David Lombardo is reporting for Capitol Confidential state Senate Democrats will begin a series of hearings this week to examine rent regulation and tenant protection issues in New York. Rent laws downstate are set to expire in June, and Democratic lawmakers want to close loopholes that allow landlords to avoid rent increase limits and expand rent regulations upstate. During Assembly hearings on the issue last week, Democrats had tough words for developers, landlords and New York City regulatory agencies. The Hudson Common Council on March 19, approved a resolution in support of universal rent stabilization and control in New York. Senate hearings will be held in Syracuse, May 9; Brooklyn, May 16; at the Legislative Office Building in Albany, May 22; and, on May 23 at the Newburgh Armory Unity Center in Newburgh. Read the full story at Capitol Confidential, a Times Union blog.