The Capitol Pressroom

Jan. 12, 2026- New York State Dental Association Executive Director Michael Herrmann reflects on legislative actions taken in 2025 and shares the priorities for dentists in 2026 at the Capitol.

Jan. 12, 2026- New York Insurance Association President Cassandra Anderson discusses workers' compensation fraud, including more resources for state regulators and an anti-fraud measure vetoed by the governor.

Jan. 9, 2026- We explore concerns of the long-term care industry, including being excluded from a round of state infrastructure funding, dealing with inadequate Medicaid rates, and struggling to find staff. Our guests are Sebrina Barrett, president and CEO for LeadingAge New York, and Jeremy Rutter, president and CEO of Community Wellness Partners.

Jan. 9, 2026- Gov. Kathy Hochul is looking to make a big investment in child care this year, so we explore the outlines of what she's proposing and consider what else needs to be done to boost access to care with the help of Meredith Chimento, executive director of the Early Care & Learning Council.

Jan. 8, 2026 - Assemblymember Sarahana Shrestha, a Hudson Valley Democrat, makes the case for a state takeover of an investor-owned utility with a suspect record in the Hudson Valley. We explore what the new entity would look like it and why she thinks drastic changes are necessary.

Jan. 8, 2026- The controversial transition of the administration of a popular home care program is complete, but how is it working now? Not well, according to Ilana Berger, the New York political director for Caring Majority Rising, which wants state policymakers to make changes to the status quo.

Jan. 8, 2026- In December, state law was strengthened to protect New Yorkers who request reasonable accommodations in public places, like at work. We explore the significance of this anti-retaliation measure and consider the merits of updating New York's paid medical leave program with Jesse Workman, a senior staff attorney with A Better Balance.

Jan. 7, 2026- A decade ago the state changed the way it administered Medicaid payments for behavioral health providers in order to save money and improve outcomes, but the plan hasn't worked according to providers. We consider returning to a fee-for-service model with Lauri Cole, executive director of the New York State Council for Community Behavioral Health Care.

Jan. 7, 2026 - Center for Effective Lawmaking co-Director Craig Volden discusses who were the effective state lawmakers during the legislative sessions in 2023 and 2024 in New York. This is an excerpt of a conversation for an upcoming Dispatches from Planet Albany episode.

Jan. 7, 2026- Progressive criminal justice activists are hoping this is the year that state policymakers take action to expand access to treatment courts. We discuss this diversion program with Casey Dalporto and Stephanie Bazell, senior policy attorneys with the New York County Defender Services.