In Albany, Campaign Finance Reform Becomes Just Another Political Game
May 12, 2013
ALBANY, N.Y. — There are few people in scandal-shocked Albany arguing these days that the current system of campaign finance and ethics checks are ideal or even functional. And yet legislating
When A Paycheck Is Worth Nothing
May 05, 2013
NEW YORK — More often than not, Marta Schwartz’s paycheck is worth nothing. The $5 she makes per hour as a server doesn’t even pay the taxes she owes on her
Crowdsourcing New York Political Clubs
May 02, 2013
Below is a searchable database of 224 political clubs that failed to register their contributions with the state. As part of a collaboration with our sister organization, Citizens Union, we are
A Lukewarm Report Card For City Government Transparency
Apr 23, 2013
NEW YORK — A review of responses to requests for information over three months found "deep inconsistency" across 18 city agencies, with some failing to follow the law, according to
Can Anything Be Done About Corruption In Albany?
Apr 07, 2013
ALBANY, N.Y. — The arrests of two state lawmakers on federal corruption charges last week were unwelcome reminders that New York is among the nation’s go-to destinations for political scandal,
Hispanic, Black Lawmakers Say Their Issues Were Sidelined In Budget Talks
Apr 01, 2013
ALBANY, N.Y. — Black and Latino state lawmakers say their signature issues were sidelined during negotiations over the budget, leaving them wondering if they can get their communities’ voices heard
New York City Left Behind In Quest For On-Time Budget
Mar 24, 2013
ALBANY, N.Y. — New York’s drama-free budget officially no longer exists. There is a budget deal but — after weeks of promises from lawmakers that no conflict would derail the process
New Paths Of Opportunity For Immigrants In New York
Mar 17, 2013
NEW YORK — On a recent weekday, Eladia Causil-Rodriguez spoke to a crowded Brooklyn classroom about how she had run a popular day care business while raising four children. Then she
Unemployed Job Seekers Get Protections Under Tough New City Law
Mar 13, 2013
NEW YORK — The message "don't apply if you are unemployed" will soon be banned from job advertisements in New York City. The City Council approved one of the nation's toughest
Transparency in Albany? No Joke: Technology Helping To Pry Open Govt
Mar 10, 2013
ALBANY, N.Y. — Just a decade ago, the idea of open government in Albany would have been unthinkable. Here was a town that seemed to exist for the express purpose of |