Good Morning, New York! Public schools are in hot water again after another pro-Palestinian email blast, rent control increases could be as high as 7.75% this year, and lawmakers say not to celebrate the budget just yet as housing details are still not ironed out. This is your Tammany Times AM Briefing for Thursday, May 1st, 2025.

WHERE’S KATHY: In NYC, announcing the FY26 investments in subway safety, and later speaking at the Phoenix House Bloom Gala.

WHERE’s ERIC: No public schedule available

TIPS? Email me: [email protected]

Front Pages

Hall Monitors

— NYC public schools are in hot water again after a Department of Education newsletter claimed Israel is committing "genocide in Gaza." Jewish educators are furious, calling the newsletter another example of antisemitism in the school system, especially since it seems to promote pro-Palestinian protests and uses language that could violate rules against politicking in schools. This comes just weeks after the schools chancellor had to apologize for a similar incident involving a "Stop Gaza Genocide Toolkit." (NY Post)

— Frank Morano scored a landslide victory in the Staten Island City Council special election to replace Joe Borelli. Despite running on the "SI Patriotism" line, the Republican still faces a June primary and November general election to secure the seat long-term. Both of his opponents, Cliff Hagen and Griffin Fossella, congratulated Morano and plan to run in the June primary. (SI Live)

— The NYC Rent Guidelines Board preliminary vote greenlit rent increases ranging from 1.75% to 7.75% for the city's rent-stabilized apartments, despite protests and calls for a rent freeze amid the housing crisis. While tenant advocates are furious, landlord groups also voiced concerns, claiming the proposed increases don't cover rising costs. (NY Daily News)

Capitol Gains

— Don't pop the champagne just yet: Despite Gov. Hochul touting a 'tentative' budget, lawmakers say housing issues are still a major sticking point. While Hochul agreed to $50 million for housing vouchers, legislators are pushing for significantly more, especially with potential federal aid cuts looming. One assembly member described convincing the governor to fund housing programs as a "fight, and a slog." (State of Politics)

— The Justice Department is going after New York's Green Light Law, calling it unconstitutional and demanding a block on its enforcement, especially the part that keeps motor vehicle records away from immigration agencies. Feds argue the law hinders immigration enforcement, jeopardizes officer safety, and clashes with federal statutes. But New York's attorney general defends the law as a valid state power that doesn't interfere with federal immigration laws. (Times Union)

— Lawmakers have introduced a bill that would ban using sewage sludge, or biosolids, on farmlands for the next 5 years. The law is designed to prevent chemicals and heavy metals from leeching into the water supply and food. It would also prevent those who do spread biosolids to test for PFAS in groundwater and soil. (State of Politics)

Trail Mix

— Mayor Adams' campaign hit another snag: TD Bank closed his account a week after his indictment, which is detailed in newly released records. Those records also revealed that the Adams campaign accidentally submitted fundraising records for a state assemblymember. Despite the federal case against Adams being dismissed, his campaign is still feeling the financial fallout, and is facing potential further restrictions on public matching funds. (Gothamist)

— Albany's mayoral hopefuls sparred over public safety and housing affordability in a debate yesterday. Candidates offered different approaches to improving public safety, from increasing the police force to investing in mental health services and violence prevention. On housing, they discussed everything from leveraging state funding to addressing absentee landlords and fostering economic development. The primary will take place on June 24th. (Times Union)

— Tensions are simmering between Speaker Johnson and Rep. Stefanik, especially after Trump nixed Stefanik's ambassadorship, a move her allies are blaming on Johnson. Apparently, Stefanik even called herself the "angriest member" Johnson would have to deal with, though both are now publicly downplaying the situation. (Politico)