CapCon: Lawmakers Vote on New Congressional Map But Questions Remain, "Laken's Law", On The Bill

How the Legislature voted on a new map for New York's districts in Congress, and what questions remain on redistricting. Plus, what's "Laken's Law"? And On The Bill looks at PFAS.

Good afternoon — it’s Wednesday, and National Chocolate Souffle Day.

WEDENESDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 2024

TODAY’S CAP CON: The Legislature brought their own map for New York’s 26 districts in Congress to the floor. We tell you what happened, and what questions remain. On The Bill looks at PFAS, and Republicans push “Laken’s Law”.

🔨 Is Tomorrow a Session Day? No.

❄️ Tonight’s Weather: Albany: Windy. Rain/Snow then Mostly Cloudy, low 20s. New York City: Breezy, rain expected, low 30s. (National Weather Service)

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A nearly empty Assembly chamber after today’s vote. (Dan Clark/Times Union)

🗺️ New Redistricting Map Approved: Democrats in the Senate and Assembly approved their own map for New York’s 26 congressional districts on Wednesday with an assist from Gov. Kathy HOCHUL.

• They drew their own map and introduced it as legislation late Monday after rejecting a map proposed by the state’s Independent Redistricting Commission.

• Hochul issued a message of necessity Wednesday morning — allowing Democrats to bypass a rule that would’ve prevented passage before Thursday.

If you haven’t seen the new map yet, read this story from the Times Union’s Joshua Solomon and yesterday’s edition of CapCon. (Both free for subscribers)