Power & Politics

A day after proposing the final budget of her 12-year tenure as the Mayor of the City of Albany, Kathy Sheehan joined Power & Politics this week. At the same time, the Mayor is also advocating for the Common Council to go back to the pre-2023 inclusionary zoning ordinance, writing a letter to the Council to reconsider their veto override in 2023. Then, the Council approved a measure expanding inclusionary zoning requirements. The discussion also included:-Mayor Sheehan's reaction to the confession, and arrest, of Lorenz Kraus-$500,000 proposed for a Youth Support Hub Pilot Program-Crisis Caseworker Police Officer positions, and new "Director of Wellness" Police Department position-Proposed increases to city official salaries, and positions ahead of new administration in January Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Federal Government is on the verge of a shutdown, as Congressional leaders will need to agree on a stopgap funding plan by midnight on Tuesday. CBS6 spoke with NY-17 Congressman Mike Lawler (R) on Monday: "What's a non negotiable for you at this point that you think you need to hold the line?" "We have passed Continuing Resolutions to keep the government funded year after year after year when Republicans and Democrats have been in charge. This is a straightforward, clean CR to keep the government funded through November 21 so that Congress can finish its appropriations negotiations between the House and the Senate and the White House to pass a final Fiscal Year 26 appropriations package. What has changed here is that Democrats in Washington, and in particular Senate [Minority] Leader Chuck Schumer, have changed their position. They no longer believe in clean CRs. They want to demand a pound of flesh in exchange for their votes, and that's just not the way that government should function. We have a responsibility, as my Democratic colleagues have said, time and again, to keep the government funded to ensure there are no disruptions to things like Social Security or veterans benefits or border security or our military, and to make sure that we are doing the work of the American people. We do not want to have a government shutdown which will create chaos in the marketplace and in our economy, which is totally unwarranted and unnecessary. There is a clean CR on the table that already passed the house. All the Senate has to do is follow their own rules. You need 60 votes to break the filibuster and pass a clean CR, which the Democrats did every time during Joe Biden's presidency. The only difference now is that Donald Trump is president, and Chuck Schumer seemingly is worried about a primary from his left." Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

As the 2026 legislative session approaches, Tom Tatun, Executive Director of the Retired Public Employees Association discusses their legislative priorities. Those include enhanced pension and healthcare benefits, along with COLA increases. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Natasha Pernicka discusses the rising service levels at food pantries in the Capital Region, up five percent this year from already record levels last year. She discusses the impact of rising food costs, inflation, and the impending SNAP benefit changes. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

NYS Assemblymember Mary Beth Walsh (R,C-Ballston) discusses the recent efforts by Governor Kathy Hochul to have bipartisan stance against political violence, and Walsh's role as Assembly Minority floor leader in that aspect. Also a Family Court attorney, she also discusses the potential for changes to New York's Raise the Age and Bail Reform. We also touch on her involvement in calls for changes to the process of the New York State Draft Energy Plan, and the 2019 Climate Law. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Despite multiple meetings with community leaders, advocates, organizations, & those with experience inside Albany County Correctional Facility claim their voices are not being heard. Silenced Behind Bars discusses the conditions inside Albany Correctional Facility. Participants: Pastor Jim Ketcham The New York State Council of Churches Ta-Sean Murdock, Executive Director of The Center for Law and Justice Roni Minter, Founder The Freedom Unshackled Coalition Lameka King-- family member Gary Ferrand -- Formerly incarcerated Sam Fein-Albany County Legislator (D) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Morgan Hook, Democratic Consultant and Partner at BlueJacket Strategies, analyzes Governor Kathy Hochul's endorsement of Zohran Mamdani Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Lizzie Andrus, who took up a project as a high school Sophomore at Shenendehowa to help push for Universal School Meals to its eventual implementation, joined Power & Politics on Thursday. "Growing up in my family we talked so much at the dinner table, so [civics] really had piqued my interest from a young age," Andrus said. "And then I focused on Universal Free Meals, specifically an effort at the end of my sophomore year of high school, because that was when Congress decided, in June of 2022, to end pandemic era federal funding for free meals. And I had noticed that in my transition to high school, throughout freshman and sophomore year, that I had benefited long with a lot of my friends, had benefited with having free breakfast and lunch in school. And so it was more an effort of if this had such high success rates and such great accolades brought forth because of it, why not continue to work?" Andrus, who also won the Gold Award as a part of the Girl Scouts, is currently a Sophomore at Ithaca College Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Terry Strada, who lost her husband in the World Trade Center on September 11, 2001, shares her story on the day of the attacks, and the years since. She also speaks of her advocacy, fighting for accountability and justice for her, and the hundreds of families impacted by the terror attack. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

YS Comptroller Tom DiNapoli joined Power & Politics this week, discussing his most recent analysis of the State FY2026 Budget. He touched on the impact of the economic outlook, the potential for federal budget cuts, and the impacts of changes to SNAP and Medicaid at the federal level. DiNapoli also addressed the weight of the New York City Mayoral election on the rest of the State's finances, and how Democratic candidate Zohran Mamdani's proposals would make an impact if elected. They also discussed Raise the Age funding along with his perspective on the recent Master Plan for Aging. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Tom Eschen speaks with Author Christina Keim about her new book, “UNWANTED: The Causes and Effects of America’s Horse Population Crisis”. Keim discusses her deep dive into the perception of horses, and horse racing, not only in New York State, but across the country and even the world. She talks about what happens after a horse's "work" is done, and what resources are available for long-term quality of life. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

WNYC and Gothamist Reporter Jon Campbell joined Power & Politics this week, discussing his recent reporting on the aftermath of the viral death of social media-famous Peanut the Squirrel. To listen to Jon's reporting on NYC Now, click here.To read Jon's reporting in Gothamist, click here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A step forward at the State Capitol this week for a mother still grieving the murder of her 2-year-old daughter, which happened in the middle of a custody battle. Ever since that day in 2016, Jacqueline Franchetti has worked to pass Kyra's Law, which she says will save lives. This week, she says she was able to speak with members of Kathy Hochul's administration. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Lieutenant Governor, and now Gubernatorial candidate, Antonio Delgado, rallied with other lawmakers and advocates on Wednesday calling for a Special Session. They also discussed:-Public Service Commission's approval of utility company rate increases-Trump sending National Guard into D.C., Hochul sending National Guard into subways-Congressional District Gerrymandering in New York Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Commissioner of the NYS Department of Health Dr. James McDonald speaks with Briana Supardi about the State's 2025-2030 Prevention Agenda, saying it's their "State Health Improvement Plan". He says it's a partnership between stakeholders throughout the healthcare field in the efforts of improving public health. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Morgan Hook, a partner at Bluejacket Strategies and Democratic consultant, sat down with Tom Eschen to take a look at where, and how, New York lawmakers would gerrymander Congressional districts to flip seats from red to blue. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dr. Cynthia Leifer, an immunologist at Cornell University, provided her reaction on Thursday to RFK Jr.'s plan to cancel $500 million in mRNA vaccine contracts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dr. Elias Zerhouni was the NIH Director during the Bush Administration, and discusses his journey to that role, keeping politics out of his work, his task of reconstructing the NIH from within, the COVID-19 pandemic, the state of health care today, and more Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Albany Interim Police Chief Brendan Cox joined Power & Politics on Thursday, discussing the Department's role in combatting a recent issue of juvenile crime in the city. This conversation comes on the heels of our special broadcast Tackling Youth Violence: A Community Discussion, which featured several community leaders and organizations in the City of Albany. Chief Cox says he watched the hour-plus long dialogue, responding to a variety of issues the individuals at the table brought up over the course of the conversation. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A group of leaders, organizations and voices participated in a lengthy, layered discussion regarding juvenile crime in the City of Albany this week, participating in a process aimed at diagnosing and solving the trend of young individuals engaging in violent behavior. The discussion involved: Pastor Charlie Muller of Victory Church, Executive Director Ta-Sean Murdock of the Center for Law and Justice, Founder/CEO Eva Bass of Bridge Tha Gap Community Outreach and Resource, Co-Founder Lukee Forbes of We Are Revolutionary and Business owner Jesse Sommer of New Scotland Spirits. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

NYS Commissioner of Health Dr. James McDonald and NYS Office of Aging Acting Director Greg Olsen broke down the recently unveiled Master Plan for Aging this week. The plan included hundreds of stakeholders, nearly two dozen public events and thousands of survey responses. They discussed the plan's "Nine Pillars", which include technology, healthcare workforce, housing, and community integration. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

NYS Senator Julia Salazar discusses her experience accompanying individuals to immigration court in New York City, recent public hearings over utility rate increases (and responds to calls to revoke NY's Climate law), recent discussions on allocation of Raise the Age funding, and the State's response to the so-called "Big Beautiful Bill" passage and the potential cuts to come along with it. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Republican Congressman from the Hudson Valley Mike Lawler discusses the passage of Donald Trump's "One Big Beautiful Bill", including its impact on Medicaid, immigration, the SALT Cap, and on New Yorkers in general Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

New York State Assemblyman John McDonald, who sits on the Assembly's Ways and Means Committee, discusses the long-term effects of Medicaid cuts on the healthcare system, especially in rural areas. He also discusses the potential for a special session for the legislature to re-do the Budget with the "Big Beautiful Bill" in mind. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Albany Congressman Paul Tonko joins Tom Eschen to provide his perspective on the US's involvement in the Middle East, the impacts on healthcare in the "One Big Beautiful Bill Act", the reactions of Republicans and Democrats to the victory of Zohran Mamdani, and recent Supreme Court Decisions Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Hudson Valley Republican Congressman Mike Lawler joins Tom Eschen to provide his perspective on the US's involvement in the Middle East, the SALT cap negotiations in the midst of the debate over the "One Big Beautiful Bill Act", the Democratic Party's stance on Zoran Mamdani's candidacy for NYC Mayor, and the impact of the Working Families Party line's success in the 2025 primaries on the 2026 Gubernatorial election Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Morgan Hook, Partner at Blue Jacket strategies, a Democratic consultant who also worked with David Patterson, joins Power & Politics to discuss the 2025 June Primary election in New York City, along with the rest of the State. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dorcey Applyrs speaks with Tom Eschen about her Albany Mayoral Democratic primary victory live at her watch party Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sam Fein, who won the Albany Chief City Auditor Democratic Primary on Tuesday night, says he's committed to providing the oversight the position requires, and that voters saw that in his campaign. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Albany's Democratic Mayoral Primary is Tuesday, June 24th Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Albany Democratic Mayoral Primary is Tuesday, June 24th Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Albany Democratic Mayoral Primary is June 24th, 2025 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Albany Mayoral Democratic Primary is Tuesday, June 24th Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

New York State Inspector General Lucy Lang highlights the IG's office role in investigating the Clinton Correctional Facility prison escape on June 6th, 2015. Their investigation revealed systemic failures, she discusses how they were addressed, and what's changed 10 years later. This portion of the conversation discusses the panel Lang moderated at the U.S. Capital with the former DOCCS Commissioner, State Police and journalist who covered the escape in 2015. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Alan Sealls, President-Elect of the American Meteorological Society, joined CBS6 this week to discuss the public safety, and economic impact of weather forecasting, of which is estimated to be about $100 billion annually, and the ripple effect of federal funding cuts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Following the testimony of Democratic Governors at the U.S. Capitol this week regarding immigration policy, Lauren DesRosiers, Director of the Immigration Law Clinic at Albany Law School, broke down the issues of Sanctuary Status, due process and constitutional rights. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Eva Bass, founder of Bridge Tha Gap Resource and Outreach, and a prominent community voice in the City of Albany, joined Power & Politics on Thursday. Bass and her organization sent out press release on Wednesday, saying they were "saddened" by Albany City Officials and Police recently touting a statistical decrease in crime. "Of course, some of the numbers went down," she said. "So I'm not calling anybody a liar about that, but the lived experience of the community members in the City of Albany and other disenfranchised neighborhoods, the crime is up, the uptick, and the [lack of] safety of women, children, and just being in your own home is just not safe anymore." The most notable declines in the same time period compared to 2024 include a 63% reduction in both shootings and shooting victims, as well as a 57% decrease in gun recoveries. Officials attributed these improvements to their focus on four key pillars: enforcement, education, deterrence, and prevention. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

NYRA CEO David O'Rourke joined Power & Politics at Saratoga Racecourse on Thursday evening, discussing the Belmont Festival, the potential for Belmont at Saratoga in 2026 and the future of the Saratoga meet. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

New York State Inspector General Lucy Lang highlights the IG's office role in investigating the Clinton Correctional Facility prison escape on June 6th, 2015. Their investigation revealed systemic failures, she discusses how they were addressed, and what's changed 10 years later Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The U.S. Senate is currently debating the provisions outlined in the "One Big Beautiful Bill Act", of which was passed last week in the Republican-led House of Representatives. As a part of the reconciliation package, Congressional Republicans have proposed to cut SNAP benefits by nearly $300 billion dollars. The cut would shift more of the administration costs to the States starting in 2028 while also expand work requirements for adults with children and older Americans. House GOP reps say these measures are meant to clean up a program with "bureaucratic inefficiencies, misplaced initiatives and limited accountability." They argue the program's original intent is to be temporary, and that by putting the onus on the States to help fund it, they're cracking down on States erroneously making payments, all in order protect taxpayer dollars. But, anti-hunger advocates are pushing back, in hopes Senate Republicans block the SNAP cuts in the reconciliation plan. They say need is already at an all-time high due to rising costs, and that these provisions would put more stress on the food pantry system, and create a lack of resources in the event of an economic downturn. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

NYIC President and CEO Murad Awawdeh joined Power & Politics on Thursday to discuss the Cohoes incident, along with the other issues impacting immigrants right now in New York, along with what they're calling on the State to do in the final days of the legislative session. Last week, two immigrants were arrested by ICE agents at a law enforcement check point in the City of Cohoes. Officials say both men were in the country illegally. The presence of ICE though, sparked a reaction from immigration advocates along with other law enforcement entities who were present. New York State Police and NYS DMV officials say they left the checkpoint once they realized ICE was present. The New York Immigration Coalition released a statement saying "It’s outrageous that state and local law enforcement would collude with ICE to separate New York families." Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

New York's Reparations Commission is nearly one year into its work in examining the legacy of slavery and discrimination in New York, and what potential compensation could come from that. Over the course of the last few months, New Yorkers have shared their thoughts, their family's history and the impacts of enslavement, redlining and wealth gaps with the New York State Community Commission on Reparations Remedies during public hearings and meetings. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Steven Greenberg, pollster with the Siena College research institute, joined Power & Politics on Thursday, discussing their latest poll. He discussed a variety of issues where voters weighed in. Governor Hochul's favorability remained at her highest levels in more than a year, right around 44-46 percent, which Greenberg said was "disappointing", in a blue state like New York. At the same time, he discussed the 2026 gubernatorial election, where 46 percent of voters said they would support Hochul as opposed to Antonio Delgado (12 percent) or Ritchie Torres (10 percent). In recent weeks, Upstate Congresswoman Elise Stefanik has expressed an interest in running as the Republican nominee for Governor in 2026, with this Siena poll finding 35 percent of Republicans saying they would vote for her. Last month, before Stefanik declared interest, 22 percent of Republicans said they'd vote for Rep. Mike Lawler, which remained the same this month. 28 percent of Republicans said they'd vote for Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman last month, this month, 11 percent said they'd vote for Blakeman. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

New York State Senator Kristen Gonzalez, the Chair of the Senate Internet & Technology Committee, penned a letter signed on by more than 50 NYS Democrats, calling on House Republicans to remove the AI legislation Moratorium in the proposed federal reconciliation bill. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Lee Zeldin defended proposed budget cuts to the agency at a House Appropriations subcommittee Thursday morning, and New York environmental advocates are responding. Rob Hayes, Director of Clean Water at Environmental Advocates, joined Power & Politics to discuss the impact of those federal grant cuts, where the FY2026 State Budget has filled the void, but also where he says the State has "missed opportunities". Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Moments after his speech on the Senate floor, James Skoufis explained his critique of Governor Hochul's handling of the State Budget process. Skoufis explained why he thinks the Governor wields too much power, calling her an "authoritarian" and "dictator" in the process. He also responded to questions on why he still voted in favor of the budget, his mask restriction legislation holding up the budget (which was more than a month late), and why the Democratic Majority doesn't use more of their power. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Schenectady — Three candidates on the ballot in June's Albany Chief City Auditor Democratic Primary took the debate stage at CBS6 in Schenectady on Tuesday evening. Albany County Legislator Sam Fein, Albany Mayor Kathy Sheehan's Chief of Staff David Galin and former Albany Common Councilor John Rosenzweig discussed their vision for the future of Albany, and the role they'd play if elected to the City's auditor position. Topics included: -The City Police Department's shortage of police officers, and how'd they address the issue of recruitment and retention-The City's SeeClickFix program-School Speed Cameras-Their role in facilitating the $200 million allocated in the State budget for the City of Albany-How they'd fix the City's recent allegations regarding misconduct in the workforce Primary day is June 24th. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On the heels of rallying on Wall Street for the reinstatement of the stock transfer tax, Assemblymember Phil Steck (D-Colonie), joined Power & Politics on Thursday. His bill, which he's pushed throughout his time as a State lawmaker, would tax each sale of stock worth over $20 at 5 cents. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Four Democratic candidates are set to square off in the June primary, eyeing the party's nomination for Albany Mayor. Dorcey Applyrs, Dan Cerutti, Corey Ellis, Carolyn McLaughlin took the CBS6 stage for a full 45 minutes of a debate. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices