Power & Politics

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

In a wide-ranging conversation about his career, advocacy, criminal justice reform and the current narratives regarding federal judges, former Saratoga County Judge and District Attorney James Murphy joined Power & Politics this week. Murphy now provides advice and analysis for Behan Communications, a Capital Region PR firm. "It's been a long career," Murphy says. "It's been 37 years between District Attorney and the judgeship, and so I've dealt with 1000s of cases, 1000s of victims, lots of police agencies, all kinds of cases, and I think it's always the thing that I liked the most about it was that I could help deliver substantial justice to the residents of the County. I could help victims who had been wronged in the DAs office. I could make important decisions as a judge and hopefully be fair and patient, treat the litigants with respect and make the right decision." Over the course of the conversation, Murphy discusses: -Domestic Violence justice advocacy -Discovery Laws -Bail Reform and "Dangerousness" -Cases he worked on -"Politicization" of judges -New Role, and his retirement Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Lee Kindlon, Albany County District Attorney, joined Power & Politics this week to take a deep dive into the State's Discovery laws, and their role in the ongoing budget debate at the State Capitol. Alongside Governor Kathy Hochul and the District Attorneys Association of the State of New York, Kindlon has been stumping for changes to the Discovery laws, which were reformed in 2019. Hochul has been steadfast in making changes to those laws, which she says is leading to an increase in case dismissals, especially in New York City. More progressive members of the State Senate and Assembly have pushed back, with advocates saying the 2019 reforms were a step forward towards creating a level playing field for victims and those charged. Kindlon was just elected to the post of Albany County District Attorney. Prior to this role, he was a longtime defense attorney in the Capital Region. "I think I have a unique voice to bring to the discussion. Obviously, the first 18 years of my professional career in Albany I spent as a hard charging, fire breathing defense attorney, which gives me certain perspective, and now I'm the District Attorney in Albany County in charge of making sure that all of the discovery gets from law enforcement, various investigating agencies, to the defendants and their attorneys. So, you know, I want to make sure that my voice is heard at the table during the discussions, and so everybody gets a full picture of what's going on." Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

As part of the wide-ranging conversation, Horner discussed the impact of late budgets on public perception, the role of policy initiatives in the budget and how Governor Hochul's budget approach is shaping New York's legislative process. They also discussed some of the initiatives Horner has advocated over the years, including the impact of Donald Trump's Executive Order on the Climate Change Superfund Act. Horner also spoke about the Bottle Bill, electric lawn equipment, and the evolution of the legislature during his decades at the State Capitol. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Since the 2025 legislative session began, New York's top lawmakers have often had a common theme when discussing budgeting, and that's calling on New York's Republican Congressional delegation to "protect New Yorkers" from federal budget cuts. Mike Lawler addresses those officials, and those issues, here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Elise Stefanik's nomination as the United States United Nations Ambassador was pulled on Thursday, but NY-21 hopeful on the Democratic side Blake Gendebien says he's committed to the long haul. While the Republican side hadn't chosen a candidate for the potential special election, Democrats chose Gendebien as their candidate in early February. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

North Country farmer Blake Gendebien joins Power & Politics to discuss a variety of issues, including the conversation around a date for the special election in replacing Elise Stefanik, the impact of tariffs on farmers, immigration, keeping the government open, and more Note: This interview was conducted prior to the withdrawal of Stefanik's U.N. Ambassador nomination Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Lee M. Miringoff, Director at Marist University Institute for Public Opinion discusses the withdrawal of Elise Stefanik's nomination as U.N. Ambassador for the United States Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Rennie Glasgow discusses the impact of social security employees taking the federal government's retirement offer, responding to Elon Musk's comments, including Musk saying Social Security is the "Biggest Ponzi scheme of all time". Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A roundtable discussion, hosted by CBS6's Briana Supardi and Tom Eschen, with a variety of perspectives on the current state of New York's prison system. Guests: Patrick Stevens, Center for Community Alternatives, formerly incarcerated individual Melanie Bishop, Mother of a currently incarcerated individual Nate Yando, a CO who recently resigned Bernadette Singer, Wife of a CO Asm. Scott Gray of Watertown (R) Asm. Emily Gallagher of Brooklyn (D) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A fierce debate over the One-House Budget proposals took place at the NYS Capitol this week, as the Senate and Assembly passed their budgets, setting up negotiations with Governor Kathy Hochul ahead of the April 1st final Budget Agreement deadline. Jake Ashby provided some of the Senate Minority's perspective on the issues, including rebate checks, NY Heat Act, prison closures, affordability and the increase of corporate tax rates. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Deshanna Wiggins, CEO of the Albany Black Chamber of Commerce joined Power & Politics on Thursday, discussed several topics, including the work the organization does to build minority-owned businesses and beyond in the City of Albany. Wiggins talked about the challenges facing business owners in Albany, and the work they do to overcome them, saying collaboration is key. The discussion also included: -Proposed State Funding in Albany -DEI initiatives -Albany growing up vs Albany now -Difference between Atlanta and Albany -Do Semiconductor investments trickle down? -Effectiveness of State film tax credit Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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

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

In a wide-ranging, hour-plus long conversation on CBS6's Power & Politics, New York Lieutenant Governor Antonio Delgado, among other topics, addressed his recent announcement that he won't be running on Governor Hochul's Gubernatorial ticket in 2026. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Thomas Gant from the Center for Community Alternatives says he believes it's not a coincidence that correction officers are putting on unsanctioned strikes as the indictment into the homicide of Robert Brooks is unsealed. He defends the HALT Act, while also advocating for legislation to improve conditions for incarcerated individuals. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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

Ta-Sean Murdock, Director of Albany's Center for Law and Justice, joined CBS6's Power & Politics on Thursday, discussing several topics and issues facing the City of Albany and beyond. "I think it's heartbreaking," Murdock said regarding the several violent incidents in Albany this week. "We're seeing continued acts of violence all across the city of Albany, but in particular the South End. And for a while, I've been saying, 'Hey, we need to do better at finding ways to pour resources into areas where we know that acts of violence take place.' We know that the youth need programming, and we know that there is a need for services like mental health support individuals with housing and so many other things that are needed to prevent and to support with reducing violence." Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

-U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi announces that the Justice Department is suing the State of New York over its greenlight laws and immigration policies -High-ranking State Democrats are calling on NYC Mayor Eric Adams to step down, or for Kathy Hochul to remove him from his role...the 2025 Mayoral primary is June 24th -NY State Democrats proposing a bill to align the special election timeline with general elections...why it reported is tabled because of Kathy Hochul and Donald Trump Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Albany Mayoral Candidate Dan Cerutti joined Power & Politics on Thursday, going over his plan if elected Mayor of Albany. Cerutti's background is in the tech industry, with this campaign being his first foray into the political realm. He's an Albany native, leaving the area for college and his business career, but returned nearly 10 years ago to put down roots in the Capital Region once again. A portion of the conversation focused on the $400 million proposed State funding for the revitalization of the City of Albany. "I applaud the Governor and her team for recognizing that we need it," he said. "This is fabulous. I think we need to take our time. We don't need to rush the thing. I think about the $400 million as an investment, not a grant, not a handout. We need to figure out ways to use it to attract other investments, right? So I know we have to do something in Liberty Square, not an open-air part-time stadium, but something multi-purpose, sports and entertainment-oriented. I want to do some development in the parcel where the central warehouse is, access to the water. I'd love to bring and attract an employer to the Kenwood Estates. I consider Lark Street part of Downtown. So there's a lot of things we have to do. We have to fix some of our basic problems, right? Public safety and housing, but overall, this is an absolute, tremendous opportunity." The conversation also included: -Public safety, where he says interim Chief Cox "Has it right." --Social workers within Police Department -Addressing quality of life concerns in Albany -Albany's inclusionary zoning/affordable housing saga -Big projects like Central Warehouse, St. Rose, Kenwood Commons, and grocery store plazas -Albany's Sanctuary City status -Cerutti's background and experience Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

-New York Democrats reportedly want to extend the timeline of special elections and consolidate with primary or general election dates...which some are calling political -Pam Biondi is threatening funding municipalities who have Sanctuary Status -Donald Trump says he wants the United States to take ownership of the Gaza Strip Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Albany County Executive Dan McCoy joins Power & Politics this week, discussing some of the biggest issues facing Albany County, and discussing his future as County Executive. The wide-ranging conversation covered a variety of topics, including: -Reaction as a former first responder to the tragic plane crash in D.C. -What "Sanctuary Status" means in Albany County -If he will run for Mayor of Albany in 2025 -Where he's hoping the $200 million in proposed State funding to the City of Albany will go -The future of the College of St. Rose Campus -State mandates, federal administration changes, and more Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

-Recovery continues after a helicopter and passenger jet collided in Washington D.C., falling into the Potomac River, killing 67 people on board. Reaction pouring in after Donald Trump said Diversity-Equity-Inclusion to blame, Air Traffic Controllers saying hiring process is rigorous -How would potential federal funding cuts impact non-profit organizations, and how did Democrats respond? -Confirmation hearings continued this week, with New Hampshire Senator Maggie Hassan making a passionate statement against RFK Jr.'s claims regarding vaccines and autism Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Corey Ellis, Albany Common Council President, discussed his third run for Mayor of Albany on Power & Politics this week, outlining his vision, plans and proposals for the city's future. The conversation with Ellis continues CBS6's coverage of the Albany Mayoral race, already interviewing two candidates, Dorcey Applyrs and Carolyn McLaughlin, with plans to speak with the rest of the candidates leading up to the June 24 primary. "I'm running because of the same reason why I ran before," Ellis, who ran, but lost, in 2009 and 2013, says. "I believe that our city has a great potential, and we need to make sure we have a vision and the will to fulfill that potential. We can no longer be a city that's just surviving. We have to thrive. And I believe my vision and the things I've talked about in the past, if we had done those things right now, we might be in a different situation, but we're not. So we want to make sure that we continue to push forward, continue to grow and make it the city that it should be. So many people come to our city, they say Albany has all this potential, and now it's time for us to fulfill that potential. And I believe, with my energy, my experience, that we can fulfill that potential." The conversation included: -Ellis' desire to change Albany's perception as a "political town" -revitalizing downtown, and the importance of the State's $200 million proposal for the City -Ellis' thoughts on Interim Police Chief Brendan Cox, and if he'd ask Cox to stay if elected -community policing and social workers on the department, along with staffing shortages -Ellis' proposal to create a Business Council -Albany's Sanctuary City status Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

-Donald Trump's immediate Executive Orders stretch across industry and issues in the United States, including January 6th pardons -NY Governor Kathy Hochul proposed her FY2026 Budget this week, and says the State won't backfill any cuts of funding or services by the federal government -Tik Tok gives credit to Donald Trump for its return Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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

Governor Kathy Hochul delivered her State of the State address this week, promising an agenda of affordability, which includes tax cuts to the middle class, universal free school meals and tripling the child care tax credit Trump's Cabinet picks questioned at the Capitol by lawmakers, including Pete Hegseth and Lee Zeldin Israel and Hamas appear to be on the verge of a ceasefire, but when will it be finalized? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Barclay reacted to the Governor's speech, saying that Hochul echoed initiatives the Republican party has been pushing for the last few years in the State legislature, mostly the Child Tax Credit. (The Governor proposed to triple the Child Tax Credit, to $1000) "Welcome to the party, Governor, because these are issues that she talked about in her State of the State that Republican Assembly members have been talking about for some time, the two biggest things, affordability and crime," Barclay said. "She talked about a middle class tax cut, great. She talked about the inflation rebate, which, I'm not against that, because it does give money back to the taxpayers, but it seems a little inefficient to tax people and then give their money back to them, and it's only a one-shot deal." Barclay said he also agrees with the Governor's push to expand involuntary commitment, and enhance Kendra's Law. But, was disappointed on the absence of discussion regarding criminal justice reform. "You know, one thing she didn't mention, because she's partly responsible for these policies getting put in place, is bail reform, is raise the age, is the parole reform that she's talking about, or that she signed bills to let more people out on parole. So I think those issues need to be addressed alongside with a whole host of issues on criminal justice," he says. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Albany — Michael Gianaris, the NYS Senate Deputy Majority Leader from Queens, joined Power & Politics this week as lawmakers returned to the State Capital for the 2025 legislative session. The conversation ranged over a myriad of topics, including: affordability priorities, universal childcare, MTA funding gap, taxing the rich, Marcy Correctional, Trump-proofing policies, immigration legislation, universal school lunches and more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

-California wildfires continue to devastate Los Angeles communities, how is Governor Gavin Newsom reacting to the criticism thrown his way? -New York State's legislature is back for its 2025 session, are lawmakers looking to pass "Trump-proof" policies? -Why is Donald Trump pitching to rename the Gulf of Mexico to Gulf of America? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

CBS6's Lara Bryn speaks with NYS Department of Labor Commissioner Roberta Reardon to discuss New York's first-in-the-nation prenatal leave policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices