New York NOW

Senate Democrats "Stand Up" to President Trump

The New York State Senate was front and center in Albany this week and nationwide, drawing significant attention for two bills they passed to "stand up" to President Donald Trump. The pieces of legislation allow New York officials to release tax returns in cooperation with congressional investigations and state prosecutors to bring charges against people who have received presidential pardons.
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Limo Industry Accountability and Oversight

Several mothers and fathers told their emotional stories while urging the three legislators at the Senate transportation hearing to pass laws that will help prevent these tragedies. Two specific incidents were the focus of their testimony: The 2015 Long Island limo crash that killed four young women and last year's incident in Schoharie County that took the lives of 20 people.
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Harry Rosenfeld: The Battling Editor

This week's program features two interviews.
First up, Times Union Managing Editor Casey Seiler interviews Harry Rosenfeld, his paper's editor-at-large, about his new book "Battling Editor: The Albany Years."  The veteran journalist came to the capital city after a famous stint at the Washington Post where he served as the city's local news editor during the Watergate scandal. 
Also, our Karen DeWitt is joined by NYSUT Executive Vice President Jolene DiBrango.  The powerful teachers union has been vocal in its criticism against the state tests given to children in Grades 3-8. For more New York NOW, visit nynow.org.

MERIT Scholarship Expanded After GOP Pushback

Governor Cuomo responded to pushback from the Assembly GOP and even Donald Trump by expanding the MERIT Scholarship, which provides financial aid to children, spouses and financial dependents of military members who have died or become severely disabled while in a combat zone.
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DiNapoli on New York's Fiscal Health

Longtime New York State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli gives an initial analysis of the budget, discusses his oversight powers going forward, and addresses the commission on public campaign financing that was recently agreed to by the governor and legislature.
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2019 Budget Analysis

While it technically wasn't on-time, Governor Cuomo and legislators passed a timely budget Monday morning, seven and a half hours after the deadline. Get a break down the $175 billion dollar spending plan in the headlines and analysis from the Reporters Roundtable.

Budget Deadline is Here

As of Friday, it looks like lawmakers and the governor are close to getting an on-time or "timely" budget. The deadline is April 1 but progress has been made to the point where some budget bills were being printed Thursday night. This would make a Sunday vote within reach on many items. On the show this week take a look at the issues that have been at the center of the 2019-20 spending plan debate.
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The Push Against Legalized Marijuana

After saying it was a "gateway drug" in 2017, Governor Cuomo included legislation in this year's budget that would legalize use for those 21 or older. Soon after a coalition formed to 'just say no.' Hear from some of them this week. Also, get an analysis of the week's news at the Reporters Roundtable.

One-on-One with Speaker Heastie

Governor Andrew Cuomo and his staff didn't hold back in the criticism of the spending plans. Secretary Melissa DeRosa called the Senate's plan "fantasyland." In our one-on-one interview with Speaker Carl Heastie, he outlines his conference's priorities in the budget and we ask him about the possible legalization of adult-use marijuana, congestion pricing, and why public campaign financing isn't in their budget.
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2019 Budget Deadline Nears

March is the month when activity at the State Capitol ramps up. Specifically, that means a lot more groups descend upon Albany looking to influence lawmakers as the April 1 budget deadline looms. Get a review of the headlines and gain insight at the Reporters Roundtable.
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