It’s a Dispatches potluck episode!
This week is a sampling of Planet Albany voices!
Hochul administration not banking on Medicaid tax revenue
New York Budget Director Blake Washington discusses uncertain future of new MCO tax
Senate environmental leader talks budget and end of session
Senator Pete Harckham discusses funding for clean water in the budget and legislation addressing packaging waste.
Mental Health Commissioner Ann Sullivan talks budget
We look at what the mental health portion of the state budget means for the non-profit workforce and the needs of kids.
Budget Director Blake Washington talks adopted budget
We discuss the MCO tax, financial transparency, education aid, anti-poverty initiatives and more.
Assembly Banks Chair Pamela Hunter discusses priorities
We discuss regulating "buy now, pay later" lenders, increasing access to banking services and limiting lawsuit lending.
Assembly Aging Chair Ron Kim discusses adopted budget
Assemblymember Ron Kim talks about funding for elder services, oversight of nursing homes, and cutting out middlemen.
New York policymakers target ‘squatting’
Sen. John Liu, a Queens Democrat, talks about language in the budget protecting homeowners against so-called squatters.
Thruway leader discusses tolls, rest stops, and confirmation
State Thruway Authority Executive Director Frank Hoare gives an update on the state thruway system.
State budget makes minor updates to alcohol laws
New York has updated what drinks can be sold in movie theaters and extended "drinks to go" authorization for restaurants.