Video – Interviews
Jay J’s Law Update
May 20th - 8:56 pm
Senator Tim Kennedy is again sponsoring Jay J’s Law, which is aimed at lowering instances of child abuse. It’s named for a Western New York boy who was severely injured by his father.
And the bill would increase penalties for repeat offenders. Last year the Senate passed it but the Assembly did not. Kennedy and Jay’s aunt and uncle explain where things stand now.
Kennedy and Guests>> (TWC ID required)
NYSSBA’s Kremer Previews School Board Votes
May 20th - 8:54 pm
On Tuesday residents across the state will go to the polls to vote on school board budgets. Most districts are cutting back on spending this year to make sure they are below the mandatory two percent tax cap. And that has the head of the New York State School Boards Association optimistic that most school budget plans will pass tomorrow. NYSSBA executive director Tim Kremer explains what trends he’s seen this year.
Tim Kremer Interview>> (TWC ID required)
Siena’s Greenberg on Latest Poll Results
May 20th - 8:52 pm
Siena College is out with a new poll today showing that Governor Cuomo’s approval rating slide has come to a stop. But for the legislature, the news is not so good. Siena pollster Steve Greenberg goes over the findings.
Steve Greenberg Interview>> (TWC ID required)
Assemblyman Kearns Discusses Leaving the Democratic Conference
May 20th - 8:50 pm
Assemblyman Michael Kearns says he is so disappointed by the way Assembly Speaker Silver handled the Vito Lopez case that he is leaving the Democratic conference and hopes like-minded colleagues will join him. So far, however, he’s a party of one. Kearns discusses his decision, and what’s next.
Michael Kearns Interview>> (TWC ID required)
Entergy’s Twomey on Indian Point License Renewal Delay
May 17th - 8:54 pm
Come late September New York State will be the only place in America with a nuclear power plant operating without a license. The Nuclear Regulatory Commission announced this week that they will not decide to whether to renew one of Indian Point’s reactors before the current license expires. Entergy vice president for external affairs Michael Twomey explains why this is allowed.
Michael Twomey Interview>> (TWC ID required)
Assem. Tenney Explains Objections to Oneida Agreement
May 17th - 8:52 pm
The agreement between Governor Cuomo and the Oneidas still needs the approval of the legislature. And at least one Assemblymember does not support the plan to give the tribe exclusive casino rights in exchange for giving the state some of the profits. Assemblywoman Claudia Tenney explains why she does not think this is a fair resolution to the issue.
Claudia Tenney Interview>> (TWC ID required)
Reporter Roundtable
May 17th - 8:50 pm
Yancey Roy of Newsday, Jon Campbell of Gannett, and Capital Tonight’s Nick Reisman join Liz to discuss the week’s political events – including the Vito Lopez allegations, his resignation and potential expulsion, the deal Governor Cuomo struck with the Oneidas, and more.
Watch video here >> (TWC ID required)
Marist’s Miringoff on Consolidation Poll Numbers
May 16th - 8:56 pm
Governor Cuomo insists that there are two many local government entities in New York State. He estimates there are about 10,500 cities, towns, school boards, water districts, etc. And with the population declining, the taxpayers bill is going up. A 2011 poll by Marist College and the Dyson Foundation found that in theory, more than half of voters outside of New York City agree with Cuomo that there are too many local governments. But voters are much less likely to approve merging or dissolving their own local governments. Pollster Lee Miringoff discusses the discrepancy.
Lee Miringoff Interview>> (TWC ID required)
Rep. Maloney on Farm Bill Amendment
May 16th - 8:54 pm
Congress still appears to be gridlocked on many issues. But one bill they are making progress on is the Farm Bill, which passed through the House Agriculture Committee this week. Congressman Sean Patrick Maloney has been working on an amendment to the bill aimed at helping grower in the Hudson Valley. He explains the latest.
Sean Patrick Maloney Interview>> (TWC ID required)
Albany County DA Soares on Prosecuting Sexual Harassment
May 16th - 8:52 pm
Wednesday’s release of the JCOPE investigation into Assemblyman Vito Lopez revealed a shocking culture of sexual abuse in the office of the veteran legislator. Albany County District Attorney David Soares has jurisdiction over the Capitol. But while he says is appalled by the report he does not intend to bring criminal charges against the lawmaker. Soares discuss that case and what people in similar situations can do.
David Soares Interview>> (TWC ID required)
Take Capital Tonight and the State of Politics blog with you everywhere you go with our iPhone app! The mobile application features our blog posts, interviews, and a report news tool to send us your political news tips.