The Capitol Pressroom

Nov. 20, 2025- We talk with Cannabis Advisory Board Chairman Joe Belluck about the distribution of marijuana tax revenue to organizations serving communities impacted by past drug policies. We also explore the problem of out-of-state marijuana ending up in New York's recreational market.

Nov. 20, 2025- It's all hands on deck to promote the growth of new housing, but a new report from a government accountability group argues that certain economic development agencies should not be part of the process. We consider this critique from Ron Deutsch, a senior policy fellow with Reinvent Albany.

Nov. 20, 2025- State Budget Director Blake Washington discusses whether an expiring corporate tax rate will be extended, talks about the current year finances, and confirms that agencies are submitting efficiency plans in response to his call letter.

Nov. 19, 2025- The state's Opioid Settlement Fund Advisory Board has helped steer millions of dollars, but where is it going and who is on the receiving end? We explore those questions and recommendations on spending for the future with Toni Smith, state director in New York for the Drug Policy Alliance, which analyzed the first few years of settlement dollar spending.

Nov. 19, 2025- We break down the latest survey of New York voters from the Siena Research Institute, which examined a gubernatorial matchup between the frontrunners, asked about raising taxes, and where the state's senior senator stands after a quarter century in office. Our guest is Siena pollster Steve Greenberg.

Nov. 18, 2025- Federal changes to Medicaid eligibility could hinder some New Yorkers from accessing treatment for their drug addiction, according to Allegra Schorr, president of Coalition of Medication-Assisted Treatment Providers and Advocates, who is hoping state policymakers will act in response.

Nov. 18, 2025- Assemblyman Jonathan Rivera, a Buffalo area Democrat, wants to ensure that government subsidies aren't going to businesses violating federal and state labor laws.

Nov. 18, 2025- The Trump administration is taking New York election officials to court for refusing to hand over sensitive voter identification information. We consider the lawsuit by U.S. Department of Justice with Erica Smitka, executive director for the League of Women Voters of New York State, who also discusses a 2026 legislative priority.

Nov. 18, 2025 - In an excerpt from an upcoming episode of Dispatches from Planet Albany, former Democratic Assemblyman Ken Zebrowski talks about the lobbying efforts of business groups at the Capitol.

Nov. 14, 2025 - Legislation in Albany would strictly regulate what happens to the byproducts of wastewater treatment, but some operators in the space argue this approach is a costly mistake. We consider the future of biosolids with Dan Rourke, executive director of the Saratoga County Sewer District, and Darcy Sachs, a project engineer with Carollo Engineers