appear slimmer after opponents gained strength in the Senate.
RENT CONTROL
Expect a significant clash between landlords and tenant advocates this year as lawmakers consider whether to renew — or perhaps strengthen — New York City’s rent control laws. Supporters of the restrictions say they’re needed to ensure that millions of New Yorkers can afford to stay in the city, but opponents say they should be adjusted to be fair to property owners.
LEGISLATIVE PAY RAISE
Many lawmakers had hoped to return for a lame-duck session in December to vote to raise their salaries, now $79,500 per year. But Cuomo said lawmakers were unwilling to agree to a deal that also involved ethics and campaign finance reforms.
ETHICS AND CAMPAIGN FINANCE
Passage of broad public campaign finance appears unlikely, but it’s possible lawmakers will consider other measures designed to rein in the influence of money in politics.
RESPONSE TO VIOLENCE
A long list of changes have been suggested following a grand jury’s decision not to indict a police officer for the death of Eric Garner and after a later shooting of two officers. They include bulletproof glass for police cars, better training for law enforcement and perhaps a special prosecutor who would handle alleged police misconduct.
SURPLUS
The state has a $5 billion windfall thanks to settlements with financial institutions. Suggested uses of the money include a New York subway expansion plan, the $4 billion Tappan Zee Bridge replacement, upstate highways and the expansion of broadband Internet access.
WOMEN’S EQUALITY
A 10-point “women’s equality agenda” that contains protections for victims of domestic violence and human trafficking has been hung up for years over a provision that would codify federal abortion rights in state law. The agenda will be back this year, but its prospects appear unchanged.
(AP)
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One Response
SURPLUS!!
That’s our money!!
Why not either return at least a significant portion to us and the rest put to referendum. We’re the ones who should decide that! It’s our money.