New York NOW

In an in-depth interview, New York Attorney General Eric Schneiderman tells 'New York NOW' he is confident that the state's recent same-sex marriage law will survive legal challenges and that the federal Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) is unconstitutional. He also discusses the Indian Point Nuclear Power Plant and a new lawsuit focused on demanding data on the safety of potential hydrofracking.

New York gay couples are now getting married under the recently-passed same-sex marriage bill, which achieved a small degree of GOP support in order to pass. Now, some conservatives are vowing to extract political revenge on Republicans who supported gay marriage, such as Buffalo-area State Senator Mark Grisanti, who explains his vote and addresses claims that he's a 'sell out' in this interview.

Matt Ryan interviews historian and Abraham Lincoln scholar Harold Holzer, who discusses Lincoln's legacy and surprising image-consciousness, as well as the current work of Gov. Andrew Cuomo. Meanwhile, Cuomo signs a law banning texting while driving, and Senator Chuck Schumer (D-NY) says that a far-right element of the Republican party is blocking progress on lifting the U.S. debt ceiling.

Hydraulic fracturing, or 'hydrofracking,' is a controversial technology that uses water and chemicals to extract underground natural gas. New York Department of Environmental Conservation Commissioner Joe Martens discusses the findings of a recent DEC draft study suggesting this can be done without contaminating ground water, but environmental groups question the accuracy of that assessment.

Two veterans of the New York legislature, State Senator Neil Breslin (D-Delmar) and Assemblyman Jim Tedisco (R-Schenectady), analyze the recent session, which many have viewed as a resurgence for a legislature considered the nation's most dysfunctional in recent years. 'A rising tide raises all boats,' says Breslin, 'and the rising tide was a competent, visionary governor who made us better.'

Many of the states that have legally recognized same-sex marriage have done so via judicial ruling. In New York, a similar result occurred, but via the legislative branch, when both the State Assembly and the Republican-controlled State Senate passed a marriage equality bill. Will this move spur action in other states or on the national level? Also, what impact will the new property tax cap have?

With three Democrats and two Republicans who voted 'no' on same-sex marriage in 2009 saying they now support it, passage of marriage equality in New York has never been closer. Will the bill, which passed the Assembly, make it through the State Senate? Also, the state's rent regulations are allowed to expire, then quickly extended. Plus, what happens to Anthony Weiner's former congressional seat?

Dr. David Steiner steps down as New York's education commissioner, saying he has outlined a vision for the future of education in the Empire State that is driven by standards-based curriculums, improving assessments and teacher-principal accountability systems. Also, Gov. Cuomo secures an agreement on ethics reform legislation. Will it be effective in cleaning up corruption in Albany?

New York rent regulations are set to expire on June 15, 2011, and if current regulations are not extended, advocates say current residents are likely to face evictions. 'The legislative session will be a complete disaster...if the rent regulation laws are not just extended, but significantly strengthened,' says Assemblyman Hakeem Jeffries (D-Brooklyn). 'For many of us, it is the only priority.'

As Republican Congressman Paul Ryan's Medicare plan became the centerpiece of the campaign, Democratic candidate Kathy Hochul scores a surprising upset victory over GOP candidate Jane Corwin in New York's 26th District special election. Is this a sign that Democrats may retake the House in 2012? Also, a 'Mayday for Marriage' rally at the Capitol decries potential same-sex marriage legislation.