Stewart-Cousins in the news as NY politics heat up over budget fights; longtime Yonkers Democrat, NY Senate majority leader since 2019.
New York state and city leaders are at odds over proposed tax increases. Governor Hochul opposes hikes, while lawmakers and Mayor Mamdani push for higher taxes on the wealthy and corporations to fund public services and address budget gaps. The debate highlights ongoing tensions over fiscal policy and fairness.
Washington state has enacted a law banning non-transparent face coverings for law enforcement officers, citing community safety concerns. The law allows legal action against officers who flout the ban. Similar measures are being considered in other states, reflecting ongoing debates over police conduct and immigration enforcement.
State budget talks remain unsettled as Gov. Hochul’s push to tie policy reforms to the budget has drawn criticism from Assembly Speaker Heastie and others, signaling a tense, ongoing fight over climate, immigration and fiscal priorities ahead of session end.