New York NOW

Albany at a Crossroads: COLA, ICE & $400M

Gov. Kathy Hochul has proposed a 1.7% cost of living adjustment (COLA) increase for non profits supporting the human services sector. Advocates say the rising cost of inflation requires at least a 2.7% COLA increase. Bill Gettman, CEO of Northern Rivers Family of Services, unpacks the issue with us. State Sen. Pat Fahy (D - Capital Region) joins us to discuss the latest with the $400 million in funding that was allocated to the city of Albany in last year's state budget and the projects currently underway. We also dive into the continued focus on immigration policies at the state capitol.
 
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1 in 4 Adult New Yorkers are Food Insecure

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.
One in four adults in New York are experiencing food insecurity. With the threat of federal funding cuts to food assistance programs, the governor and state legislature are both hoping to tackle the issue and provide hunger relief to New Yorkers. We dive into the proposals on the docket at the state capitol.
David Lombardo, of WCNY's the Capitol Pressroom, and Nick Reisman, of POLITICO, join us for an in-depth discussion on the latest news on New York's gubernatorial race and the leadership changes at the state capitol.

Bruce Blakeman Challenges Gov. Hochul

New York Republicans have nominated Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman to challenge democratic incumbent Gov. Kathy Hochul in November. We sit down with Assembly Member Charles Lavine (D - 13th Assembly District, Long Island) to discuss a bill that would grant the state legislature equal power to the executive chamber during the state budget process. Immigration is a prime issue for the governor and state legislature this year! We unpack the proposals on the table amid tensions at the national and federal government levels. After Assembly Leader Will Barclay announced he's stepping down last week, the Republican conference voted to appoint Assembly Member Ed Ra as their new leader.
 
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Hochul Picks A Running Mate, Democratic Priorities and Alcohol Addiction Rates in NYS

Gov. Kathy Hochul officially announced her running mate in her reelection bid for governor: former New York City Council Speaker Adrienne Adams Assembly Member Brian Cunningham (D - Central Brooklyn) discussed his legislative priorities for the year - from protecting New Yorkers homeowners to faith-based housing and securing funding for SUNY Downstate. New York State Office of Addiction Services and Supports Commissioner Dr. Chinazo Cunningham provides a glimpse into the work of the agency and alcohol addiction rates in the state. After 23 years in the Legislature, Assembly Republican Leader Will Barclay announced he's stepping down as leader and won't be seeking reelection from his district.
 
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New York’s FY 2027 Budget at a Crossroads: Federal Funding, NYC, and What Comes Next

On this week's edition -- After a major winter storm briefly delayed the start of session this week, public hearings for the FY'27 Executive Budget Proposal officially began at the capitol. New York State Budget Director Blake Washington joins us to discuss Gov. Kathy Hochul's FY'27 Executive Budget Proposal and the impact of federal funding. We dive into the priorities of newly elected New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani has several priorities as well as the role Albany plays in getting those priorities over the finish line.
 
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Inside New York’s $260 Billion Budget

Gov. Kathy Hochul unveiled her FY '27 executive budget proposal this week. We dive into the big takeaways from the announcement - from funding for universal childcare to the financial health of the state. State Sen. Andrew Gounardes (D - Brooklyn) breaks down the legislature's priorities around artificial intelligence and protecting kids online.
 
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Inside Hochul’s 2026 State of the State: Big Promises, Big Stakes

Gov. Kathy Hochul delivered her 2026 State of the State Address with a focus on affordability for New Yorkers. We dive into the reaction and rebuttals to the governor's address from lawmakers and political stakeholders. POLITICO's Jason Beeferman and Newsday's Keshia Clukey join us to provide political analysis on the major aspects of the address.
 
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Governor Kathy Hochul's 2026 State of the State Address

Governor Kathy Hochul delivers her 2026 State of the State address, outlining priorities in affordability, child care, public safety, housing, energy, and education. New York Now offers live coverage and expert analysis of political strategy, policy proposals, and what lawmakers and voters can expect next.
 
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New York Lawmakers Kick Off Session: Jan. 6 Education Bill & Childcare Push

This episode reviews the start of New York's new legislative session, where leaders addressed federal funding cuts and affordability challenges.
Governor Kathy Hochul unveiled proposals to protect students online, curb 3D-printed and illegal firearms, and advance universal child care. The show also marks the fifth anniversary of the January 6 attack, featuring State Senator John Liu discussing his bill to require schools to teach its history.
Assemblymember John McDonald explains the state’s efforts on prescription drug affordability, focusing on PBM transparency and pharmacy reimbursement reforms. The episode closes with a preview of the governor’s upcoming State of the State address.
 
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New York Politics in Review: The Mayor’s Race, State Budget Fight & What’s Next

It's been quite the eventful year in New York politics - from a competitive mayoral race in New York City to controversial policy items and a late state budget debated at the state Capitol. We'll dive into the headlines that drove the year with POLITICO'S Katelyn Cordero, Bloomberg's Raga Justin and Jimmy Vielkind, of WNYC, Gothamist and the New York Public News Network.
 
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