<p>The 2026 legislative session in Albany begins Wednesday, and affordability is a big priority for lawmakers. Newsday New York State correspondent Keshia Clukey reports.</p>


News

Region/State

stLEGI260104_video

NYS Legislature set to return, with affordability at the top of the agenda

onecms:abe5f334-5f5a-4613-97c7-8aa4471b4813

Newsday

'The biggest word of this session is affordability'

onecms_4edba7a8-29d5-4e85-b936-45756ef28b21_7ee0164f-d309-4e0d-8776-8d78b6671bd6.jpg

Most Popular

Latest videos

Region/State video slot

Newsday's Keshia Clukey explains what is included in the latest state budget.

'More affordability for LIers'

The governor says she secured an agreement for a new state budget, but state Senate and Assembly leaders say otherwise. Newsday Albany bureau chief Yancey Roy reports.

Budget confusion in Albany

A Newsday/Siena College survey looks at the availability of affordable housing on Long Island and the cost of living compared to other places. NewsdayTV's Andrew Ehinger reports.

'Parents' basement is good, but not permanent'

An online suvey announced by the governor on Friday seeks commuters' input on their experiences at the Jamaica LIRR station as well as the proposed redesign of the transit hub.

Take a survey about the Jamaica LIRR station

Sign up for the Breaking News newsletter

Region/State Newsletter Widget

While Democrats celebrated the ruling, Republicans criticized it.

NY lawmakers weigh in on birthright citizenship ruling

Region/State Article Bottom Module

Three producers coordinated for years to influence the daily price index of eggs, artificially increasing prices, officials said.

Free eggs coming after probe reveals price collusion among producers

The Newsday/Siena poll found 47% of Long Islanders support a bill passed by the State Legislature that would put a one-year pause on the permitting of large data centers.

More LIers back 1-year moratorium on data centers, poll finds

Judge says the administration "flagrantly" violated federal law when it put a freeze in October on the $16 billion project.

Judge permanently bars feds from freezing Gateway Tunnel funding

Healthcare experts warn that many people kicked off the program will not be able to afford insurance and will avoid seeking care.

63,000 LIers will lose health coverage July 1. Here's how it'll impact healthcare.

Four out of 10 respondents said they weren't optimistic they'd be able to afford to continue living on Long Island.

8 in 10 on LI fear affordability crisis will force out younger generations, poll finds

A new state law bans law enforcement from covering their faces, conflicting with an executive order in Nassau.

New laws aimed at ICE take effect in NY. Why Bruce Blakeman is criticizing them.

Region/State Video Playlist

The 2026 legislative session in Albany begins Wednesday, and affordability is a big priority for lawmakers. Newsday New York State correspondent Keshia Clukey reports.

Despite Blakeman's rising favorability, the poll found 61% of New Yorkers still say they do not know, or have no opinion, on Blakeman. NewsdayTV's Virginia Huie reports.

Exec makes gains with men, suburbanites

In his nearly 30-minute acceptance speech, Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman hit on themes that have been central to his campaign as the Republican nominee for governor. NewsdayTV's Doug Geed has more.

'Families and seniors are being priced out of their homes'

Assemblyman David McDonough's absence from Albany raises concerns as he misses key votes, citing health challenges while voting remotely via videoconference. Newsday's Albany reporter Steve Hughes has more.

'Much more than just voting on bills'

Democrats across the state are converging on Syracuse to decide who will get the party's nomination to run this November. Doug Geed is joined by NewsdayTV's Joye Brown and expert Larry Levy about what to expect out of the convention.

'Make sure there isn't some huge political food fight'

New York Attorney General Letitia James is setting up a program to have legal monitor immigration enforcement across the state. Newsday Nassau County Politics Reporter Bahar Ostadan has more.

NYS AG deploying legal observers to monitor ICE

Gov. Hochul unveiled plans for her state budget proposal, including no new state taxes, a 4.3% increase in school aid and no taxes on tips. NewsdayTV political analyst Joye Brown has more.

'You can make historic investments'

Gov. Kathy Hochul spoke about immigration enforcement at her State of the State address on Tuesday. She spoke about proposals to curb what she called abusive tactics of immigration enforcement officers. NewsdayTV's Doug Geed reports.

'Not allow the use of state resources'

Affordability, child care and crime were some of the topics touched on by Gov. Kathy Hochul during her 2026 State of the State address, which was met by both praise and criticism. NewsdayTV's Doug Geed has more.

'Universal Pre-K for every single 4-year-old'

In her address, Hochul discussed affordable child care, protecting the offshore wind industry and lowering car insurance costs. NewsdayTV's political analyst Joye Brown reports.

Newsday's Joye Brown: 'It was a call to arms'

Affordability is expected to be a big issue in Albany in 2026, as well as in Gov. Kathy Hochul's upcoming State of the State address. NewsdayTV's Doug Geed reports.

'I hope to hear ... about real tax cuts'

The state Lawyers' Fund for Client Protection was meant to reimburse people who had money stolen by dishonest lawyers. With payments in those cases now surpassing $100 million over the fund's history, the fund is struggling. Newsday investigative reporter Joshua Solomon reports.

State fund that reimburses victims more often can't pay in full

Homepage Trending

How to stay cool in extreme heat

Fourth of July on LI

Summer Fun Book

Add Newsday on Google

NEWSDAY TV SHORTS

Vertical videos

NewsdayTV's Elisa DiStefano visits L'Etoile in Oyster Bay. The French restaurant is in the building that used to be Snouder's Drug Store.

Historic LI building home to new French restaurant

NewsdayTV's Ken Buffa visits Signorama in Huntington Station.

LI Works: Ken lights up the room as he makes signs

According to investigators, Alison Winter was practicing as a clinical social worker without a license between November 2018 and May 2024. NewsdayTV's Shari Einhorn has more.

Criminal charges against Gilgo Beach serial killer's therapist

NewsdayTV's Doug Geed visits a pick-your-own berry and flower farm in Mattituck, Patty's Berries and Bunches.

Out East: Pick-your-own berry farm celebrating 50 years

Newsday travel writer Carissa Kellman takes the High Line to Chelsea Market and Pier 57.

Exploring NYC's High Line

All of the violations, records stipulate, were corrected and each of the park's rides passed inspection during a subsequent visit. Newsday reporter Robert Brodsky has more.

Adventureland had 65 safety violations since 2023, state records show

NewsdayTV's Elisa DiStefano and Newsday food writer Marie Elena Martinez try oysters, pizza, and ice cream at The Sandbox in Oyster Bay.

The Sandbox brings food trucks to Oyster Bay

Vincent Puleo, who's worked in public office for nearly two decades, terminated the spa's lease following Newsday's reporting. NewsdayTV's Virginia Huie talks with Newsday reporters Sandra Peddie and Bahar Ostadan about the story.

Suffolk County official owns strip mall with foot spa tied to alleged sex activity

Magdalyn Abcug, who recently graduated from Longwood High School, alleges the district failed to accommodate her disability when she was a student. NewsdayTV's Andrew Ehinger reports.

LI student with Tourette syndrome sues district, alleges school staff mocked her, questioned her diagnosis

As we head into summer, NewsdayTV meteorologist Geoff Bansen looks back at Long Island's hurricane history and prospects for the 2026 season.

A look back at LI's hurricane history

<a href="https://www.newsday.com/video/newsdaytv-top-stories">Get more on these and other NewsdayTV stories</a>

Newsday TV

NewsdayTV Top Item

LI kidnapping that shocked world ... Trump savings accounts ... New eatery with old roots ... Get the latest news and more great videos at NewsdayTV

LI kidnapping that shocked world ... Trump savings accounts ... New eatery with old roots

App Nativo Ad Unit Slot

Region/State - megaslot

Read the latest New York state and regional breaking news and updates, including politics, crime, education and more.

Stay logged in.