New York NOW

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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Lake George's Push to Use Less Road Salt

This weeks' feature story looks at actual NaCl and how the town of Lake George has a plan to help keep it out of its beloved body of water. Also, take a look back at the week's news at the Reporters Roundtable.
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Senator Jackson: More Funding Needed for Education

Senator Robert Jackson discusses the perpetual battle for education funding during budget season. The Manhattan legislator is one of the original plaintiffs in the Campaign for Fiscal Equity lawsuit and is challenging the governor's notion that the case is settled.
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Lovett is Leavin' It

Journalism at the State Capitol suffered a blow earlier this month when Daily News Bureau Chief Ken Lovett announced he would be leaving the industry. 
In this podcast, longtime colleagues Casey Seiler and Matt Ryan ask him about his 25 years covering "Planet Albany."  Lovett also discusses how following Bruce Springsteen setlists led to a front-page story on the New York Post, his views on all the governors he covered, and what former assemblyman refused to take his call after leaving office.
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