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Lawmakers in New York are gathering at the State Capitol in Albany today (January 8) to kick off the 2025 legislative session. With Democrats holding the majority in both the Assembly and Senate, the session will focus on key issues such as the state budget, population loss, and climate mandates. The session is expected to last until June.
One of the main tasks for lawmakers is negotiating the state budget, which will set the spending plan and major policy changes for the year. According to Times Union, the budget discussions will dominate much of the six-month session, leaving limited time for other legislative debates. Democrats are also preparing to address federal policy changes with President-elect Donald Trump returning to office.
Governor Kathy Hochul has introduced an "affordability agenda," which includes proposals like inflation refund checks and expanded child tax credits. However, balancing affordability with other needs, such as funding the Metropolitan Transportation Authority's capital plan, remains a challenge. Spectrum Local News reports that raising taxes is a contentious issue, with opposition from the business community.
Environmental priorities are also high on the agenda. Save the Sound is advocating for stronger state-level policies to protect clean water and combat climate change, following recent federal rollbacks on environmental protections. The Climate Change Superfund Act, which raises funds from oil and gas companies for climate projects, is a significant legislative achievement, though it may face legal challenges.