The Legislative Gazette: Recent Episodes
WAMC Northeast Public Radio
You can find the region's most in-depth look at New York State politics and government each week on The Legislative Gazette. Hosted by David Guistina, the program features regular commentary by syndicated columnist and political scientist Dr. Alan Chartock. On each program, the award-winning WAMC News Team combines forces to bring you a wrap-up of the week's political news, the goings on in and around the legislature, and the stories that will keep you well-informed and in the know.
The Legislative Gazette is a weekly program about New York State Government and politics. On this week’s Gazette: We speak with New York Lieutenant Governor Antonio Delgado about the Hate and Bias Prevention Unit that he is leading. Also, we sit down with Tom Fattorusso, the Special Agent in Charge of the Internal Revenue Service’s Criminal Investigation New York Field Office.
On this week’s Gazette: A new financial forecast released by the governor’s budget office shows future deficits doubling next year. Also, the Olympic Regional Development Authority responds to a recent report raising questions about investments in its facilities.
On this week’s Gazette: Governor Hochul says she and legislative leaders have a conceptual agreement on the budget. Our political observer Alan Chartock speaks with Assembly Majority Leader Crystal People’s Stokes. Also, we’ll have a conversation with the head of the state Democratic party about President Biden announcing this week that he’ll run for re-election.
On this week’s Gazette:We’ll take a look at what’s holding up the New York state budget now nearly three weeks late; we’ll talk with State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli about whether he has any input when it comes to budget negotiations. Also, public schools in New York will no longer be able to use Native American names, mascots and imagery.
New York Governor Kathy Hochul says the state will create a stockpile of an abortion drug after a Texas judge’s recent ruling that outlaws a similar pill. Our political observer Alan Chartock speaks with Amy Paulin, Chair of the Assembly Health Committee, about her plans to expand abortion access in the state. Also, U.S. Senator Chuck Schumer was in Troy to talk about the recent wave of swatting incidents at schools.
The New York state budget will be late this year. Our political observer Alan Chartock speaks with Westchester County Executive George Latimer about the governor’s housing proposal. Also, a federal authority has created safety regulations for the horse racing industry.
Intense New York state budget negotiations kicked off this week with the budget due April 1st; our political observer Alan Chartock speaks with New York state Republican Assembly Minority Leader William Barclay about one of the sticking points in the budget, bail reform. Also, the Forest Preserve Coalition is praising state lawmakers for restoring funding for environmental protection.
Intense New York state budget negotiations kicked off this week with the budget due April 1st; our political observer Alan Chartock speaks with New York state Republican Assembly Minority Leader William Barclay about one of the sticking points in the budget, bail reform. Also, the Forest Preserve Coalition is praising state lawmakers for restoring funding for environmental protection.
The two chambers of the New York state Legislature release their proposed budgets. Our political observer Alan Chartock speaks with newly elected and returning Chair of the state Republican party, Ed Cox. Also, student journalists want the state to limit censorship of high school newspapers.
New York Governor Kathy Hochul’s proposal to increase the number of charter schools in the state is getting some pushback from members of the public education community. Our political observer Alan Chartock speaks with Jesse McKinley of the New York Times. Also, student advocates rally in Albany for free CUNY and SUNY tuition.
Convenience store owners say New York Governor Kathy Hochul’s plan to ban flavored cigarettes will lead to more tobacco products bought and sold on the black market. Our political observer Alan Chartock speaks with New York state Senator James Skoufis, Chair of the Senate investigations committee. Also, we’ll have a conversation with the Executive Director of the Adirondack Council who’s about to leave his post.
After the New York State Senate rejected her choice for chief judge for the first time, Governor Hochul now has to choose a new nominee. Our political observer Alan Chartock speaks with Albany County District Attorney David Soares about bail reform. Also, New York Congressman Paul Tonko visited Stratton Albany VA Medical Center Wednesday to speak with veterans and their families about the PACT Act.
In a full floor vote, the New York State Senate rejected Governor Kathy Hochul’s choice for chief judge. Our political observer Alan Chartock speaks with Governor Hochul about her $227 billion dollar budget proposal. Also, we’ll take you to a panel discussion on addiction and services in Northern New York.
New York Republicans in the state Senate sue to force a vote of the full Senate on Governor Kathy Hochul’s nominee to be the state’s next chief judge. Our political observer Alan Chartock speaks with New York State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli about the governor’s budget proposal. Also, U.S. Senator Gillibrand announces her dairy policy priorities.
New York Governor Kathy Hochul releases her $227 billion dollar budget proposal; we’ll have reaction from lawmakers. Our political observer Alan Chartock speaks with Blair Horner of NYPIRG about the governor’s plan. Also, the state senate passes a series of limousine safety measures.
New York Governor Kathy Hochul says she will push the legislature to further revise the state’s bail laws. Our political observer Alan Chartock speaks with NYS Assembly Minority Leader Will Barclay about the governor’s controversial move. Also, we’ll head to the Southern Tier where counties there are deciding how to spend opioid settlement money.
After voting down her choice for next chief judge, New York Governor Kathy Hochul is considering her options. Our political observer Alan Chartock speaks with John Kaehny, executive director of Reinvent Albany about government transparency. Also, two Amazon locations in New York have been cited by the federal government for workplace safety violations.
With the 2023 legislative session underway, the Governor’s budget is due by the end of the month. Our political observer speaks with new SUNY Chancellor John King. Also, we’ll speak with the head of the New York State School Boards Association about Foundation Aid.
The 2023 legislative session starts as state lawmakers expect to tackle issues ranging from affordable housing to improving public safety. Our political observer Alan Chartock in conversation about aid in dying with Corinne Carey of Compassion and Choices. Also, after five years, the World University Games are set to begin in Lake Placid.
As 2022 comes to an end, we’ll take a look at two issues that are dominating New York state government. Our political observer Alan Chartock speaks with Westchester County Executive George Latimer about Long Island Congressman-elect George Santos’ extensive fabrications. Also, we’ll talk to experts about a new plan for the state to make its climate goals.
New York Governor Kathy Hochul says she’s not raising taxes in her new state budget proposal. Our political observer Alan Chartock speaks with Newsday’s Yancey Roy about multiple lawsuits filed against New York’s new conceal carry weapons law. Also, we’ll take you to Seneca Falls, the inspired location of the movie It’s a Wonderful Life.
New York lawmakers consider giving themselves a pay raise before the end of the year; our political observer Alan Chartock speaks with Blair Horner, Executive Director of New York Public Interest Group about politics of a potential pay raise for legislators. Also, a New York Congressman pushes legislation to crack down on Grinch Bots.
Governor Kathy Hochul and health officials warn New Yorkers to prepare for three different viruses with the coming holiday season. Our political observer Alan Chartock speaks with Gerard Kassar, Chairman of New York’s Conservative Party. Also, meet the new Chancellor of the State University of New York.
New York's Adult Survivors Act takes effect. Our political observer Alan Chartock speaks with newly re-elected Assembly Minority Leader William Barclay. Also, the state Office of Cannabis Management’s Control Board has officially approved the first 37 retail marijuana licenses.
New York is granting its first 36 licenses to sell cannabis in the state. Our political observer Alan Chartock speaks with New York State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli. Also, the leader of one of New York’s most vocal environmental watchdog organizations is stepping down.
New York is granting its first 36 licenses to sell cannabis in the state. Our political observer Alan Chartock speaks with New York State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli. Also, the leader of one of New York’s most vocal environmental watchdog organizations is stepping down.
New York Governor Kathy Hochul won’t tip her hand on whether she’ll impose a moratorium on a certain type of crypto mining. Our political observer Alan Chartock speaks with the head of the Working Families Party. Also, a coalition of horse racing industry leaders want lawmakers to approve borrowing to overhaul Belmont Park on Long Island.
We’ll learn more about the candidates running for New York Lt Governor. Our political observer Alan Chartock speaks with Westchester County Executive George Latimer about the coming midterm elections. Also, we’ll remind you to flip over your ballot Tuesday to consider the environmental bond act.
President Joe Biden visits Syracuse this week to celebrate the $100 billion investment in Central New York. Our political observer Alan Chartock discusses the audit that finds New York City is not prepared for the next superstorm. Also, the two candidates for New York governor square off in their one and only debate before the election.
U.S. Senator Charles Schumer stops in Albany to make a new push to limit the use of Chinese-made semiconductor chips. Our political observer Alan Chartock discusses the state environmental bond act. Also, New York Governor Kathy Hochul is criticizing her opponent’s ties to former President Trump as she sees her lead slip.
Union supporters rally at an Amazon warehouse in upstate New York in a bid to become the company’s second workplace in the country to unionize. Our political observer Alan Chartock discusses the status of the state attorney general’s investigation into former President Trump. Also, we’ll join U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand in Plattsburgh where she highlighted funding for home heating assistance this winter.
Tech Company Micron announces a $100 billion investment to build a series of state-of-the-art semiconductor fabrication plants near Syracuse. Our political observer Alan Chartock discusses pay to play political accusations against New York Governor Kathy Hochul. Also, a new study aims to predict how remote work will impact the economy and city planning.
Photo: Mike Kroll courtesy of the office of Gov. Hochul.
The nursing home works union says the New York state’s minimum staffing requirement rules fall short. Our political observer Alan Chartock shares his thoughts on the fact that there will be no gubernatorial debates this election year. Also, an update on the port of Albany, the first offshore wind tower manufacturing site in the U.S.
NY Attorney General James sues former President Donald Trump, his children and his company. Our political observer Alan Chartock discusses his conversation on with state comptroller DiNapoli about New York City’s finances. Also, with winter on the way, Senator Schumer calls for $1 billion in additional heating aid.
Photo courtesy of the office of NY Attorney General.
An effort to shut down the so-called "puppy mill pipeline" in New York reaches the governor's office. Our political observer Alan Chartock shares his thoughts on the different campaign strategies being used by Democrats and Republicans ahead of the November elections. Also, a new University at Albany study finds exposure to sustained sunny, hot, and humid weather can trigger and increase symptoms of mental health disorders.
New York State Education Commissioner Betty Rosa visits the Schenectady City School District. Our political observer Alan Chartock discusses his conversation with Democratic state Senator James Skoufis. Also, the state Farm Laborers Wage Board recommends lowering the overtime threshold for farm workers.
As the school year begins, New York’s largest teachers’ unions and other education experts call for a better response to threats of violence. Our political observer Alan Chartock discusses his conversation with Republican Assembly Minority Leader Will Barclay. Also, we’ll join the Republican candidate for governor at a campaign rally in Colonie.
Photo courtesy of Flickr.
New York Governor Kathy Hochul marks one year in office. Our political observer Alan Chartock shares his thoughts on this week’s primary results in New York. Also, we’ll have an in-depth conversation with the head of the state Democratic party.
We’ll speak with an expert on the coming Atlantic hurricane season. Our political observer Alan Chartock shares his thoughts on the incumbent protection plan. Also, we’ll look at community gardens across the state and meet the people who grow in Saranac Lake.
Photo courtesy of NOAA.
The GOP candidate for New York governor calls for lawmakers to reverse a plan to phase in a 40-hour workweek for farm laborers. Our political observer Alan Chartock speaks with Blair Horner, Executive Director of NYPIRG. Also, Senator Gillibrand calls on the President to invoke the Defense Production Act to increase Monkeypox vaccine.
We speak with the New York state health commissioner about monkeypox. Our political observer Alan Chartock speaks with Dr. Don Levy about a new Siena poll. Also, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer comes to Albany to push President Biden to name upstate New York the epicenter of American chip manufacturing.
Photo courtesy of Mary Bassett's official Twitter page.
Public safety issues are dominating New York's gubernatorial race. Our political observer Alan Chartock shares his thoughts on the issue of transparency and open government. We also discuss the federal passage of the CHIPS Act, which could have a major impact upstate.
Photo: Wiki Commons/ Erik Hersman
New York Governor Kathy Hochul says the state is preparing for a possible new surge of COVID-19 this fall. Our political observer Alan Chartock shares his thoughts on attempted knife attack on the GOP candidate for governor, Lee Zeldin. Also, we’ll have a conversation with the new President of SUNY New Paltz.
We’ll examine a new poll that finds a majority have an unfavorable view of The Supreme Court in the wake of its decision overturning Roe v. Wade. Our political observer Alan Chartock shares his thoughts on NY’s Chief Judge announcing she’ll be stepping down before the end of her term. Also, an in-depth interview about what school boards look like after voters went to the polls in May.
Photo courtesy of the U.S. Supreme Court.
Family members of violent crime victims gather as officials push for legislation that would require New York state parole boards to fully grasp the impact of an offender’s actions. Our political observer Alan Chartock discusses the amount of money spent on lobbying returning to pre-pandemic levels. Also, we’ll speak to Lee Maringoff, Director of the Marist Institute of Public Opinion.
U.S. Senator Gillibrand gathers with women in Albany to speak out against the Supreme Court decision striking down Roe v Wade, our political observer Alan Chartock shares his thoughts on this week’s primary results, and a conversation about the new rules for horse racing which will impact Saratoga and beyond.
The U.S. Supreme Court has struck down New York’s restrictions on carrying a concealed weapon in public spaces. Our political observer Dr. Alan Chartock discusses next weeks’ primaries in NY. Also, the governor signs a voting rights package into law.
Photo courtesy of Ibro Palic/ Flickr
New York Governor Kathy Hochul signed six bills into law to protect abortion rights and support reproductive health care. Our political observer Alan Chartock shares his thoughts on this week’s primary debate for Governor. Also, county lawmakers want firearm retailers to display warning signs.
Photo courtesy of the office of Gov. Hochul.
Less than a month after the mass shooting at a Buffalo supermarket, New York Governor Kathy Hochul signs ten gun control bills into law; our political observer Alan Chartock shares his thoughts on his interview with the Governor this week. Also, a new poll finds Americans would like to raise the age to buy a firearm to 21.
New York Governor Kathy Hochul and legislative leaders have agreed on a package of gun control measures; our political observer Alan Chartock shares his thoughts on why the state’s strict gun laws can’t fully protect New Yorkers from gun violence. Also, a conversation on redistricting with former Democratic Congressman Bill Owens.
New York Governor Kathy Hochul signs the Adult Survivors Act into law. Our political observer Alan Chartock on his conversation with Republican gubernatorial candidate Andrew Giuliani. Also, another Starbucks in New York, the first in the Capital Region, elects to unionize.
Photo courtesy of Flickr/wadester16.
A mass shooting in Buffalo, New York kills 10 people, injures 3 and prompts Governor Kathy Hochul to announce several steps to curb the growing number racially motivated violence; our political observer Alan Chartock shares his thoughts on the politics of the latest mass shooting. Also, Northern New York Congresswoman Elise Stefanik finds herself in the national spotlight since the mass shooting.
New York Governor Kathy Hochul says she’s freeing up $35 million for abortion clinics to serve out-of-state patients. Our political observer Alan Chartock shares his thoughts on the race for the open 19th Congressional district seat. Also, we’ll talk to Orange County Executive Steven Neuhaus who recently returned from a Navy deployment in Ukraine.
New York Governor Kathy Hochul picks Hudson Valley Congressman Antonio Delgado to be her lieutenant governor. The appointment comes after former LG, Brian Benjamin resigned in disgrace last month; our political observer Alan Chartock shares his thoughts on the political implications of the Governor’s choice. Also, we’ll take you to Cohoes where a novel technology is helping the city reach an energy independent future.
Photo courtesy of the office of Antonio Delgado.
New York voters will likely end up going to the polls three times this year, now that the state’s highest court has thrown out new district lines for Congressional and state Senate seats; our political observer Alan Chartock discusses the political implications of the ruling. Also, New York Governor Kathy Hochul talks about how the budget benefits the North Country.
Photo courtesy of Tony Webster/ Flickr.
New York Governor Kathy Hochul and her opponents now have just over two months left before the June Democratic primary. Our political observer Alan Chartock shares his thoughts on his conversation with Governor Hochul this week. Also, student government leaders throughout SUNY demand a seat on the search committee for a new chancellor.
New York Lt Governor Brian Benjamin resigns after being indicted on federal corruption charges; our political observer Alan Chartock shares his thoughts in the impact of the resignation on Governor Kathy Hochul. Also, we’ll take a closer look at the Adult Survivors Act.
Photo courtesy of NY Gov. Kathy Hochul/ Flickr.
New York state leaders reach an agreement on a new budget, and our political observer Dr. Alan Chartock shares his thoughts on the political impacts of a late spending plan. Also, we'll hear about an invasive aquatic species threatening Lake Champlain.
New York Governor Kathy Hochul and state lawmakers gave up on the chance of meeting the state’s budget deadline of April 1st. Our political observer Alan Chartock shares his thoughts on a judge, who has ordered New York’s Democratic-controlled Legislature to redraw the state’s congressional and legislative districts after finding them unconstitutional. Also, Senator Kirsten Gillibrand is renewing efforts to bring banking services to U.S. Post Office branches.
Photo: J. Levulis
Tensions flare between the Governor and Legislature over a proposal to change New York’s bail reform laws; our political observer Alan Chartock shares his thoughts on differences between Democrats on criminal justice reform. Also, we’ll have a conversation with New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Commissioner Basil Seggos.
Photo courtesy of Flickr/wadester16.
New York Governor Kathy Hochul signs a package of anti-sexual harassment bills into law. Our political observer Alan Chartock shares his thoughts on former Governor Andrew Cuomo saying he’s open to running for his old seat. Also, U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand promotes the Made In America Manufacturing Communities Act.
New York Governor Kathy Hochul joins a groundbreaking for a new manufacturing facility. Our political observer Alan Chartock discusses a new poll showing former Governor Cuomo trailing current Governor Hochul in a primary by four points. Also, we’ll have a fiscal conversation with New York state Comptroller Tom DiNapoli.
On this week’s Gazette: New York state Republicans nominate Long Island Congressman Lee Zeldin as their candidate for governor; our political observer Alan Chartock shares his thoughts on why the GOP would choose Zeldin, a Trump supporter, in a blue state. Also, New York Governor Kathy Hochul is creating a Joint Security Operations Center to oversee cybersecurity.
Photo courtesy of Lee Zeldin.
Senator Schumer promotes legislation he says would cap the cost of insulin at $35 a month. Our political observer Alan Chartock shares his thoughts on former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo releasing a new 30 second ad in an attempt to repair his image. We’ll also take a look at Lake George, which is part of a study on how road salt affects aquatic species.
On this week’s Gazette: New York Governor Kathy Hochul receives the democratic nomination for Governor at the state party convention; and our political observer Alan Chartock shares his thoughts on what appears to be an easy road to the Governor’s office for the former Lt. Governor. Also, we’ll speak to the new director off the Adirondack Park Agency.
On this week's Gazette: School children will continue to be required to wear masks, after Governor Kathy Hochul ended the statewide mask mandate in most indoor public spaces this week. Our political observer Alan Chartock discusses the fight between Democrats over pulling back on bail reform. Also, we speak with state Comptroller Tom DiNapoli about Governor Hochul's first budget proposal.
On this week’s Gazette: Lawsuits were immediately filed after New York Governor Kathy Hochul signed off on new district maps; our political observer Alan Chartock shares his thoughts on the gerrymander. Also, we’ll get reaction to a new survey that shows a positive outlook for economic growth in the North Country.
Photo courtesy of the Flickr/ Matt H. Wade.
On this week’s Gazette: Lawmakers want Albany’s NanoTech Complex to be the nation’s first semiconductor technology center. Our political observer Alan Chartock shares his thoughts on the passing of former Speaker Sheldon Silver. Also, we’ll take you to a recent virtual news conference with survivors of sexual harassment who want their day in court.
Photo: Max Pixel.
On this week’s Gazette: New York Governor Kathy Hochul releases a $216 billion dollar state budget. Our political observer Alan Chartock shares his thoughts on what former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo will do with $16 million dollars left in his campaign account. Also, we’ll take a look at reaction to the roll out of mobile sports betting in the state.
On this week’s Gazette: Protesters rally against the end of New York’s eviction moratorium. Our political observer Alan Chartock shares his thoughts on the Republicans chances of winning the Governor’s office. Also, COVID-19 is impacting elective surgeries at some upstate hospitals.
On this week’s Gazette: New York Governor Kathy Hochul delivers her first state of the state address; our political observer Alan Chartock will share his thoughts on the speech. Also, a New York Congressman remembers the January 6th riot last year at the U.S. Capitol.
On this week’s Gazette - a year in review. As 2021 comes to an end we take a look at the weaknesses of the Joint Commission on Public Ethics. Our political observer Alan Chartock with his political year in review. Also, we’ll take a look at a pilot program designed to improve outcomes for non-violent mental health emergency calls.
Photo courtesy of JCOPE.
On this week’s Gazette: New York Health Commissioner Dr. Mary Bassett has tested positive for COVID-19. Governor Kathy Hochul made the announcement in a Monday briefing that also documented the worsening situation in the state as the omicron variant spreads. Our political observer Alan Chartock discusses his conversation with Albany County DA David Soares about bail reform. Also, we’ll report on a new business survey, which finds Capital Region employers will keep hiring in the new year.
Photo courtesy of Mary Bassett's official Twitter.
On this week’s Gazette: With at least one dozen counties in the state refusing to enforce the directive, New York Governor Kathy Hochul defends her statewide mask mandate. Our political observer Alan Chartock on the state ethic’s commission passing a resolution to require former Governor Andrew Cuomo turn over profits he received from his book advance to the state attorney general’s office. Also, we’ll talk to the stakeholders of Clean Path NY – one of the largest infrastructure energy projects in 50 years.
Photo courtesy of Flickr/ Marco Verch.
On this week’s Gazette: SUNY Chancellor Jim Malatras announces his resignation. Our political observer Alan Chartock shares his thoughts on New York Attorney General Tish James dropping out of the race for Governor in 2022. Also, the White House checks in on Albany’s Afghan resettlement efforts.
On this week’s Gazette: A divided Supreme Court debates the issue of abortion and the future of Roe V. Wade, we’ll have reaction from the President of Upper Hudson Planned Parenthood. Our political observer Alan Chartock on his conversation with New York State Assembly Majority Leader Crystal Peoples-Stokes. Also, owners of small farms worry paying overtime to workers will put them out of business.
Photo courtesy of Chelly Hegan.
On this week's Gazette: The New York State Assembly has released its long-awaited report on an impeachment inquiry into former Gov. Andrew Cuomo; our political observer Alan Chartock discusses his interview with the former Governor that ended up in the report. Also, officials praise Canada’s decision to remove requirements for citizens traveling out of the country.
On this week’s Gazette: After a vote by the state ethics commission, former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo may have to return at least part of the $5.1 million he was paid for his COVID-19 leadership book. Also, our political observer Alan Chartock discusses his conversation with Republican Assembly Minority Leader Will Barclay. The American Lung Association's fourth annual “State of Lung Cancer” report, finds Black New Yorkers are more likely to be diagnosed with lung cancer.
Photo courtesy of JCOPE.