The Legislative Gazette

On this week’s Gazette: Governor Hochul says she and legislative leaders have a conceptual agreement on the budget. Our political observer Alan Chartock speaks with Assembly Majority Leader Crystal People’s Stokes. Also, we’ll have a conversation with the head of the state Democratic party about President Biden announcing this week that he’ll run for re-election.

On this week’s Gazette: We’ll take a look at what’s holding up the New York state budget now nearly three weeks late; we’ll talk with State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli about whether he has any input when it comes to budget negotiations. Also, public schools in New York will no longer be able to use Native American names, mascots and imagery.

New York Governor Kathy Hochul says the state will create a stockpile of an abortion drug after a Texas judge’s recent ruling that outlaws a similar pill. Our political observer Alan Chartock speaks with Amy Paulin, Chair of the Assembly Health Committee, about her plans to expand abortion access in the state. Also, U.S. Senator Chuck Schumer was in Troy to talk about the recent wave of swatting incidents at schools.

The New York state budget will be late this year. Our political observer Alan Chartock speaks with Westchester County Executive George Latimer about the governor’s housing proposal. Also, a federal authority has created safety regulations for the horse racing industry.

Intense New York state budget negotiations kicked off this week with the budget due April 1st; our political observer Alan Chartock speaks with New York state Republican Assembly Minority Leader William Barclay about one of the sticking points in the budget, bail reform. Also, the Forest Preserve Coalition is praising state lawmakers for restoring funding for environmental protection.

The two chambers of the New York state Legislature release their proposed budgets. Our political observer Alan Chartock speaks with newly elected and returning Chair of the state Republican party, Ed Cox. Also, student journalists want the state to limit censorship of high school newspapers.

New York Governor Kathy Hochul’s proposal to increase the number of charter schools in the state is getting some pushback from members of the public education community. Our political observer Alan Chartock speaks with Jesse McKinley of the New York Times. Also, student advocates rally in Albany for free CUNY and SUNY tuition.

Convenience store owners say New York Governor Kathy Hochul’s plan to ban flavored cigarettes will lead to more tobacco products bought and sold on the black market. Our political observer Alan Chartock speaks with New York state Senator James Skoufis, Chair of the Senate investigations committee. Also, we’ll have a conversation with the Executive Director of the Adirondack Council who’s about to leave his post.