DAYS THE BUDGET IS LATE: 27
FREE KICKS: Amid concerns about high costs to attend the World Cup, Gov. Kathy Hochul and Mayor Zohran Mamdani have revealed plans for free watch parties across New York City’s boroughs.
The events aim to offer affordable viewing options for fans unable to attend in person, as highlighted by the Democrats during an announcement at Staten Island University Hospital Community Park.
“Every fan should be able to watch the greatest tournament on earth without dipping into their savings,” Mamdani stated, recalling his experience at the 2010 World Cup in South Africa.
The city-wide events will include daily programming, even on non-match days.
Hochul expressed concern over the steep fees by New Jersey Transit for traveling to MetLife Stadium, which could dampen enthusiasm for the World Cup. She emphasized that while the stadium’s capacity is 80,000, “this moment belongs to millions of New Yorkers.”
“If you can’t get to the World Cup, the World Cup is coming to you,” she added.
The announcement coincides with increased security measures due to multiple concurrent events, including a naval review expected to be attended by President Donald Trump on July 4.
Mamdani addressed security concerns at the press conference, condemning an attempted attack at the White House Correspondents Dinner, and emphasizing the unacceptability of political violence.
“What 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,” he said. “It is something that we are taking into consideration whenever we are planning anything in our city.”
The World Cup events have been in the works for several years. Hochul also announced additional events upstate, while New Jersey plans activities in its 21 counties.
Mamdani hinted at further events, including Department of Transportation “watch parties,” despite restrictions on some public events in parks requested by the NYPD due to staffing issues. — Ry Rivard
From the Capitol
PIED-À-PUSH: In a recent video, Hochul championed her pied-à-terre tax proposal aimed at “billionaires and oligarchs.”
This rhetoric contrasts with her previous stance against broader tax increases on wealthy individuals and large corporations.
Pressure from the left continues to mount on Hochul to increase taxes in the nearly month-overdue state budget.
Her plan proposes a surcharge on non-primary New York City residences valued at $5 million or more, potentially generating $500 million to help close a $5.4 billion city budget gap.
Hochul argues in the video that the surcharge targets investors who don’t pay the same taxes as year-round residents, despite these property owners already paying city property taxes.
Business leaders, including the Real Estate Board of New York and the Partnership for New York City, express concern that this tax could deter investment in the city. — Nick Reisman
SEE MY VEST: State Capitol security has introduced tactical vests as a “proactive safety measure,” according to the State Police.
Spokesperson Beau Duffy noted that the ballistic vest carriers, meant for armor plates, are not linked to any specific incident or threat.
This change is part of a broader effort to enhance security at the Capitol and nearby state office buildings, evident in the increased State Police presence at entrances. — Nick Reisman
PAY DELAY PERK: A proposed bill would allow state legislators to suspend their personal utility bill payments during budget delays.
The measure by Assemblymember Larinda Hooks would let state employees and “elected officials” stop paying utility and internet bills if their checks are delayed due to a late budget. Payments would resume two months after the budget is passed.
Most state employees have been paid despite the missed March 31 budget deadline, thanks to seven budget extenders.
However, legislators are barred by law from receiving checks until the budget is finalized.
“It’s clear who the main beneficiaries of this bill are,” said Assembly Minority Leader Ed Ra. “There hasn’t been a situation in recent memory where state employees had paychecks withheld as a result of a late budget.”
Hooks’ office did not respond to a request for comment.
Senate Finance Chair Tom O’Mara called the bill “one of the most ridiculous ideas I’ve ever heard.”
“These legislators that are worried about not paying their utility bill while the budget’s late should be worried about lowering peoples’ utility bills,” O’Mara said. “Everything we do around here makes them more expensive.” — Bill Mahoney
DOH STEPS UP: As the CDC reduces its pathogen testing, the state Department of Health is stepping in to fill the void.
The Wadsworth Center will take over testing paused by the CDC, a role it already fulfills for 23 states lacking the resources for pathogen testing.
The state lab is collaborating with the CDC on testing for viruses like influenza, pox, and rabies. The Health Department highlights the public health risk from the CDC’s testing pause, especially for states without robust testing capabilities. The CDC did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
“The New York State Department of Health’s Wadsworth Center stands at the forefront of innovation, protecting the health of New Yorkers and communities far beyond the State’s borders,” stated State Health Commissioner James McDonald. “Under the leadership of Governor Hochul, New York State continues to lead in disease surveillance – work that is critical to responding effectively to public health threats.”
Read more here in POLITICO Pro from Katelyn Cordero.
FROM CITY HALL
BREAKING RANKS: A prominent City Council Progressive Caucus member has quietly left the bloc, amid tensions with Council Speaker Julie Menin.
Council Member Nantasha Williams, the deputy speaker and part of Menin’s leadership team, resigned from the Progressive Caucus, citing a shift in responsibilities to support broader Council priorities alongside the speaker.
Williams stated her departure was to focus on her broader leadership role within the Council but affirmed her commitment to the caucus’s values.
“I look forward to continuing to partner with colleagues to advance shared priorities for New Yorkers,” Williams said, having served as deputy speaker since Menin’s appointment in January.
Council Members Sandy Nurse and Tiffany Cabán, Progressive Caucus co-chairs, praised Williams for her service, acknowledging the difficulty of her decision due to new leadership expectations.
Williams’ exit leaves the Progressive Caucus with 23 members, most aligned with Mamdani, leaving them just short of a majority in the 51-member Council.
Menin, a moderate Democrat, has increasingly positioned herself as an opponent to Mamdani, particularly over the city’s budget deficit and policy issues.
The Progressive Caucus, aligned with Mamdani, has clashed frequently with Menin.
Recently, Progressive Caucus leaders commended Mamdani for vetoing a bill allowing the NYPD to set up buffer zones outside schools during protests.
Menin, a key bill supporter, criticized the veto and indicated she might seek votes to override Mamdani and enforce the legislation. Williams voted for the buffer zone bill before leaving the caucus.
In an X post on Friday, Cabán, the caucus co-chair, urged colleagues to oppose any override attempt by Menin.
“I 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,” Cabán wrote. Menin would likely need support from some Progressive Caucus members to successfully override the mayor’s veto. — Chris Sommerfeldt
SUCCESS HEADS TO SUNSHINE STATE: New York City’s largest charter network, Success Academy, plans to open five elementary schools in Miami next year, marking its first expansion beyond New York.
Success Academy will share locations with five Miami-Dade County schools: 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.
The schools aim to open during the 2027-28 school year, initially serving 1,500 students in kindergarten through first grade, with plans to expand by adding a new grade each year.
“Success Academy is excited to bring our proven, high-quality educational model to Miami’s families,” said Eva Moskowitz, Success founder and CEO. “We look forward to serving these communities, partnering with parents and delivering on the promise of an exceptional education for every child.” — Madina Touré
IN OTHER NEWS
— ALL BETS ARE OFF: Attorney General Letitia James took legal action against cryptocurrency exchanges that allow user trading, contributing to the ongoing debate over federal and state regulations for prediction markets like Kalshi and Polymarket. (Gothamist)
— THAT’S NOT FAIR: A post by Republican congressional candidate Anthony Constantino, whose company sponsors the Montgomery County fair, encouraged signing nominating petitions to get him on the ballot. (Times Union)
— ON SECOND THOUGHT: New York City’s public school system has withdrawn plans to open an AI-focused high school and relocate three middle schools following community backlash. (POLITICO Pro)
Missed this morning’s New York Playbook? We forgive you. Read it here.
