The Capitol Connection on WAMC

Albany, NY – Alan Chartock talks with Steven Acquario, Executive Director of the New York State Association of Counties. Acquario tells us what the new state budget will mean for county governments in New York. He also talks about the challenges county governments face in administering Medicaid and much more.

Albany, NY – Billy Easton of the Alliance for Quality Education joins Alan this week on the Capitol Connection. Easton talks about the impact of the governor's proposed education budget, accountability in the education system, charter schools and much more.

Albany, NY – This week on the Capitol Connection, Alan Chartock welcomes Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver. Silver talks about ongoing budget negotiations in Albany, healthcare reform, education, ethics, civil confinement, his relationship with Governor Spitzer and much more

Albany, NY – This week on the Capitol Connection, Alan Chartock welcomes Albany County District Attorney David Soares. Soares talks about his recent high profile investigation into a multi-state steroid ring. He also talks about his relationship with the new governor, conflicts with other law enforcement agencies, civil confinement, Rockafeller drug law reforms and much more.

Albany, NY – This week on the Capitol Connection, Alan Chartock talks with Dan Sisto, President of the Healthcare Association of New York State. Sisto talks about the new health care reforms being debated in New York including hospital closures and cuts to Medicaid. Other topics include the role of insurance companies, hospital administrator pay and much more.

Albany, NY – Education is the topic this week on the Capitol Connection. Alan Chartock welcomes New York's Education Commissioner, Richard Mills. Commissioner Mills talks about the big changes ahead if the governor's budget proposals are approved. Other topics include teacher pay, accountability, educational standards and much more.

Albany, NY – This week on the Capitol Connection, Alan talks with State Senator Neil Breslin of New York's 46th senate district. Alan and Senator Breslin talk about the latest efforts by Governor Eliot Spitzer to reform New York. Breslin also talks about hospital closings, the state budget, property tax cuts, his optimism for the future of New York and much more.

Albany, NY – This week on the Capitol Connection, Alan talks with reporter James Odato of the Albany Times Union. Odato talks about the rift between Governor Spitzer and legislators over the state comptroller vote. He and Alan also talk about the narrowing Republican majority in the New York Senate, upcoming budget negotiations, and much more.

Albany, NY – This week on the Capitol Connection, Alan welcomes SUNY Chancellor John Ryan. Chancellor Ryan talks about how politics can effect the SUNY system and tells Alan what he thinks about the administration of New York Governor Eliot Spitzer. Ryan talks about many other higher education issues including tenure, unions, testing and much more.

Albany, NY – This week on the Capitol Connection, Alan Chartock and Blair Horner of the New York Public Interest Research Group analyze the reforms made in the first month of the Spitzer administration. The discussion covers ethics reform, budget reform, redistricting, campaign finance reform and much more.