The Capitol Pressroom

June 18, 2025 - We're sharing an excerpt of a conversation on Dispatches from Planet Albany, which explored the path to the Democratic gubernatorial nomination for Lt. Gov. Antonio Delgado. Our guest was Rebecca Garrard, co-executive director of Citizen Action of New York.

June 18, 2025 - Assemblymember John McDonald, a Capital Region Democrat, makes the case for increasing costs on prescription drug middlemen in order to raise revenues to support independent pharmacies.

June 17, 2025 - Buffalo, Albany, and Syracuse are all poised for a change in leadership, with the next mayors likely coming from the winner of the Democratic primaries. We talk about some of the unifying themes of these races with Alex Elmasri, a vice president with The Parkside Group.

June 17, 2025 - Gov. Kathy Hochul was recently called before Congress to answer questions about the state's immigration policies, including restrictions on complying with federal officials. We explore the oversight hearing with Dan Clark, author of the Capitol Confidential newsletter.

June 16, 2025 - State Senate Environmental Conservation Committee Chair Pete Harckham is still trying to get the Assembly on board with legislation reducing single-use plastic packaging waste, which was already approved by the Senate. The Westchester County Democrat addresses concerns from business groups and indicates his willingness to restart negotiations once the bill gets to the governor.

June 16, 2026 - Seneca Nation of Indians President J. Conrad Seneca discusses Gov. Kathy Hochul recent visit to the Cattaraugus Territory and addresses the nation's unresolved gambling compact with the state.

June 16, 2025 - Recreational marijuana sales are generating tax revenues for municipalities around the state, but counties are having a hard time distributing the funds. Ontario County Finance Director Mary Gates explains how mixed messages from state agencies are creating confusion about marijuana tax revenues.

June 12, 2025 - Assembly Children & Families Committee Chair Andrew Hevesi, a Queens Democrat, discusses his end of session priorities, including making supervised visitations more accessible, enacting Kyra's Law, and ending anonymous reporting of child abuse.

June 12, 2025 - We examine how the funding streams for the Metropolitan Transportation Authority have changed in recent years, which was the focus of a recent report from the state comptroller's office. Our guest is Rahul Jain, a deputy state comptroller.

June 12, 2025 - State Sen. Anthony Palumbo, a Long Island Republicans, argues that a Democratic-led effort to create new judicial districts for Onondaga, Monroe, and Erie counties is brazen partisan meddling in the courts.

June 11, 2025 - Buffalo Sewer Authority Principal Sanitary Engineer Rosaleen Nogle talks about their effort in the Queen City to deal with wastewater and why this work is hampered by a lack of state and federal support.

June 11, 2025 - Environmental and public health advocates want state policymakers to more aggressively police what chemicals are in products New Yorkers buy, but the business community argues these efforts are misguided and overly burdensome. We hear those concerns from Ken Pokalsky, a vice president with The Business Council of New York State.

June 11, 2025 - State Sen. Chris Ryan, a Syracuse-area Democrat, is looking to update New York's bottle deposit and redemption laws. He explains his proposal, including what beverages would be covered, and why it's an alternative to a measure championed by environmentalists.

June 12, 2025 - An intense lobbying campaign by grocery stores to secure the right to sell wine is coming up short again in Albany, which is good news according to Michael Correra, a third-generation liquor store owner.

June 10, 2025 - Green energy jobs are a growing part of New York's economy and could become even more significant if state policymakers lean into the renewable energy goals in state law. We explore this evolving field, including the future variables, with Iris Packman, a senior research and policy development associate with Cornell University's ILR School's Climate Jobs Institute.

June 10, 2025 - In advance of the 2026 state elections, state lawmakers and Gov. Kathy Hochul made some changes to the state's system of public financing of election campaigns. We address the impact of the changes with Marina Pino, a counsel with the Brennan Center's elections and government program.

June 10, 2025 - We learn about the reporting requirements on lobbyists in New York and how they're monitored from Sandy Berland, executive director of the state Commission on Ethics and Lobbying in Government.

June 10, 2025 - New York State United Teachers President Melinda Person makes the case for providing meaningful recess to elementary school-age children. She also discusses the implementation of smartphone restrictions in schools, funding for public education, and endorsements in the 2026 gubernatorial races.

June 9, 2025 - Assemblymember Pamela Hunter, a Syracuse Democrat, makes the case for amending the licensure process for New Yorkers who want to practice natural hair styling, which is disproportionately practiced by people of color and immigrants.

June 9, 2025 - In light of drug overdose deaths declining from 2023 to 2024, we explore what's driving the change with Dr. Chinazo Cunningham, commissioner for the State Office of Addiction Services & Supports. We talk about harm reduction strategies, opioid settlement funds, and addressing the risk of stimulants.