The Capitol Pressroom

Feb. 16, 2026 - Northern Rivers Family of Services CEO Bill Gettman identifies red tape the state could cut to improve non-profit operations, makes the case for a cost of living adjustment that keeps up with inflation and encourages the Hochul administration to speed up their effort to give localized mental health services to poor kids.

Feb. 17, 2026 - We explore the inner workings of the investigations team at the Office of the State Comptroller, including when they're deployed into the field and how they unearth criminal activity. Our guest is Nelson Sheingold, counsel for the comptroller's office, who oversees investigations.

Feb. 13, 2026- Coalition for Asian American Children and Families Director of Policy & Government Relations Felicia Singh makes the case for the unique needs of the Asian-American community and outlines a $54 million "equity" agenda.

Feb. 12, 2026 - State Assembly Mental Health Committee Chair Jo Anne Simon, a Brooklyn Democrat, discusses the governor's budget, promoting access to child mental health services and enforcing health insurance parity.

Feb. 12, 2026 - One of the key fiscal integrity measures for New York's Medicaid program is an exclusion list that is designed to keep bad actors from participating in the system. We explore how the list works in practice with Margaret Surowka and Bob Hussar, from the law firm Barclay Damon.

Feb. 11, 2026- Jessica Ottney Mahar, the New York policy and strategy director for The Nature Conservancy, gives us a history lesson on the funding and administration of the Environmental Protection Fund and how it is being funded in the governor's budget proposal.

Feb. 12, 2026 -Retired Public Employees Association President RoAnn Destito makes the case for legislation ensuring retired public sector employees don't see a diminishment of their health care benefits when they enroll in Medicare.

Feb. 11, 2026- New York Farm Bureau Director of Public Policy Renée St. Jacques discusses the governor's budget proposal and makes the case for additional investments in a housing tax credit and agricultural research.

Feb. 11, 2026- State Sen. Zellnor Myrie, a Brooklyn Democrat, talks about language in the budget giving New Yorkers a pathway to suing ICE agents, makes the case for gun control legislation advanced by the governor, and discusses the lack of attention in the executive budget for changes to the "Raise the Age" law.

Feb. 11, 2026- We explore a recent state law requiring commercials to disclose the use of "synthetic performers" to market to New Yorkers. Our guest is Jeffrey Bennett, general counsel for SAG-AFTRA.

Feb. 10, 2026- New York State Office of Cannabis Management Chief Equity Officer Simone Washington discusses an effort to create a more level playing field for marijuana dispensary owners coming from marginalized communities.

Feb. 10, 2026- New York Department of Environmental Conservation Commissioner Amanda Lefton makes the case for the governor's budget proposal, outlining spending on clean water, commitments to the Environmental Protection Fund, and reforms to the environmental quality review process for certain projects.

Feb. 10, 2026- In a Dispatches from Planet Albany excerpt, redistricting guru Jeff Wice explained where things stand with the Democratic effort to redraw a Republican-held congressional seat in New York City.

Feb. 6, 2026- State Authorities Budget Office Director Joshua Norkin discusses a proposed update to his agency's monitoring of tax breaks doled out by economic development organization's all over New York.

Feb. 9, 2026- We highlight what the state is doing, and could be doing, to realize its goal of eliminating hepatitis C transition by 2030. Our guests are Shirley Toro, president and CEO of the National Black Leadership Commission, and Michael Selick, director of Capacity and Community Mobilization at National Harm Reduction Coalition.

Feb. 9, 2026- We explore the state of nonprofits in the Empire State as they deal with a hostile federal government and challenges from the state government. Our guest is Megan Allen, CEO of The New York Council of Nonprofits.

Feb. 6, 2026- We explore what Gov. Kathy Hochul's budget does to support seniors in New York. Our guest is Adam Herbst, a former top health official with the state and now a partner with Sheppard Mullin.

Feb. 9, 2026- New York State Liquor Authority Chair Lily Fan talks about the governor's budget proposal, including language to restrict fees from alcohol wholesalers and new licenses for on-site alcohol consumption. We also explore the implementation of recent laws updating New York's alcohol laws.

Feb. 6, 2026- We got a visit this week from Tom Clark, Consul General of Canada in New York, who discussed relations between the Empire State and its northern neighbor.

Feb. 5, 2026- Assemblymember Bill Conrad, a Buffalo-area Democrat, calls for stricter rules and regulations governing the purchase and operation of e-bikes and e-scooters.

Feb. 6, 2026- Assemblymember Karines Reyes, a Bronx Democrat, makes the case for "New York for All" and explains why she thinks the governor's counter proposal won't cut it.

Feb. 5, 2026- Assembly Agriculture Committee Chair Donna Lupardo, a Binghamton-area Democrat, discusses a tariff relief proposal for farmers and the long-term challenges facing agriculture in the Empire State.

Feb. 5, 2026- We explore efforts to prepare educators to teach science-based literacy education techniques. Our guests are Maria Murray, CEO of the Reading League, and Stephanie Finn, a literacy coach for the West Genesee School District and chair of the Reading League.

Feb. 4, 2026- Assemblyman Ed Ra, a Long Island Republican, shares his concerns about the long-term financial stability of Gov. Kathy Hochul's fiscal plan.

Feb. 4, 2026- Community health centers are bracing for the impact of federal Medicaid changes and are also hoping Gov. Kathy Hochul will play catchup on the state's failure to fund their services for low-income New Yorkers. Our guests is Rose Duhan, president and CEO of the Community Health Care Association of New York.