Dispatches from Planet Albany
During the legislative session, Dispatches from Planet Albany offers a weekly, insider’s perspective on what’s happening at the Capitol.
The recipe for a budget COLA
This week we explore how state policymakers ended up with a 2.84% COLA for the human services sector.
A cyberattack and budget framework at the Capitol
We discuss the cyberattack on the legislature, the timing of a budget announcement, and much more Planet Albany news.
No pets or budget deals at the Capitol
We discuss a ban on Capitol pets, the progress of budget negotiations and how the legislature decides its end of session priorities.
NY Dems hope to regain ground with Asian American voters
Democratic political consultant Trip Yang discusses what Dems need to do to win over Asian American voters.
Education 2024: The good, the bad, and shifting alliances
The education headlines of a decade ago are back in the news on Planet Albany, with policymakers fighting over state
Brother, can you spare a matching contribution?
2024 is uncharted territory for incumbent state lawmakers and aspiring members of the state legislature
One-house budgets take center stage in kabuki theater
The budget process has passed the "end of the beginning" threshold, with the adoption of one-house budget proposals.
Whatever happened to taxing the rich?
We talk about increasing taxes, hiding Easter eggs in the Capitol and the redistricting process.
Housing 2024: Let’s make a deal
Is 2024 the year of the grand housing deal? Progressive activists and Democratic lawmakers think something is cooking.