Extended Interview: American for Tax Reform’s Grover Norquist
Jan 28th - 8:54 pm
The Conservatie Party just wrapped up it’s two day political action conference on Monday. The conference gives party members a chance to discuss issues and strategy. Conservatives will face some big challenges over the next few months as Governor Cuomo pushes an agenda he describes as progressive and others describe as liberal. The party got some advice on how to fight back from Americans for Tax Reform Founder Grover Norquist, got a lot of attention during the 2012 campaign season for making candidates seeking his support sign a pledge not to raise taxes.
Onondaga County Executive Joanie Mahoney on the State Budget
Jan 28th - 8:52 pm
Governor Cuomo’s pension smoothing plan has gotten a mixed response from local officals. And nowhere is that more clear than in Onondaga County, where the Republican county executive likes the idea and the Democratic mayor of Syracuse, the largest city in the county, is not yet on board. County Executive Joanie Mahoney explains her stance, and why the county and the city are in different situations.
Syracuse Mayor Miner on the State Budget and Pension Smoothing
Jan 28th - 8:50 pm
Elected officials from across the state traveled to Albany on Monday to testify at a joint legislative hearing on how they are impacted by the state budget. Among them was Syracuse Mayor Stephanie Miner, who has been one of the few to question the governor’s “pension smoothing” proposal. She explains why she is not ready to sign up for a deal that lowers costs now, but increases them in the future.
Hunger Action’s Dunlea on Funding for Programs for the Hungry
Jan 25th - 8:54 pm
Governor Cuomo is calling for a consolidation of several social services programs into the Department of Health. And he’s estimating 40 million dollars in savings from the effort. But some advocates are worried that anti-hunger programs are going to end up losing out on funding. Mark Dunlea of the Hunger Action Network explains.
NYCOM’S Baynes on the Budget and Mandate Relief
Jan 25th - 8:52 pm
One of the key points of contention in Governor Cuomo’s budget plan is his idea of allowing local governments to spread out pension payments over a period of years. And while local officials are happy the Governor included some mandate relief, many of them say they need more help. Peter Baynes of the New York Conference of Mayors discusses the options.
Reporter Roundtable
Jan 25th - 8:50 pm
Yancey Roy of Newsday, Jon Campbell of Gannett and Nick Reisman discuss budget battles and Senate squabbles.
NYSCOPBA’s Rowe on Prison Closure Proposal
Jan 24th - 8:56 pm
Part of Governor Cuomo’s budget proposal on Tuesday included a plan to close two prisons. Beacon Correction Facility in the Hudson Valley and Bayview Correctional Facility in Manhattan. This proposal was met with concern by corrections officers who argue that these cuts will make work more dangerous for their members. State Corrections Officers Police Benevolent Association president Donn Rowe explains.
AQE’s Easton on Education Spending
Jan 24th - 8:54 pm
In his budget outlined on Tuesday Governor Cuomo called for a 4.4 percent increase in funding for schools. But some advocates say that is stil not enough for low-income school districts. And they predict more layoffs and cutbacks coudl be coming. Alliance for Quality Education executive director Billy Easton explains.
Rep. McCarthy Talks Banning Assault Weapons
Jan 24th - 8:53 pm
Democratic lawmakers are calling for a new assault weapons ban in the wake of the mass shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Connecticut. The ban would go beyond the version that expired in 2004, and would be permanent. But opponents are still questioning whether any weapons ban will really prevent mass shootings, or if a different approach is needed. Congresswoman Carolyn McCarthy explains why she thinks this is an important first step.
New Roosevelt’s Samuels on Redistricting Amendment.
Jan 24th - 8:52 pm
Both the Senate and Assembly have again passed a constitutional amendment to change the redistricting process. And next year, voters will have a chance to approve or reject it. The amendment replaces the current six member panel of lawmakers will a ten-member board selected by the legislature. Critics say that still gives legislators too much influence over how new districts are drawn. New Roosevelt Initiative founder Bill Samuels explains.
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