New York executive and legislative leaders blow past April 1st budget deadline. Negotiations are still underway for the state's budget and the governor has signed an extender (possible one of many) to push the deadline. We dive into one of the most pertinent issues for the budget: increased taxes on wealthy New Yorkers and why state lawmakers as well as advocates are pushing for the policy this year. Albany Mayor Dorcey Applyrs joins us to discuss her vision to move New York's Capital city forward and the city's funding requests for the state budget.

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It's budget season at the state capitol! While an on-time state budget seems unlikely, negotiations between state leaders are underway. State Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins joins us to discuss the upper chamber's one-house budget resolution, increased taxes on wealthy New Yorkers and democratic priorities ahead.  A few weeks ago, State Senate Housing Chair Brian Kavanagh (D-Lower Manhattan) announced his decision not to run for re-election. The senator unpacks his tenure leading the upper chamber's housing and election reform initiatives.

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The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has proposed rollbacks to drinking water standards for PFAS Chemicals. We dive into state lawmakers' proposals to strengthen regulations in New York and the push for increased clean water funding. The State Senate Women's Issues Committee Chair Lea Webb (D-Binghamton) unpacks legislative priorities around maternal mortality and reproductive access.

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The state Legislature unveiled its one-house budget resolutions in response to Gov. Kathy Hochul's FY'27 executive budget proposal. We dive into the legislature's priorities with Kate Lisa, of City and State New York, and Samuel King, of WXXI and the NYPNN. State Senate Health Committee Chair Gustavo Rivera (D-Bronx) unpacks funding for healthcare priorities in this years budget, the CDPAP transition and the energy around the New York Health Act.

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For years, environmental advocates and lawmakers have been pushing for a measure that would aim to reduce plastic waste in the state called the packaging reduction and recycling infrastructure act. We dive into the latest updates with the bill and the support around it. SUNY Chancellor John B. King joins us to discuss higher education state funding. The SUNY Board of Trustees estimates about $10 billion over the next five years is needed to address critical maintenance needs for campuses across the state.

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Gov. Kathy Hochul has proposed a 1.7% cost of living adjustment (COLA) increase for non profits supporting the human services sector. Advocates say the rising cost of inflation requires at least a 2.7% COLA increase. Bill Gettman, CEO of Northern Rivers Family of Services, unpacks the issue with us. State Sen. Pat Fahy (D - Capital Region) joins us to discuss the latest with the $400 million in funding that was allocated to the city of Albany in last year's state budget and the projects currently underway. We also dive into the continued focus on immigration policies at the state capitol.

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Catch this week's show on your local PBS member station, or watch on YouTube, Facebook, or using the free PBS app anytime after Friday. A podcast version is available wherever you normally get podcasts.

New York Republicans have nominated Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman to challenge democratic incumbent Gov. Kathy Hochul in November. We sit down with Assembly Member Charles Lavine (D - 13th Assembly District, Long Island) to discuss a bill that would grant the state legislature equal power to the executive chamber during the state budget process. Immigration is a prime issue for the governor and state legislature this year! We unpack the proposals on the table amid tensions at the national and federal government levels. After Assembly Leader Will Barclay announced he's stepping down last week, the Republican conference voted to appoint Assembly Member Ed Ra as their new leader.

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Gov. Kathy Hochul officially announced her running mate in her reelection bid for governor: former New York City Council Speaker Adrienne Adams Assembly Member Brian Cunningham (D - Central Brooklyn) discussed his legislative priorities for the year - from protecting New Yorkers homeowners to faith-based housing and securing funding for SUNY Downstate. New York State Office of Addiction Services and Supports Commissioner Dr. Chinazo Cunningham provides a glimpse into the work of the agency and alcohol addiction rates in the state. After 23 years in the Legislature, Assembly Republican Leader Will Barclay announced he's stepping down as leader and won't be seeking reelection from his district.

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On this week's edition -- After a major winter storm briefly delayed the start of session this week, public hearings for the FY'27 Executive Budget Proposal officially began at the capitol. New York State Budget Director Blake Washington joins us to discuss Gov. Kathy Hochul's FY'27 Executive Budget Proposal and the impact of federal funding. We dive into the priorities of newly elected New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani has several priorities as well as the role Albany plays in getting those priorities over the finish line.

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