New York NOW

Education Amid COVID-19, Sen. Shelley Mayer, Legislature Returns

On this week's edition of New York NOW, the education system in New York state was turned upside down from the COVID-19 crisis, and it’s anyone’s guess when (or if) things will return to normal.
Gov. Andrew Cuomo has said he wants to “reimagine education,” and has tapped Bill Gates to head that effort.
State Sen. Shelley Mayer, D-Westchester, chairs the Senate Education Committee. She joins us with an update.
The state Board of Regents oversees the state’s schools. Regents Chancellor Betty Rosa joins us with her perspective.
The state Legislature made a surprise trip back to Albany to pass a package of COVID-related bills, while Cuomo met with Trump in Washington, D.C. We’ll have details with Joseph Spector from the USA Today Network.
And Rachel Silberstein from the Albany Times Union speaks with an internationally recognized education expert.

Comptroller DiNapoli, State Spending Cuts, Economic Outlook

On this week's edition of New York NOW, New York state is facing economic devastation not seen since the Great Depression. That's what State Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli said in a new report. He joins us to explain.
Gov. Andrew Cuomo says local governments, schools, and hospitals can expect major cuts in the coming weeks without help from the federal government. But we don't know if that help is coming.
E.J. McMahon from the Empire Center for Public Policy joins us with analysis of the state's finances, and Cuomo's strategy to avoid a projected $61 billion budget deficit.
Casey Seiler from the Times Union is back. He joins us to talk about how the COVID-19 crisis has affected Albany's bottom line.
And Keshia Clukey from Bloomberg Law breaks down the news of the week, including new questions about nursing homes.
Learn more at nynow.org

Access to Justice, COVID-19 & the Courts, Lawsuit Limbo

On this week's edition of New York NOW, how has COVID-19 affected access to justice in New York? We'll have answers on this week's show.
Crime was down in every county of the state in March and April, but was that just because people stayed home? Albany County DA David Soares, Orange County DA David Hoovler, Erie County DA John Flynn, and Washington County Sheriff Jeff Murphy join with their perspective.
A flood of lawsuits could be born from the COVID-19 pandemic, and some need legal help now. The New York State Bar Association's Hank Greenberg joins with his perspective.
Gov. Andrew Cuomo and the state Legislature have placed new limits on COVID-related lawsuits in certain instances, but some want them to go further. Tom Stebbins from the Lawsuit Reform Alliance explains.
And Jon Campbell from the USA Today Network breaks down the rest.
 
Learn More at nynow.org

Back to Business, COVID-19 & Counties, Two Neighborhoods

On this week's edition of New York NOW, Gov. Andrew Cuomo says each region of the state will have to meet a new set of standards to start reopening its economy. We'll have details, and reaction.
Counties are on the front lines of the COVID-19 pandemic, and they'll be integral in the state's continued response to the disease. But they're also facing some tough challenges along the way.
Dutchess County Executive Marc Molinaro joins us to talk about what counties need right now, and how residents could be impacted without help from the federal government.
Some businesses could reopen in a matter of days, but it'll be a long road for others. Heather Briccetti from The Business Council of New York State explains what the future holds for businesses in New York.
And two neighborhoods in Queens have had very different experiences with COVID-19. Reporter Josefa Velasquez from THE CITY has that story, and more on the news of the week.

Cuomo vs. McConnell, Assm. Donna Lupardo, Agriculture Anxiety

On this week's edition of New York NOW, Gov. Andrew Cuomo goes after U.S. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell on federal COVID-19 funding, warning that spending cuts are coming without it.
And if you like food, this episode's for you.
Assemblywoman Donna Lupardo, D-Broome, chairs the Assembly Agriculture Committee. She joins us to talk about how farmers are coping through COVID-19, and what can be done to help sustain the state's agriculture industry.
Some farms have been able to adapt to the crisis. We check in with Edible Uprising Farm in Rensselaer County about how they've changed their way of doing business during the pandemic.
The New York Farm Bureau says farmers are struggling, even with help from the state and local government. President David Fisher, a dairy farmer from St. Lawrence County, talks to us about milk dumping, the meat supply, and more.
And Karen DeWitt joins us with the news of the week.

COVID-19 Economy, Sen. Pat Gallivan, Small Business Scramble

State Sen. Patrick Gallivan discusses New York healthcare network readiness. Amanda Fries from the Albany Times Union joins us with reporting and analysis on COVID-19 testing disparities in areas of upstate New York. Small businesses received a new lifeline this week from the federal government. Greg Biryla from the Federation of Independent Business breaks that down.
Learn More: nynow.org

COVID-19 Latest, Impact on Schools, 'Death With Dignity'

Gov. Andrew Cuomo says the worst of the COVID-19 pandemic may be over and announces a long-term strategy for the regional economy.
Learn how the COVID-19 pandemic may impact New York's schools.
Also, terminally ill patients in New York may soon be able to end their own life with medication prescribed by a doctor.
Bernadette Hogan from the New York Post breaks down the news of the week.
Learn More: nynow.org

Senator Mike Gianaris, Coronavirus Latest, Bail Reform

Gov. Cuomo says New York may be slowly approaching an end to the COVID-19 pandemic, but it's anyone's guess when that is. Senate Deputy Majority Leader Mike Gianaris discusses last week's budget deal. Was it everything lawmakers wanted? Orange County District Attorney David Hoovler talks bail reform changes included in the new state budget. Josefa Velasquez of THE CITY breaks down the weeks' news.
Learn more: nynow.org

State Budget Breakdown, Coronavirus Latest, the College Angle

Get the latest on COVID-19 in New York, and how this year's state budget is different from years past. Also, get a break down the final spending plan and what it means for you. Learn how colleges and universities are helping the state respond to the COVID-19 pandemic and what their loss means for the economy.
Learn More: nynow.org

Coronavirus Latest: Sen. Brad Hoylman, Supply Shortage, Budget Update

On this week's edition of New York NOW, COVID-19 could reach its apex sooner than previously thought, says Gov. Andrew Cuomo. We'll have details on what the state is doing to respond, and Karen DeWitt from New York State Public Radio has an update from the state capitol.
State Sen. Brad Hoylman, D-Manhattan, joins us to talk about how the disease has impacted the state's justice system, and if a few key issues will make it into this year's state budget.
Ambulance workers are on the front lines of the crisis, and some say they're running out of much-needed medical supplies. Tom Coyle from the United New York Ambulance Network joins us with more.
And Medicaid is still a looming problem for the state's bottom line. How does COVID-19 play into that, and where is the state on reworking the program? Bill Hammond from the Empire Center explains.
 
Learn more: nynow.org