De Blasio to head to Albany to push NYC’s agenda
Rent control. A higher minimum wage. The Dream Act. Greater investments in public education. New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio will head to Albany this week with a sprawling agenda and no shortage of political challenges.
De Blasio’s visit comes at an unusually turbulent time in the Capitol, one that could prove pivotal to the always fractious relationship between City Hall and the Capitol.
Manhattan Democrat Sheldon Silver — long the city’s key advocate — is out as Assembly speaker, consumed by a corruption scandal. New Speaker Carl Heastie of the Bronx could be a formidable ally for de Blasio, but his leadership is untested.