It's been over a week since the April 1st deadline and state budget negotiations have stalled because of discovery reform! Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie introduced a bill that would allow lawmakers to get paid when the budget is late due to policy. We're joined by Patrick Orecki, director of state studies with the Citizens Budget Commission, to unpack the calls from good government groups for more transparency in the state budget process for New Yorkers. State Sen. Kristen Gonzalez (D - Chair of Internet and Technology Committee) joins us to discuss artificial intelligence regulatory priorities at the Capitol this year.

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The April 1st budget deadline came and went this week - with leader unable to come to an agreement. We give an update on where negotiations stand. With the threat of federal funding cuts looming, we dive into their impact on budget negotiations and how New York leaders are prepping for those cuts. Assembly Member Amy Paulin (D - Assembly Health Committee Chair) - joins us for an comprehensive discussion on abortion access in the state.

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We sit down on with Assembly Labor Committee Chair Harry Bronson (D - Monroe County) the push for the Work Opportunity Tax Credit and other labor priorities in the state budget. President Donald Trump has moved to dismantle the federal education department - potentially putting funding for pell grants in limbo. We unpack the concerns around these cuts and the push to get increased funding for tuition assistance.

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The budget "mothership" has landed! State lawmakers convened for the General Budget Conference Committee meeting this week ahead of the April 1st budget deadline. Assembly Member Rodneyse Bichotte Hermelyn (D - East Flatbush) joins us to discuss state support for Minority and Women-Owned Businesses. The New York Public News Network is looking at the 5-year anniversary of the COVID-19 pandemic. We examine the impact of the science that led to the creation of the vaccines.

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The Assembly and State Senate released their respective one-house budget proposals officially kicking off budget negotiations. We dive into lawmakers' approach to affordability this year - centered around housing, tax credits and wages. State Sen. Kevin Parker (D - Chair, Senate Energy and Telecommunications Committee) joins us to discuss the push to help New Yorkers against high utility rates.

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Correction Officers across the state are on strike! Officers are calling for a full repeal of the HALT Act while Gov. Kathy Hochul is moving forward with legal proceedings against the officers who don't return to work. There have been increased calls for prison reform in the state following the brutal beating of an incarcerated induvial at the Marcy Correctional Facility a few weeks ago. Assembly Member Jessica González-Rojas joins us to unpack insurance coverage for inhalers in the state budget. WMHT is highlighting the work of black leaders all month long. Eva Bass - of Bridge Tha Gap and AVilliage, Inc. - is working to provide resources and opportunity in her community.

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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.

Democratic leaders were expected to move forward with a bill meant to extend state election law to provide more time for the guv to call a special election this week, but the measure was abruptly abandoned the measure before it could come to the debate floor. State Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins joins us to discuss election law, budget priorities and affordability in New York State. There's renewed energy around the New York Heat Act as the bill gets a new sponsor in the lower chamber: Assembly Member Jo Anne Simon as leaders turned their focus to affordability this year.

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This week, Gov. Kathy Hochul signed legislation meant to protect New Yorker physicians prescribing abortion medication via telehealth. We sit down with State Sen. Samra Brouk (D-Rochester) to unpack the telehealth legislation and maternal health. Assembly Minority Leader Will Barclay joins us to discuss affordability in the state and priorities of the conference this year.

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Hunger Advocates and lawmakers are excited for the inclusion of $340 million in funding for universal school meals as part of Gov. Kathy Hochul's executive budget proposal. We sit down with Murad Awawdeh of the New York Immigration Coalition to unpack the legal challenges to the recent federal executive orders on immigration and the role of New York State - amid news of ICE raids and arrests this week.

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