NY's only statewide political program
Maureen McManus
This user hasn't shared any biographical information
Posts by Maureen McManus
Mahoney on Senate Control and the 1964 Elections
May 18th - 9:00 pm
Next month is the third anniversary of the infamous 2009 Senate coup, when the Republicans and two dissident Democrats, Pedro Espada Jr. and Hiram Monserrate, staged a takeover of power that ended up deadlocking state government for an entire month. The Democrats finally reclaimed control, but the damage was done. Voters in poll after poll deemed them dysfunctional and incompetent and in the 20-10 elections restored the GOP to power. What’s interesting about this is that a similar thing occurred 44 years earlier. Bill Mahoney explains what happened.
Dunlea Discusses Minimum Wage Push
May 18th - 8:55 pm
Hunger Action Network is among those calling for an increase in the state’s minimum wage. And with the future of Assembly Speaker Silver’s bill to bring it to $8.50 an hour up in the air, they’re asking Governor Cuomo to act unilaterally. And they’d like to see the minimum wage brought up to $10 an hour. Executive Director Mark Dunlea explains their efforts.
Citizen Action’s Laymon on New Campaign Finance Reform Effort
May 18th - 8:50 pm
Advocates of campaign finance reform are launching a new effort to raise awareness about money in politics. They are focusing on eight state senators and the donations they’ve received. And starting this weekend, they’ll be going door to door to talk to voters about the issue. Downstate Campaigns Manager Jesse Laymon explains why they chose this group of lawmakers.
Assem. Lifton on Home Rule Legislation
May 17th - 8:56 pm
The assembly passed a bill to strenghten local government bans on hydrofracking. More than 100 such bans have already been passed while the state considers allowing high-volume natural gas drilling. Assemblywoman Barbara Lifton sponsored the measure, but she says this does not mean she is okay with fracking in any part of the state.
Kaye Talks Search for New Court of Appeals Judge
May 17th - 8:55 pm
This December, there will be an opening on the state Court of Appeals when Associate Judge Carmen Ciparick retires. Governor Cuomo will select her replacement. And a commission is already working on finding candidates for the job. Former Chief Judge Judith Kaye is helping with the search. And as she explains, they’re looking all over the state to find qualified individuals.
Sen. McDonald on Justice Center to Protect the Disabled
May 17th - 8:50 pm
The Senate unanimously passed Governor Cuomo’s bill to improve treatment of the disabled by creating a special Justice Center to investigate abuse. Senator Roy McDonald sponsored the measure, and he believes this is a big step toward protecting people with special needs.
Grace Meng Discusses Her Congressional Campaign
May 16th - 9:00 pm
Democratic party leaders in Queens picked Grace Meng as their candidate to replace Congressman Gary Ackerman after Ackerman announced he would not seek re-election. But she’ll have to fend off Assemblyman Rory Lancman and NYC Councilwoman Elizabeth Crowley in next’s months primary. Still, Meng is confident that she will be able to win.
Sen. Savino on Med Mar Poll Numbers
May 16th - 8:55 pm
The latest Siena poll shows that 57 percent of New Yorkers are in favor of legalizing medical marijuana. That’s up from 50 percent two years ago. Senator Diane Savino is the senate sponsor of the bill, and she is optimistic it will eventually be passed, even if it doesn’t get done this session.
Education Panel on School Budgets
May 16th - 8:50 pm
Voters approved 96 percent of state budgets on Tuesday. But that does not mean districts financial troubles are over. Tim Kremer of the NYS School Boards Association, Rick Timbs fo the Statewide School Finance Consortium and Bob Lowry of the NYS Council of School Superintendents break down the vote results.
Take Capital Tonight and the State of Politics blog with you everywhere you go with our iPhone app! The mobile application features our blog posts, interviews, and a report news tool to send us your political news tips.