New York NOW

This year's state budget established controversial changes to the state's approach to climate. We spoke with the Assembly's Environmental Conservation Committee Chair Deborah Glick (D - 66th A.D., Lower Manhattan) about the changes to the climate law as well as her identity as the first open member of the LGBTQ+ community to serve in the legislature as she prepares to retire. The Capitol Pressroom's David Lombardo spoke with the Times Union's Dan Clark and Bloomberg Law's Raga Justin about the lasting impact of the pertinent policy fights at the capitol this year.
 
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The 2026 Legislative Session has officially wrapped! New York State Lawmakers passed more than 700 bills this year, many of which will head to the governor's desk soon. We sit down with WXXI's Samuel King and Newsday's Keshia Clukey to unpack some of the big bills awaiting the governor's review, including bills to redistrict congressional election maps and put a moratorium on data centers. State Assembly Member Carrie Woerner, chair of the racing and wagering committee, joins us to discuss the state's approach to tackling gambling issues.
 
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On This Week's EditionCatch 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.
It was a very busy last week of the 2026 Legislative Session! New York State Lawmakers introduced and passed a measure to allow for mid-decade redistricting following the April U.S. Supreme Court ruling.
State Sen. Jacob Ashby (R - Rensselaer County) joins us to discuss the issue of losing healthcare coverage for New Yorkers.
Amid federal changes to vaccine guidelines, Gov. Kathy Hochul signed legislation meant to extend protecting for vaccine access and healthcare providers.

New York state finally has a FY'27 Budget! New York state lawmakers spent the last week voting - and debating - the remaining budget bills for the governor's signature. We dive into the elements of the budget bills with Rebecca Lewis, of City and State New York. State lawmakers and mental health advocates are trying to get Daniel's Law passed before the end of the legislative session. This year's state budget allocated funds for mental health priorities and a pilot program, we dive into the impact of the bill and the criticism.
 
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New York State's budget is now officially six weeks late. We bring updates on where negotiations stand as of this week. Criminal Justice Advocates and State Lawmakers are trying to shore up support for a bill that would end qualified immunity for officers. We unpack the bill's impact from supporters and critics. State Sen. Nathalia Fernandez (D - Bronx & Westchester) joins us to discuss a legislative push to establish an alcohol tax to support drug treatment services in the state. The Legislative Correspondent's Association is gearing up for its annual "LCA Show" on May 19th at 8pm in the Convention Center.
 
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Gov. Kathy Hochul announced a "general agreement" for the state's FY27 budget. However, Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie told reporters there was no deal. We dive into the latest developments on negotiations and where things stand with the remaining budget bills with Newsday's Keshia Clukey and Alex Gault, of NNY360 & The Watertown Daily Times. Assembly Member Landon Dais (D - The Bronx) joins us to discuss the push to establish a New York Census office ahead of the 2030 census and a bill that would move presidential primary elections to Super Tuesday.
 
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Longtime New York State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli is facing primary challengers for the first time in almost two decades, David Lombardo, of WCNY's The Capitol Pressroom, and Dan Clark, of the Times Union, dive into the dynamics of the race and position of the candidates. State lawmakers and hunger advocates have been pushing for the Fresh Communities Act - a bill meant to improve access to fresh produce for grocery stores in underserved communities. We dive into the renewed support for the bill at the Capitol after a veto by Gov. Kathy Hochul.
 
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With the state budget still delayed, Gov. Kathy Hochul's controversial auto insurance proposal is one of the major sticking points in negotiations. Streetsblog NYC's Austin Jefferson joins us to discuss the governor's proposal, the lobbying efforts both for & against it, and how negotiations are developing. Last year's state budget included $25 million for abortion provider services across the state. Now, one year later, providers say they have not received those funds. We dive into the issues with distribution and the state's role in the delay. We share a segment from WMHT's Aging Together in NY content focused on the importance of determining end of life care for aging adults.
 
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In the latest budget development, Gov. Kathy Hochul has proposed a property tax on New York City homes worth more than $5 million that serve as a secondary properties for out of town owners. David Lombardo, of WCNY's the Capitol Pressroom, and POLITICO's Marie French dive into the ongoing conversations around energy, gas emissions and the state's 2019 Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act at the state capitol. Longtime Assembly Member and Former Republican Minority Leader Will Barclay unpacks his tenure in politics and the complex political positioning of Republicans in the Legislature.
 
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New York state lawmakers were at the capitol briefly this week for an unscheduled session day to pass a second extender for the state budget. State Senate Deputy Majority Leader Michael Gianaris spoke with us about his decision to leave the state legislature and his legacy in the upper chamber. Minority and Women Owned Businesses (MWBEs) across the state are sounding the alarm over the loss of federal funding under President Donald Trump's administration. We dive into what New York lawmakers are proposing to help support these businesses.
 
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