New York NOW

Rest of Session, Suing Gun Manufacturers, 'Less is More' Parole Bill

On this week's edition of New York NOW: Gov. Andrew Cuomo has announced two nominees to fill vacancies on the state’s highest court: the Court of Appeals. We'll have details.
Zach Williams from City & State Magazine, and David Lombardo from Capitol Pressroom join us for analysis on the news of the week, including what's ahead for the rest of this year's legislative session.
Assemblymember Pat Fahy, D-Albany, is co-sponsoring a bill aimed at making it easier for gun manufacturers to be sued if their products are used in crimes. That comes as many areas of the state, including her district, have seen an increase in gun violence. 
Assemblymember Phara Souffrant Forrest, D-Brooklyn, is proposing a bill that would limit the enforcement of technical violations of parole. That’s aimed at minimizing recidivism in certain communities.
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Cuomo Controversies Update, Rob Astorino, Clean Slate Bill

On this week's edition of New York NOW: We learned more this week in a few of the controversies surrounding Gov. Andrew Cuomo. We'll have details.
Bernadette Hogan from the New York Post and Ryan Taranelli from the New York Law Journal are here with analysis on the news of the week, including what's ahead for the rest of this year's legislative session.
Rob Astorino, former Westchester County Executive, is running for governor. He ran in 2014, but wants a rematch against Cuomo. He makes his case in a field that could become crowded in the coming weeks. 
Democrats in the state Legislature are pushing a bill called Clean Slate, which would clear someone's criminal history after they've served their sentence, including parole. We'll tell you more about the bill, and what people are saying about it.
 
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COVID Milestones, Cuomo's Comments, Stacking NY's High Court, Impeachment Precedent

On this week's edition of New York NOW: New York hits new COVID-19 milestones on vaccines and hospitalizations, and Gov. Cuomo comes under fire for comments on sexual harassment.
Jon Campbell from the USA Today Network and our reporter Darrell Camp are in studio with an update.
The New York Court of Appeals, the state equivalent of SCOTUS, will have three vacancies for Cuomo to fill this year. Vin Bonventre from Albany Law School has details and analysis.
And only one other governor in New York state history has ever faced impeachment. We explore the story of William Sulzer, and compare it to today, with Jack O'Donnell, author of "Bitten By the Tiger," and a political analyst with O'Donnell & Associates.
 
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NY's 'Major Reopening', Senate Mental Health Chair Samra Brouk, Ezra Prentice Update

On this week's edition of New York NOW: New York is slated for a 'major reopening' later this month, Gov. Andrew Cuomo said this week. We'll have details.
Karen DeWitt from New York State Public Radio and Marina Villeneuve from the Associated Press join us to discuss the news of the week, including a power struggle involving North Country Rep. Elise Stefanik.
Senate Mental Health Chair Samra Brouk, D-Rochester, explains a new mental health crisis line that would act like 911, but for mental health emergencies, and parts of the state budget on mental health. 
And the Ezra Prentice Homes in Albany have long been plagued by environmental pollution. Residents, who are mostly people of color, are weighing their options as the state decides how to move forward. Darrell Camp reports.
 
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Census Shakeup, Marc Molinaro, Cuomo's Travels, Enviro Update

On this week's edition of New York NOW: New York didn't make the cut. After last year's census, we'll lose a seat in Congress by a razor-thin margin.
Dutchess County Executive Marc Molinaro ran for governor in 2018, and could take another shot at the spot next year. He joins us to discuss that, and the role counties have played during COVID.
Gov. Andrew Cuomo held his first in-person press events of the year this week. We'll speak with Bernadette Hogan from the New York Post and Kate Lisa from Johnson Newspapers.
And environmental advocates want the Legislature to move on new climate legislation this year. NYPIRG's Liz Moran has details, and our reporter Darrell Camp tells us why Republicans say they oppose the idea.

Race for Governor, State of Education, Ethics & Impeachment Update

On this week's edition of New York NOW: Next year's race for governor has officially begun, with Republicans gathering to discuss a potential nominee. We spoke with a few of them.
The state Legislature could consider a series of new public ethics laws this year, and there's an update in the impeachment probe into Gov. Andrew Cuomo.
The future of public education in New York looks bright for educators with historic investments from the state. But, problems still remain.
We speak with Andy Pallotta, president of New York State United Teachers, or NYSUT, and Fred Kowal, president of United University Professions, or UUP.
 
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What's Next in Albany? Sen. Liz Krueger on JCOPE, Energy from Farmers

On this week's edition of New York NOW: State lawmakers could consider a series of issues before they leave Albany for the year in June. We'll preview a few of them.
State Sen. Liz Krueger, a Democrat who chairs the Senate Finance Committee, chats about the recently passed state budget, and how she thinks lawmakers should overhaul JCOPE, the state's ethics agency, and boost enforcement in New York.
Jimmy Vielkind from the Wall Street Journal joins us with analysis on the latest in Albany.
And what do dairy farmers in New York have to do with natural gas? We'll tell you.
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Inside New York's $212 Billion State Budget, Comptroller Tom DiNapoli

New York has a new $212 billion state budget — the largest in state history. And there's a lot in it.
We have an in-depth look of some of the major items in this year's state budget, like tax hikes, relief for tenants, and the legalization of mobile sports betting.
Then, State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli joins us to discuss the new budget, where the state's finances are headed, and how his office plays a role.
Plus, Karen DeWitt from New York State Public Radio and Bill Mahoney from POLITICO has an analysis of the budget and more.
 
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New York Legalizes Marijuana, Assembly Majority Leader Peoples-Stokes, Budget Update

On this week's edition of New York NOW: We have an in-depth look at New York's new marijuana legalization law, including what has to happen for retail sales to start, how it changes the state's medical program, and why some already want changes.
Then, Assembly Majority Leader Crystal Peoples-Stokes led negotiations on legalization. She joins us to discuss the new law, if she's happy with how it turned out, and what's ahead for the conversation on marijuana in New York.
And later, we'll have the latest on the state budget, and an update on Gov. Andrew Cuomo's evolving controversies with Karen DeWitt from New York State Public Radio and Jon Campbell from the USA Today Network.

Budget Deadline Looms, Police Reform Plans Due, Funding NY's New Criminal Justice System

On this week's edition of New York NOW: The state budget is due at the end of March. We have the latest on where negotiations stand, and an update on marijuana legalization in New York.
Zach Williams from City & State NY and Marie French from POLITICO NY join us with the latest news and analysis.
Every local government in New York has until the end of the month to either approve a plan to change policing in their communities or lose state funding. Ava Ayers from the Government Law Center at Albany Law School has an update.
And local district attorneys in New York say the state's recent criminal justice reform laws have created a new need for more funding from the state. We'll explain with Monroe County DA Sandra Doorley, the president of the state DA's Association.
 
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