@sammellins.bsky.social
Senior Reporter at New York Focus
Tips/praise/rants: Sam(at)nysfocus.com
Signal: mellins.613
Tips/praise/rants: Sam(at)nysfocus.com
Signal: mellins.613
Reposted
The story I've been wanting to read is about the actual obstacles in Albany to Mayor-elect Mamdani's agenda, what the political dynamics are, and what might be the competition for any revenue increases. Our friends at @nysfocus.bsky.social told that story and we're proud to elevate it.
Zohran Mamdani’s Next Big Battle Is in Albany - The American Prospect
Mamdani convinced New York City voters to back his agenda—now he needs to convince Albany politicians. The money his administration needs to fund his priorities will not be won without a fight.
prospect.org
November 7, 2025 at 2:40 PM
The story I've been wanting to read is about the actual obstacles in Albany to Mayor-elect Mamdani's agenda, what the political dynamics are, and what might be the competition for any revenue increases. Our friends at @nysfocus.bsky.social told that story and we're proud to elevate it.
Reposted
NEW: Voters didn’t just elect a socialist mayor in New York City.
They also voted in progressive candidates in several of the state’s largest cities, flipped county legislatures blue, and chose a new Democratic assemblymember in US Representative Elise Stefanik’s backyard.
They also voted in progressive candidates in several of the state’s largest cities, flipped county legislatures blue, and chose a new Democratic assemblymember in US Representative Elise Stefanik’s backyard.
It’s Not Just Mamdani: Progressives Rack Up Victories Upstate
Working Families Party–backed candidates flipped county legislatures, won big-city mayoralties, and secured an Assembly seat in Elise Stefanik’s backyard.
nysfocus.com
November 6, 2025 at 1:34 PM
NEW: Voters didn’t just elect a socialist mayor in New York City.
They also voted in progressive candidates in several of the state’s largest cities, flipped county legislatures blue, and chose a new Democratic assemblymember in US Representative Elise Stefanik’s backyard.
They also voted in progressive candidates in several of the state’s largest cities, flipped county legislatures blue, and chose a new Democratic assemblymember in US Representative Elise Stefanik’s backyard.
Zohran Mamdani scored a historic, decisive win last night.
His next battle: Getting Albany to give NYC the cash it needs for his ambitious agenda.
nysfocus.com/2025/11/05/z...
His next battle: Getting Albany to give NYC the cash it needs for his ambitious agenda.
nysfocus.com/2025/11/05/z...
Zohran Mamdani’s Next Big Battle is in Albany
Mamdani convinced New York City voters to back his agenda. Now he needs to convince Albany politicians.
nysfocus.com
November 5, 2025 at 3:08 PM
Zohran Mamdani scored a historic, decisive win last night.
His next battle: Getting Albany to give NYC the cash it needs for his ambitious agenda.
nysfocus.com/2025/11/05/z...
His next battle: Getting Albany to give NYC the cash it needs for his ambitious agenda.
nysfocus.com/2025/11/05/z...
Reposted
NEW: Zohran Mamdani made history last night, romping to a decisive victory over former Governor Andrew Cuomo in New York City’s mayoral election.
In January, he will become New York’s first Muslim mayor, first immigrant mayor in 50 years, and youngest mayor in a century.
In January, he will become New York’s first Muslim mayor, first immigrant mayor in 50 years, and youngest mayor in a century.
Zohran Mamdani’s Next Big Battle is in Albany
Mamdani convinced New York City voters to back his agenda. Now he needs to convince Albany politicians.
nysfocus.com
November 5, 2025 at 2:09 PM
NEW: Zohran Mamdani made history last night, romping to a decisive victory over former Governor Andrew Cuomo in New York City’s mayoral election.
In January, he will become New York’s first Muslim mayor, first immigrant mayor in 50 years, and youngest mayor in a century.
In January, he will become New York’s first Muslim mayor, first immigrant mayor in 50 years, and youngest mayor in a century.
Reposted
Helpful explainer on a confusing ballot prop!
NEW: New York voters are scratching their chins about one question that will appear on ballots across the state, concerning a winter sports facility in the Adirondacks.
Here’s a brief rundown.
nysfocus.com/2025/11/03/b...
Here’s a brief rundown.
nysfocus.com/2025/11/03/b...
What Is Ballot Proposal 1?
Voters across the state are scratching their chins about a question on their ballots concerning an Adirondacks winter sports facility. Here’s what’s going…
nysfocus.com
November 3, 2025 at 5:58 PM
Helpful explainer on a confusing ballot prop!
In its endorsement of Andrew Cuomo, the NY Sun compares him to the biblical Jephthah, who literally sacrificed his own daughter:
October 28, 2025 at 2:51 PM
In its endorsement of Andrew Cuomo, the NY Sun compares him to the biblical Jephthah, who literally sacrificed his own daughter:
Reposted
The state health department announced that it is launching the Living Donor Support Program, which will reimburse organ donors up to $14,000 for their medical expenses and recovery-related costs.
nysfocus.com/2025/10/28/n...
nysfocus.com/2025/10/28/n...
New York Launches Organ Donation Program, Ending Years of Delay
The rollout follows years of reporting by New York Focus on delays and missed deadlines.
nysfocus.com
October 28, 2025 at 1:41 PM
The state health department announced that it is launching the Living Donor Support Program, which will reimburse organ donors up to $14,000 for their medical expenses and recovery-related costs.
nysfocus.com/2025/10/28/n...
nysfocus.com/2025/10/28/n...
Following years of accountability reporting from @nysfocus.bsky.social, the state health department has finally launched a program to boost organ donation rates by reimbursing donors for their medical costs. My report:
nysfocus.com/2025/10/28/n...
nysfocus.com/2025/10/28/n...
New York Launches Organ Donation Program, Ending Years of Delay
The rollout follows years of reporting by New York Focus on delays and missed deadlines.
nysfocus.com
October 28, 2025 at 1:45 PM
Following years of accountability reporting from @nysfocus.bsky.social, the state health department has finally launched a program to boost organ donation rates by reimbursing donors for their medical costs. My report:
nysfocus.com/2025/10/28/n...
nysfocus.com/2025/10/28/n...
Reposted
NEW: A controversial highway expansion in the Hudson Valley has been delayed after pushback from transportation planners and environmentalists.
Last year, New York Focus reported that the project would cost the state at least $1.3 billion and save drivers just one to six minutes.
Last year, New York Focus reported that the project would cost the state at least $1.3 billion and save drivers just one to six minutes.
Hochul Hits Pause on Hudson Valley Highway Expansion
Reporting from New York Focus last year found that the project would save drivers six minutes max, at a cost of $1.3 billion.
nysfocus.com
October 14, 2025 at 12:24 PM
NEW: A controversial highway expansion in the Hudson Valley has been delayed after pushback from transportation planners and environmentalists.
Last year, New York Focus reported that the project would cost the state at least $1.3 billion and save drivers just one to six minutes.
Last year, New York Focus reported that the project would cost the state at least $1.3 billion and save drivers just one to six minutes.
Reposted
NYC #civictech could decry Eric Adams' last-hour renewal of the opaque Big Apple Connect program, in a giveaway to Altice USA and Spectrum.
Story by Zachary Groz for @nysfocus.bsky.social,who is staying on the #govtech beat in NYC and nine-figure spending favors by the insider-driven Adams admin:
Story by Zachary Groz for @nysfocus.bsky.social,who is staying on the #govtech beat in NYC and nine-figure spending favors by the insider-driven Adams admin:
Adams Locks In Big Apple Connect Through 2028, One Day Before…
The renewal locks New York City into well over $100 million in costs for the controversial program.
nysfocus.com
September 30, 2025 at 1:09 PM
NYC #civictech could decry Eric Adams' last-hour renewal of the opaque Big Apple Connect program, in a giveaway to Altice USA and Spectrum.
Story by Zachary Groz for @nysfocus.bsky.social,who is staying on the #govtech beat in NYC and nine-figure spending favors by the insider-driven Adams admin:
Story by Zachary Groz for @nysfocus.bsky.social,who is staying on the #govtech beat in NYC and nine-figure spending favors by the insider-driven Adams admin:
Reposted
I'm incredibly excited to welcome Isabelle Taft as @nysfocus.bsky.social's immigration reporter. She's a dogged journalist who is going to rock it during these dark, eventful times.
Her first piece is up today, give it a read:
nysfocus.com/2025/09/04/t...
And send tips: isabelle@nysfocus.com
Her first piece is up today, give it a read:
nysfocus.com/2025/09/04/t...
And send tips: isabelle@nysfocus.com
Young New York Immigrants at Risk After Trump Ends Protections
New Yorkers are suing to reverse a Trump administration policy change that has upended the futures of tens of thousands of young immigrants.
nysfocus.com
September 4, 2025 at 1:35 PM
I'm incredibly excited to welcome Isabelle Taft as @nysfocus.bsky.social's immigration reporter. She's a dogged journalist who is going to rock it during these dark, eventful times.
Her first piece is up today, give it a read:
nysfocus.com/2025/09/04/t...
And send tips: isabelle@nysfocus.com
Her first piece is up today, give it a read:
nysfocus.com/2025/09/04/t...
And send tips: isabelle@nysfocus.com
Reposted
NEW: This summer, ICE was quietly granted access to sensitive Medicaid enrollment information as part of the agency’s efforts to root out “the location of aliens.”
Advocates say they’re seeing a chilling effect, with immigrants delaying or avoiding health care to protect themselves.
Advocates say they’re seeing a chilling effect, with immigrants delaying or avoiding health care to protect themselves.
New York Immigrants Weigh Health and Hunger Against Deportation Risk
Trump’s immigration crackdown is having a chilling effect on New Yorkers’ access to public benefits.
nysfocus.com
September 3, 2025 at 1:16 PM
NEW: This summer, ICE was quietly granted access to sensitive Medicaid enrollment information as part of the agency’s efforts to root out “the location of aliens.”
Advocates say they’re seeing a chilling effect, with immigrants delaying or avoiding health care to protect themselves.
Advocates say they’re seeing a chilling effect, with immigrants delaying or avoiding health care to protect themselves.
Reposted
NEW: We’ve been keeping a close eye on the Bronx Community Foundation.
Since we reported it had failed to spend nearly $400,000 it raised for fire victims, the foundation received $300,000 in new government grants.
nysfocus.com/2025/08/28/b...
Since we reported it had failed to spend nearly $400,000 it raised for fire victims, the foundation received $300,000 in new government grants.
nysfocus.com/2025/08/28/b...
Troubled Bronx Charity Continues to Receive Government Grants
New York lawmakers are giving more money to the Bronx Community Foundation, which has failed to spend it in the past.
nysfocus.com
August 28, 2025 at 12:20 PM
NEW: We’ve been keeping a close eye on the Bronx Community Foundation.
Since we reported it had failed to spend nearly $400,000 it raised for fire victims, the foundation received $300,000 in new government grants.
nysfocus.com/2025/08/28/b...
Since we reported it had failed to spend nearly $400,000 it raised for fire victims, the foundation received $300,000 in new government grants.
nysfocus.com/2025/08/28/b...
A hearing focused on the turmoil in New York's popular home care program didn't get far, as key witnesses deflected and refused to answer questions.
"A complete waste of our time," one of the hearing's organizers said.
nysfocus.com/2025/08/22/n...
"A complete waste of our time," one of the hearing's organizers said.
nysfocus.com/2025/08/22/n...
NY Lawmakers Get Few Answers on Home Care Chaos
The state health department and a key contractor spent more time dodging questions than answering them.
nysfocus.com
August 22, 2025 at 1:44 PM
A hearing focused on the turmoil in New York's popular home care program didn't get far, as key witnesses deflected and refused to answer questions.
"A complete waste of our time," one of the hearing's organizers said.
nysfocus.com/2025/08/22/n...
"A complete waste of our time," one of the hearing's organizers said.
nysfocus.com/2025/08/22/n...
Reposted
BREAKING: Eric Adams Advisor Winnie Greco Handed a CITY Reporter Cash Stuffed in a Bag of Potato Chips
www.thecity.nyc/2025/08/20/w...
www.thecity.nyc/2025/08/20/w...
Eric Adams Advisor Winnie Greco Handed a CITY Reporter Cash Stuffed in a Bag of Potato Chips
THE CITY reported the incident to law enforcement and was promptly contacted by the Brooklyn U.S. attorney’s office.
www.thecity.nyc
August 20, 2025 at 11:38 PM
BREAKING: Eric Adams Advisor Winnie Greco Handed a CITY Reporter Cash Stuffed in a Bag of Potato Chips
www.thecity.nyc/2025/08/20/w...
www.thecity.nyc/2025/08/20/w...
Reposted
"Hundreds of thousands of New Yorkers use CDPAP, hundreds of thousands of New Yorkers work for CDPAP...even if you have no relation to the program, if you're a NY taxpayer, this is your money."
@sammellins.bsky.social joined The Capitol Pressroom to talk about wage parity for home care workers.
@sammellins.bsky.social joined The Capitol Pressroom to talk about wage parity for home care workers.
Wage parity for home care workers undermined by loopholes
NY lawmakers have tried to secure a compensation boost for home care workers in the NYC area, but those efforts haven't resulted in more money in pockets.
capitolpressroom.org
August 18, 2025 at 5:33 PM
"Hundreds of thousands of New Yorkers use CDPAP, hundreds of thousands of New Yorkers work for CDPAP...even if you have no relation to the program, if you're a NY taxpayer, this is your money."
@sammellins.bsky.social joined The Capitol Pressroom to talk about wage parity for home care workers.
@sammellins.bsky.social joined The Capitol Pressroom to talk about wage parity for home care workers.
I've been reporting on New York's troubled home care program for months.
On Thursday, lawmakers are holding a hearing to understand its recent turmoil.
Here are 5 questions I'd like answers to:
nysfocus.com/2025/08/19/n...
On Thursday, lawmakers are holding a hearing to understand its recent turmoil.
Here are 5 questions I'd like answers to:
nysfocus.com/2025/08/19/n...
New York Lawmakers Are Scrutinizing Home Care. We’ve Got Questions.
With a hearing on New York’s troubled home care program set for Thursday, here are five questions we’d like answered.
nysfocus.com
August 19, 2025 at 4:54 PM
I've been reporting on New York's troubled home care program for months.
On Thursday, lawmakers are holding a hearing to understand its recent turmoil.
Here are 5 questions I'd like answers to:
nysfocus.com/2025/08/19/n...
On Thursday, lawmakers are holding a hearing to understand its recent turmoil.
Here are 5 questions I'd like answers to:
nysfocus.com/2025/08/19/n...
Reposted
Fraud and falsehoods often don’t stop debt collectors from pursuing their targets for years, reports @sammellins.bsky.social. nysfocus.com/2025/08/14/z...
‘Zombie Debts’ Refuse to Die, Haunting New Yorkers for Decades
Fraud and falsehoods often don’t stop debt collectors from pursuing their targets for years.
nysfocus.com
August 14, 2025 at 1:20 PM
Fraud and falsehoods often don’t stop debt collectors from pursuing their targets for years, reports @sammellins.bsky.social. nysfocus.com/2025/08/14/z...
New for @nysfocus: Two companies managing NY's home health program could pocket millions 💰💰💰 meant for low-wage care aides every year.
That's because they're offering "benefits" that many workers can't actually use, but are forced to pay for.
nysfocus.com/2025/07/21/n...
That's because they're offering "benefits" that many workers can't actually use, but are forced to pay for.
nysfocus.com/2025/07/21/n...
New York’s Health Companies Could Pocket Millions Meant for Low-Wage…
Offering hard-to-use benefits instead of cash could help two state-funded companies dodge a 2011 law meant to boost care workers’ pay.
nysfocus.com
July 21, 2025 at 12:36 PM
New for @nysfocus: Two companies managing NY's home health program could pocket millions 💰💰💰 meant for low-wage care aides every year.
That's because they're offering "benefits" that many workers can't actually use, but are forced to pay for.
nysfocus.com/2025/07/21/n...
That's because they're offering "benefits" that many workers can't actually use, but are forced to pay for.
nysfocus.com/2025/07/21/n...
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SCOOP: DOGE moved to kill Direct File, the IRS's popular free tax filing tool, days after meeting with private tax filing software lobbyists.
www.wired.com/story/doge-d...
www.wired.com/story/doge-d...
DOGE Put Free Tax Filing Tool on Chopping Block After One Meeting With Lobbyists
A key operative from DOGE initiated plans to potentially kill Direct File, the free tax filing tool developed by the IRS, after offering assurances it would be spared from cuts.
www.wired.com
July 17, 2025 at 12:48 PM
SCOOP: DOGE moved to kill Direct File, the IRS's popular free tax filing tool, days after meeting with private tax filing software lobbyists.
www.wired.com/story/doge-d...
www.wired.com/story/doge-d...
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The Department of Labor offers a hotline for people to call in cases where they have questions about applying for unemployment or experience delays in payments.
It seems as though nobody answers the phone.
It seems as though nobody answers the phone.
Does Anyone Answer New York's Unemployment Hotline?
One week in June, only a third of the people who called the Labor Department's unemployment help line reached a real person.
nysfocus.com
July 15, 2025 at 12:00 PM
The Department of Labor offers a hotline for people to call in cases where they have questions about applying for unemployment or experience delays in payments.
It seems as though nobody answers the phone.
It seems as though nobody answers the phone.
Reposted
NEW: If you need help with an unemployment claim in New York state, you might not get it from the Labor Department.
One week in June, just a third of callers to the unemployment hotline reached a human.
One week in June, just a third of callers to the unemployment hotline reached a human.
Does Anyone Answer New York's Unemployment Hotline?
One week in June, only a third of the people who called the Labor Department's unemployment help line reached a real person.
nysfocus.com
July 14, 2025 at 12:56 PM
NEW: If you need help with an unemployment claim in New York state, you might not get it from the Labor Department.
One week in June, just a third of callers to the unemployment hotline reached a human.
One week in June, just a third of callers to the unemployment hotline reached a human.
NEW: Eric Adams was slated to be the guest of honor at an event with a speaker who has called for violence against Muslims and boycotts of non-Hindu businesses.
He withdrew yesterday, following inquiries from New York Focus.
nysfocus.com/2025/07/10/e...
He withdrew yesterday, following inquiries from New York Focus.
nysfocus.com/2025/07/10/e...
Eric Adams Withdraws From Event Honoring Anti-Muslim Activist
He was slated to be the guest of honor at an event featuring a Hindu nationalist activist who has called for violence and boycotts against Muslims.
nysfocus.com
July 10, 2025 at 9:57 PM
NEW: Eric Adams was slated to be the guest of honor at an event with a speaker who has called for violence against Muslims and boycotts of non-Hindu businesses.
He withdrew yesterday, following inquiries from New York Focus.
nysfocus.com/2025/07/10/e...
He withdrew yesterday, following inquiries from New York Focus.
nysfocus.com/2025/07/10/e...
Reposted
Fiscal Policy Institute estimates that almost *half* of NY hospitals could be at risk of closing if Congress goes ahead with Medicaid cuts fiscalpolicy.org/new-york-hos...
![[Fiscal Policy Institute press release, 6/28/25]
Key Findings
70 of New York’s 156 hospitals get over 25 percent of their net patient revenue from Medicaid or government appropriations; these hospitals are at risk of closure in the case of severe Medicaid cuts.
94 of New York’s 156 hospitals would see profits eroded entirely with just a 10 percent cut to Medicaid revenue (and assuming no change to services rendered).
8 hospitals at risk of closure — the most of any district in the state — are in New York’s 23rd district, represented by Republican Representative Nicholas Langworthy. Another 7 at-risk hospitals are in Republican Representative Elise Stefanik’s district, both of whom voted in favor of the cuts to Medicaid in the One Big Beautiful Bill Act.
22 hospitals at risk of closure are in Republican-represented congressional districts.](https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_thumbnail/plain/did:plc:64drjustsrvsrcl2a2n2jnyf/bafkreif3rabonizetmchxxzs7apypy72iggwc6f2lzqq2ndzvuv52gzoda@jpeg)
June 30, 2025 at 3:30 PM
Fiscal Policy Institute estimates that almost *half* of NY hospitals could be at risk of closing if Congress goes ahead with Medicaid cuts fiscalpolicy.org/new-york-hos...