Politics

The state Assembly narrowly approved a measure to remove the religious exemption for vaccinations in the wake of a severe measles outbreak that began in communities with a high percentage of unvaccinated children in New York and is steadily spreading to other states.

The New York State Assembly has passed and sent on to the State Senate a bill to allow driver's licenses for people in the country illegally. Supporters of Green Light New York are excited - and showed it at a rally in front of Lafayette High School in Buffalo.

Following a spirited debate, the New York State Assembly approved a bill to allow undocumented immigrants to obtain driver's licenses. It’s not a done deal though, and it faces resistance in the State Senate.

There is a new man in what will soon be Buffalo City Hall's toughest job: commissioner of assessment and taxation.

The New York State Senate passed a bill Tuesday to legalize paid gestational surrogacy for couples who are unable to have their own children. But it faces an uncertain future in the Assembly, and opponents range from feminist icon Gloria Steinem to the Catholic Church.

New York state lawmakers had the day off Monday before they return to the Capitol on Tuesday to tackle a number of end-of-session issues, including renewing rent control laws and possibly legalizing marijuana for adults. A poll finds support among New Yorkers for many of the issues on the table.

State senators and Assembly members are pushing for action to combat climate change before the legislative session ends later this month. However, Gov. Andrew Cuomo said the plan is too ambitious and unrealistic.

Modestly, Buffalo-born political satirist Mark Russell is not boasting over his Lincoln Medal, given this weekend at a gala at Ford's Theatre with Washington's elite in attendence including President Donald Trump  and First Lady Melania Trump.

Russell, a Canisius High School graduate who still returns to town for reunions, brushed off the honor saying it was really just due to " body of work, time in the saddle,"

The honor was presented to Russell, and Retired Gen. Colin Powell and his wife, Alma this past Saturday at Ford's theatre.

New legislation has been introduced in Congress that would help dairy farmers find workers. The Helping Labor Personnel Farms Act, better known as the HELP Act, would give agriculture workers legal work status for two years. Congressman Chris Collins (R-Clarence) showed public support for the bill last week. WBFO's Nick Lippa spoke with New York Farm Bureau Public Affairs Manager Steve Ammerman on how this bill would impact AG labor.

Legislative leaders have announced an agreement in principle on nine bills that they say will extend and strengthen New York City’s rent laws. It’s part of an effort to get a number of bills passed before adjournment later in June.

The state Senate held a hearing on how New York can join 15 other states and implement automatic voter registration.

Erie County lawmakers sitting on the Legislature's Public Safety Committee heard input Thursday from three guests as they weigh a proposed local law which would establish what they're calling the Erie County Corrections Specialist Advisory Board.

A leading business group has come out in favor of granting driver’s licenses to undocumented immigrants, increasing the chances of the bill’s passage in the state Legislature this year.

The New York State Legislature held a daylong hearing Tuesday on a proposal to enact single-payer health care in New York.

A national report finds that New York State’s ethics panel is among the worst in the nation. Reform groups say that’s not news to them, and have called for an overhaul of the commission.

The Erie County Legislature agreed to put up the $5 million promised to the Albright-Knox Art Gallery by County Executive Mark Poloncarz, but it was along fight.

The New York State Legislature took final action on measures that could be used against President Donald Trump and his associates, including a backdoor way for Congress to view the president’s tax returns.