From the Lobby with Jack O'Donnell

Jack's in the Lobby, delving into the latest political headlines in NY, including Governor Hochul's rising approval ratings and her endorsement with caveats in the NYC mayoral race. Also, the growing tide to increase taxes on the wealthy in NY. Will it become a reality? And, all eyes on Washington as the pressure mounts to pass a deal to keep the government funded. What are the options for...

This week, Jack tackles the red-hot race for NYC's mayor with the latest polls showing Democrat Zohran Mamdani far ahead of his three rivals. Is it only a matter of time before someone drops out—and will NY's top Democrats ever line up behind the party's nominee? Also, can Governor Hochul block Mamdani's plans to raise the corporate tax and taxes on wealthy New Yorkers? We’ll also...

Jack weighs in on lots of big developments in politics and government, including the mad race to replace Congressman Jerry Nadler. Who are the strong contenders, and what are the implications for both state and city politics? Also, Trump's potential influence in the upcoming NYC mayoral race, and the intense pressure Congress faces to fund the government. Who takes the blame if a shutdown can't be...

Jack is back 'From the Lobby' delving into the complexities of redistricting across the country and in New York. Is California's redistricting plan the best hope for Democrats trying to level the playing field after the GOP redistricting plan is approved in Texas? Plus, the dogfight race for NYC mayor, Governor Hochul's "Don't Mess with a Buffalo Mom" video, and the challenges surrounding the fede...

In this week's episode, our Jack O'Donnell dives into the complex issue of reopening New York's redistricting mid-decade after Texas makes similar moves. Join us as he explores the challenges NY faces and how the state is responding. Plus: former Governor Cuomo hits the streets in the campaign for NYC mayor. Can he win? What does Zohran Mamdani have to do to keep the momentum in the race? Also, fe...

Jack is back with a breakdown of the campaign ramp-ups in the hot races across New York. In this episode of his Monday Morning Minute, he talks: --> How ranked-choice voting has been a game-changer for candidates in NYC --> How Democratic nominee for NYC mayor, Zohran Mamdani, is not taking his primary victory for granted --> Redistricting revisited? Jack says easier said than done! --> A boost to...

Jack is back to unravel the tensions in New York surrounding politics and the financial uncertainty of federal funding cuts, including: ​The messaging divide between Democrats and Republicans regarding cuts to healthcare and SNAP benefits ​Will Governor Hochul use the rainy day fund to manage short-term financial hits? ​Hochul's improving poll numbers ​Can Zohran Mamdani win over the NYC business...

Jack breaks down the big budget blowback in our Monday Morning Minute. How will the GOP tax and spending plan affect New York State, including: >Who is most at risk for losing health insurance in NY? >How much money does NY stand to lose in federal funding, and how can the state fill the budget gap? >The latest on the scramble to stay on the ballot in the red-hot race for NYC mayor >De...

Jack O'Donnell on a wild week in politics... from Congress passing the GOP's big, beautiful bill to the campaign trail! He explains how the GOP won the passage of the massive tax and spending plan and its impact on New York State and the upcoming elections. Also, who has the edge in the NYC mayoral race, and can Congresswoman Elise Stefanik beat Governor Hochul on her home turf? Plus, a pr...

Jack O'Donnell goes 'From the Lobby' to break down the recent Democratic primary results in New York City, focusing on the stunning victory of Zohram Mamdani over Andrew Cuomo. >How has the victory of a progressive candidate shaken up the status quo? >What impact will NYC Mayor Eric Adams have on the race? >Why is the business community concerned? >Do clothes make the candidate? Also, how to stay...

Jack wraps up the recent Legislative Session in New York, evaluating its productivity and the significant bills that passed. He delves into environmental legislation, particularly the challenges faced by the Packaging Reduction and Recycling Infrastructure Act, and the implications of federal budget cuts on state funding. He also covers the political landscape ahead of Primary Day, and the potenti...

The last-minute bill blitz by the NY Legislature tops Monday Morning Minute with our Jack O'Donnell recapping legislation that lawmakers approved, including the nation's first regulations on artificial intelligence, prison reforms, and the creation of a Center for Dyslexia and Dysgraphia. Also, the bills that the Assembly will be considering, Governor Hochul's grilling on Capitol Hill, and the rea...

Jack is back with the latest on these waning days of the NY Legislature's 2025 session. Which bills are in? Which bills are out? He breaks down the hot issues dominating the debate in Albany. Also, why is there so much party infighting among Democrats and Republicans in NY? Plus, bracing for the federal budget bomb as the U.S. Senate weighs its version of the big, beautiful bill, and a story that...

As the clock ticks down on Albany’s legislative session, Jack joins us 'From the Lobby' to highlight the key bills still alive—and the debates heating up: 🛒 Will supermarkets finally be allowed to sell wine?🚫 Could non-compete clauses be banned?📦 Will NY businesses have a say in a bill charging them fees and requiring a reduction in packaging?🤖Is it time for AI regulation in New York? Plus, th...

Our Jack O'Donnell is gauging the strong political headwinds as polls show voter discontent across New York and the country. In this week's Monday Morning Minute, Jack discusses Governor Hochul's unchanged favorability rankings, despite her popular budget achievements, and examines her standing with voters as next year's election approaches. He also highlights the significance of her success in ke...

Jack joins us 'From the Lobby' for another Monday Morning Minute on the flurry of bills introduced in the NY Legislature before it gavels out in June. Some of the high-stakes issues up for debate: --> Early release of inmates to address the stressed prison system --> Packaging and recycling legislation businesses oppose --> Will the Medical Aid in Dying bill pass the Senate? --> NY's p...

The New York budget deal is sealed! In this week's Monday Morning Minute, Jack discusses both the positive and concerning aspects of the final spending plan. He also breaks down a debt payoff plan that brings positive news for the New York business community, the backlash from legislators regarding the governor's budget strategy, and who will secure the GOP nomination next year in the race for New...

Our Alec Lewis, VP and Director of Campaigns, is at the mic for Jack as he goes 'From the Lobby' with Councilman Nate Salzman of the Monroe County community of Brighton. The two discussed the 'hard knocks' of life on the campaign trail, Nate's service to his hometown community, Brighton's emergence as a leader in clean energy projects, and the issues that matter most to Salzman, also a husband and...

Jack's in Albany as the budget process winds down. He talks about some last-minute negotiations that give Governor Hochul emergency power in case of mid-year funding cuts. Also, will Governor Hochul's budget wins translate into votes in her reelection campaign next year? And what do her victories say about her priorities and relationship with the Legislature? Plus, will Congresswoman Elise Stefani...

Our Jack O'Donnell says New York is on track to approve a budget this week, four weeks past its due date. He is at the mic in this week's Monday Morning Minute discussing: Will increased penalties for mask-wearing while committing a crime and involuntary commitment of the mentally ill make it into the budget? Jack also weighs in on NY's prison problems and a controversial after-budget bill: medica...

Jack joins us ‘From the Lobby’ with the latest from Albany as lawmakers race to finish the budget, now three weeks late.  He is at the mic to talk: -> Major break in the budget stalemate -> Issues still on the table -> Bonus revenue for NYS -> NY Governor's race -> Federal budget cuts & impact on NY -> Favorite read about the Trump tariff impact on farmers… Check it out!

The NYS budget is now two weeks late and our Jack O'Donnell says he's not optimistic that talks will be productive this week. He's at the mic to discuss: > Who blinks first on the stickiest issues? > Do NY'ers care that the budget is late? > Will NYC businesses help save the MTA? > Latest on the mask ban > Lawmaker pitch to get paid > Proposal to change LG primary...

With the New York budget a week late and counting, our Jack O'Donnell is back in our Monday Morning Minute podcast with an update. Listen in as he explains why he is less optimistic about the budget progress this week. Plus, should NY prepare for possible devastating cuts from DC? Also, why NYC Mayor Adams' s latest move is good for former Governor Cuomo, can Congress push back on Trump&#3...

Our Jack O'Donnell says no surprise that New York's budget is late! He joins us 'From the Lobby' as he breaks down the talks so far, including policy differences and fears of funding cuts from the Trump Administration. Also, the impact of Trump's reversal of NY Congresswoman Elise Stefanik's nomination as U.N. Ambassador, a battle over proxy voting, and the latest budget de...

Our Jack O'Donnell is in Albany with the latest on NY budget talks as we enter the final few days before the deadline to approve a state spending plan. He joins us 'From the Lobby' to talk: ---> Vibe in Albany ---> Challenges to Governor's public safety reforms ---> Fate of cell phone ban in schools ---> DC Dems in disarray & midterm woes ---> Will NY's budget be on-time? Give i...