New York NOW

As the legislative session come to a close in the next few weeks, lawmakers and advocates are spending the final days pushing for a slew of policy initiatives they'd like to get passed. One such bill is the Medical Aid in Dying Act. After years of rallying, advocates were happy to see it passed for the first time in the Assembly chamber a few weeks ago. But it's unclear whether or not it will make any movement in the state Senate before the end of session. State Sen. James Skoufis (D-Orange County) joins us to unpack how interchange fees on state taxes and tips are hurting small businesses in the state.   Explore More: nynow.org

We sit with State Senate Deputy Majority Leader Michael Gianaris (D-Queens) to discuss a push for the 21st Century Antitrust Act which would work to increase state regulation on monopolies in the state and Senate Democrats' priorities through the end of the year. Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie (D-Bronx) joins us to unpack the FY '26 state budget, controversial bills in the lower chamber and the possibility of extending the legislative session.   EXPLORE MORE: nynow.org

Lawmakers vote on budget bills, finalizing the state budget 38 days after the April 1 deadline, making it the latest budget in more than a decade. State Sen. April Baskin (D—Erie County) discusses pay disparities in the state, legislative actions taken to address the issue, and how she plans on leading the fight for pay equity. We dive into the mental health crisis, policies intended to target some challenges within the issue, and howit impacted budget negotiations between state leaders.   EXPLORE MORE: nynow.org

Gov. Kathy Hochul and legislative leaders have reached a general state budget agreement three weeks after the initial deadline. However, state leaders are working on a few outstanding issues, and lawmakers still need to pass budget bills before the final budget can officially be enacted. We unpack the details of the agreement with Jimmy Vielkind of WNYC and Austin C. Jefferson of City & State. State Sen. Rachel May (D - Chair of Consumer Protection Committee and Legislative Commission on Rural Resources) joins us to unpack consumer protection and environmental priorities this year.   EXPLORE MORE: nynow.org

While the state budget is three weeks late, New York voters seem to back the many policy items that Gov. Kathy Hochul is pushing to be included in the budget. The governor saw positive job approval and favorability ratings for the first time in over a year. Sanford Berland, executive director of the state commission on ethics and lobbying in government, joins us to discuss the body's plans ahead and budget asks. We look at the state's approach to teaching DEI schools at a time when the federal government is looking to ban schools K-12 from approaching DEI in their curriculum.   EXPLORE MORE: nynow.org

While the state budget is several days late, a breakthrough on discovery reform have pushed negotiations forward. Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie met with five New York City DAs and settled on a deal rooted in compromise. State Sen. Jessica Ramos (D-Senate Labor Committee Chair) talks state budget progress and a bill meant to stop the state from having to pay federal taxes in the event of cuts from Washington. The transition to one single intermediary for New Yorkers enrolled in the Consumer Directed Personal Assistance Program has been far from smooth. State Sen. Gustavo Rivera (D-Chair of the Senate Health Committee) unpacks the issues.   EXPLORE MORE; nynow.org

It's been over a week since the April 1st deadline and state budget negotiations have stalled because of discovery reform! Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie introduced a bill that would allow lawmakers to get paid when the budget is late due to policy. We're joined by Patrick Orecki, director of state studies with the Citizens Budget Commission, to unpack the calls from good government groups for more transparency in the state budget process for New Yorkers. State Sen. Kristen Gonzalez (D - Chair of Internet and Technology Committee) joins us to discuss artificial intelligence regulatory priorities at the Capitol this year.   EXPLORE MORE: nynow.org

The April 1st budget deadline came and went this week - with leader unable to come to an agreement. We give an update on where negotiations stand. With the threat of federal funding cuts looming, we dive into their impact on budget negotiations and how New York leaders are prepping for those cuts. Assembly Member Amy Paulin (D - Assembly Health Committee Chair) - joins us for an comprehensive discussion on abortion access in the state.   EXPLORE MORE: nynow.org

We sit down on with Assembly Labor Committee Chair Harry Bronson (D - Monroe County) the push for the Work Opportunity Tax Credit and other labor priorities in the state budget. President Donald Trump has moved to dismantle the federal education department - potentially putting funding for pell grants in limbo. We unpack the concerns around these cuts and the push to get increased funding for tuition assistance.   EXPLORE MORE: nynow.org

The budget "mothership" has landed! State lawmakers convened for the General Budget Conference Committee meeting this week ahead of the April 1st budget deadline. Assembly Member Rodneyse Bichotte Hermelyn (D - East Flatbush) joins us to discuss state support for Minority and Women-Owned Businesses. The New York Public News Network is looking at the 5-year anniversary of the COVID-19 pandemic. We examine the impact of the science that led to the creation of the vaccines.   EXPLORE MORE: nynow.org

The Assembly and State Senate released their respective one-house budget proposals officially kicking off budget negotiations. We dive into lawmakers' approach to affordability this year - centered around housing, tax credits and wages. State Sen. Kevin Parker (D - Chair, Senate Energy and Telecommunications Committee) joins us to discuss the push to help New Yorkers against high utility rates.   Explore More: nynow.org

Correction Officers across the state are on strike! Officers are calling for a full repeal of the HALT Act while Gov. Kathy Hochul is moving forward with legal proceedings against the officers who don't return to work. There have been increased calls for prison reform in the state following the brutal beating of an incarcerated induvial at the Marcy Correctional Facility a few weeks ago. Assembly Member Jessica González-Rojas joins us to unpack insurance coverage for inhalers in the state budget. WMHT is highlighting the work of black leaders all month long. Eva Bass - of Bridge Tha Gap and AVilliage, Inc. - is working to provide resources and opportunity in her community.   EXPLORE MORE: https://nynow.wmht.org

Catch this week's show on your local PBS member station, or watch on YouTube, Facebook, or using the free PBS app anytime after Friday. A podcast version is available wherever you normally get podcasts. The Federal Department of Justice Secretary Sean Duffy moved to put an end to the congestion pricing program in New York City. In response, Gov. Kathy Hochul said the state would legally challenge the move in court. Jon Campbell, of WNYC and Gothamist, and Michael Gormley, of Newsday, joins us to discuss the latest on the criminal charges against NYC Mayor Eric Adams as Gov. Kathy Hochul weighs his political future. Assembly Member Michaelle Solages unpacks the priorities for the Black, Puerto Rican, Hispanic and Asian Legislative Caucus and body's 'Peoples Budget Framework'.  

Democratic leaders were expected to move forward with a bill meant to extend state election law to provide more time for the guv to call a special election this week, but the measure was abruptly abandoned the measure before it could come to the debate floor. State Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins joins us to discuss election law, budget priorities and affordability in New York State. There's renewed energy around the New York Heat Act as the bill gets a new sponsor in the lower chamber: Assembly Member Jo Anne Simon as leaders turned their focus to affordability this year.   EXPLORE MORE: nynow.org

This week, Gov. Kathy Hochul signed legislation meant to protect New Yorker physicians prescribing abortion medication via telehealth. We sit down with State Sen. Samra Brouk (D-Rochester) to unpack the telehealth legislation and maternal health. Assembly Minority Leader Will Barclay joins us to discuss affordability in the state and priorities of the conference this year.   EXPLORE MORE: nynow.org

Hunger Advocates and lawmakers are excited for the inclusion of $340 million in funding for universal school meals as part of Gov. Kathy Hochul's executive budget proposal. We sit down with Murad Awawdeh of the New York Immigration Coalition to unpack the legal challenges to the recent federal executive orders on immigration and the role of New York State - amid news of ICE raids and arrests this week.   EXPLORE MORE: nynow.org

Gov. Kathy Hochul unveiled her $252 billion executive budget proposal this week with a focus on affordability. We dive unpack the highlights of the budget and reactions from stakeholders. This week, the nation saw the second inauguration of Donald Trump, who hit the ground running singing executive orders. Trump has made immigration a key policy platform. We dive into the state's approach to immigration reform policy under the new federal administration.   LEARN MORE: nynow.org

Governor Kathy Hochul kicks off the 2025 legislative year with her State of the State address, prioritizing affordability, housing, education, and childcare. She outlines plans for free community college, tax cuts, and expanded childcare access. State Senator Shelley Mayer discusses the Democratic push to safeguard reproductive rights as a second Trump administration prepares to take office. This episode explores critical issues shaping New York's future in 2025. EXPLORE MORE: nynow.org

It's a new year - and a new legislative session at the State Capitol! Gov. Kathy Hochul and lawmakers have a long list of priorities to address this year, including affordability, healthcare, and education. Alex Gault, of the Watertown Daily Times and Northern New York Newspapers, and our Elise Kline, unpack the governor's end-of-year action on bills. A deep dive on how the legislative session works at the state capitol and what to expect.   EXPLORE MORE: nynow.org

2024 was a pivotal year for New York politics. This episode unpacks the state's biggest political stories from the past year, from Governor Hochul's challenges with housing reform and budget delays to federal investigations involving NYC Mayor Eric Adams.   EXPLORE MORE: nynow.org

The rise of artificial intelligence has prompted some lawmakers to examine its potential dangers. Assembly Member Alex Bores (D-Murray Hill) joins us to unpack his bills aimed at putting labels on images that may have been manipulated through AI. Eline Kline brings us on a day trip to learn all about the winter festivities and traditions at the state capitol.   EXPLORE MORE: nynow.org

Join us as we celebrate 100 years of New York State Parks with Commissioner Randy Simons and Chief Diversity Officer Yolanda Bostic Williams. Learn about the All Are Welcome campaign, historic preservation, and efforts to expand accessibility. Plus, take a look at the documentary "From Land to Legacy," detailing the rich history and impact of these parks for future generations.   EXPLORE MORE: nynow.org

Climate change policy has a long history. Assembly Member Anna Kelles joins us to discuss legislative measures in Albany to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and hold industry polluters accountable. Climate experts express concerns about the state's progress in implementing one policy in particular: the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act. We investigate why the state is lagging behind its timeline to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.   EXPLORE MORE: nynow.org

Learn about plans to modernize the Foundation Aid formula, address funding uncertainties tied to federal education policy, and implement statewide cell phone policies in schools. Discover NY's plan to combat rising thefts with serial numbers and new regulations backed by law enforcement and the scrap metal industry.   EXPLORE MORE: nynow.org

Congestion Pricing is back! This week, Gov. Kathy Hochul announced a new congestion pricing plan in New York City set to begin in January. New York State Inspector General Lucy Lang joins us to unpack the work of the office, including a report calling on the state department of correction and community supervision to modernize its record-keeping practices to comply with the HALT Act. It's been over a year since the October 7th attack, marking the start of the ongoing Israel-Hamas war in Gaza. We dive into the state's response to student protests of the war on college campuses.   EXPLORE MORE: nynow.org

Former President Donald Trump will be the 47th President after defeating Vice President Kamala Harris in a decisive victory. Austin Jefferson, of City and State, Raga Justin, of the Times Union and David Lombardo of the Capitol Pressroom joins us to discuss results for the presidential and NY congressional races. A deep dive on voter turnout in New York State from the polls on election day.   EXPLORE MORE: nynow.org

Election Day is in less than one week! NY& Voting examines the factors that discourage people from voting and how the state is working to improve access to the ballots. A New York Supreme Court Judge ruled that the state's even-year election law was unconstitutional. We spoke with State Sen. James Skoufis (D-Orange County) to discuss the ruling and plans for appeal. Casting one's ballot comes with preparation and planning. Elise Kline shares some tips from her trip to the board of elections for a comprehensive voter guide.   EXPLORE MORE: nynow.org

With just a two weeks until Election Day, a new Siena College Research Institute poll is showing positive results for Democrats and the Equal Rights Ballot Measure amongst New Yorkers. Assembly Members John McDonald (D-Rensselaer County) and Patricia Fahy (D-Albany County) join us to discuss their letter to the federal transportation secretary over changes to the Amtrak northeast service between the Capitol Region and New York City. Last year, Gov. Kathy Hochul signed legislation adding a donation box on tax formers for the early childhood research fund. We dive into the impact and implementation of the legislation on its one year anniversary and unpack the work ahead.   EXPLORE MORE: nynow.org

Blair Horner, executive director of the New York Public Interest Research Group, joins us to discuss an analysis showing the lack of polling sites on college campuses with large student populations - despite state law. A newly signed state law allows for EMS workers to receive Medicaid reimbursement for certain healthcare services. We dive into the implementation of the law and how lawmakers will approach securing additional support for workers next year. EXPLORE MORE: nynow.org

Every year, over 1,700 New Yorkers die from suicide. Dr. Ann Sullivan, Commissioner of the NYS Office of Mental Health, explains how the 988 crisis line is helping save lives. Beth Haroules from the NYCLU unpacks the legal implications of mask bans across New York. Are these laws protecting public safety or infringing on civil rights?   EXPLORE MORE: nynow.org

New York City Mayor Eric Adams faces criminal charges of conspiracy, bribery and fraud. Federal prosecutors allege the mayor granted favors in exchange for luxury gifts and campaign donations. October 1st is the deadline for the state to choose one vendor to work with patients enrolled in the consumer directed personal assistance program (CDPAP). State Sen. Gustavo Rivera (D-Senate Health Committee) talks his bill to stop that transition and improve the program. New York state is not on track to meet it's environmental goals set forth by the 2019 Climate Leadership and Community Act. Reporter Elise Kline examines the state approach and the work ahead.   EXPLORE MORE: nynow.org

Apart from the historic presidential election, New Yorkers also have an important decision to make on the ballot this year with the Equal Rights Amendment. To discuss the impact of the measure and plans to educate voters ahead of election day, we spoke with State Sen. Liz Krueger (D-Manhattan). The new school year is officially underway. SUNY Chancellor John King talks how the vision will come to life this year and plans to secure financial aid for SUNY next year.   EXPLORE MORE: nynow.org

Former Gov. Andrew Cuomo testified before Congress on his handling of the COVID-19 pandemic and nursing homes. The presidential race is in full swing. Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump had their first debate - complete with personal jabs and sparring over immigration, the economy and reproductive rights. New York State Democratic Party Chair Jay Jacobs joins us to discuss the energy around the Harris campaign and plans for the final weeks ahead of election day. It was the 23rd anniversary of the 9/11 attack on the twin towers in New York City. Reporter Elise Kline spoke with survivors and experts to unpack the tragic event and its lingering effects.   EXPLORE MORE: nynow.org

Former Hochul-Cuomo Aide was arrested and charged this week with federal charges. Linda Sun is accused of using her position in state government to help push the agenda of China and the Chinese Communist Party. Gov. Kathy Hochul is facing calls from good-government groups to sign a bill that would increase transparency of state emergency contracts. Patrick Orecki, of the Citizens Budget Commission, joins us to discuss more. The Great New York State Fair just wrapped up this week. New York NOW reporter Elise Kline unpacks the fan-favorites and new additions from this year's fair. Kline also unpacks new-signed legislation focused on women's issues.   EXPLORE MORE: nynow.org

On This Week's Edition Catch this week's show on your local PBS member station, or watch on YouTube, Facebook, or using the free PBS app anytime after Friday. A podcast version is available wherever you normally get podcasts. Under newly-signed legislation, small craft manufacturers will be able to ship cider, spirts and meads directly to consumers across the state. We discuss the impact of this legislation and its path to getting signed with State Sen. James Skoufis (D-Orange County). The Hudson River is one of New York's treasure but its treatment is far from perfect. In the latest episode of NY&Climate, Producer Dana Wright unpacks how climate change and pollution are impacting the historic river.

New York elected officials traveled to Chicago this week for the Democratic National Convention. Along with Democrats, the Working Families Party is supporting Vice President Kamala Harris in her bid for the White House. We sit down with Jasmine Gripper, co-director of the New York Working Families Party, for more. The state Department of Corrections and Community Supervision announced two upstate prisons will close this fall. State Sen. Julia Salazar, Chair of the Senate Committee on Crime Victims, Crime and Correction, joins us to discuss the decision and the conditions of prisons across the state. EXPLORE MORE: nynow.org

The state's newly formed Commission on Reparation Remedies kicked off their first meeting just a few weeks ago and is expected to deliver a report with their findings and recommendations next year. Assembly Member Michaelle Solages (D-Nassau County) joins us to discuss the creation of the committee and their work ahead. Environmentalists have long warned of the dangers of climate change. Producer Dana Wright shares a deep dive on how the issue is impacting birds in New York in the latest edition of NY&Climate. Explore more here: https://nynow.wmht.org/blogs/full-episodes/full-episode-am-michaelle-solages-climate-change-and-birds/

It's no secret that New York's legal cannabis industry has room for improvement. The issues include leadership changes for the NYS Office of Cannabis Management, the slow rollout legal cannabis licenses and issues with cracking down illegal smoke shops across the state. We unpack the many challenges and the future of the industry with Damien Cornwell, president of the Cannabis Association of New York. The state Department of Health has a direct-patient care approach to providing healthcare services and safeguarding public health. James McDonald, commissioner of the NYS Health Department, speaks with David Lombardo, of WCNY's Capitol Pressroom, for an in-depth conversation. EXPLORE MORE: nynow.org

President Joe Biden announced the end of his re-election bid and endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris. We discuss the presidential race and elections in New York with Jack O'Donnell, political analyst and managing partner of O'Donnell & Associates. New York Civil Liberties Union filed a class action federal lawsuit to challenge the Sexual Assault Reform Act in New York State. We spoke with Daniel Lambright, senior staff attorney with the union, to learn more.   EXPLORE MORE: nynow.org

On This Week's Edition: Catch this week's show on your local PBS member station, or watch on YouTube, Facebook, or using the free PBS app anytime after Friday. A podcast version is available wherever you normally get podcasts. On This Week's Edition: Elected officials in New York and around the country are reeling from the assassination attempt of former President Donald Trump. We discuss the possibility of legal challenges to Gov. Kathy Hochul's indefinite pause on the congestion pricing plan in New York City with Michael Gerrard, of Columbia Law School. Assembly Member Pamela Hunter (D-Onondaga) joins us to unpack her bill meant to implement state regulation on pet insurance.

We unpack the competitive state legislature primaries and races to watch. Jon Campbell, of WNYC and Gothamist, joins us to discuss. State Sen. Andrew Gounardes (D-Carroll Gardens) discuss the impact of child social media privacy legislation, the path to garnering support and the possibility of legal challenges.   Explore More: nynow.org

Tuesday was primary day in New York! We unpack the competitive congressional primaries races with Austin Jefferson, of City and State New York. We discuss the availiable resources in the state for LGBTQ+ older adults who have looking for support with MJ Okma, Senior Manager for Advocacy and Government Relations at SAGE. In collaboration with the Colonie Senior Service Center and the Pride Center of the Capital Region, LGBTQ+ older adults with Aging with Pride took a trip to SUNY University at Albany to look through historic archives of the pride center of the capitol region.   EXPLORE MORE: nynow.org

SUNY Chancellor John King joins us to discuss his vision for the university, goals for the coming school year and SUNY's position on protests. After more than three decades covering state politics in New York, Karen DeWitt, Capitol bureau chief for the New York Public News Network, is retiring. We sit down with Karen to unpack her career and legacy.   EXPLORE MORE: nynow.org

We'll unpack the governor's announcement essentially pulling the plug on congestion pricing plan for New York City. Assembly Member Jessica González-Rojas (D-Queens County) discusses the importance of disaggregating data for Middle Eastern and Northern African New Yorkers and the path forward to getting her bill over the finish line. Now more than ever, forest management is vitally important in helping the state reaches it's climate goals. Producer Dana Wright shares a deep dive as part of WMHT's NY& Climate series. As part of WMHT series focusing on Aging New Yorkers, we dive into the work of the Neighborhood Naturally Occurring Retirement Community (NNORC) to ensure seniors over the age of 60 maintain their quality of life and stay connected.   EXPLORE MORE: nynow.org

Recent court rulings in New York state may threaten the legitimacy of the state's ethics watchdog and an equal rights ballot referendum. Bill Mahoney, of POLITICO, joins us to discuss the impact of these court cases. Doreen Harris, President and CEO of the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority, joins us to discuss the challenge of expanding renewable energy across the state and the possibility of using nuclear power.   EXPLORE MORE: nynow.org

With just a few days before the end of session, Gov. Kathy Hochul and lawmakers are pushing to get two social media child privacy bills over the finish line. The state Senate Transportation Committee officially has a new chair. State Sen. Jeremy Cooney joins us to discuss his vision for the committee and the legacy he's hoping to have. While FY25 state budget allocated funding for combating retail theft and protecting retail workers, but labor advocates and lawmakers argue that may not be enough. As part of WMHT series focusing on Aging New Yorkers, we dive into the work an organization is doing to support aging New Yorkers with home delivered meals.   EXPLORE MORE at nynow.org

In this episode of "New York Now," we delve into the state's housing crisis with Senator Brian Kavanagh, who shares insights on the latest budget plan to boost affordable housing. Additionally, Natasha Pernicka, Executive Director of the Food Pantries of the Capitol District, addresses the growing issue of food insecurity and the challenges food pantries face due to stagnant funding. EXPLORE MORE: nynow.org

May is Mental Health Awareness Month! We catch up with the New York State Office of Mental Health Commissioner Dr. Ann Sullivan about funding in the state budget and youth mental health priorities. Democratic Lawmakers have been prioritizing the maternal and mental health of mothers. We caught up with State Senate Mental Health Chair Samra Brouk (D-Rochester) about doula care access and supporting the mental health of expectant mothers.   EXPLORE MORE: nynow.org

On This Week's Edition Catch this week's show on your local PBS member station, or watch on YouTube, Facebook, or using the free PBS app anytime after Friday. A podcast version is available wherever you normally get podcasts. On This Latest Edition of New York NOW: The state budget included savings to the Medicaid program as well as cuts to the Consumer Directed Personal Assistance Program (CDPAP) program. Patrick Orecki, of the Citizens Budget Commission, joins us to unpack the reality of funding Medicaid as well as healthcare priorities this year. Adam Ruder, of the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority, talks the implementation of electric school buses to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Amid the ongoing war in Gaza, there have been protests at college campuses across the country - includingat Columbia University, Fordham University and CUNY.  

The final FY25 state budget has been passed. Reporters Zach Williams, of Bloomberg Law, Vaughn Golden, of the New York Post, and Alex Gault, of the Watertown Daily Times and Northern New York Newspapers, join us to unpack the budget process this year and the highlights. While there was major opposition to plans to close SUNY Downstate Medical Center, the final budget included funding to help the hospital stay open for at least another year. Assembly Member Brian Cunningham (D-Crown Heights) joins us to discuss the funding as well as his legislative priorities through the rest of the year.   Explore More: nynow.org

It was a busy week at the state Capitol with budget progress. The governor announced a conceptual state budget agreement and lawmakers voted on the first few budget bills. During his last days as DEC Commissioner, Basil Seggos about his tenure and legacy at the state department. Producer Dana Wright spoke with the DEC and environmental experts to understand the impact of air pollution and what's being done about it as part of the NY& Climate series. In the late 1970s, it was discovered a Niagara Falls neighborhood was build atop toxic chemicals. We unpack the tragedy highlighted in the documentary, A Love Canal Tragedy.   Explore More: nynow.org