New York NOW

The State Budget "Mothership" has Landed, Minority and Women-Owned Business Resources, The Impact of the COVID-19 Vaccines

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.
 
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New York Budget Negotiations Begin

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.
 
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New York Prison Officers Launch Massive Strike - What Happens Next?

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.
 
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Trump Moves to Stop NYC Congestion Pricing, Hochul Weighs Adams Decision, AM Michaelle Solages on Priorities for BPRHA Caucus

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'.
 

Senator Andrea Stewart-Cousins Talks NY’s Budget, Affordability & Elections

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.
 
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New York Moves to Further Protect Abortion Access & Maternal Health

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.
 
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$340M for Free School Meals? NY’s Bold Move Against Child Hunger

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.
 
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Inside New York's $252 Billion Budget Plan & Fight for Immigrant Rights

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.
 
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What’s Next for Reproductive Rights? Plus, Hochul’s State Agenda

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.
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Breaking Down Governor Hochul’s Decisions on Key Bills

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.
 
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