The Capitol Pressroom

Feb. 19, 2026- Gov. Kathy Hochul is proposing to eliminate $230,000 in state funds for programs that help vulnerable New Yorkers living in adult homes advocate for better living conditions. We talked with representatives from the Coalition of Institutionalized Aged and Disabled and the Alliance for Rights and Recovery, plus peer advocate and former adult home resident Deborah Hunter.

Feb. 19, 2026- Protect the Adirondacks Executive Director Claudia Braymer makes the case for amending the state Constitution to allow for the redevelopment of three shuttered prisons in upstate New York.

Feb. 19, 2026- State Sen. Jake Ashby, a Capital Region Republican, discusses his legislation that would limit local law enforcement's collaboration with ICE agents and discusses the politicization of immigration issues

Feb. 19, 2026- We explore legislation that would prohibit certain food additives and promote greater disclosure of what's in the food consumed by New Yorkers. We talk about the bill and the approach of state regulators with Jensen Jose, regulatory counsel for the Center for Science in the Public Interest.

Feb. 18, 2026- We explore the pathway to a gubernatorial upset for Republicans in New York, digest the news that Lt. Gov. Antonio Delgado is dropping his bid for governor, and consider the leadership change for the Assembly Republicans. Our guest is Nick Reisman, Albany bureau chief for Politico New York.

Feb. 18, 2026- Immediately after the New York Democrat's state convention in Syracuse we checked in with State Sen. James Skoufis, an Orange County Democrat and member of the Democratic National Committee. We talked about next steps for the state party and the path to victory for Democrats in November.

Feb. 18, 2026- The Children's Agenda Senior Policy Analyst Shannon Mullin discusses the limited access to pre-kindergarten outside of New York City and considers what has been proposed by Gov. Kathy Hochul to increase availability.

Feb. 18, 2026- We consider the best way to implement a new personal finance education mandate from the state Board of Regents. Our guest is Next Gen Personal Finance Director of Educational Outreach Yanely Espinal, who calls for a standalone instruction on financial literacy.

Feb. 16, 2026 - After the New York Democratic Party Convention wrapped up in Syracuse earlier this month, we sat down with state party Chair Jay Jacobs to discuss the Democrat's next steps and whether he thought he would be in this role after a public disagreement with Gov. Kathy Hochul

Feb. 16, 2026 - Northern Rivers Family of Services CEO Bill Gettman identifies red tape the state could cut to improve non-profit operations, makes the case for a cost of living adjustment that keeps up with inflation and encourages the Hochul administration to speed up their effort to give localized mental health services to poor kids.

Feb. 17, 2026 - We explore the inner workings of the investigations team at the Office of the State Comptroller, including when they're deployed into the field and how they unearth criminal activity. Our guest is Nelson Sheingold, counsel for the comptroller's office, who oversees investigations.

Feb. 13, 2026- Coalition for Asian American Children and Families Director of Policy & Government Relations Felicia Singh makes the case for the unique needs of the Asian-American community and outlines a $54 million "equity" agenda.

Feb. 12, 2026 - State Assembly Mental Health Committee Chair Jo Anne Simon, a Brooklyn Democrat, discusses the governor's budget, promoting access to child mental health services and enforcing health insurance parity.

Feb. 12, 2026 - One of the key fiscal integrity measures for New York's Medicaid program is an exclusion list that is designed to keep bad actors from participating in the system. We explore how the list works in practice with Margaret Surowka and Bob Hussar, from the law firm Barclay Damon.

Feb. 11, 2026- Jessica Ottney Mahar, the New York policy and strategy director for The Nature Conservancy, gives us a history lesson on the funding and administration of the Environmental Protection Fund and how it is being funded in the governor's budget proposal.

Feb. 12, 2026 -Retired Public Employees Association President RoAnn Destito makes the case for legislation ensuring retired public sector employees don't see a diminishment of their health care benefits when they enroll in Medicare.

Feb. 11, 2026- New York Farm Bureau Director of Public Policy Renée St. Jacques discusses the governor's budget proposal and makes the case for additional investments in a housing tax credit and agricultural research.

Feb. 11, 2026- State Sen. Zellnor Myrie, a Brooklyn Democrat, talks about language in the budget giving New Yorkers a pathway to suing ICE agents, makes the case for gun control legislation advanced by the governor, and discusses the lack of attention in the executive budget for changes to the "Raise the Age" law.

Feb. 11, 2026- We explore a recent state law requiring commercials to disclose the use of "synthetic performers" to market to New Yorkers. Our guest is Jeffrey Bennett, general counsel for SAG-AFTRA.

Feb. 10, 2026- New York State Office of Cannabis Management Chief Equity Officer Simone Washington discusses an effort to create a more level playing field for marijuana dispensary owners coming from marginalized communities.

Feb. 10, 2026- New York Department of Environmental Conservation Commissioner Amanda Lefton makes the case for the governor's budget proposal, outlining spending on clean water, commitments to the Environmental Protection Fund, and reforms to the environmental quality review process for certain projects.

Feb. 10, 2026- In a Dispatches from Planet Albany excerpt, redistricting guru Jeff Wice explained where things stand with the Democratic effort to redraw a Republican-held congressional seat in New York City.

Feb. 6, 2026- State Authorities Budget Office Director Joshua Norkin discusses a proposed update to his agency's monitoring of tax breaks doled out by economic development organization's all over New York.

Feb. 9, 2026- We highlight what the state is doing, and could be doing, to realize its goal of eliminating hepatitis C transition by 2030. Our guests are Shirley Toro, president and CEO of the National Black Leadership Commission, and Michael Selick, director of Capacity and Community Mobilization at National Harm Reduction Coalition.

Feb. 9, 2026- We explore the state of nonprofits in the Empire State as they deal with a hostile federal government and challenges from the state government. Our guest is Megan Allen, CEO of The New York Council of Nonprofits.

Feb. 6, 2026- We explore what Gov. Kathy Hochul's budget does to support seniors in New York. Our guest is Adam Herbst, a former top health official with the state and now a partner with Sheppard Mullin.

Feb. 9, 2026- New York State Liquor Authority Chair Lily Fan talks about the governor's budget proposal, including language to restrict fees from alcohol wholesalers and new licenses for on-site alcohol consumption. We also explore the implementation of recent laws updating New York's alcohol laws.

Feb. 6, 2026- We got a visit this week from Tom Clark, Consul General of Canada in New York, who discussed relations between the Empire State and its northern neighbor.

Feb. 5, 2026- Assemblymember Bill Conrad, a Buffalo-area Democrat, calls for stricter rules and regulations governing the purchase and operation of e-bikes and e-scooters.

Feb. 6, 2026- Assemblymember Karines Reyes, a Bronx Democrat, makes the case for "New York for All" and explains why she thinks the governor's counter proposal won't cut it.

Feb. 5, 2026- Assembly Agriculture Committee Chair Donna Lupardo, a Binghamton-area Democrat, discusses a tariff relief proposal for farmers and the long-term challenges facing agriculture in the Empire State.

Feb. 5, 2026- We explore efforts to prepare educators to teach science-based literacy education techniques. Our guests are Maria Murray, CEO of the Reading League, and Stephanie Finn, a literacy coach for the West Genesee School District and chair of the Reading League.

Feb. 4, 2026- Assemblyman Ed Ra, a Long Island Republican, shares his concerns about the long-term financial stability of Gov. Kathy Hochul's fiscal plan.

Feb. 4, 2026- Community health centers are bracing for the impact of federal Medicaid changes and are also hoping Gov. Kathy Hochul will play catchup on the state's failure to fund their services for low-income New Yorkers. Our guests is Rose Duhan, president and CEO of the Community Health Care Association of New York.

Feb. 4, 2026- State Senate Alcoholism and Substance Use Disorders Committee Chair Nathalia Fernandez, a Bronx Democrat, responds to Gov. Kathy Hochul's budget proposals and identifies her own plans to address alcoholism and overdoses.

Feb. 4. 2026- We dive into the governor's plans to better address New Yorkers dealing with mental health and substance abuse. Our guest is Stephanie Marquesano, founder of The Harris Project.

Feb. 3, 2026- Dr. Brian Erkkila, head of scientific engagement for Phillip Morris International, which makes Zyn, argues against the governor's plan to increase taxes on nicotine pouches.

Feb. 3, 2026- We break down Gov. Kathy Hochul's legislation to protect kids when they go online, including limiting strangers from contacting them and restricting their spending. Our guests are Holly Grosshans and Amina Fazlullah from Common Sense Media.

Feb. 3, 2026 - Metropolitan Transportation Authority Chair & CEO Janno Lieber discusses the transition to zero-emission buses, a middle ground on free buses, meeting the needs up Hudson Valley commuters and address toll evasion.

Feb. 2, 2026- New York State Health Foundation Senior Program Officer Derek Coy explains how federal changes to the administration of Medicaid will hurt veterans and discusses the impact of Gov. Kathy Hochul's budget proposal on the state's veterans.

Feb. 2, 2026- The Hochul administration is being sued for its handling of secured facilities serving New Yorkers ages 12 to 21. Kate Wood, an attorney with the Legal Aid Society, explains the failings of the state Office of the Children & Family Services.

Feb. 2, 2026- We check in with Brian Fessler, chief advocacy officer for the New York State School Boards Association, to discuss what the executive budget proposal means for public schools. We also explore whether state policymakers should delay a statutory transition to electric school buses.

Jan. 30, 2026- Assemblymember Landon Dais, a Bronx Democrat, makes the case for moving up New York's presidential primary in 2028 to ensure the state has more influence in who the major party candidates will be in November.

Jan. 30, 2026- Gov. Kathy Hochul has a plan to lower car insurance rates in New York, but the state's trial lawyers argue it won't help New Yorkers and will simply enrich insurance companies. We explore this critique and more with Andrew Finkelstein, president of the New York State Trial Lawyers Association.

Jan. 30, 2026- The Trump administration has jeopardized millions of dollars used by nonprofits in New York for shelter serving the homeless, including survivors of domestic violence. We discuss this precarious situation with Michael Polenberg of Safe Horizon.

Jan, 29, 2026- Assemblyman Jonathan Jacobson, a Hudson Valley Democrat, discusses efforts to regulate utility companies, including restricting the use of estimated billing, increasing transparency, and limiting certain profits.

Jan 29, 2026- We explore Gov. Kathy Hochul's plan to expand testing of autonomous vehicles outside of New York City and impose disclosure requirements on artificially generated content. Our guest is Julie Samuels, founder and CEO of Tech:NYC.

Jan. 29, 2026- New York State Thruway Authority Executive Director Frank Hoare talks about the response to the recent snow storm, efforts to improve toll collections, the future of the renovated service plazas.

Jan. 28, 2029 - New York State Office of Temporary & Disability Assistance Commissioner Barbara Guinn talks about the executive budget proposal, including funding to roll out chip-enabled EBT cards and upgrade their infrastructure. We also discuss the administration of public assistance benefits and the commissioner's budget wish list.

Jan. 28, 2026- Assemblymember Sarah Clark, a Rochester-area Democrat, weighs in on Gov. Kathy Hochul's commitment to expanding child care access and considers how the Democratic majorities in the legislature may add to the plan.

Jan. 27, 2026 - Amherst Republican Dan Gagliardo talks about his campaign for a vacant special election in Erie County, why he stopped being a Democrat and addresses some of the issues being discussed in Albany.