{"id":21936,"date":"2026-04-27T21:03:17","date_gmt":"2026-04-27T21:03:17","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/bluelightnews.com\/category\/politics\/kat-and-zos-affordability-goooooaaaals\/"},"modified":"2026-04-27T21:03:17","modified_gmt":"2026-04-27T21:03:17","slug":"kat-and-zos-affordability-goooooaaaals","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/bluelightnews.com\/category\/politics\/kat-and-zos-affordability-goooooaaaals\/","title":{"rendered":"Kat and Zo\u2019s affordability goooooaaaals"},"content":{"rendered":"
\"Gov.<\/p>\n

DAYS THE BUDGET IS LATE: 27<\/span><\/p>\n

FREE KICKS:<\/b> After days of headlines about exorbitant costs<\/a> to get to the World Cup, Gov. Kathy Hochul and Mayor Zohran Mamdani on Monday unveiled a series of free watch parties in each borough.<\/p>\n

The public events are a sign that the Democrats, who appeared together at Staten Island University Hospital Community Park, are trying to make the tournament affordable for fans who can\u2019t afford to watch in person.<\/p>\n

\u201cEvery fan should be able to watch the greatest tournament on earth without dipping into their savings,\u201d said Mamdani, who attended the 2010 World Cup in South Africa.<\/p>\n

Several of the events, dotted around the city, will have daily programming, even when matches aren\u2019t being played.<\/p>\n

Hochul has worried the high fares New Jersey Transit is charging to get fans to matches at MetLife Stadium will throw \u201ccold water\u201d on the tournament. She said that while MetLife will only fit 80,000 people, \u201cthis moment belongs to millions of New Yorkers.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIf you can\u2019t get to the World Cup, the World Cup is coming to you,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n

The announcement comes amid heightened security concerns because of several overlapping events<\/a>, including a naval review President Donald Trump is likely to attend on July 4.<\/p>\n

At the press conference, Mamdani used a question about security concerns to denounce this weekend\u2019s attempted attack at the White House Correspondents Dinner, saying there\u2019s \u201cno room for this kind of political violence.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat we saw at the press correspondents dinner is one part of a very troubling reality across this country, which is how political violence has become part of our politics,\u201d he said. \u201cIt is something that we are taking into consideration whenever we are planning anything in our city.\u201d<\/p>\n

The World Cup events took years of planning. Hochul has also announced other events upstate. And New Jersey is rolling out events in each of its 21 counties.<\/p>\n

Mamdani teased further events in the city, including Department of Transportation \u201cwatch parties,\u201d despite a moratorium on certain public events in parks that came at the request of the NYPD amid staffing concerns. \u2014 Ry Rivard<\/i><\/b><\/p>\n

From the Capitol<\/h3>\n

\"Gov.<\/p>\n

PIED-\u00c0-PUSH: <\/b>Hochul adopted some populist rhetoric with a video released today<\/a> pitching her pied-\u00e0-terre tax plan as one that impacts \u201cbillionaires and oligarchs.\u201d<\/p>\n

The language is striking for a governor who has opposed broader tax hikes like raising rates on income for rich New Yorkers and large corporations.<\/p>\n

Yet Hochul is contending with sustained left-flank pressure to raise those taxes in the state budget, which is now nearly a month late.<\/p>\n

The governor\u2019s proposal, which would apply an annual surcharge on non-primary New York City residences worth $5 million and more, is expected to generate some $500 million. The money would help close a $5.4 billion city budget gap.<\/p>\n

In her explainer video, Hochul asserts the surcharge would affect investors who \u201care not paying some of the same taxes as the people who live here year round.\u201d It\u2019s worth noting, though, that these owners are paying city property taxes.<\/p>\n

Business leaders, including the Real Estate Board of New York and the Partnership for New York City, are concerned that the tax would hinder investment in the city. \u2014<\/i><\/b> Nick Reisman<\/i><\/b><\/p>\n

SEE MY VEST: <\/b>State Capitol security personnel have started wearing tactical vests \u2014 a move the State Police said was done as \u201ca proactive safety measure.\u201d<\/p>\n

State Police spokesperson Beau Duffy told Playbook on Monday that the introduction of ballistic vest carriers, which are designed to hold armor plates, at the Capitol complex isn\u2019t connected to a specific incident or threat.<\/p>\n

The change comes as the state Capitol and surrounding state office buildings have tightened security in recent months, which includes a visible State Police presence at entrances. \u2014<\/i><\/b> Nick Reisman<\/i><\/b><\/p>\n

PAY DELAY PERK: <\/b>A new bill would let state legislators stop paying their personal utility bills whenever there\u2019s a late budget.<\/p>\n

The measure<\/a> from Assemblymember Larinda Hooks would allow state workers and \u201celected officials\u201d whose checks are delayed due to a delinquent spending plan to immediately stop paying their utility and internet bills. Under the legislation, they would not have to resume payments until two months after the budget is passed.<\/p>\n

Practically every state employee has been paid since lawmakers missed the March 31 budget deadline \u2014 that\u2019s why members have passed seven budget extenders.<\/p>\n

The one exception? State legislators, who are statutorily barred from collecting checks until the oft-tardy spending plan is finalized.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s clear who the main beneficiaries of this bill are,\u201d Assembly Minority Leader Ed Ra said. \u201cThere hasn\u2019t been a situation in recent memory where state employees had paychecks withheld as a result of a late budget.\u201d<\/p>\n

Hooks\u2019 office did not return a request for comment.<\/p>\n

Senate Finance Chair Tom O\u2019Mara characterized the bill as \u201cone of the most ridiculous ideas I\u2019ve ever heard.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThese legislators that are worried about not paying their utility bill while the budget\u2019s late should be worried about lowering peoples\u2019 utility bills,\u201d O\u2019Mara said. \u201cEverything we do around here makes them more expensive.\u201d \u2014 Bill Mahoney<\/i><\/b><\/p>\n

DOH STEPS UP: <\/b>As the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention scales back its testing for pathogens, the state Department of Health said today it\u2019s stepping in to fill the gap. The state\u2019s Wadsworth Center will take on testing paused by the CDC, a role it\u2019s already been filling for 23 states that lack the resources to test pathogens.<\/p>\n

The state lab announced that it\u2019s now working with the CDC on testing for viruses such as influenza, pox and rabies. The Health Department noted that a pause in testing by the CDC has created a public health risk across the country, particularly for states that don\u2019t have the necessary resources for robust testing. The CDC did not immediately respond to a request for comment.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe New York State Department of Health\u2019s Wadsworth Center stands at the forefront of innovation, protecting the health of New Yorkers and communities far beyond the State\u2019s borders,\u201d State Health Commissioner James McDonald said in a statement. \u201cUnder the leadership of Governor Hochul, New York State continues to lead in disease surveillance \u2013 work that is critical to responding effectively to public health threats.\u201d<\/p>\n

Read more here in Blue Light News Pro from Katelyn Cordero.<\/i><\/b><\/a><\/p>\n

FROM CITY HALL<\/h3>\n

\"Council<\/p>\n

BREAKING RANKS: <\/b>A key member of the City Council Progressive Caucus has quietly resigned from the bloc, a departure that comes amid a wider rift between the chamber\u2019s lefties and Council Speaker Julie Menin.<\/p>\n

Council Member Nantasha Williams, who serves as the body\u2019s deputy speaker and is part of Menin\u2019s leadership team, stepped down from the Progressive Caucus last week, a spokesperson told Playbook. The spokesperson suggested serving on the caucus is incompatible with Williams\u2019 leadership responsibilities, given she has \u201cshifted to supporting priorities across the full Council alongside the speaker.\u201d<\/p>\n

In a statement, Williams confirmed she left \u201cto focus on my broader leadership role in the Council.\u201d Despite departing, she said she remains committed to the \u201cvalues\u201d of the caucus.<\/p>\n

\u201cI look forward to continuing to partner with colleagues to advance shared priorities for New Yorkers,\u201d said Williams, who has served as deputy speaker since Menin tapped her for the post in January.<\/p>\n

Council Members Sandy Nurse and Tiffany Cab\u00e1n, the Progressive Caucus\u2019 co-chairs, lauded Williams for her \u201cyears of service within our caucus.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHer decision to step back due to the new structural expectations that come alongside her role within Council leadership is not an easy one, but it is understandable,\u201d they said. \u201cWe will continue to advocate for budget justice and the protection of civil liberties, which are our shared priorities. We hope to do so in continued partnership with our deputy speaker.\u201d<\/p>\n

Williams\u2019 exit leaves the Progressive Caucus with 23 members<\/a>, most of whom are aligned with Mamdani. That puts the caucus just shy of a majority in the 51-member Council.<\/p>\n

Menin, a more moderate Democrat, has increasingly embraced her role as a foil to Mamdani, clashing with him over how to address the city\u2019s budget deficit and other policy matters.<\/p>\n

Given their alignment with Mamdani, Progressive Caucus members have also had more frequent clashes lately with Menin.<\/p>\n

A recent example: Last week, Progressive Caucus leaders praised Mamdani for vetoing a bill<\/a> that would permit the NYPD to set up buffer zones outside educational facilities during protests.<\/p>\n

By contrast, Menin, a key supporter of the bill, condemned the veto and signaled she might try to whip votes to override Mamdani to force the legislation into law. Despite still being a Progressive Caucus member at the time, Williams voted for the school buffer zone bill when it first passed the Council in late March.<\/p>\n

In an X post<\/a> on Friday, Cab\u00e1n, the caucus co-chair, encouraged her colleagues to vote against any override attempt by Menin.<\/p>\n

\u201cI trust that my colleagues will sustain this veto so that we can protect our civil liberties and work together to address the root causes of hate violence,\u201d Cab\u00e1n wrote. Menin would almost certainly need the support of a handful of Progressive Caucus members to pull off a successful override of the mayor\u2019s veto of the protest-related bill. \u2014 Chris Sommerfeldt<\/i><\/b><\/p>\n

SUCCESS HEADS TO SUNSHINE STATE: <\/b>New York City\u2019s largest charter network announced Monday that it will open five elementary schools in Miami next year, marking its first expansion outside of New York.<\/p>\n

Success Academy will co-locate with five schools across Miami-Dade County, specifically Hialeah-Miami Lakes Senior High School, Homestead Senior High School, Miami Jackson Senior High School, North Miami Senior High School and Westland Hialeah Senior High School.<\/p>\n

The schools are slated to open during the 2027-28 school year, serving 1,500 students in kindergarten through first grade, according to a Success spokesperson. They will add an additional grade each year.<\/p>\n

\u201cSuccess Academy is excited to bring our proven, high-quality educational model to Miami\u2019s families,\u201d Eva Moskowitz, Success founder and CEO, said in a statement. \u201cWe look forward to serving these communities, partnering with parents and delivering on the promise of an exceptional education for every child.\u201d \u2014<\/i> Madina Tour\u00e9<\/b><\/p>\n

IN OTHER NEWS<\/h3>\n

\u2014 ALL BETS ARE OFF:<\/b> Attorney General Letitia James sued cryptocurrency exchanges that allow users to trade, joining the fight over federal and state regulations for prediction markets like Kalshi and Polymarket. (Gothamist<\/a>)<\/p>\n

\u2014 THAT\u2019S NOT FAIR:<\/b> The Montgomery County fair promoted a post by Republican congressional candidate Anthony Constantino, whose company has sponsored the fair, urging people to sign nominating petitions to get him on the ballot. (Times Union<\/a>)<\/p>\n

\u2014 ON SECOND THOUGHT:<\/b> New York City\u2019s public school system announced it was pulling controversial plans to open an AI-focused high school and to relocate three middle schools following community backlash. (POLITICO Pro<\/a>)<\/p>\n

Missed this morning\u2019s New York Playbook? We forgive you. <\/b>Read it here<\/i><\/a>.<\/i><\/b><\/p>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

DAYS THE BUDGET IS LATE: 27 FREE KICKS: After days of headlines about exorbitant costs to get to the World Cup, Gov. Kathy Hochul and Mayor Zohran Mamdani on Monday unveiled a series of free watch parties in each borough. The public events are a sign that the Democrats, who appeared together at Staten Island […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":21937,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[2],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-21936","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-politics"],"amp_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/bluelightnews.com\/category\/politics\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/21936","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/bluelightnews.com\/category\/politics\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/bluelightnews.com\/category\/politics\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bluelightnews.com\/category\/politics\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bluelightnews.com\/category\/politics\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=21936"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/bluelightnews.com\/category\/politics\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/21936\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bluelightnews.com\/category\/politics\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/21937"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/bluelightnews.com\/category\/politics\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=21936"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bluelightnews.com\/category\/politics\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=21936"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bluelightnews.com\/category\/politics\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=21936"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}