Dispatches from Planet Albany

Lt. Gov. Antonio Delgado joins the show to talk politics, including share his grievances with the New York Democratic Party under the control of Gov. Kathy Hochul and NY Dems Chair Jay Jacobs.

The gubernatorial hopeful also discusses the future of U.S. Sen. Chuck Schumer and what he's looking for in a number two.

You can catch our conversation about his policy positions, including support for Medical Aid in Dying, in The Capitol Pressroom feed.

The field of contenders for three downstate casino licenses has been whittled down to three options and the selection process could conclude imminently, so we're checking in on how we got there and what might happen next.

Crain's New York Business political reporter Nick Garber discusses the surprise decision by MGM to abandon their casino bid, highlights some of the peculiar moments in this journey, and considers whether less than three licenses will be awarded.

Then for Working Rules we make some election predictions with The Parkside Group's Alex Elmasri, including reading tea leave in early voting results and calling the 115th Assembly District special election.

After documenting the challenging working conditions and underwhelming compensation for central staff in the Assembly, New York Focus senior reporter Sam Mellins reports that at least the pay is getting better for the behind-the-scenes personnel that make the people's house run.

Mellins discusses who is getting a raise and the status of unionization efforts by legislative staffer.

Then for Working Rules, Slingshot Strategies partner Alyssa Cass joins host David Lombardo to dissect Gov. Kathy Hochul's underwhelming appearance at a campaign rally for Assemblyman Zohran Mamdani over the weekend. We consider if this has larger implications for New York's political scene, including the gubernatorial primary and budget process.

Wonder who is on the rise in New York? Curious what campaign are heading in the wrong direction?

Patrick Wildes, director of Albany Law School's Government Law Center, and Dan Clark, author of the Capitol Confidential newsletter, join host David Lombardo to offer trading tips on issues and people for our Capitol stock market.

They make predictions on the future of Sen. Andrew Gounardes, treatment courts, efforts to promote affordability, and much more.

And if you enjoy Dispatches from Planet Albany, please leave us a rating and consider becoming a recurring contributor to support the podcast (because we could really use the money).

New York policymakers will face some hard choices in 2026 about the state's health care system as the result of changes coming from Washington D.C. that include cuts to providers and regulations that could bounce people off government-run insurance.

Advocates of the New York Health Act, which would create a state-run, single-payer health insurance system, hope the state's predicament will make their legislation more appealing to state lawmakers and Gov. Kathy Hochul.

Campaign for New York Health Executive Director Melanie D'Arrigo discusses the obstacles to passing this comprehensive bill in the past and how the measure is being positioned in advance of next year's legislative session.

Raj Goyle is one of a growing list of Democrats looking to wrest their party's state comptroller nomination away from incumbent Tom DiNapoli. The former Kansas state lawmaker argues that the powers of the comptroller's office have been wasted and makes the case that his background makes him the optimal change candidate.

We touch on his voting record in the Wheat State, the type of primary voter who will gravitate toward his longshot bid, and his vision for future audits.

For Working Rules we chat with Politico New York reporter Bill Mahoney about the state's top court upholding a law changing some municipal election dates and pontificate about the appetite in Albany to upend more elections.

New Yorkers with disabilities have no problem finding rhetorical support in Albany, but champions willing and able to deliver meaningful funding and policies are harder to find.

We explore this dynamic, including how it might change, with Michael Schweinsburg, president of the 504 Democratic Club, a political advocacy group that endorsed Lt. Gov. Antonio Delgado for governor. We touch on the demands of New Yorkers with disabilities and Gov. Kathy Hochul's record.

Then Capitol Confidential author Dan Clark joins us for Working Rules to discuss the latest round in the battle between state Sen. James Skoufis and the governor.

And if you enjoy Dispatches from Planet Albany, please leave us a rating and consider becoming a recurring contributor to support the podcast (because we could really use the money).

The Empire State Plaza and Capitol are in a period of transition that includes road work, restoring an historic staircase and a potential reimagining of how the complex is integrated into the community.

We were joined in the studio state OGS Commissioner Jeanette Moy to discuss these moving parts and whether the escalators and elevators will work during the 2026 legislative session.

And if you enjoy Dispatches from Planet Albany, please leave us a rating and consider becoming a recurring contributor to support the podcast (because we could really use the money).

After getting tested in the fires of the Brooklyn Democratic Committee for three years, James Christopher has launched his own communications firm. Now that he's escaped the orbit of this high-profile and controversial political machine, we ask him about navigating political landmines in Brooklyn and what's in store for his future.

Then we talk with WNYC/Gothamist Capitol reporter Jimmy Vielkind about his latest reporting on the distribution of "inflation refund" checks, which will not be tax free. We discuss the politics of this $2 billion initiative championed by Gov. Kathy Hochul.

And if you enjoy Dispatches from Planet Albany, please leave us a rating and consider becoming a recurring contributor to support the podcast (because we could really use the money).

The latest game of musical chairs at the Capitol has resulted in Assemblymember Jen Lunsford serving as assistant majority leader, a role that puts her third in line to run the chamber during ordinary operations.

We talked with the Rochester-area Democrat about why she got this post after just five years (she's a nerd with perfect attendance), considered her growing debate responsibilities, and explored what leadership roles might be appealing in the future.

Then New York Playbook PM author Jason Beeferman joins us for Working Rules to discuss "Menorah-Gate," the fallout from a Rosh Hashanah social media post by Rep. Elise Stefanik that erroneously featured a menorah. He'll also weigh in on the great debate over the name of a cookie.

And if you enjoy Dispatches from Planet Albany, please leave us a rating and consider becoming a recurring contributor to support the podcast (because we could really use the money).