Maureen McManus

For several years now, the Writers Guild of America has been trying to get legislation passed that would give films and television shows a tax credit if they use writers from New York State. While the state is generous with tax breaks for filming in New York, much of the writing is still done in Hollywood. Lowell Peterson, the president of the Guild, explains why he thinks another tax break is needed.

Lowell Peterson Interview>> (TWC ID required)

The New York Women’s Equality Coalition launched a new ad, this, in support of the governor’s Women’s Equality Agenda. While no legislation has been officially introduced, reproductive rights are expected to be included in the package. But since no bill has been introduced it’s unclear on what content will be included, but the legislation is expected to be similar to the Reproductive Health Act, which codifies the decision under Roe v. Wade into New York State law. Senate Republican leader Dean Skelos has said, however, that anything like the Reproductive Health Act will not make it to the Senate floor, despite a Siena poll in March that showed 80 percent of New Yorkers in support of the RHA. So in addition to the coalition’s ad, NARAL Pro-Choice NY is running a radio ad calling for Skelos to allow a vote. Tracey Brooks of Family Planning Advocates and Andrea Miller of NARAL Pro-Choice New York discuss the Women’s Equality Agenda and reproductive rights in the state.

Brooks and Miller Interview>> (TWC ID required)

You may remember back when the budget was passed, Senate Republicans were able to insert some tax relief. Next year, middle-class families will get a $350 check in the mail. As it stands right now, that check will come a few weeks before election day in November. Assemblywoman Donna Lupardo and Senator George Latimer say the timing of this check is disingenuous. And they are proposing a bill that would let taxpayers claim that 350 dollars earlier in the year when they regularly file their taxes. The two explain why they think it’s better for families and for the state.

Latimer and Lupardo Interview>> (TWC ID required)

The governor’s office hosted the first ever New York State tourism summit today. The state does see millions of visitors every year from across the country and overseas.
But the majority only go to the New York City area. So Wednesday, officials and industry members go together to look at ways to bring more people to upstate. Empire State Development CEO Ken Adams discusses the event.

Ken Adams Interview>> (TWC ID required)

Sticking with the theme of campaign finance reform, NYPIRG put out a report today detailing the campaign finance violations over the past 2 years. And the total is more than 100 thousand. NYPIRG’s Bill Mahoney explains what kinds of issues the report found, and why he’s concerned that this is a symptom of even bigger problems.

Bill Mahoney Interview>> (TWC ID required)