New York NOW

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.
Learn more at nynow.org

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.
Learn More: nynow.org

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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Sexual Harassment Hearing, Amazon Pulls Plug

Monday brought bad news for Andrew Cuomo as the latest Siena College poll showed his favorability number at 43%, his lowest since taking office in 2011. The state legislature held it's first hearing on sexual harassment in the workplace in over 25 years. Also, Amazon announced on Thursday they are pulling the plug on their plan to open up a second headquarters in New York City.
Learn more: nynow.org

New Hole Emerges in the Budget

Governor Cuomo and Comptroller Tom DiNapoli, in a rare joint appearance, broke the sobering news Monday that personal income tax receipts were $2.3 billion below projections. The governor blames the new federal tax plan that caps state and local taxes (SALT) at $10,000. Is he right? Also, learn more about the education and healthcare budget hearings that took place in Albany.
 
lear More: nynow.org

Democrats Pass Child Victims Act, Stricter Gun Control

Democrats this week were once again able to pass bills that have had stalled for years under Senate GOP leadership. 
Monday saw the passage of the Child Victims Act, a bill that never made it to the floor when Democrats were in the minority.  The vote was, curiously enough, unanimous in the chamber 63-0 and allows victims of sexual abuse more flexibility to seek justice against their perpetrator. 
The following day saw new gun control measures enacted, including the "Red Flag" bill which will allow family members, school officials or law enforcement to petition courts for the removal of a person's firearms if they are deemed to be a threat to themselves or others.
 
Learn more: nynow.org

Big Week for Senate Democrats

The Senate Democrats continued their streak of passing major pieces of legislation in a short period of time. Last week they approved voting reforms and GENDA, this week they approved long-languishing bills including the Reproductive Health Act and the Dream Act.
 
Learn More: nynow.org