Capitol Confidential

The Governor Mario M. Cuomo Bridge is a 3-mile span over the Hudson river that connects Rockland and Westchester counties, just 25 miles north of New York City. It's a major commuter route, and bears hundreds of thousands of vehicle crossings each day. It replaced the long-ailing Tappan Zee Bridge in 2017, amid much fanfare from state and local officials. Now a comprehensive report from Brendan Lyons, the Times Union's managing editor for investigations, details a whistleblower’s account of the alleged coverup of potential structural flaws in the construction of the bridge — a dispute at the heart of a court case that remains under seal.  On this episode of the Capitol Confidential podcast, Times Union Editor Casey Seiler speaks to Lyons about the story, and its implications.

New York Governor Andrew Cuomo is facing perfect storm of threats to his administration, finding himself both in the crosshairs of an investigation by the FBI and the Justice Department into his handling of nursing home deaths due to COVID-19, and accused of sexual harassment by multiple women. Cuomo addressed the sexual harassment allegations during a press conference this week, in which he apologized for his behavior. On this episode of Capitol Confidential, Times Union Capitol Bureau Managing Editor Brendan Lyons speaks to an alleged victim of sexual harassment, who says Cuomo's apology falls short and he should resign immediately.

A recent admission by Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo’s top aide, Secretary Melissa DeRosa, that they withheld nursing home coronavirus data to state legislators over fear that President Donald J. Trump would use the data against New York continues to roil the governor’s administration. In turn, a federal investigation into Cuomo’s handling of the virus in the long-term care facilities is on the docket and legislators are seeking to impeach the governor. On this episode of the Capitol Confidential Podcast, Times Union Capitol Bureau Managing Editor Brendan Lyons and reporters Amanda Fries and Ed McKinley discuss the latest news surrounding Cuomo and his administration, and the legislature's unrest. We also hear from Assembly Minority Leader William Barclay and Assemblyman John McDonald and get their take on the nursing home controversy that has engulfed New York. 

New York Attorney General Letitia James released a searing report this week finding that the state Department of Health underreported the deaths of nursing home residents who died from COVID-19 by as much as 50 percent. The 76-page report follows a months-long investigation by the attorney general’s office into allegations of patient neglect and other conduct that jeopardized the health and safety of residents and employees. State health officials responded by again defending their actions, and pointed to specifics in James’ report that reaffirm the findings in a state-commissioned study released in July. On this episode of the Capitol Confidential Podcast, Times Union Capitol Bureau Managing Editor Brendan Lyons and reporters Amanda Fries and Chris Bragg break down the report and its implications.  

This week, Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo unveiled two budget proposals. Both are contingent upon how much New York state receives from the federal government. Cuomo even threatened to sue if the state doesn't get the $15 billion in federal aid that he has requested. That's enough to fill the budget gap that the governor and budget officials have cited for months. Capital Confidential host Amanda Fries talks with reporters about what the executive budget means for the region. What happens if the state doesn't get the requested federal aid? Capital reporter Edward McKinley answers that question and the possible revenue generators that could help close the gap. The executive budget paints a bleak picture for localities – especially those that rely on state aid. Albany reporter Steve Hughes shares what this means for the region's cities, and how they're preparing for the reduction in state aid. There are some promising elements in the proposal that would help revive the economy and support small businesses, business reporter Larry Rulison says. Even though the state has rolled back its financial support of schools, education reporter Rachel Silberstein says federal relief funds from the last stimulus will be directed to school districts. Read more about the highlights in the executive budget proposal.      

North Country Representative Elise Stefanik has been a steadily rising star in the Republican party since she joined Congress in 2014. Her stock rose sharply during the Trump presidency, when she aligned herself with the administration and actively supported its policies. She won a fourth term representing New York's 21st district handily this past November, with widespread support from local leaders and lawmakers. Yet more than a week after a violent siege at the U.S. Capitol and the second impeachment of Donald Trump, she remains steadfastly supportive of the outgoing president and his unfounded claims of election fraud. And that stance has produced blowback from both inside and outside of her district—signaling potential cracks in a previously sound red wall.

As a violent mob of President Trump's supporters broke into the United States Capitol Wednesday afternoon, a smaller protest also turned violent outside the New York State Capitol. Times Union Managing Editor Brendan Lyons, Washington correspondent Emilie Munson and State reporter Ed McKinley discuss the events of this week, New York lawmakers' reactions, and what it all means for government at both the federal and state levels.   *This podcast was recorded on Thursday, a day after the protests.

The first FDA-approved coronavirus vaccines have arrived in New York this week, and the state has started vaccinating front-line healthcare workers. Times Union Capitol Bureau reporter Amanda Fries leads a discussion of the state's plan for the initial doses with reporter Ed McKinley and Washington correspondent Emilie Munson.  Also on this episode, the latest on sexual harassment allegations leveled against Governor Andrew Cuomo this week, and an interview with State Senate-elect Michelle Hinchey.

This week New York State Senate Democrats declared that they'd gained a history-making "supermajority," after the absentee ballot count in several key races swung the results in their favor.  Times Union Capitol Bureau reporters Amanda Fries and Chris Bragg join Managing Editor Brendan Lyons to talk about the development, and what it means for legislative priorities going into the year. Will they address progressive agenda items like recreational marijuana? And will they exercise their veto-proof majority to go over Governor Andrew Cuomo's head? That all remains to be seen as the Legislature prepares for the new session in January. Also on this episode, Brendan Lyons checks in with Deputy Majority Leader, Senator Michael Gianaris, for his take on the supermajority.

As the counting of absentee ballots in New York continues, the ultimate power balance in the state Senate and Assembly remains somewhat murky. A number of close races in both chambers that initially appeared in favor of Republican candidates after Election Day seem to be narrowing even further as the numbers come in, and the final outcomes are still not definitive. The process may take weeks yet, and will determine whether this historically blue state saw a legitimate surge in support for Republicans, or simply witnessed a red mirage. In this episode of the Capitol Confidential podcast, Times Union Capitol Bureau reporters Amanda Fries and Chris Bragg weigh in on where things stand in with as-yet un-called races, and what the future may hold for absentee voting in New York's elections. 

State Senate Democrats were confident going into the 2020 election that they'd come out with a supermajority. But as the returns came in this week, it became clear that it wasn't as likely as they'd hoped. Instead, it was the GOP leaders who celebrated a potential increase in their ranks. But as Times Union Capitol Bureau reporters Amanda Fries, Chris Bragg and Edward McKinley observe in this episode of Capitol Confidential, the final outcome of the balance of power in New York is still being tallied.  

What are the scenarios that could play out on Election Night? Will it be decided before the sun rises, or will there be protracted legal battles that will delay the final result for weeks? Capitol Bureau reporter Ed McKinley and Washington correspondent Emilie Munson answer these questions and more in this special edition of Capitol Confidential.

Times Union editor Casey Seiler and state editor Brendan Lyons discuss the history of the controversial New York law 50-a, which protects police records, and the likelihood of a historic repeal this week.

As New York state battles the coronavirus pandemic, Washington correspondent Emilie Munson checks in with Capital Region Rep. Paul Tonko on the $2 trillion stimulus package Congress passed. Meanwhile, state editor Brendan Lyons connects with a nurse working on the frontlines of the COVID-19 fight at a hospital in Long Island.

New York State Health Commissioner Howard Zucker talks to the Times Union's Brendan Lyons about the coronavirus, how it spreads, and what New Yorkers should be doing to slow it. 

What's it like to be the first woman in the room during state budget negotiations after decades of all-male closed-door talks? A special edition of the Times Union's CapCon political podcast features a discussion with state Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins that addresses that very question.

Two recent reports are sounding the alarm about the state's Medicaid spending this year, which could result in future cuts to health care or education. Mark Ustin, a health care lobbyist and veteran of the Pataki administration, joined the podcast to explain what this means for New Yorkers who use and pay for Medicaid. The conversation touched on recent efforts to curb Medicaid spending in New York, creative budgeting practices and what might be gleaned from the state's mid-year financial update.  

New York's gambling landscape is far from settled, with the next big shakeup likely to be the introduction of casinos into the New York City area. One potential recipient of a casino license is the Empire City Casino in Yonkers, where harness racing and electronic gaming is available. Empire City Casino President Uri Clinton joined the podcast to discuss the continuing evolution of gambling in New York, the future of racing in Yonkers and the competition for gaming dollars in the region. He also explained what the January purchase of the facility by MGM Resorts means for the development of the site.

Assemblyman Ed Ra isn't naive enough to think that even his best floor debate can stymie legislation being advanced by his Democratic colleagues, who enjoy an overwhelming majority in the chamber. But the Long Island Republican, who serves as the assistant floor leader for the GOP, does believe he plays an important part in the legislative process by raising concerns, asking questions and (in some cases) prompting bills to be amended. Ra joined the podcast to talk about life on the floor in the Assembly, including the preparation involved in a debate, his goals as a member of the minority, and his preferred candy for a sugar rush.

Legislation enabling undocumented immigrants to apply for driver's licenses had a lot working against it in Albany this year. Despite Democratic-control of the state government, the proposal was wildly unpopular with members from the New York City suburbs and Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo seemed unenthusiastic about the issue. Sen. Luis Sepulveda, the Bronx Democrat who helped shepherd the proposal across the finish line, joined the podcast to explain the uphill battle for the year's most unlikely new law. The conversation addressed the last-minute declaration from state Attorney General Letitia James, support from upstate Senate Democrats and the governor's relationship with the legislation.  

Joyce Mitchell made her case for parole on June 4 at the women's prison in Bedford Hills. The former Clinton Correctional employee has been incarcerated for nearly four years due to her role in aiding a high-profile prison escape in 2015. Following the hearing, Mitchell was denied parole. The Times Union has turned excerpts of the transcript from the hearing into a bonus episode, with editors Susan Mehalick and Sara Tracey lending their voices.

For about a decade, reporters in Albany would take their Monday morning cues from Ken Lovett's weekly column, which would be filled with state government scoops. This past February, the veteran reporter retired from journalism on his own terms after 25 years of Capitol coverage. Lovett joined the podcast to talk about his time with the state's two prolific tabloids: the New York Post and Daily News. The conversation addressed his approach to reporting, the pressure to break news and occasions when his work took him out of Albany.

Assemblywoman Amy Paulin is one of the busiest lawmakers in Albany, where she routinely shepherds the most bills through the legislative process. She joined the Capitol Confidential podcast to explain her approach, and how it has evolved since joining the Assembly nearly two decades ago. The conversation also touched on how she finds sponsors for legislation in the state Senate, her affinity for policy details and what's on tap for next year's session. She also explained the challenge of getting a bill through the Assembly that would legalize paid surrogacy.

It's a time of transition for the New York Racing Association. This includes a new leader, David O'Rourke, who is steering the organization through an evolving gambling landscape, major changes at their tracks and concerns about equine safety. He joined the Capitol Confidential podcast to talk about all this, and much more, including the legacy he hopes to leave. Editor's note: This interview is also featured on New York Now

In the waning days of the legislative session, state lawmakers and Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo agreed to ambitious energy and emissions goals to help combat climate change. And while it's clear where New York needs to end up, it's not so clear how we'll get there. Business Council of New York's director of government affairs Darren Suarez and New York League of Conservation Voters President Julie Tighe joined the podcast to highlight the potential paths New Yorkers might follow, and how it will change life as we know it.

Legalizing marijuana in New York hasn't been as easy as expected after Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo threw his weight behind the idea. The fate of legislation creating a framework for recreational use is unclear as state lawmakers prepare to make their exit for the year from the Capitol. This uphill battle isn't a surprise to the Rockefeller Institute's Heather Trela, who recently completed a report on the structural challenges in adopting marijuana legalization through the legislative process. She joined the podcast to walk the listener through her findings, and examine the different results in Illinois, Vermont and New York (so far).

It took one month in 2009 for order to be restored in the state Senate following an attempted power grab that upset the status quo in the chamber. But the ramifications, which are covered on the final installment of the Times Union's "Tales from the Coup" podcast series, would shape the immediate future of the Senate and have effects that remain for the new Democratic majority. The episode follows the demise of the two renegade Democratic senators who plotted with GOP senators and examines how the rise of the Independent Democratic Conference in 2011 was informed by the chaos in the chamber during the preceding years.

This bonus episode explores how the "Tales from the Coup" series came together. Times Union managing editor Casey Seiler talked with podcast host David Lombardo about his interest in the "Senate Coup," wrangling guests and bringing it all together. The conversation explains how Sen. Diane Savino got involved, the editing process, and what's next for the Capitol Confidential podcast.

A constitutionally questionable appointment and some cold feed ended the summer stalemate at the Capitol in 2009. One month after defecting to the Republicans, Sen. Pedro Espada rejoined the Democrats, restoring their majority in the chamber. This installment of the "Tales from the Coup" series examines the bold step Gov. David Paterson made to end the impasse, negotiations to create a power-sharing agreement in the Senate and the return of the prodigal senator. New episodes of the Capitol Confidential podcast are released on Fridays.  

The chaos that occurred on June 8, 2009 – when Senate Republicans, along with two wayward Democrats, attempted to take control of the chamber – was just an appetizer for what would come the following month. This installment of the "Tales from the Coup" series details the madness that unfolded in Albany that summer, as power in the chamber was up for grabs and the state government came to a halt. The episode covers the constant barrage of meaningless senate sessions, the ouster of a legislative leader and repeated failures to cobble together a majority in the senate.     

June 8, 2009 was supposed to be a quiet day in the state Senate. But the plans of the Democratic majority were quickly upended when Senate Republicans initiated a procedural power grab to take back control of the chamber they had run for decades. This tumultuous day in New York history is the focus for the latest installment of the "Tales from the Coup" podcast series. The episode explores how the procedural gambit worked, highlights the action on the floor of the Senate and reveals how lawmakers, reporters and Albany insiders responded to the chaos.

Senate Democrats didn't realize they had defectors in their ranks in 2009 until it was too late. For months leading up to the coup, political operatives met in secret - including across the street from the governor's mansion - to develop their plot. When the plan was implemented it caught all of Albany off guard, an impressive feat in a town known for its leaks. The third installment of the Capitol Confidential podcast's "Tales from the Coup" series explores the behind-the-scenes events that led to the coup, with a focus on the Rochester billionaire who got fed up with the Senate Democrats, the meticulous and secret scheming of the Senate GOP and the motivations of the two wayward senators. The episode features interviews with former Gov. David Paterson, New York Times Reporter Nick Confessore and Sen. Diane Savino, a Staten Island Democrat. The show is available online at Capitol Confidential or wherever people download podcasts — including iTunes, Spotify, Stitcher, or TuneIn. New episodes of the series are available every Friday.

Progressive activists in New York frustrated by the pace of change during this year's legislative session, would have been sorely disappointed by the progress made 10 years earlier in Albany. Heading into the 2009, there was an expectation that with Democrats controlling all the levers of state government, a liberal wish list - long bottled up by Republican control of the state Senate - would be easy to accomplish at the Capitol. But the legislative session would be anything but easy for Democratic lawmakers and Gov. David Paterson, as they wrestled with a multi-billion dollar deficit, a bailout for public transit system in New York City, and a Senate majority that was rarely on the same page. This journey is the subject of the second episode of Times Union's podcast series diving into the "Senate Coup" of 2009, which brought state government to a halt. New episodes will be available every Friday and a live forum commemorating the 10th anniversary of the coup will be held at the Hearst Media Center in Colonie on May 7.

The "Senate Coup" of 2009 caught Albany by surprise, but the writing was on the wall months earlier after Senate Democrats first secured their slim majority. This first episode of Capitol Confidential's "Tales from the Coup" series focuses on the leadership battle after the 2008 election and how it signaled the stalemate that was coming. The podcast will introduce the "Four Amigos," highlight the political rise of Malcolm Smith and explain the deal that was struck to hold the Democratic conference together. New episodes will be available every Friday and a live forum commemorating the 10th anniversary of the coup will be held at the Hearst Media Center in Colonie on May 7.    

For the 10-year anniversary of the Senate Coup, the Capitol Confidential podcast is doing a deep dive into the players and politics that shaped this historic struggle for power in Albany. This multi-episode journey will unearth buried memories, shine a light on all the plot twists and explore the ramifications for the past decade, as we hear from the lawmakers, reporters and staffers who survived the tumultuous summer of 2009. The leadership battle will also be the focus of a live forum at the Hearst Media Center in Colonie on May 7. The first episode will be available April 26 and listeners should subscribe to Capitol Confidential wherever they get podcasts so they don't miss out on this trip down memory lane.    

It was a little more than 12 years ago that Tom DiNapoli, then a member of the state Assembly, was tapped by his legislative colleagues to become the next state comptroller. The Long Island Democrat has since won three elections to the post and is planning on running again in 2022. DiNapoli joined the podcast to talk about his elevation in 2007, the controversy surrounding his selection and his flirtation with a run for lieutenant governor. The interview also explored his re-election bid and thoughts on the process for filling vacancies in the state attorney general and comptroller jobs.

Gov. Andrew Cuomo is known for bold and progressive rhetoric addressing climate change, and this year's talking points were backed up by new language in the state budget. Environmental Advocates of New York Executive Director Peter Iwanowicz joined the Capitol Confidential podcast to discuss the governor's rhetorical commitment to the "Green New Deal," as well as the substantive plan to get New York on “100 percent clean power by 2040." The conversation also addressed climate change legislation making its way through the Capitol.

A president from the Capital Region. That's the promise embodied in U.S. Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand's run for the White House. The Democratic contender has deep roots to the region, including her grandmother's role in Albany's political machine, and she calls Rensselaer County home today. Gillibrand joined the Capitol Confidential podcast to talk with Times Union reporter Rachel Silberstein about serving the area in Congress, her political evolution, and much more. An even deeper dive into her formative years was the focus of a recent Times Union profile, and a look into her rise in politics in print on Sunday.

State lawmakers on this week adopted the first major batch of gun-control measures in New York since the SAFE Act of 2013, and pledged they won't wait another six years before revisiting state firearm laws. The package of bills would enable New Yorkers to seek a court order to temporarily remove guns from people who are deemed a danger to themselves or others, ban bump stocks, prohibit teachers from being armed in schools, establish a fund and guidance for local gun buyback programs, and extend the period for completion of background checks to 30 days. While Democrats and gun control advocates were celebrating, most Republican lawmakers found themselves on the opposing side of the issue. To explain their position, the podcast turned to GOP senators Patrick Gallivan and Daphne Jordan.

New York is poised to adopt adult-use marijuana in a few months, as lawmakers appear to be on board and Gov. Andrew Cuomo included a regulatory framework in his state budget. As the state heads into these uncharted waters, the Capitol Confidential podcast turned to Weedmaps President Christopher Beals for guidance. The episode explored what makes a successful marijuana market, examined different tax structures and revealed what consumers in New York might be able to expect with legalization. The conversation also highlighted how Weedmaps, known as the Yelp of the pot world, might be utilized by New Yorkers in the future.

It's that time of year again in the Capitol, when life as we know it stops and the budget process begins.  This year's season is off to a familiar start, with Gov. Andrew Cuomo offering a PowerPoint presentation in a frigid state theater packed with acolytes and lawmakers, but it's also poised to be very different. The variable heading into budget negotiations is the Democratic-controlled state Legislature, which is an unfamiliar quantity in Albany. Newsday's Mike Gormley joined the podcast to break down the big news, high drama and compelling subplots of this $175 billion high-stakes holiday.

Before the media fascination with Gov. Andrew Cuomo's (lack of) national ambition, it was his father who stirred up speculation about a White House run. In 1991, 32-year-old Terry Lynam was one of the staffers then-Gov. Mario Cuomo dispatched to New Hampshire to lay the groundwork for a presidential campaign that never came to fruition. This episode features Lynam talking about his experience in the field, the political atmosphere at the time and what could have happened if Mario ran. And when you're done, check out this New Hampshire television segment that explored this moment in history with the state's former Democratic chair.

Long before the world would meet New York State Inspector General Catherine Leahy Scott through the performance by actress Bonnie Hunt, then-Gov. Mario Cuomo was looking for the first person to fill the newly created post. The original state inspector general was FBI special agent Joseph Spinelli, who joined the Capitol Confidential podcast to talk about creating the office and going after corruption in New York. The interview explores the tip line he set up, the need for procurement oversight and his own brush with Hollywood.  

At 25-years-old, Jim Skoufis was elected to the state Assembly. With six years of Capitol experience under his belt, he is making the leap next year to the state Senate, where he joins a new Democratic majority. Skoufis joined the podcast to talk about his decision to run, the congressional race that never materialized, his plans on running a robust oversight committee and the "passionate" approach he brings to his job. The conversation also touches on his recent campaign and one of his pet policy projects.

The political career of Andrea Stewart-Cousins began as a volunteer on a city council race in Yonkers, and nearly three decades later she will take on the role of majority leader in the state Senate. This evolution and much more about the Democratic leader was the subject of an in-depth profile by Times Union reporter Rachel Silberstein. This episode of the Capitol Confidential podcast features excerpts of their conversation. The interview touched on her plans for addressing sexual harassment, the role for the Senate Republicans in 2019 and how time as a journalist shaped her relationship with the media today.

New York's lawmakers are poised to get $30,500 raise in January, and an additional $10,000 in the following two years. New York Law Journal reporter Dan Clark joined the podcast to explain the process that led to the first salary increases in two decades, including the special committee created in the state budget, the buyer's remorse from the Legislature and potential legal challenges. The episode dives deep into the committee's actions and highlights the unanswered questions that could blow everything up.

Compared to serving in combat overseas, Democrat Aaron Gladd's campaign for state Senate was a walk in the park. His underdog campaign to succeed retiring GOP Sen. Kathy Marchione was waged without any muscle from Senate Democrats and in a deep red district, where Senate Republicans and special interests spent heavily to keep the seat from flipping hands. Along the way to a 10,00 vote loss (which was a much closer margin than any recent efforts by Democrats in the district), Gladd picked up the endorsement from former Republican Sen. Roy McDonald, raised a ton of money and (unsuccessfully) tried to bridge the partisan divide. He joined the podcast to talk about his decision to run, the negative attacks during the campaign, his lack of future political plans and much more.  

The highly anticipated "Blue Wave" delivered on Election Day in New York, where Democrats won an overwhelming majority in the state Senate and Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo cruised to a third term in office. USA Today Network's Jon Campbell joined the podcast to explain the results and what they mean for the upcoming legislative session. The conversation addressed the races that turned the Senate from red to blue, the future of New York's third parties, and the agenda that will dominate the Capitol starting in January.

The state Senate has never been more exciting! Control of the narrowly divided 63-seat chamber is up for grabs on Election Day, and a handful of races are toss ups and more are well positioned for an upset. To breakdown the most important races the podcast turned to local reporters from Long Island, the Hudson Valley, central New York and the Capital Region for insights from the districts. The conversations explore the local issues, outside spending, voting trends and the affect of the top of the ticket.  

Election Day is less than two weeks away and the fate of New York's most competitive congressional races is still a bit hazy. To help bring some clarity to the campaigns, political data analyst Noah Rudnick joined the podcast to explain his election forecasting model and explore the underlying fundamentals in the hotly contested congressional seats, including the 19th Congressional District race between Republican incumbent John Faso and Democratic challenger Antonio Delgado. The conversation explored the role campaign spending, past election results and demographics play in political prognostications, and Noah also shared his predictions for the House of Representatives elections in New York.

David Carlucci, an original member of the state Senate's Independent Democratic Conference and one of two to survive the primary night purges, joined the podcast for a look back and forward. The conversation examined the breakaway conference's founding and folding, his experience rejoining the Democratic fold and the potential for control of the chamber can flip. Carlucci also offered advice for the likely new class of millennial senators, experiencing the opioid epidemic as a town official and the fate of controversial campaign funds.