Field Updates

NYSAR Greenlights Support to Study a NYS Bill to Help First-time Homebuyers

Aug 30, 2023 1 min read

Last week, NYSAR’s Issues Mobilization Committee approved an application to provide funding for an economic impact study and fiscal analysis of NYSAR-supported legislation to create a NYS first-time homebuyer savings account program.

State’s Highest Court to Hear Congressional Redistricting Case that Could Upend the Political Map

Aug 23, 2023 1 min read

Political players of both parties expect New York State to be key to determining who controls the U.S. House of Representatives after 2024.

New NYC Law Could Fine Commercial Landlords Who are Renting to Illegal Smoke Retailers

Aug 23, 2023 1 min read

A law passed by the City Council in June allows City government agencies to fine commercial landlords for knowingly leasing space to unlicensed smoke shops.

Assembly Speaker: A Special Legislative Session Not Expected Before January 2024

Aug 23, 2023 1 min read

Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie (D-Bronx) said last week that he does not expect that a special session will be called before January to take up issues such as casinos or cannabis.

North Hempstead Town Supervisor Race Heats Up Early

Aug 23, 2023 1 min read

In November 2021, North Hempstead Supervisor Jennifer DeSena became the first Republican winner to lead the Town in decades.

Huntington Councilmember Joan Cergol: “Huntington's ADU Proposal is Dead, but Housing Crisis Persists”

Aug 15, 2023 1 min read

A retiring Town Board member wrote an op-ed in Newsday this past weekend in defense of her LIBOR-supported bill to regulate accessory dwelling units in Huntington.

Suffolk County Legislator Kara Hahn Stepping Down from State Parks Position

Aug 15, 2023 1 min read

The Setauket Democrat announced Monday she is stepping down from the County Legislature to take a position as Long Island Deputy Director for the New York State Parks, Recreation, and Historic Preservation Department.

NYSAR’s NYC Issues Working Group Meets in Lower Manhattan

Aug 15, 2023 1 min read

LIBOR's Government Affairs department and several LIBOR members joined NYSAR’s “NYC Issues Working Group” meeting in Lower Manhattan last week to discuss both local elections and key legislative issues.

Judge Dismisses Airbnb Registration Lawsuit Against NYC

Aug 15, 2023 1 min read

On Tuesday, a State Supreme Court judge dismissed a pair of lawsuits brought by Airbnb against New York City over a new registration law for short-term rentals, known as Local Law 18.

State Assembly Speaker Heastie Says Gov. Hochul’s Housing Plan Needs Refocusing

Aug 8, 2023 1 min read

Last week while touring Columbia County, State Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie discussed Gov. Kathy Hochul’s housing plan, which was rejected by the legislature earlier this year.

Former State Senator Jim Gaughran Announces Run for Congress

Aug 8, 2023 1 min read

On Monday, former State Senator and Suffolk County Legislator James Gaughran announced his run for Congress representing the First District.

Queens Borough President Richards and NYC Councilmember Holden Propose New Bills Targeting ‘Neglected Properties’

Aug 8, 2023 1 min read

Councilman Robert Holden of Middle Village and Queens Borough President Donovan Richards Jr. introduced two pieces of legislation last Thursday

White House Announces Updates for Housing Supply and Multifamily Housing

Aug 8, 2023 1 min read

The White House released two announcements last week, outlining actions to boost the housing supply, and offering guidance for multifamily properties.

New Funding for Nuclear Power Aims to Produce Energy Savings for New Yorkers

Aug 8, 2023 1 min read

Gov. Kathy Hochul said that funding from the federal Inflation Reduction Act will boost nuclear power in New York and help lower the utility bills of millions living in the state.

State Senator Kevin Thomas Announces Run for Congress

Aug 1, 2023 1 min read

On Wednesday, July 26, State Senator Kevin Thomas (D-Nassau) announced that he is running for Congress in the 4th Congressional District

Special Election for Queens Assembly Seat Announced

Aug 1, 2023 1 min read

Gov. Kathy Hochul announced that a special election will be held on Tuesday, September 12 to fill the vacant 27th Assembly District seat in Central Queens previously held by Democrat Daniel Rosenthal

Governor Hochul Announces Executive Actions on Housing

Jul 25, 2023 1 min read

On Tuesday, July 18, Gov. Kathy Hochul announced several executive actions to promote housing growth in New York State.

State Utility Regulator Approves $43 Billion in Ratepayer Costs to Support Climate Goals

Jul 25, 2023 1 min read

According to Politico, on Thursday, July 20, the state Public Service Commission authorized an estimated $43.7 billion

State Comptroller Warns of Growing Budget Gap

Jul 25, 2023 1 min read

On July 18, State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli released a report on the updated Division of Budget forecast of the gap between revenues and expenses, totaling $36.4 billion through fiscal year 2026-27

Cold Calling Still Prohibited in New York

Jul 25, 2023 2 min read

Real estate licensees may not make any unsolicited phone calls to a member of the public during a State of Emergency.