The Albany Update

Thank you for joining this week’s episode of the Albany Update.

When I interact with colleagues involved in government affairs work around the country, the conversation often turns to comparing legislative processes in our respective home states. Undoubtedly, we begin talking about legislative hearings. Hearings are a staple of government affairs work, but not in New York. In the Empire State, hearings are rare and invitation only. This week, we’ll discuss how one Democrat district attorney was disinvited from testifying when it became known that he would testify against his party’s changes to the bail system.

In other news, and for obvious reasons, afterschool Satanic clubs are back in the news, but Christians need to think carefully about how they react to these reports lest they unwittingly help to remove Christian afterschool programs, like Good New Clubs, from also being banned from campus.

Next, you may have seen the news of a creepy, pro-abortion statue that has been placed atop a New York City courthouse. It’s eerily reminiscent of ancient Baal worship or perhaps a tribute to a Roman god. Abortion is the god of many in this modern age.

Finally in this episode, the testimony of one Sam Brinton regrettably helped pass a ban on counseling for those experiencing unwanted same-sex attraction in New York and nineteen other states. Brinton’s story is unravelling. It appears to have been a complete fabrication. It is doubtful that any of these states will reverse its stance on counseling individuals with unwanted same-sex attraction, though.

Thank you for joining this week’s episode of the Albany Update.

The drama surrounding Justice Hector LaSalle, Gov. Kathy Hochul’s pick for Chief Judge, came to a conclusion as the State Senate allowed a floor vote for the nominee. Nevertheless, the Senate’s move was underhanded and a sneak attack on a well-qualified individual. We’ll discuss.

In other state news, there is a growing effort to eliminate private health insurance and shift to socialized medicine for all.

Then, a New York Congressman is suggesting that there should be a ban on sports gambling advertisements, like what we see regarding tobacco ads.

Finally, we’ll discuss a whistleblower’s effort to expose what is happening regarding so-called gender transition treatments. These types of medical interventions are not normal and should not be treated as such.

Let’s get started.

Tensions in the State Senate are still running high over the Hector LaSalle nomination, and now one state senator is filing suit to force a vote on Governor Kathy Hochul’s pick for chief judge.

Then, over in the State Assembly, a recent rules change would curtail the ability of the Assembly Minority to force consideration of legislation.

Pulling out of the innerworkings of Albany, we’ll look at some of the real impacts of public policy, particularly the problem with commercial pot.

Next, we’ll peek at two stories out of NYC. One involves Mayor Eric Adams and the impact an influx of migrants is having on his city. The second highlights a NYC councilmember’s effort to direct some public dollars toward a pro-life pregnancy center.

Let’s get started.

Thank you for joining another episode of the Albany Update.

Today, we bring you five different stories. Some are from New York, others are not. However, the biggest news of the week is an Empire State win for churches who would like to provide armed security for services.

Let’s get started.

Thank you for joining another episode of the Albany Update.

Last week was a rough one for pro-life people in New York. The State Legislature speedily moved to enshrine a constitutional right to abortion in our state constitution. In addition, a handful of other pro-abortion bills aggressively passed the State Senate and are on their way to the State Assembly.

The anti-life agenda is ironically alive and well in New York City as well, though. Mayor Adams announced plans to dole out chemical-abortion pills through the City’s public health clinics.

Next, we’ll look at the latest in a Jewish university’s fight for its religious liberty.

Finally, I’ll highlight our organization’s 2023-2024 Legislative Agenda.

Let’s get started.

Thank you for joining another episode of the Albany Update.

Last week, the Senate Judiciary Committee considered Gov. Kathy Hochul’s nomination for Chief Judge of the New York State Court of Appeals. Progressives in the State Senate were not happy with the pick, and unsurprisingly the Judiciary Committee failed to recommend the candidate for a full floor vote in the Senate. 

We’ll discuss.

Thank you for joining another episode of the Albany Update.

In this week’s program, we’ll take a closer a look at the abortion proposals promoted by Gov. Kathy Hochul in her State of the State Address.

Next up, we’ll note that the State Senate is positioning itself to fund even more out-of-state abortions.

Then, turning to national issues, we’ll more positively point to the fact that the Republican-led U.S. House of Representatives is already passing pro-life measures.

Finally, staying with news out of D.C., the U.S. Supreme Court is allowing Gov. Hochul’s gun control law to stay in effect while various cases play out at lower levels.

Thank you for joining another episode of the Albany Update.

The Democratic supermajorities in Albany proposed and Gov. Kathy Hochul signed an exorbitant $32,000 pay raise for each legislator. They’re counting on the fact that voters will forget before the 2024 primary and general elections.

Next up, it’s time to start discussing the new legislative session. Last week, was the first week of the new session and today we’ll introduce you to 14 new members of the State Senate.

Finally, turning our attention to what is happening in Washington, D.C, Rep-elect Kevin McCarthy (R-CA) is still trying to secure the 218 needed votes to become Speaker McCarthy, but so far he’s coming up short.

Let’s get started.

Thank you for joining another episode of the Albany Update.

The story that has dominated the headlines last week was that of Rep.-elect George Santos, a man quickly becoming known as the Long Island Poser. We’ll explain.

Then, we have a little cleanup to do as we revisit two stories that didn’t get nearly enough attention from Americans during the busy holiday season. Let’s take a closer look at the federal omnibus bill and that appalling state legislative pay raise.

Then, while we’re discussing state news, Gov. Kathy Hochul has made her pick for Chief Judge and progressives are not happy.

Let’s get started.

Thank you for joining another episode of the Albany Update.

Three days before Christmas, when most people were tuned out of politics, the State Legislature snuck back into Albany and gave themselves a massive pay raise. Then, we’ll look back at some of the state political occurrences that marked 2022.

Let’s get started.