Feb. 10, 2023 - Wastewater surveillance grabbed the public's attention during the pandemic, as this public health measure was utilized to detect COVID-19, but it's a technique that dates decades. In January, the state Department of Health announced plans to expand where it conducts wastewater testing and what it's testing for.

Feb. 10, 2023 - More than a year after the state created a commission on prosecutorial conduct, the oversight body has yet to convene a meeting or hire staff. Former Monroe County Legislator Bill Bastuk explains why the commission is needed and provides a status update on its operations.

Feb. 10, 2023 - A long-awaited raise for attorneys representing New Yorkers who can't afford a criminal defense was included in the executive budget proposal, but it falls short of what was hoped for outside of the New York City area and doesn't come with state funding, according to Kevin Stadelmaier, legislative committee chair for the New York State Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers.

Feb. 09, 2023 - The 11 schools serving New York kids who are blind, deaf or severely physically disabled were hoping for a modest funding increase in the governor's budget proposal, but instead they are facing a cut. 4201 School Association Board Chair Dr. Bernadette Kappen makes the case for an increase in state aid and additional funds to address their workforce shortage.

Feb. 09, 2023 - A new study from Citizens Union looks at the ramifications to voter turnout if New York City's municipal elections, which are held in odd years, were shifted to even years, when turnout is traditionally much higher. Citizens Union Director of Public Policy Ben Weinberg explains why New York should be interested in changing the calendar for municipal elections.

Feb. 09, 2023 - Real Estate Board of New York Government Affairs Senior Vice President Reggie Thomas responds to the governor's housing proposals and considers what type of tax credit for the creation of affordable housing in New York City might make its way through the Capitol.

Feb. 09, 2023 - Medical schools across New York are pushing for a $25 million investment from the state budget in growing the Empire State's medical academic research capacity. Associated Medical Schools of New York President & CEO Jonathan Teyan explains the potential economic development benefit from this commitment.

Feb. 08, 2023 - State Sen. Zellnor Myrie, a Brooklyn Democrat, discusses the problem of homeowners getting defrauded out of their properties and highlights policy solutions identified at a 2022 hearing into deed theft.

Feb. 08, 2023 - Oneida County Executive Anthony Picente weighs in on what the governor's budget proposal will mean for counties, including diverting federal health care dollars.

Feb. 08, 2023 - In 2024, New Yorkers will get a chance to vote on adding an equal rights amendment to the state constitution. New York Civil Liberties Executive Director Donna Lieberman and Policy Director Lee Rowland explain the ramifications of the anti-discrimination measure, including what it means for abortion rights.