New York NOW

Budget Progress, DEC Commissioner, Air Pollution

It was a busy week at the state Capitol with budget progress. The governor announced a conceptual state budget agreement and lawmakers voted on the first few budget bills. During his last days as DEC Commissioner, Basil Seggos about his tenure and legacy at the state department. Producer Dana Wright spoke with the DEC and environmental experts to understand the impact of air pollution and what's being done about it as part of the NY& Climate series. In the late 1970s, it was discovered a Niagara Falls neighborhood was build atop toxic chemicals. We unpack the tragedy highlighted in the documentary, A Love Canal Tragedy.
 
Explore More: nynow.org

Rare Look Behind the Scenes at NY Capitol

A look behind the curtain at the daily lives of reporters in New York's Legislative Correspondents Association at the state Capitol - the longest-running press corps in the United States, focused on covering the politics and policy issues of New York.
We sit down with Isabelle Dolores "Dee" Wedemeyer, one of the first women to be admitted into the LCA, to discuss her career and work in the LCA.
Have you been to the New York State Capitol? Not like this. WMHT's Will Pedigo takes us inside the historic building.
Explore More: nynow.org

Republican Housing Proposal, NY Heat Act and Immigration Funding

The governor and legislative leaders are still in negotiations on the state budget, including a potential agreement to address the state's housing crisis. Meanwhile, Republican lawmakers have put together a housing proposal of their own.
Assembly Member Patricia Fahy joins us to discuss the path forward for the New York Heat Act - a bill meant to ensure gas companies honor the state's climate goals.
We sit down with Murad Awawdeh, executive director of the New York Immigration Coalition, to discuss funding for Immigration Services and the migrant crisis.
EXPLORE MORE: nynow.org

Budget Update, SUNY Chancellor and Assembly Member Zohran Mamdani

Amid ongoing budget negotiations between the governor and legislative leaders, the deadline for the state budget has been extended.
Advocates and lawmakers are calling for increased funding for public universities and colleges as well as tuition assistance for students. We speak with SUNY Chancellor John King about higher education funding, enrollment and plans for SUNY Downstate.
Assembly Member Zohran Mamdani joins us to discuss the "Get Congestion Pricing Right" proposal meant to improve bus reliability and expand the fare-free bus program.
Explore More: nynow.org

Budget Talks, Human Services Advocacy, & Developmental Disability Awareness

Budget negotiations are underway at the State Capitol. We sat down with state Senate Finance Chair Liz Krueger (D-Manhattan) to unpack the chamber's one-house budget proposal and priorities.
Michelle Jackson, of the Human Services Council, joins us to discuss a push to get a 3.2% cost of living adjustment for human service workers.
It's Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month! We sit down with Kristin Proud, the executive director of the state Council on Developmental Disabilities and Shameka Andrews, caucus chair of the Council, to understand the world of opportunities for people with developmental disabilities.
Explore More: nynow.org

NYS Approach to Women's Issues, Missing BIPOC women & Children, Expanded Doula Access

On This Week's Edition of New York NOW:
It's Women's History Month so we'll be diving into the state's approach to women's issues with Elise Kline, of WENY NEWS.
We'll unpack a task force that will be created in the months ahead to examine the rates of missing BIPOC women and children and issue policy recommendations.
State Senate Mental Health Committee Chair Sen. Samra Brouk (D-Rochester) joins us to discuss the expansion of doula access and maternal health care in New York.
Explore more: https://nynow.wmht.org/blogs/full-episodes/full-episode-nys-approach-to-womens-issues-missing-bipoc-women-children-state-sen-samra-brouk/

New Congressional Maps and Higher Education Funding

After Democrats struck down the independent redistricting commission's congressional map, the chambers passed their own version, which was signed into law by the governor. You can find more information about your congressional district here.
We unpack the new congressional districts and how it all unfolded with Bill Mahoney, of POLITICO, and David Lombardo, of The Capitol Pressroom.
State lawmakers are looking for ways to increase funding for public universities and expand the Tuition Assistance Program (TAP) in this year's budget. Producer Catherine Rafferty spoke with education stakeholders about those efforts.
Explore More: nynow.org

Day in the Life of the Legislative Correspondents Association & The Career of Jim Peppler

In the latest Siena College Research Institute, Gov. Kathy Hochul saw a slight decrease in favorability while voters named cost of living as their top concern.
A look behind the curtain at the daily lives of reporters in New York's Legislative Correspondents Association at the state Capitol - which is the longest-running press corps in the United States, focused on covering the politics and policy issues of New York.
As a participant in the PBS Ignite Mentorship for Diverse Voices, producer Theo Moore collaborated with New York NOW for an in-depth documentary on the career of iconic photojournalist Jim Peppler.
Explore More: nynow.org

Birth Control Access, Housing in Exec Budget, Legislative Health Priorities

New York has continued to expand access to abortion care, but what about birth control? We speak with Jenna Bimbi, the Founder and Co-Executive Director of the New York Birth Access Project, about a campaign to make birth control accessible at state schools. Housing remains an top issue, after the governor and Legislature failed to come to an agreement on a plan last year. We unpack the governor's approach to housing in the FY '25 Executive Budget and the response from lawmakers. Assembly Health Committee Chair Amy Paulin joins us to discuss health legislative priorities including the Medicaid spending, New York Health Act and the Medicaid in Dying bill.

NY's Education Dilemma: Budget Battles & Racial Justice

Explore the intricacies of New York's education budget proposal, scrutinizing funding allocations and the ensuing debates. From Governor Hochul's ambitious plans to the Legislature's expected interventions, understand the stakes for public schools across the state.
Plus, journey into the Adirondacks with author Amy Godine as she reveals the hidden history of black pioneers and their pursuit of racial justice. Uncover the intersection of education and social justice in the Empire State, navigating through policy intricacies and historical revelations.
EXPLORE MORE: nynow.org