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Latest episodes from The Capitol Pressroom

New leader of state agency serving people with developmental disabilities

Play Episode Listen Later Jun 6, 2025 31:46


June 6, 2025 - We get to know Willow Baer, the recently confirmed commissioner at the State Office for People with Developmental Disabilities. We discuss her unique stamp on the office, protecting vulnerable New Yorkers from abuse and neglect, boosting the direct care workforce, responding to federal Medicaid cuts, and promoting access to dental services.

Nonprofits look to improve contracting with the state

Play Episode Listen Later Jun 5, 2025 10:24


June 5, 2025 - For years, nonprofits have experienced headaches contracting with the state, including dealing with delays in executing and funding contracts. Empire Justice Center President & CEO Kristin Brown hopes legislation shifting the payment structure can resolve some of the delays without costing the state.

State looks to improve response to harmful algal blooms

Play Episode Listen Later Jun 5, 2025 13:59


June 5, 2025 - State Sen. Rachel May, a Syracuse Democrat, reflects on a recent hearing examining the state's response to harmful algal blooms and considers what additional steps should be taken to protect New York's freshwater.

State updates 'superfund' program for hazardous waste

Play Episode Listen Later Jun 5, 2025 13:59


June 5, 2025 - The state's superfund program, which helps clean up hazardous materials around New York, was updated in the state budget. We explore what the changes mean with attorney Jeff Stravino, a partner with Hodgson Russ.

Senator Gounardes targets 'loopholes' in state taxes

Play Episode Listen Later Jun 5, 2025 12:29


June 5, 2025 - State Sen. Andrew Gounardes, a Brooklyn Democrat, makes the case for eliminating about $3 billion in state tax breaks, which he argues aren't working in New York's best interest.

Legal skirmishes between NY and Trump administration

Play Episode Listen Later Jun 4, 2025 9:49


June 4, 2025 - We explore the ongoing legal skirmishes between the Trump administration and New York with Rebecca C. Lewis, senior state politics reporter at City & State New York.

Coalition advocates for survivors of sexual abuse

Play Episode Listen Later Jun 4, 2025 13:59


June 4, 2025 - The Survivor Justice Coalition is pushing bills to ensure support survivors of sexual violence, including making it easier to bring a civil action against the state under the Child Victims Act and Adult Survivors Act. We discuss the package with Emily Miles, executive director of the New York City Alliance Against Sexual Assault.

Gas pipeline proposals resurrected

Play Episode Listen Later Jun 4, 2025 12:29


June 4, 2025 - Politico New York reporter Marie French explains why two gas pipeline proposals, once left for dead, have new life after the Trump administration held a green energy priority of Gov. Kathy Hochul's hostage this spring.

The case for an aggressive automatic voter registration system

Play Episode Listen Later Jun 4, 2025 17:05


June 4, 2025 - New York is in the process of setting up a system of automatic voter enrollment, but advocates are already identifying ways to make the effort more expansive. We discuss an enhanced program with Wennie Chin, senior director of community and civic engagement for the New York Immigration Coalition.

Immigrant coalition urges executive action from Hochul

Play Episode Listen Later Jun 3, 2025 13:59


June 3, 2025 - New York Immigration Coalition President & CEO Murad Awawdeh talks about executive action he wants Gov. Kathy Hochul to take in response to federal immigration policies.

Updating New York's harassment laws for life online

Play Episode Listen Later Jun 3, 2025 9:49


June 3, 2025 - Assemblymember Jessica Gonzalez-Rojas, a Queens Democrat, makes the case for updating New York's harassment and stalking laws to account for online interactions.

Senate corrections leader talks prison reform

Play Episode Listen Later Jun 3, 2025 27:03


June 3, 2025 - State Senate Crime Victims, Crime and Corrections Committee Chair Julia Salazar, a Brooklyn Democrat, reflects on a recent hearing she led on the state prison system and discusses her agenda for reforming the state's correctional facilities.

Court expansion plan draws opposition from judges

Play Episode Listen Later Jun 2, 2025 15:45


June 2, 2025 - State Supreme Court Justice Frank Caruso, president of the State Association of Justices of the Supreme Court, shares his opposition to a proposed constitutional amendment lifting the limit on state supreme court judges and makes the case for an alternative approach to boosting the number of positions.

Protecting homeowners from foreclosure

Play Episode Listen Later Jun 2, 2025 13:59


June 2, 2025 - Kevin Wolfe, deputy director of advocacy at the Center for New York City Neighborhoods, makes the case for a robust Homeowner Protection Program in New York and advocates for other consumer housing measures.

Newsday exposes broken doctor discipline process

Play Episode Listen Later Jun 2, 2025 22:18


June 2, 2025 - Newsday reporters Arielle Martinez and David Olson explain the shortcomings of the state's disciplinary process for doctors. They discuss what the process could look like and how it plays out in practice, with the difference being a big concern for the public.

Governor's housing czar talks budget policies

Play Episode Listen Later May 30, 2025 22:18


May 30, 2025 - Ruthanne Visnauskas, commissioner for New York State Homes and Community Renewal, talks about housing policies in the state budget, including a new voucher program, funds for infrastructure improvements in growing communities, and support for starter homes.

Overhauling the grievance process in prisons

Play Episode Listen Later May 30, 2025 13:59


May 30, 2025 - Prisoners' Legal Services of New York Executive Director Karen Murtagh discusses potential changes to the grievance process in prisons and talks about what it takes for successful reentry following prison.

Senate health leader wants overhaul of home care administration

Play Episode Listen Later May 30, 2025 13:59


May 30, 2025 - Senate Health Committee Chair Gustavo Rivera, a Bronx Democrat, discusses the controversial transition of a popular home care program and identifies changes he wants to see to the administration of the Consumer Directed Personal Assistance Program.

Environmentalists want cap on dairy 'factory farms'

Play Episode Listen Later May 29, 2025 12:29


May 29, 2025 - Sen. Jabari Brisport, a Brooklyn Democrat, and Alex Beacham from Food & Water Watch, discuss a bill seeking to curb the promotion of large scale "factory" farms.

Senate technology leaders talk A.I. agenda

Play Episode Listen Later May 29, 2025 19:10


May 29, 2025 - Senate Internet and Technology Committee Chair Kristen Gonzalez, a Queens Democrat, discusses what actions the legislature might take on artificial intelligence during the remainder of the 2025 legislative session.

State invests in thermal energy networks

Play Episode Listen Later May 29, 2025 15:15


May 29, 2025 - The state budget commits $200 million to thermal energy networks so we explore what these green projects are with Julie Tighe, president of the New York League of Conservation Voters.

Exploring who utilizes supportive housing in New York

Play Episode Listen Later May 29, 2025 12:40


May 29, 2025 - We consider how the state budget may impact supportive housing and discuss a report examining the demographics of supportive housing users with Pascale Leone, executive director of Supportive Housing Network of New York, and Rachel Barth, the group's senior data analyst.

Organized labor wants continued nuclear subsidies

Play Episode Listen Later May 28, 2025 9:49


May 28, 2025 - A multi-billion dollar subsidy for upstate nuclear power facilities is set to expire in a few years, but a coalition of labor unions, the Business Council of New York and some environmentalists wants taxpayers to keep supporting the industry. We discuss the case for more subsidies with Gregory Lancette, president of the Central & Northern New York Building Trades.

Agenda for marijuana producers in New York

Play Episode Listen Later May 28, 2025 13:59


May 28, 2025 - Mack Hueber, president of the Empire Cannabis Manufacturer's Alliance, makes the case for a state revolving loan fund to support cannabis businesses, opposes additional fees on marijuana companies to implement a product tracking system, and urges state regulators to allow more indoor growing of recreational marijuana

Promoting more thoughtful winter road safety policies

Play Episode Listen Later May 28, 2025 13:59


May 28, 2025 - Road salt helps keep traffic moving safely in the winter, but the status quo is harmful to the environment, so there is a push to update how crews deal with snow and icy conditions. We talk about steps that combine environmental health and traffic safety with Shannon Roback, science director for Riverkeeper.

Protecting access to age-appropriate school library materials

Play Episode Listen Later May 28, 2025 12:29


May 28, 2025 - In response to efforts to police what books students can access, Assemblymember Tony Simone, a Manhattan Democrat, is pushing a bill empowering school librarians to keep age appropriate materials on the shelves.

Disconnecting DNA tests from insurance coverage costs

Play Episode Listen Later May 27, 2025 16:01


May 27, 2025 - A DNA test can reveal important health information, but legislation in Albany would restrict insurers from using that genetic data to inform their coverage costs. We consider this restriction with Danielle Spadafora, managing director of advocacy for The ALS Association, and Ashley Crawley, whose father died from ALS in 2024.

Constitutional merits of even-year municipal election law

Play Episode Listen Later May 27, 2025 13:59


May 27, 2025 - The constitutionality of a 2023 state law shifting the dates of municipal elections, traditionally held on odd years, to even years will be reviewed by the state's top court. We examine the arguments on both sides of this debate with Richard Rifkin, legal director for the Government Law Center at Albany Law School.

Judicial watchdog unveils online database

Play Episode Listen Later May 27, 2025 9:49


May 27, 2025 - Oded Oren, founder and executive director of Scrutinize, discusses his organization's new online database with information about more than 1,000 judges from across the state.

Analyzing school board and district budget voting

Play Episode Listen Later May 27, 2025 15:14


May 27, 2025 - We go over the voting trends in recent school board races and school district budget referendums with David Albert, chief communications and marketing officer for the New York State School Boards Association.

State begins funding parts of 'Daniel's Law'

Play Episode Listen Later May 27, 2025 13:59


May 26, 2025 - The state budget included some money to begin overhauling the emergency response to New Yorkers suffering a behavioral crisis and it expanded the state's involuntary commitment powers. We touch on both proposals with Ruth Lowenkron, director of the Disability Justice Program at the New York Lawyers for the Public Interest.

Capping outpatient services costs at hospitals

Play Episode Listen Later May 27, 2025 13:59


May 26, 2025 - We discuss legislation that would cap the cost of outpatient services provided by hospitals with Misha Sharp, assistant director of policy for the 32BJ Health Fund.

National Grid updates rate plan for upstate customers

Play Episode Listen Later May 26, 2025 22:18


May 26, 2025 - National Grid is seeking approval by state regulators on a three-year rate increase for their residential customers in upstate New York. We explore what's driving their plan and how the proposal was reached with Phil Decicco, the company's general counsel for business in the Empire State. 

Mental health advocates, lawmakers debate involuntary commitment expansion

Play Episode Listen Later May 23, 2025 7:30


May 23, 2025 - The state budget includes a controversial codification of a new standard for involuntary commitments in New York, which was championed by Gov. Kathy Hochul and opposed by civil rights advocates. The New York Public News Network's J.T. Stone explores what this new language could mean, as he talks with state mental health officials, advocates and elected officials.

Meeting the staff needs of New Yorkers with developmental disabilities

Play Episode Listen Later May 23, 2025 13:59


May 23, 2025 - We explore how the state budget affects New Yorkers with developmental disabilities and their caregivers with Mike Alvaro, president and CEO of the Cerebral Palsy Associations of New York State. He also outlines his agenda for the remainder of the session.

Health care facility leader talks budget and session

Play Episode Listen Later May 23, 2025 16:51


May 222, 2025 - We explore how the state budget impacts health care facilities, like hospitals and nursing homes, with Bea Grause, president of the Healthcare Association of New York State. We also chat about the bills she wants to push and kill during the remainder of the legislative session.

State health commissioner addresses final budget

Play Episode Listen Later May 23, 2025 22:18


May 23, 2025 - We explore how the state budget may transform access to mental health services in New York with Dr. Ann Sullivan, commissioner for the State Office of Mental Health. We also consider the possibility of federal cuts to Medicaid.

State budget grows to new heights

Play Episode Listen Later May 22, 2025 9:49


May 22, 2025 - We explore the topline state budget numbers, including what's driving New York's spending to record heights, with Patrick Orecki, director of state studies for the Citizens Budget Commission.

Identifying risk of domestic partner violence

Play Episode Listen Later May 22, 2025 12:29


May 22, 2025 - Assemblywoman Sarah Clark, a Rochester-area Democrat, makes the case for legislation requiring law enforcement use an enhanced risk-assessment tool when responding to domestic incidents to determine if things might escalate.

New leader for NAACP New York State Conference

Play Episode Listen Later May 22, 2025 19:04


May 22, 2025 - NAACP New York State Conference President L. Joy Williams discusses her vision, advocacy work in the state budget, and agenda for the remainder of the legislative session in Albany.

How the state budget effects the Adirondacks

Play Episode Listen Later May 21, 2025 9:49


May 21, 2025 - Protect the Adirondacks Executive Director Claudia Braymer explains how the state budget impacts the Adirondack Park and discusses her legislative agenda for the rest of the session.

New York tweaks evidence disclosure laws

Play Episode Listen Later May 21, 2025 12:29


May 21, 2025 - After a major overhaul in 2019, New York's laws governing evidence disclosure are getting tweaked again at the behest of county prosecutors. We discuss what the changes in the budget consist of and their impact with Kevin Stadelmaier, the first deputy defender for Erie County's assigned counsel program's criminal division.

Farming community racks up budget wins

Play Episode Listen Later May 21, 2025 13:59


May 21, 2025 - We explore agriculture loans, credits and grants in the state budget with Renée St. Jacques, acting director of public policy for the New York Farm Bureau, We also discuss what the group is hoping to pass and block during the remaining days of the session.

Voters weigh in on state budget components

Play Episode Listen Later May 21, 2025 13:59


May 21, 2025 - In the aftermath of the state budget being adopted, we check in with the Siena College Research Institute's Steve Greenberg to discuss how New Yorkers feel about some of the more high profile items that were in this budget. We also get an update on the race to be the Republican nominee for governor.

New York builds on its investment in artificial intelligence research

Play Episode Listen Later May 20, 2025 23:43


May 20, 2025 - Stony Brook University Professor Robert Harrison, the interim executive director of the Empire AI, discusses the idea behind this consortium, explains the state funding going into the initiative, and highlights the ongoing research.

Environmentalists underwhelmed by state budget

Play Episode Listen Later May 20, 2025 13:59


May 20, 2025 - Earthjustice New York Policy Advocate Liz Moran responds to what was (and wasn't) in the state budget that impacted the environment, including a new $1 billion initiative and a dearth of aggressive policies.

Civil liberties advocates balk at school smartphone restrictions

Play Episode Listen Later May 20, 2025 13:59


May 20, 2025 - Johanna Miller, director of the education policy center for the New York Civil Liberties Union, shares her concerns about the state's impending restrictions on smartphones in schools and makes the case for a more local approach.

What the budget does (and doesn't do) to impact child poverty

Play Episode Listen Later May 19, 2025 13:59


May 19, 2025 - The state budget included an expansion of the child tax credit, money for child care vouchers, and a rebate check, but how will it impact child poverty? We consider these policies with Pete Nabozny, director of policy at The Children's Agenda, and Kate Breslin, president and CEO of the Schuyler Center for Analysis and Advocacy, who are both members of the Child Poverty Reduction Advisory Council.

Local health officials want timely access to death records

Play Episode Listen Later May 19, 2025 9:49


May 19, 2025 - Schenectady County Public Health Director Keith Brown explains why local health officials want timely access to unnatural death information, like autopsies, so they can steer public health decisions.

Live-event ticketing rules subject of Assembly hearing

Play Episode Listen Later May 19, 2025 17:20


May 19, 2025 - Assembly Tourism, Arts, Parks and Sports Development Committee Chair Ron Kim, a Queens Democrat, discusses a recent hearing on the live-event ticketing industry and how it might be regulated in the future.

Unlocking the youth vote at college campuses

Play Episode Listen Later May 19, 2025 17:12


May 19, 2025 - Younger voters make up a small portion of the electorate in New York, but legislation promoting civic engagement on college campuses hopes to change this dynamic. We explore this effort to rock the vote with Brendan Cushing, managing director for Generation Vote.

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