It’s a new year and that means the state Legislature is back in Albany for the start of the 2026 legislative session.

Democrats have a long list of priorities and have until early June to accomplish them. The state’s cost of living is at the top of that list but lawmakers expect to face other challenges this year as well.

We sat down with state Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins this week at our launch event for Capitol Confidential Pro to talk about what’s ahead for the new year.

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