Albany has gone soft on Trump, more than 125 advocacy groups say

Plus: Blake Washington and lawmakers held their revenue consensus meeting Thursday. Here are the takeaways.

(Will Waldron/Times Union)

Good afternoon — it’s Thursday and Strawberry Day.

In today’s CapCon:

• Hochul and lawmakers are being urged by 125 advocacy groups to do more in response to the Trump administration’s first month of actions.

• The Division of Budget and Legislature should be cautious about spending amid federal uncertainty, economic advisers warned them in a meeting Thursday.

• Rules & Regs: Culturally responsive-sustaining curriculum in New York’s schools. What does that mean?

• New Bills of Note: Housing discrimination protections amid federal uncertainty, a SUNY and CUNY Student Bill of Rights, and electric vehicle battery disposal.

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(Will Waldron/Times Union)

🖊️ Social justice groups say Albany isn’t stepping up amid Trump actions

The state Legislature has passed 90 bills since the start of the year. Many are amendments to bills approved last year and negotiated with the governor’s office.

But lawmakers and Gov. Kathy Hochul have yet to come together on a package of legislation in response to the flood of executive orders and actions that have come from the Trump administration over the last month. That’s irked advocates.

A letter from 125 advocacy groups focused on social justice issues like immigrant rights, criminal justice and education made those thoughts clear this week.

“New York officials will be remembered for how they respond during our greatest challenges,” they wrote. “Now is the time for bold action.”

Among the signatories was the New York Civil Liberties Union, which is nonpartisan but often in sync with Democrats who lead the Legislature.

But Donna Lieberman, its longtime executive director, told me Thursday that lawmakers have come up short this year.

“We’re facing an existential threat to democracy nationwide and to New York’s fundamental values and rights,” Lieberman said. “There’s so much that needs to be done and the Legislature can’t sit on its hands.”