Capitol Confidential
@www.capitolconfidential.com
An exclusive inside look at the latest in New York government and politics.
Gov. Kathy Hochul has until midnight tonight to act on two bills approved by the state Legislature last year. She plans to pocket veto one of them, sources in the state Legislature say.
Which bill is it? We've got some clues.
Which bill is it? We've got some clues.
Hochul to issue second pocket veto since becoming governor
And here's what's up at the Capitol next week, including a Mamdani visit.
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February 6, 2026 at 8:40 PM
Gov. Kathy Hochul has until midnight tonight to act on two bills approved by the state Legislature last year. She plans to pocket veto one of them, sources in the state Legislature say.
Which bill is it? We've got some clues.
Which bill is it? We've got some clues.
Gov. Kathy Hochul released her executive budget proposal and outlined her agenda. But she’s also up for reelection, raising the stakes for what she’s able to accomplish between now and November.
We sat down with Hochul at the Hearst Media Center. Here's what we talked about.
We sat down with Hochul at the Hearst Media Center. Here's what we talked about.
February 6, 2026 at 8:17 PM
Gov. Kathy Hochul released her executive budget proposal and outlined her agenda. But she’s also up for reelection, raising the stakes for what she’s able to accomplish between now and November.
We sat down with Hochul at the Hearst Media Center. Here's what we talked about.
We sat down with Hochul at the Hearst Media Center. Here's what we talked about.
We learned more about some of the concerns that lawmakers have with Gov. Kathy Hochul’s proposals to expand access to child care Thursday. That and much more in today's CapCon.
Child care, Raise the Age and SNAP fraud eyed by New York lawmakers
And Assembly Minority Leader Will Barclay is stepping down.
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February 5, 2026 at 10:55 PM
We learned more about some of the concerns that lawmakers have with Gov. Kathy Hochul’s proposals to expand access to child care Thursday. That and much more in today's CapCon.
In case you didn't catch our chat with Gov. Kathy Hochul last week, we've got it here on the podcast.
We talked to Hochul about her future in politics, high energy bills, immigration policy and more. Listen here or wherever you get your podcasts.
We talked to Hochul about her future in politics, high energy bills, immigration policy and more. Listen here or wherever you get your podcasts.
Gov. Kathy Hochul on her future in politics, energy bills and immigration policy
You can also listen wherever you get podcasts.
bit.ly
February 5, 2026 at 4:15 PM
In case you didn't catch our chat with Gov. Kathy Hochul last week, we've got it here on the podcast.
We talked to Hochul about her future in politics, high energy bills, immigration policy and more. Listen here or wherever you get your podcasts.
We talked to Hochul about her future in politics, high energy bills, immigration policy and more. Listen here or wherever you get your podcasts.
Hochul announced her new running mate Wednesday — then Democrats in Brooklyn rescinded their endorsement of her reelection bid.
Brooklyn Dems pull Hochul endorsement over her new running mate
And an immigration omnibus bill has been introduced ... by a Republican.
bit.ly
February 4, 2026 at 9:49 PM
Hochul announced her new running mate Wednesday — then Democrats in Brooklyn rescinded their endorsement of her reelection bid.
ICYMI: The transportation budget hearing is usually a snoozefest, but a lawmaker shouting at another to “shut up” woke everyone up Tuesday.
Plus: There's a budget hearing today focused Hochul’s proposals on mental health and addiction services.
Plus: There's a budget hearing today focused Hochul’s proposals on mental health and addiction services.
'Shut up!' from one lawmaker to another disrupts budget hearing
And Hochul has chosen a running mate, she said Tuesday.
bit.ly
February 4, 2026 at 1:11 PM
ICYMI: The transportation budget hearing is usually a snoozefest, but a lawmaker shouting at another to “shut up” woke everyone up Tuesday.
Plus: There's a budget hearing today focused Hochul’s proposals on mental health and addiction services.
Plus: There's a budget hearing today focused Hochul’s proposals on mental health and addiction services.
Gov. Kathy Hochul joined us for a sit-down interview at the Hearst Media Center Monday. Here are five takeaways.
We sat down with Gov. Kathy Hochul. Here are 5 takeaways
And Bruce Blakeman makes his case to conservatives.
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February 2, 2026 at 11:34 PM
Gov. Kathy Hochul joined us for a sit-down interview at the Hearst Media Center Monday. Here are five takeaways.
New York has finalized key regulations spurred during the coronavirus pandemic to crack down on price gouging during emergencies, five years later.
New York's pandemic price gouging rules are finally here
And NYSED will soon publish a report on Hochul's universal pre-K plan.
bit.ly
January 30, 2026 at 2:43 PM
New York has finalized key regulations spurred during the coronavirus pandemic to crack down on price gouging during emergencies, five years later.
ICYMI: There's much more to CapCon than the lead stories.
Democrats are rallying for new immigration protections after Alex Pretti's killing in Minnesota. Plus, tomorrow's budget hearing on education has a point of interest you should know about.
Democrats are rallying for new immigration protections after Alex Pretti's killing in Minnesota. Plus, tomorrow's budget hearing on education has a point of interest you should know about.
New York's climate mandates face uncertain future
And the state's utility regulator has an eye on New Jersey's recent actions to benefit ratepayers.
bit.ly
January 29, 2026 at 1:30 PM
ICYMI: There's much more to CapCon than the lead stories.
Democrats are rallying for new immigration protections after Alex Pretti's killing in Minnesota. Plus, tomorrow's budget hearing on education has a point of interest you should know about.
Democrats are rallying for new immigration protections after Alex Pretti's killing in Minnesota. Plus, tomorrow's budget hearing on education has a point of interest you should know about.
New York’s renewable energy mandates face an uncertain future amid multiple avenues that could lead to their suspension.
Plus: The state utility regulator is considering if the state could replicate actions recently taken in New Jersey to benefit ratepayers.
Plus: The state utility regulator is considering if the state could replicate actions recently taken in New Jersey to benefit ratepayers.
New York's climate mandates face uncertain future
And the state's utility regulator has an eye on New Jersey's recent actions to benefit ratepayers.
bit.ly
January 28, 2026 at 10:45 PM
New York’s renewable energy mandates face an uncertain future amid multiple avenues that could lead to their suspension.
Plus: The state utility regulator is considering if the state could replicate actions recently taken in New Jersey to benefit ratepayers.
Plus: The state utility regulator is considering if the state could replicate actions recently taken in New Jersey to benefit ratepayers.
ICYMI: There's much more to CapCon than the lead story.
Farmers in New York are worried that workforce gaps will grow wider while immigration raids carried out by the Trump admin continue, the state agriculture commissioner said Tuesday.
Farmers in New York are worried that workforce gaps will grow wider while immigration raids carried out by the Trump admin continue, the state agriculture commissioner said Tuesday.
New York projected to lose 2 seats in Congress, new data shows
And fears remain high for New York's farmers, the state's agriculture commissioner said.
bit.ly
January 28, 2026 at 1:18 PM
ICYMI: There's much more to CapCon than the lead story.
Farmers in New York are worried that workforce gaps will grow wider while immigration raids carried out by the Trump admin continue, the state agriculture commissioner said Tuesday.
Farmers in New York are worried that workforce gaps will grow wider while immigration raids carried out by the Trump admin continue, the state agriculture commissioner said Tuesday.
New York’s population held stable but that’s not necessarily good news, U.S. Census Bureau data shows. The state could lose two seats in Congress.
New York projected to lose 2 seats in Congress, new data shows
And fears remain high for New York's farmers, the state's agriculture commissioner said.
bit.ly
January 27, 2026 at 11:33 PM
New York’s population held stable but that’s not necessarily good news, U.S. Census Bureau data shows. The state could lose two seats in Congress.
The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority’s new operating plan is focused on affordability.
Plus: Here's what's happening at the state Capitol tomorrow:
Plus: Here's what's happening at the state Capitol tomorrow:
Could carbon cap reduce New York energy bills?
And here's what's happening at the state Capitol this week.
bit.ly
January 26, 2026 at 8:07 PM
The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority’s new operating plan is focused on affordability.
Plus: Here's what's happening at the state Capitol tomorrow:
Plus: Here's what's happening at the state Capitol tomorrow:
ICYMI: There’s a conflict brewing between Gov. Kathy Hochul and the state Legislature on New York’s energy transition but part of it could become moot based on what happens this week.
New York's all-electric buildings law faces its next test this week
And who's on the ballot in four special elections for the state Legislature — and who's favored to win them.
bit.ly
January 26, 2026 at 2:24 PM
ICYMI: There’s a conflict brewing between Gov. Kathy Hochul and the state Legislature on New York’s energy transition but part of it could become moot based on what happens this week.
There’s a conflict brewing between Gov. Kathy Hochul and the state Legislature on New York’s energy transition but part of it could become moot based on what happens next week.
New York's all-electric buildings law faces its next test next week
And who's on the ballot in four special elections for the state Legislature — and who's favored to win them.
bit.ly
January 23, 2026 at 6:56 PM
There’s a conflict brewing between Gov. Kathy Hochul and the state Legislature on New York’s energy transition but part of it could become moot based on what happens next week.
We spoke with a few folks who are intimately familiar with how new districts are drawn to get a better sense of what could happen behind the scenes.
Redistricting is back in New York. Here's what's next.
And lawmakers clashed with Gov. Kathy Hochul's administration Thursday over new Con Ed rates.
bit.ly
January 22, 2026 at 9:45 PM
We spoke with a few folks who are intimately familiar with how new districts are drawn to get a better sense of what could happen behind the scenes.
Meet Drew Warshaw, who most recently helped lead a national housing nonprofit, and is challenging Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli.
Warshaw wants to use the state's pension fund for public workers for new priorities and change how the money that goes into it is invested.
Warshaw wants to use the state's pension fund for public workers for new priorities and change how the money that goes into it is invested.
State comptroller’s race: Drew Warshaw
At least three Democrats are challenging the incumbent state comptroller this year.
bit.ly
January 22, 2026 at 3:36 PM
Meet Drew Warshaw, who most recently helped lead a national housing nonprofit, and is challenging Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli.
Warshaw wants to use the state's pension fund for public workers for new priorities and change how the money that goes into it is invested.
Warshaw wants to use the state's pension fund for public workers for new priorities and change how the money that goes into it is invested.
There’s a lot in Gov. Kathy Hochul’s five Article VII state budget bills, which were released yesterday afternoon.
We went through all five of them, line-by-line, and pulled more than 20 proposals across them that have been overlooked.
We went through all five of them, line-by-line, and pulled more than 20 proposals across them that have been overlooked.
What you missed in Hochul's budget, line-by-line
Here are more than 20 proposals that have been overlooked.
bit.ly
January 21, 2026 at 10:22 PM
There’s a lot in Gov. Kathy Hochul’s five Article VII state budget bills, which were released yesterday afternoon.
We went through all five of them, line-by-line, and pulled more than 20 proposals across them that have been overlooked.
We went through all five of them, line-by-line, and pulled more than 20 proposals across them that have been overlooked.
On Feb. 2, CapCon's Dan Clark will interview Gov. Kathy Hochul in a post–State of the State and Executive Budget check-in.
You can register here.
You can register here.
Live Event Invitation: Gov. Hochul's Executive Budget is here- find out what it means for your stakeholders.
Join Capitol Confidential for an in-person conversation with Gov. Kathy Hochul, led by Dan Clark.
bit.ly
January 21, 2026 at 4:32 PM
On Feb. 2, CapCon's Dan Clark will interview Gov. Kathy Hochul in a post–State of the State and Executive Budget check-in.
You can register here.
You can register here.
You probably already know by now that Hochul unveiled a $260 billion state budget proposal yesterday.
We spoke to legislative leaders from the Senate and Assembly. Plus, we've got the schedule for the state budget hearings for the next month.
We spoke to legislative leaders from the Senate and Assembly. Plus, we've got the schedule for the state budget hearings for the next month.
Here's what's in Hochul's $260 billion state budget proposal
And what top lawmakers had to say about it.
bit.ly
January 21, 2026 at 2:12 PM
You probably already know by now that Hochul unveiled a $260 billion state budget proposal yesterday.
We spoke to legislative leaders from the Senate and Assembly. Plus, we've got the schedule for the state budget hearings for the next month.
We spoke to legislative leaders from the Senate and Assembly. Plus, we've got the schedule for the state budget hearings for the next month.
Gov. Kathy Hochul is now unveiling her executive budget proposal in a live address attended by top state lawmakers and members of her cabinet.
READ: Hochul's 2026 state budget book and toplines
Here's the full book on Hochul's $260 billion proposed state budget.
bit.ly
January 20, 2026 at 6:12 PM
Gov. Kathy Hochul is now unveiling her executive budget proposal in a live address attended by top state lawmakers and members of her cabinet.
Happy executive budget day to all who celebrate!
Gov. Kathy Hochul will release her executive state budget proposal today. We've got six things to look for.
Gov. Kathy Hochul will release her executive state budget proposal today. We've got six things to look for.
6 things in Hochul's state budget proposal to watch for
And how much statewide candidates raised in the latest filing period.
bit.ly
January 20, 2026 at 1:24 PM
Happy executive budget day to all who celebrate!
Gov. Kathy Hochul will release her executive state budget proposal today. We've got six things to look for.
Gov. Kathy Hochul will release her executive state budget proposal today. We've got six things to look for.
Lawmakers in New York have their sights set on new regulations on the development and use of AI tools.
Plus: A new bill from a Nassau County Democrat in the state Legislature would allow New York to create new counties.
Plus: A new bill from a Nassau County Democrat in the state Legislature would allow New York to create new counties.
New York lawmakers plot more AI regulations after RAISE Act
And could New York create new counties? A new bill would make it possible.
bit.ly
January 16, 2026 at 1:05 PM
Lawmakers in New York have their sights set on new regulations on the development and use of AI tools.
Plus: A new bill from a Nassau County Democrat in the state Legislature would allow New York to create new counties.
Plus: A new bill from a Nassau County Democrat in the state Legislature would allow New York to create new counties.
Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman told reporters at the state Capitol Wednesday that Hochul’s State of the State “was devoid of any solutions to any problems that everyday New Yorkers have.”
Bruce Blakeman visits the state Capitol to rebut Hochul's 2026 agenda
And environmentalists have a new top priority for this year's legislative session.
bit.ly
January 15, 2026 at 2:14 PM
Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman told reporters at the state Capitol Wednesday that Hochul’s State of the State “was devoid of any solutions to any problems that everyday New Yorkers have.”
Gov. Kathy Hochul released her 2026 State of the State agenda Tuesday. We've got a long list of what's in it, including items we didn't know about.
What's in Hochul's 2026 State of the State agenda
We went through the 161-page book to save you time.
bit.ly
January 13, 2026 at 7:19 PM
Gov. Kathy Hochul released her 2026 State of the State agenda Tuesday. We've got a long list of what's in it, including items we didn't know about.