Video – Interviews
The Insiders
Apr 16th - 8:56 pm
Bob Bellafiore and Steve Greenberg discuss the ethics reform proposals being floated at the Capitol, and which ones might be able to pass before the end of the legislative session.
The Insiders>> (TWC ID required)
Med Mar Advocates Discuss Bill’s Chances This Year
Apr 16th - 8:54 pm
One post session agenda item that is being pushed at the capitol is the legalization of medical marijuana. On Tuesday Assembly sponsor Richard Gottfried and Senate sponsor Diane Savino held a press conference with advocates for the legislation. Dr. Julie Holland, a psychiatrist and drug researcher, and Eileen Konieczny, an oncology nurse and member of the American Cannabis Nurses Association, make the argument for why it should be passed this year.
Med Mar Interview>> (TWC ID required)
WFP’s Cantor on Wilson-Pakula and Campaign Finance Reform
Apr 16th - 8:52 pm
Since the indictment of state Senator Malcolm Smith and NYC Councilman Dan Halloran last week, there has been a lot of talk about doing away with what we call fusion voting – which is basically the ability to run on a party’s line even if you are not a member of that party. Smith, a Democrat, was arrested for allegedly trying to bribe his way on the Republican party line so he could run for Mayor of New York City. Tuesday, Governor Cuomo metioned this when he outlined his plan to eliminate the Wilson Pakula Act – which lets party bosses put candidates from different parties onto their ballot lines. Working Families Party executive director Dan Cantor argues in favor of keeping Wilson-Pakula.
Dan Cantor Interview>> (TWC ID required)
Sen. Klein on Campaign Finance, Ethics, and Malcolm Smith
Apr 16th - 8:50 pm
The four-person IDC has put forward a wide-ranging ethics reform package as the legislature gets back to work this week. Of course, the conference used to have a fifth member – Senator Malcolm Smith. But he was ousted from the IDC after being was charged with corruption. Senator Jeff Klein discusses whether that factored into the conference’s plan.
NARAL NY’s Miller on Women’s Equality Act Ad War
Apr 15th - 9:03 pm
Just in time for lawmakers to return to Albany, anti-abortion activists are out with a new billboard campaign about the Reproductive Health Act, which Governor Cuomo is expected to include in his Women’s Equality Agenda. Meanwhile NARAL Pro-Choice NY is taking to the airwaves with an ad campaign of its own encouraging legislators to support the governor’s bill. NARAL NY president Andrea Miller explains.
Andrea Miller Interview>> (TWC ID required)
Sen. Zeldin on Funding for Veterans Programs
Apr 15th - 9:03 pm
Tucked in the state budget that was passed a few weeks back was an expansion of a program designed to combat Post Traumatic Stress Disorder in returning veterans. It’s called the PFC Joseph Dwyer Peer to Peer Veterans Counseling program, and it was championed by Senator Lee Zeldin. Zeldin explains why he thinks it’s such an important program.
Lee Zeldin Interview>> (TWC ID required)
Sen. Gianaris Explains Dem’s Ethics Reform Proposal
Apr 15th - 9:03 pm
Senate Democrats introduced a bill today aimed at fighting corruption in the legislature. This is the third proposal we’ve seen since the arrests of Senator Malcolm Smith and Assemblyman Eric Stevenson two weeks ago. And it focuses on the use of campaign funds. Senator Mike Gianaris explains.
Mike Gianaris Interview>> (TWC ID required)
NYS Rifle and Pistol Association’s King on SAFE Act Implementation
Apr 15th - 9:03 pm
Several key provisions of the SAFE Act went into effect on Monday, but the NYS Rifle and Pistol Association is still fighting the law in court. The group’s president, Tom King, explains the legal challenge.
Tom King Interview>> (TWC ID required)
Reporter Roundtable
Apr 12th - 8:56 pm
Jon Campbell from Gannett News, Rick Karlin from the Albany Times Union, Karen DeWitt of NYS Public Radio and Nick Reisman discuss the ethics proposals being floated in the wake of two corruption scandals.
Sen. Peralta Discusses Minimum Wage Tax Breaks
Apr 12th - 8:52 pm
The ink has barely dried on the state budget, but there is already a bill to repeal a tax break included in the final agreement. The tax cut was part of the minimum wage deal, and it would give a tax credit to any business that hires workers between the ages of 16 and 19. Senator Jose Peralta argues that means business will be discouraged from hiring older workers, who the Fiscal Policy Institute says currently hold about 90 percent of low-wage jobs.
Jose Peralta Interview>> (TWC ID required)
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