Prior to his role with Albany Law School, Wildes managed several State Agencies, (Office of Mental Health, the Office of Addiction Services and Supports, the Office for People with Developmental Disabilities, and the Justice Center for the Protection of People with Special Needs). He also played a major role in implementing the Governor's $1 billion investment into New York State's mental health system.

He also addressed:
Affordability and Policy in the Budget
Advocacy and Mental Health Funding
Impact of Involuntary Commitment Laws
Housing and Homelessness Initiatives
Substance Abuse and Overdose Prevention
Overdose Prevention Centers and Psilocybin
Daniel's Law and Law Enforcement Training

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The family of Robert Brooks met with Governor Kathy Hochul at the State Capital on Monday, calling it a good first step as they advocate for prison reform.

Robert Brooks was killed while in custody at Marcy Correctional Facility in December 2024, the video of his beating going viral and sparking a movement to end violence in prisons. A prison omnibus package, inspired by this movement, aimed at transparency and oversight was signed by Governor Hochul in December.

Now, the Brooks family says the work will continue, with the meeting with the Governor aimed at pushing for more change.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Julie Tighe, President of New York League of Conservation Voters, broke down her stance on the Governor signing into law the rescinding of the 100-foot rule to end 2025, and the status of New York's energy policy, and CLCPA compliance, heading into 2026.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Tom Harris talks New Year's prep in Times Square, a new Times Square ball, and the impact of New Year's Eve on the district

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Santa Claus joins Power & Politics to answer the tough questions about Christmas!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

 Governor Kathy Hochul has until Friday, December 19, to sign or veto a package of 10 bills aimed at creating more oversight and transparency within New York State's corrections system.

The omnibus package was created in the wake of the deaths of Robert Brooks and Messiah Nantwi while in custody, and on Wednesday, Senate sponsor Julia Salazar (D–18th Senate District) expressed optimism the Governor would sign the legislation into law, with some changes.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

NYS Senator Kristen Gonzalez discusses the LOADing Act extension she hopes the Governor signs by Friday, her legislation regarding data center accountability, cybersecurity in elections, and Zohran Mamdani

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

With the New York State FY2027 Executive Budget due in a little more than a month, New York State Budget Director Blake Washington joined Power & Politics this week.

Right now, the Division of Budget is hearing budget recommendations for the next year, while also assessing the State's current fiscal status in FY2026. He says economics have changed since they adopted the FY2026 budget in late Spring.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices