New York NOW

State Senate Cannabis Hearing, History of Drug Policy in NYS, the Science of Opioids

On the latest edition of New York NOW (11/03/2023):
The state Senate held a hearing this week with officials from the NYS Office of Cannabis Management to unpack solution to enforce regulation of illegal pot shops.
We sit down with Damien Cornwell, member of the Cannabis Association of New York, to discuss his testimony at the hearing and his concerns over laws and regulations for the retail market.
As part of WMHT'S Opioids in New York series, we examine the statewide history of drug policy and explore the science of opioids.

Environmental Bond Act, NYS Parks Commissioner

Gwendolyn Craig, of Adirondack Explorer, and Rick Karlin, of the Times Union, join the discussion on the state's Environmental Bond Act.
Ahead of the centennial anniversary of the state parks system, Erik Kulleseid, commissioner of the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation, talks about his tour of parks across the state.
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Food Insecurity in the State, Assembly Member Jessica González-Rojas, Natasha Pernicka

Food insecurity continues to impact households across New York. What can the state do to address the issue?
Assembly Member Jessica González-Rojas (D-Queens County) is pushing a bill that would allow the state to provide additional SNAP monthly benefit funds to households.
Natasha Pernicka, executive director of The Food Pantries for the Capital District and The Alliance for a Hunger Free NY, discusses the calls on the state to increase funding to community food programs in New York.
Learn More: nynow.org

Assembly Member Mary Beth Walsh, MJ Okma, LGBTQ+ Older New Yorkers

Assembly Member Mary Beth Walsh (R-Saratoga County) unpacked her opposition to a bill that would move some local elections to even-numbered years.
We unpack what resources are availiable in the state for LGBTQ+ older adults who have looking for support with MJ Okma, Senior Manager of Advocacy and Government Relations at SAGE.
Aging with Pride, a collaboration between Colonie Senior Service Center and the Pride Center of the Capital Region, provided a trip for LGBTQ+ adults to look through archives housed at SUNY University at Albany.
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The Legacy of Willowbrook

We dive into the legacy of Willowbrook State School and investigative journalist Geraldo Rivera's shocking expose on the state institute - leading to its closure
We speak with Vicky Hiffa, executive director of the State Council on Developmental Disabilities, about the documentary commemorating the 50th anniversary of Rivera's reporting
Maureen O'Brien of the New York State Industries for the Disables (NYSID) talks through workforce opportunities for people with developmental disabilities and state support
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New York’s Mental Health Crisis & What Can Be Done About It

New York — and the rest of the country — is experiencing a mental health crisis, with a huge demand in services and a system that can't keep up.
We speak with Dr. Ann Marie Sullivan, commissioner of the state Office of Mental Health, about what the state's doing, the challenges that still exist, and what someone should do if they're struggling with their mental health.
Suicide prevention is key, but often overlooked in certain demographics. We'll tell you more.
Dan Egan from the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (Capital Region Chair) talks about mental health in New York today, and how more lives could be saved.
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SUNY Chancellor John King, Youth Mental Health

On this week's edition of New York NOW (9/22/2023)
An update on the state's migrant crisis, after Gov. Kathy Hochul met with President Joe Biden this week.
SUNY Chancellor John King joins us to discuss the new semester, and his vision for the future of the public college and university system.
Research shows after school activities can have a positive impact on the mental health of young adults. YouthFX is an organization dedicated to teaching youth how to tell impactful stories through film. Producer Catherine Rafferty has the details.
Explore More: nynow.org

LT. Gov. Antonio Delgado, Transparency in the State Budget

On this week's edition of New York NOW (9/15/2023):
Lt. Gov. Antonio Delgado joined us to discuss his first year in office and what's ahead. (Originally aired June 2023)
Should New York's budget process be more transparent? We discuss with Sen. Jim Tedisco, R-Saratoga. (Originally aired July 2023)

Future of NY’s Courts, Graduation Standards in New York

On this week's edition of New York NOW (9/08/2023):
New York's courts were impacted by the pandemic, but problems existed before COVID-19. We'll discuss the future of New York's court system with Hank Greenberg, chair of the Commission to Reimagine the Future of New York's Courts, and a past president of the New York State Bar Association.
Should New York's graduation requirements for grade school students change? The New York State Education Department is considering that now. Producer Catherine Rafferty has details.
A new On The Bill looks at how changing the payment structure for ambulances around the state could eliminate a lot of the headache around collecting that money.
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Start of the New School Year, The Great New York State Fair, Future of AI

On the latest edition of New York NOW (9/01/2023):
It's the start of the new school year in New York. We'll chat about education, schools, and more with Melinda Person, president of New York State United Teachers.
The Great New York State Fair runs through Labor Day. Reporter Shantel Destra spends a day at the fair and brings it to you.
What's the future of artificial intelligence in New York? Zach Williams from Bloomberg Government has been covering that, and joins us to explain.
Explore More: nynow.org