[MUSIC] >> ON THIS WEEK'S EDITION OF NEW YORK NOW.

IT'S THE START OF A NEW YEAR AND A NEW LEGISLATIVE SESSION.

THIS WEEK OUR PANEL CONSIDERS WHAT'S AHEAD AS STATE LAWMAKERS RETURN TO ALBANY AND GOVERNOR KATHY HOCHUL SHARES HER VISION FOR HER FIRST FULL TERM.

I'M DAVID LOMBARDO AND THIS IS NEW YORK NOW.

[MUSIC] WELCOME TO THIS WEEK'S EDITION OF NEW YORK NOW.

I'M DAVID LOMBARDO, HOST OF WCNY'S THE CAPITOL PRESSROOM, IN FOR THE INDOMITABLE DAN CLARK.

THIS WEEK SAW THE START OF A NEW LEGISLATIVE SESSION, AS STATE LAWMAKERS RETURNED TO ALBANY FOR THE FIRST TIME SINCE THEIR LAMEDUCK SESSION LAST MONTH.

THE STATE LEGISLATURE IS SCHEDULED TO BE IN SESSION THROUGH JUNE, AND THERE'S A LOT ON THE TABLE TO TACKLE BETWEEN NOW AND THEN, INCLUDING PUBLIC SAFETY CONCERNS, CREATING MORE AFFORDABLE HOUSING, AND ADOPTING A STATE BUDGET.

BUT THE WEEK KICKED OFF WITH GOVERNOR KATHY HOCHUL DELIVERING HER INAUGURAL ADDRESS FROM ALBANY, AS SHE EMBARKS ON HER FIRST, FULL TERM AS CHIEF EXECUTIVE OF THE EMPIRE STATE.

>>THIS SIGN SAYS I DIDN'T COME HERE TO MAKE HISTORY.

I CAME HERE TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE AND PURSUE THE WORTHY CAUSES, PURSUE THEM TOGETHER.

AND AS YOUR GOVERNOR, I'LL KEEP FIGHTING FOR YOU EVERY SINGLE DAY.

>> IN THE SPEECH, SHE ALSO GAVE SOME HINTS OF HER PLANS FOR 2023.

>> FIRST WE MUST AND WILL MAKE OUR STATE SAFER, THIS MEANS NEW YORKERS CAN WALK OUR STREETS, RIDE OUR SUBWAYS, OUR KIDS CAN GO TO SCHOOL, FREE FROM FEAR.

SECONDLY, WE HAVE TO MAKE OUR STATE MORE AFFORDABLE.

YES.

PEOPLE WANT TO BE HERE, BUT THE THOUGHT OF NOT BEING ABLE TO HAVE YOUR GRANDKIDS GROW UP IN THE SAME COMMUNITY YOU WERE RAISED IN BECAUSE THEY CAN'T AFFORD IT IS VERY SAD.

AND LASTLY, WE MUST CREATE OPPORTUNITIES FOR THE PEOPLE TODAY, BUT ALSO INVEST IN A TOMORROW, SO OUR YOUNG PEOPLE LIKE OUR POET CADEN CAN HAVE A BETTER LIFE.

>> AND THAT ALL STARTS THE CLOCK ON THE NEXT SIX MONTHS FOR PLANET ALBANY.

LET'S GET INTO IT WITH THIS WEEK'S PANEL.

JON CAMPBELL, CAPITOL REPORTER FOR WNYC, AND GOTHAMIST, AND MARIE FRENCH, ENERGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL REPORTER AT THE CAPITOL FOR POLITICO NEW YORK.

I WANT TO BEGIN OUR DISCUSSION WITH THE FIRST PRIORITY THAT GOVERNOR KATHY HOCHUL IDENTIFIED IN HER INAUGURAL ADDRESS, WHICH IS TO, QUOTE/UNQUOTE, MAKE OUR STATE SAFER.

JON, BASED ON LAST YEAR'S SESSION AND THE RECENT ELECTION SEASON, IS THAT A SURPRISE TO HEAR HER WANT TO FOCUS ON THIS?

AND WHAT COULD THAT PRIORITY END UP LOOKING LIKE DURING THE LEGISLATIVE SESSION?

>> I WOULDN'T NECESSARILY SAY IT'S A SURPRISE.

IT'S A TOPIC THAT DOMINATED THE CAMPAIGN SEASON.

BUT IT DOMINATED THE CAMPAIGN SEASON BECAUSE LEE ZELDIN, HER OPPONENT, MADE IT DOMINATE THE CAMPAIGN SEASON.

YOU CAN DEFINITELY SEE FROM PUBLIC POLLING THAT PUBLIC SAFETY IS A CONCERN OF NEW YORKERS, AND THERE ARE AREAS OF THE STATE WHERE VIOLENT CRIME HAS GONE UP.

AND A LOT OF PEOPLE ASSOCIATE THAT WITH BAIL LAWS, BAIL REFORM, BUT OTHERS HAVE DIFFERENT DEFINITIONS.

SO WE WANT TO KNOW WHAT KATHY HOCHUL IS GOING TO BE PROPOSING ON THE ISSUE OF CRIME AND PUBLIC SAFETY.

WE KNOW THAT RECENTLY DURING A SPECIAL SESSION SHE MADE SOME OVERTURES TO THE LEGISLATURE ABOUT PERHAPS MAKING FURTHER TWEAKS TO THE STATE'S BAIL LAWS BUT WE DON'T KNOW EXACTLY WHAT THAT WILL LOOK LIKE WE'RE HOPING TO LEARN MORE IN THE STATE OF THE STATE.

>> AND I GUESS IT'S REALLY INTERESTING TO SEE WHAT LEGISLATIVE LEADERS WANT TO MAKE OF WHATEVER HER PROPOSAL IS.

CERTAINLY, I GOT THE SENSE FROM MAJORITY LEADER ANDREA STEWART-COUSINS' REMARKS ON THE FIRST DAY OF SESSION THAT SHE'S WILLING TO SORT OF LOOK AT THE ISSUE OF PUBLIC SAFETY BUT DEFINITELY IN A MORE LIKE LOOK AT THE ROOT CAUSES SORT OF WAY AS DEMOCRATS ARE WONT TO DO.

>> IN 2022, WHEN GOVERNOR KATHY HOCHUL WAS FOCUSING ON PUBLIC SAFETY, THE ISSUE WAS RESTRICTING THE USE OF CASHLESS BAIL OR ENSURING THAT THERE ARE MORE CRIMES THAT MONETARY BAIL CAN BE IMPOSED.

AND SHE HAD TO DRAG THE LEGISLATURE ESSENTIALLY KICKING AND SCREAMING TO ADOPT THOSE TYPES OF MEASURES.

IS THERE ANY INDICATION, MARIE, THAT THE LEGISLATURE IS INTERESTED IN DOING THOSE TYPE OF ROLLBACKS AGAIN THIS YEAR, OR ARE THEY MORE THINKING MORE ABOUT TAKING ON CRIMINAL JUSTICE MEASURES LIKE CLEAN SLATE WHICH IS BASICALLY CLEARING PEOPLE'S CRIMINAL RECORDS OR MAKING PAROLE REFORM, THINGS MORE ON THE FAR LEFT END OF THE POLITICAL SPECTRUM?

>> I CERTAINLY HAVEN'T SEEN AN INDICATION THAT THERE'S A WHOLE LOT OF APPETITE TO TACKLE THE BAIL ISSUE AGAIN.

>> I THINK THERE'S A GENERAL SENSE AMONG THE DEMOCRATIC LEADERSHIP THAT THEY STAND BEHIND THE REASONS FOR BAIL REFORM IN THE FIRST PLACE, WHICH IS YOU DON'T WANT TO CRIMINALIZE POVERTY.

AND IF YOU HAVE TWO PEOPLE CHARGED WITH THE SAME CRIME AND ONE PERSON CAN AFFORD BAIL AND THE OTHER PERSON CAN'T, THAT PERSON GETS OUT, THE FIRST PERSON GETS OUT, THEN THAT'S ESSENTIALLY WHAT YOU'RE DOING.

SO THEY VERY MUCH STAND BEHIND THAT PREMISE.

AND I THINK THE FEAR IS, IF YOU MAKE TWEAKS HERE AND THERE, THAT EVENTUALLY YOU HOLLOW IT DOWN UNTIL IT'S NOTHING.

SO YOU WILL SEE -- THAT WILL BE A BATTLE IF THAT'S THE ROOT THAT KATHY HOCHUL WANTS TO TAKE.

>> JON, WE'RE SPEAKING BEFORE THE GOVERNOR HAS HER OFFICIAL STATE OF THE STATE WHERE SHE SAID SHE WANTS TO LAY OUT MORE OF HER VISION IN CONCRETE TERMS.

BUT IS THERE ANY REASON TO EXPECT THAT SHE'LL TAKE ON PUBLIC SAFETY IN ANY SIGNIFICANT WAY OR IT'S GOING TO BE MORE AROUND THE MARGINS?

BECAUSE I DON'T REALLY SEE HER GOING TO BAT FOR, SAY, CREATING A DANGEROUSNESS STANDARD THAT JUDGES COULD UTILIZE WHEN DETERMINING PRETRIAL SENTENCING, DO YOU?

>> I MEAN, THAT WOULD BE THE BIG LEAP.

AND WE DIDN'T HAVE A DANGEROUSNESS STANDARD EVEN BEFORE BAIL.

BUT THAT IS SOMETHING THAT, SAY, MAYOR ERIC ADAMS FROM NEW YORK CITY IS PUSHING FOR TO GIVE JUDGES MORE DISCRETION TO HOLD SOMEONE IN JAIL BEFORE THEIR TRIAL IF THEY ARE CONSIDERED A DANGER.

NOW, LEGISLATIVE LEADERS WILL SAY THAT INVITES BIAS INTO THE PROCESS.

AND ESPECIALLY BIAS AGAINST BLACK AND BROWN PEOPLE WHO HAVE HISTORICALLY BEEN ON THE WRONG SIDE OF THOSE KIND OF THINGS.

SO IT IS A DIFFICULT NEEDLE TO THREAD.

AND WE'LL START TO HEAR MORE ABOUT IT FROM THE GOVERNOR IN HER STATE OF THE STATE.

BUT ALSO YOU HEAR THE BROAD OVERVIEWS IN THE STATE OF THE STATE.

YOU'VE GOT THE BUDGET ADDRESS A COUPLE WEEKS LATER THAT'S WHERE YOU GET THE NUTS AND BOLTS OFTEN.

>> YOU MENTIONED NEW YORK CITY MAYOR ERIC ADAMS, WE'LL GET TO THE REST OF THE GOVERNOR'S PRIORITIES IN A SECOND, BUT HOW SUCCESSFUL DO YOU THINK MAYOR ERIC ADAMS, WHO IS A VETERAN OF THE STATE SENATE, HOW SUCCESSFUL WILL HE BE AT NAVIGATING THE POLITICS OF ALBANY IN HIS SECOND YEAR IN OFFICE?

BECAUSE I THINK IT'S FAIR TO SAY THAT HE DID NOT GET EVERYTHING HE WANTED IN 2022 FROM STATE LAWMAKERS.

SO IS THERE REASON TO BELIEVE THAT 2023 IS GOING TO BE DIFFERENT FOR HIM?

>> WELL, SO MUCH OF NEW YORK CITY'S AGENDA FLOWS THROUGH ALBANY, AND THAT IS SOMETHING THAT HAS VEXED MAYORS FOR DECADES AND DECADES AND DECADES AND LED TO REALLY BAD RELATIONSHIPS BETWEEN MAYORS AND GOVERNORS OVER THE YEARS.

>> THEY DON'T LIKE COMING UP TO ALBANY.

>> NO.

BUT ERIC ADAMS, IT WAS KIND OF A MIXED BAG IN HIS FIRST YEAR, MAYBE MORE GOING TOWARD THE NEGATIVE END FROM HIS PERSPECTIVE, BUT THERE ARE ALWAYS THINGS THAT THEY'RE GOING TO WANT.

HE DID HIRE DIANE SAVINO, WHO IS A STATE SENATOR WHO JUST LEFT OFFICE TO KIND OF HELP WITH SOME OF THAT AND HELP WITH THE RELATIONSHIP IN ALBANY AS WELL AND AS IN NEW YORK CITY.

AND I'M CURIOUS TO SEE HOW THAT MIGHT ALTER HIS STRATEGY GOING FORWARD BECAUSE LEGISLATIVE LEADERS WEREN'T REALLY HAPPY WITH THE NEGOTIATIONS OR LACK OF COMMUNICATION FROM THE MAYOR'S OFFICE DURING HIS FIRST YEAR IN OFFICE.

>> SO LET'S TURN TO THE SECOND PRIORITY THEN THAT THE GOVERNOR IDENTIFIED IN HER SPEECH, MARIE, WHICH WAS AFFORDABILITY.

IN 2022 THAT MEANT SHE WAS LOOKING TO REPEAL CERTAIN GAS TAXES FOR NEW YORKERS.

SHE WAS PUSHING A MIDDLE CLASS TAX CUT.

IS THERE ANY REASON TO SUSPECT BASED ON THE FISCAL CONDITION THAT WE'RE EXPECTING FOR 2023 THAT THERE'S GOING TO BE A BIG SWING ON THIS ISSUE OF AFFORDABILITY AND MAKING NEW YORK A CHEAPER PLACE TO LIVE OR CHEAPER PLACE TO DO BUSINESS, OR BASED ON YOUR TRACK RECORD AND EXPERIENCE IN ALBANY, DO YOU THINK THIS IS SOMETHING AROUND THE MARGINS AGAIN TRYING TO NICKEL AND DIME WAYS THAT PEOPLE MIGHT BE ABLE TO SAVE MONEY?

>> I THINK THE FOCUS ON THE AFFORDABILITY CONVERSATION I THINK IS GOING TO BE HOUSING, REALLY.

I THINK THAT'S ONE OF THE BIG THINGS THAT PEOPLE ARE TALKING ABOUT AND HOCHUL MADE THAT POINT AS WELL THAT HOUSING IS GOING TO BE A BIG FOCUS FOR HER.

THE COST OF LIVING IS HIGHER.

I DON'T KNOW THAT SHE'S GOING TO WANT TO DO ANOTHER GAS TAX OR ANYTHING LIKE THAT, I THINK WITH PRICES COMING DOWN A LITTLE BIT, THAT CONVERSATION MAYBE CAN BE BE LEFT ALONE.

>> ON HOUSING SHE HAS INDICATED SHE WANTS TO TALK ABOUT THIS.

AGAIN, SHE'S NOT GIVEN US DETAILS, WHICH WE PROBABLY WON'T GET UNTIL A BUDGET ADDRESS, BUT GIVEN THE WAY SHE APPROACHES GOVERNMENT, ARE YOU EXPECTING HER TO TAKE ON HOUSING FROM MORE OF A MARKET-DRIVEN APPROACH AS OPPOSED TO WHAT THE PROGRESSIVES IN THE STATE WOULD LIKE TO SEE, WHICH IS MORE OF A GOVERNMENT REGULATION APPROACH, REALLY SETTING THE TERMS AND STANDARDS FOR WHAT NEW HOUSING IS GOING TO LOOK LIKE AND WHAT SORT OF RULES EXISTING HOUSING OPERATES UNDER?

>> YEAH, I THINK WE'LL KNOW MORE LATER.

BUT I WOULDN'T BE SURPRISED.

THEY HAD THE EXPIRATION OF THAT REAL ESTATE TAX CREDIT, 421A OR WHATEVER IT'S CALLED.

>> FOR THE NERDS.

>> THEY'LL WANT TO DO A MARKET INCENTIVE TO INCREASE HOUSING STOCK, I'M SURE.

BUT YOU'LL DEFINITELY SEE THE PROGRESSIVES PUSHING FOR CONTROLS ON RENT OR AT LEAST LIMITATIONS WHEN PEOPLE CAN BE EVICTED.

>> AND WHAT MARIE IS REFERRING TO THERE IS LEGISLATION THAT'S THE SO-CALLED GOOD CAUSE EVICTION WHICH IS A DE FACTO CAP ON THE GROWTH OF RENT AND CODIFIES THE TYPES OF REASONS THAT SOMEONE CAN ACTUALLY BE EVICTED.

IS THIS THE YEAR THE GOOD CAUSE EVICTION GETS DONE, JON, IT'S SOMETHING THAT DEMOCRATS HAVE BEEN PUSHING SINCE THEY TOOK THE MAJORITY IN BOTH HOUSES AND STATE LEGISLATURE BACK IN 2019 WHEN THEY DID PASS A SERIES OF RENT REFORMS BUT GOOD CAUSE WAS NOT ONE OF THOSE.

IS THERE REASON TO THINK THAT 2023 IS THEIR YEAR?

>> IT IS -- LISTEN, THEY'RE GOING TO PUSH FOR IT BUT THE NEW YORK STATE LOBBY IN NEW YORK STATE IS VERY, VERY POWERFUL.

AND IT REMAINS POWERFUL EVEN AS THAT PROGRESSIVE WING OF THE LEGISLATURE GROWS.

AND THEY DON'T LIKE THAT.

THEY VIEW THAT, GOOD CAUSE EVICTION LEGISLATION, AS AN INFRINGEMENT ON THE FREE MARKET AND THEIR ABILITY TO CHARGE WHAT THEY WANT FOR RENT OR CHARGE WHAT THE MARKET SAYS THEY WANT FOR RENT OR THEY CAN CHARGE FOR RENT.

SO THEY'RE GOING TO PUSH BACK AGAINST THAT.

MARIE MENTIONED THE 421A TAX CREDIT.

THAT IS SOMETHING THEY WANT.

SO NATURALLY EVERYTHING GETS TRADED FOR EVERYTHING IN ALBANY.

SO OBSERVERS ARE KIND OF LOOKING AT BOTH OF THOSE THINGS SAYING MAYBE THIS WILL GET TRADED FOR THAT.

BUT THE PROGRESSIVES HATE THAT TAX CREDIT.

OR THE TAX INCENTIVE PROGRAM.

AND THE REAL ESTATE LOBBY HATES THE GOOD CAUSE EVICTION BILL.

SO I DON'T KNOW IF THAT'S REALLY SOMETHING THAT WOULD HAPPEN.

>> SO ONE OF THE THINGS THAT'S NEW IN THE HOUSING FRONT THIS YEAR IS THAT WE HAVE A NEW HOUSING CHAIR IN THE ASSEMBLY AND THAT'S THE PRODUCT OF TURNOVER IN THE LEGISLATURE, PARTICULARLY IN THE ASSEMBLY WHERE WE SAW A WHOLE HOST OF NEW CHAIRMEN COMING IN TO RUN HOUSING, ENVIRONMENTAL CONSERVATION, ENERGY, HIGHER EDUCATION, HEALTH.

IN PARTICULAR, THOUGH, I'M INTERESTED, MARIE, WE HAVE NEW CHAIRS OF ENVIRONMENTAL CONSERVATION FOR THE ASSEMBLY AND THE SENATE.

IS THAT A MEANINGFUL CHANGE?

IS THAT GOING TO IMPACT THE POLICIES THAT ACTUALLY REACH THE FLOOR IN EITHER HOUSES?

OR DO THE LEGISLATIVE LEADERS ESSENTIALLY PULL ALL THE STRINGS FOR THESE COMMITTEES AND IT DOESN'T REALLY MATTER WHO THE HEAD OF A COMMITTEE IS?

>> I THINK IT DOES OPEN UP A NEW OPPORTUNITY.

YOU'VE GOT FRESH EYES TO LOOK AT DIFFERENT POLICIES.

YOU'VE GOT A NEW RELATIONSHIP TO BE BUILT BETWEEN THE TWO CHAIRS.

WE SAW KAMINSKY AND ENGLEBRIGHT, THE PREVIOUS CHAIRS, KAMINSKY IN THE SENATE AND ENGLEBRIGHT IN THE ASSEMBLY.

THEY WORKED TOGETHER ON SEVERAL ISSUES BUT SOMETIMES THEY COULDN'T COME TO AGREEMENT ON THINGS LIKE EXTENDED PRODUCER RESPONSIBILITY OR THE BOTTLE BILL.

I THINK YOU'LL SEE THE NEW LEADERSHIP IN THOSE COMMITTEES SHOULD OPEN UP SOME OPPORTUNITIES, I THINK, AND OF COURSE IT'S A VERY DIFFERENT YEAR NOW THAT WE HAVE A FINAL CLIMATE PLAN THAT LAYS OUT A LOT OF PRIORITIES THAT THE LEGISLATURE COULD TAKE UP IF IT WANTS.

>> LET'S FOLLOW UP ON THAT.

WE GOT THE FINAL SCOPING PLAN FROM THE CLIMATE ACTION COUNCIL AT THE END OF 2022 THAT'S THE ROADMAP NEW YORK IS SUPPOSED TO FOLLOW FOR REDUCING GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSIONS, IS THERE ANY SIGNIFICANT POLICIES ON THAT FRONT THAT YOU'RE ANTICIPATING LAWMAKERS WILL ACTUALLY WANT TO TAKE UP IN 2023?

BECAUSE SOME OF THEM ARE POLITICALLY CONTROVERSIAL?

>> THERE'S A LOT IN THERE.

I THINK SOME OF THE FIGHTS THAT WE'LL DEFINITELY SEE COME UP WILL BE THE GAS BAN IN BUILDINGS, NEW CONSTRUCTION IN PARTICULAR.

>> AND WE'RE PRETTY CLOSE ON MAKING THAT HAPPEN IN 2022 OR HOW FAR AWAY WERE THEY?

>> IT'S ALBANY.

DISTANCE IS IMAGINARY AS WELL AS TIME.

>> UNTIL IT GETS DONE.

>> THERE'S A HUGE GULF THERE.

>> YEAH, THERE WAS DEFINITELY SUPPORT FROM THE GOVERNOR'S OFFICE IN THE SENATE TO REACH A DEAL ON THAT.

IT FELL THROUGH BECAUSE OF THE ASSEMBLY NOT BEING WILLING TO TAKE IT UP.

BUT I THINK THAT THERE IS GOING TO BE APPETITE TO TACKLE IT.

THE QUESTION OF THE DATES AND LIKE THERE'S POTENTIALLY A REGULATORY WAY THAT COULD DO IT BUT IT SOUNDS LIKE THE BUILDING CODES COUNCIL DOESN'T ACTUALLY WANT TO DO IT.

ADVOCATES ARE SAYING THEN WE NEED ANOTHER LAW TO MAKE SURE THAT WE GET THIS ENSHRINED AND CODIFIED THAT IT ACTUALLY HAPPENS THAT WE STOP BUILDING NEW OFFICE BUILDINGS AND HOUSES AND APARTMENT BUILDINGS THAT ARE RELYING ON NATURAL GAS OR OIL OR PROPANE.

>> AND LISTEN, YOU MENTIONED 2023.

I MEAN, THE CHANCES OF CONTROVERSIAL LEGISLATION COMING UP ARE BETTER IN 2023 THAN THEY WOULD BE IN 2024.

AND THAT'S SIMPLY BECAUSE 2024 IS AN ELECTION YEAR.

SO WE HAVE THESE TWO-YEAR CYCLES IN THE STATE LEGISLATURE.

ONE IS AN ELECTION YEAR.

THE OTHER ONE ISN'T AND YOU'RE MORE LIKELY TO SEE THE CONTROVERSIAL THINGS HAPPEN IN A NONELECTION YEAR THE FURTHEST FROM WHEN THESE LAWMAKERS HAVE TO GO TO THE POLLS.

>> AS WE KNOW VOTERS HAVE NOTORIOUSLY SHORT MEMORIES CAN ONLY REMEMBER THE LAST 12 MONTHS AND NOT THE LAST 24.

MARIE, THOUGH, STICKING WITH THE ENVIRONMENT AND HARD CHOICES, WHAT ABOUT THE LIKELIHOOD OF RAISING REVENUE TO FUND SOME OF THE GREEN INITIATIVES THAT WERE INCLUDED IN THE CLIMATE ACTION COUNCIL.

LIKE JON SAID BECAUSE IT'S 2023 AND NOT 2024 WHEN THEY'RE ALL UP FOR REELECTION AGAIN, IS IT POSSIBLE THAT WE COULD SEE SOME HIGHER TAXES WHETHER IT'S ON CORPORATIONS OR POLLUTERS TO FUND SOME OF THESE GREEN INITIATIVES?

>> THERE'S DEFINITELY A FEW THINGS TO KEEP AN EYE ON NY RENEWS BIG COALITION THAT PUSHED FOR THE STATE'S CLIMATE LAW IS BACKING HIGHER TAXES.

THEY WOULD LIKE TO SEE LIKE A LOT OF PROGRESSIVE GROUPS ARE DOING.

THEY SAID RAISE THE TAXES ON THE WEALTHY AND USE THAT MONEY FOR A RANGE OF THINGS INCLUDING CLIMATE ACTION.

BUT THERE'S ALSO SUPPORT FOR IT'S CALLED CLIMATE SUPER FUND SORT OF LEGISLATION THAT WOULD BASICALLY TAX ALL OF THE FOSSIL FUEL COMPANIES FOR THEIR HISTORIC EMISSIONS IN THE SAME MODEL OF A SUPER FUND LAW THAT PENALIZED POLLUTERS SO THEY COULD CLEAN UP THAT DAMAGE.

AND SO THAT'S AN INTERESTING PROPOSAL THAT HAS BACKING FROM LIZ KRUGER.

SO THAT COULD HAVE LEGS THIS SESSION.

AND THEN THE OTHER THING TO WATCH IS THAT THE CLIMATE ACTION PLAN INCLUDES CAP AND INVESTOR AND CAP AND TRADE WHICH WOULD BE A FEE ON CARBON EMISSIONS ACROSS THE ECONOMY.

AND THERE IS AN UNDERSTANDING AT LEAST FROM THE GOVERNOR'S SIDE THAT THEY COULD TECHNICALLY DO THAT JUST ON THE REGULATORY SIDE WITHOUT REALLY NEEDING THE LEGISLATURE TO HAVE TOTAL BUY-IN, SPENDING THAT MONEY WOULD BE A DIFFERENT STORY.

>> I'M ALREADY HEARING THIS FUTURE REPUBLICAN AND ANTI-CAP AND TRADE MESSAGING.

THEY'RE RAISING THE COST OF ENERGY IN NEW YORK.

IT'S GOING TO COST MORE TO HEAT YOUR HOME, MORE TO FUEL YOUR CAR.

THAT HAS BEEN A WINNING ARGUMENT IN TERMS OF KILLING SOME OF THESE EFFORTS IN THE PAST THOUGH, RIGHT?

>> YES, IT HAS ABSOLUTELY BEEN VERY SUCCESSFUL IN BLOCKING ANY SORT OF CARBON FEE OR CARBON PRICING SCHEME.

>> JON, MORE BROADLY, THERE'S GOING TO BE AN EFFORT TO RAISE TAXES ON WEALTHY NEW YORKERS IN 2023 TO PAY FOR NOT JUST ENVIRONMENTAL PROGRAMS BUT SOCIAL PROGRAMS.

AND IN 2021, PROGRESSIVES AND DEMOCRATIC STATE LAWMAKERS WERE SUCCESSFUL IN PUSHING AN INCOME TAX HIKE ON WEALTHY NEW YORKERS.

IS THERE REASON TO THINK IN 2023 WE'LL HAVE NEW TAXES ON THE WEALTHY, WHETHER IT IS AN INCOME TAX OR OTHER FORMS OF WEALTH TAXES?

>> YOU'RE CERTAINLY GOING TO SEE THE LEFT WING OF THE LEGISLATURE PUSH FOR THAT, PARTICULARLY ON THE WEALTHY.

BUT WE HAVE HEARD FROM GOVERNOR HOCHUL WHO SAID NOW ISN'T THE RIGHT TIME TO RAISE TAXES FROM HER PERSPECTIVE.

AND SHE HAS HUGE, HUGE SWAY OVER THE STATE BUDGET.

AND SHE'LL PUT OUT HER BUDGET PROPOSAL LATER THIS MONTH.

AND SHE'S SUGGESTED ALREADY THAT SHE DOES NOT INTEND TO RAISE TAXES.

NOW, GOVERNORS HAVE SAID THAT BEFORE.

AND THEN YOU SEE, OH, WELL, WE'RE NOT RAISING TAXES, WE'RE RAISING THIS DMV FEE OR THAT FEE OR, WELL, THIS ISN'T REALLY -- THEY CALL IT SOMETHING ELSE.

WE'LL HAVE TO KEEP AN EYE OUT FOR THAT.

BUT AT THIS POINT GOVERNOR HOCHUL, WHO WAS CERTAINLY MORE MODERATE THAN THE PROGRESSIVE WING OF THE LEGISLATURE, SHE SAYS SHE DOESN'T WANT TO RAISE TAXES.

>> WELL, STICKING WITH THAT IDEA OF THE GOVERNOR BEING A MODERATE AND THE LEGISLATURE BEING A LITTLE MORE PROGRESSIVE, WE'RE SEEING THAT FIGHT, THAT CONTRAST PLAY OUT RIGHT NOW OVER HER PICK TO LEAD THE STATE'S COURT OF APPEALS, BE THE CHIEF JUDGE.

SHE NOMINATED HECTOR LASALLE, AND HIS NOMINATION IS IN JEOPARDY AS WE TALK ON FRIDAY MORNING WITH MORE THAN A DOZEN DEMOCRATIC STATE SENATORS COMING OUT AGAINST HIS NOMINATION ARGUING HE'S TOO CONSERVATIVE TO LEAD NEW YORK'S TOP COURT.

HOW DO YOU SEE THIS PLAYING OUT?

BECAUSE FROM MY PERSPECTIVE, IT SEEMS LIKE THERE IS NO CLEAR PATHWAY TO HIM BEING CONFIRMED AND THAT THE GOVERNOR'S EITHER GOING TO HAVE TO WITHDRAW HIS NOMINATION OR WATCH HIM LOSE AT SOME STAGE IN THE PROCESS.

>> WELL, THERE IS A PATHWAY TO HIS NOMINATION, BUT IT REQUIRES REPUBLICAN VOTES AND IT REQUIRES THE DEMOCRATIC LEADERSHIP TO BE OKAY WITH ADVANCING THAT NOMINATION WITH REPUBLICAN VOTES.

>> NOTORIOUSLY BIPARTISAN ALBANY ENVIRONMENT.

>> THAT IS SOMETHING THAT WOULD BE AN UPHILL CLIMB, A HEAVY LIFT, FROM THE GOVERNOR'S PERSPECTIVE.

BUT SHE'S NOT GIVING UP ON THIS.

SHE NOMINATED HECTOR LASALLE TO BE THE CHIEF JUDGE OF THE COURT OF APPEALS WHICH REALLY UNDERSELLS HIS ROLE.

NOT ONLY DOES IT MAKE HIM THE CHIEF JUDGE IN THE TOP COURT IN THE STATE, IT PUTS HIM IN CHARGE OF THE ENTIRE COURT SYSTEM IN NEW YORK, WHICH IS THIS BIG WEB OF STATE AND LOCAL COURTS ALL THROUGHOUT THE STATE.

AND HE IS FACING A LOT OF PRESSURE BECAUSE OF A COUPLE OF DIFFERENT DECISIONS, ONE THAT WENT AGAINST FORMER ATTORNEY GENERAL ERIC SCHNEIDERMAN WHEN HE WAS INVESTIGATING A CRISIS PREGNANCY CENTER, KIND OF A PRO -- >> ANTIABORTION GROUP.

>> EXACTLY.

AND ANOTHER ONE THAT WENT AGAINST LABOR UNION, CWA.

THERE'S A LOT OF DEBATE ABOUT WHAT EXACTLY THOSE DECISIONS DID.

BUT HE'S FACING OPPOSITION FROM LABOR UNIONS.

AND HE'S SEEN OPPOSITION FROM PROGRESSIVES WHO ARE WORRIED THAT HE WILL SWING THAT COURT OF APPEALS TO THIS CONSERVATIVE BLOCK THAT HAS -- MORE CONSERVATIVE.

I SHOULDN'T SAY CONSERVATIVE.

WE'RE TALKING NEW YORK CONSERVATIVE.

>> CONSERVATIVE FOR NEW YORK, YES.

>> AND THAT HAS EXISTED FOR JUDGES THAT HAVE BANDED TOGETHER AND BEEN MORE CONSERVATIVE THAN PROGRESSIVES WOULD LIKE.

SO THERE'S THIS TIPPING POINT ON THE COURT.

HECTOR LASALLE WOULD BE THE CHIEF JUDGE AND COULD TIP THAT BALANCE ONE WAY OR THE OTHER, AND SO FAR PROGRESSIVES IN THE SENATE WHO HAVE TO CONFIRM HIM ARE REALLY, REALLY STICKING TO THEIR GUNS AND PUSHING BACK AGAINST THIS NOMINATION.

>> THIS IS A FIGHT UNLIKE ANY OTHER WE'VE SEEN IN THE LAST FOUR PLUS DECADES BECAUSE THE STATE SENATE TRADITIONALLY SINCE THEY'VE HAD THIS POWER HAS RUBBER STAMPED WHOEVER THEY'VE GOTTEN CHOICE TO NOMINATE.

SO MARIE, WITH THAT BACKDROP, WITH THE IDEA THAT THE STATE SENATE IS READY TO GO TO WAR ESSENTIALLY WITH THE GOVERNOR OVER THIS, IS THAT SOMETHING THAT WILL BE ON THE MINDS OF THE GOVERNOR AS WE HEAD INTO THIS LEGISLATIVE SESSION POTENTIALLY PUTTING THEM AT ODDS, POTENTIALLY RUINING THEIR RELATIONSHIPS OR IN POLITICS LIKE IN SPORTS, IS IT JUST MOVE ON AND YOU JUST LIVE TO FIGHT ANOTHER DAY?

>> I THINK THAT IS REALLY MAYBE A CONCERN AS WE HEAD INTO THE NEW SESSION HOW IS THAT GOING TO AFFECT THE RELATIONSHIP AND IS IT GOING TO MAKE IT HARDER FOR HOCHUL TO GET THINGS DONE THAT SHE WANTS TO GET DONE IF SHE'S REALLY GOING TO STICK TO HER GUNS ON THIS OR ARE THEY GOING TO COME UP WITH SOME COMPROMISE THEY REALLY, THE LEGISLATURE GETS SOMETHING THEY REALLY WANT AND EVERYBODY KIND OF MOVES ON?

>> AND THE LEGISLATURE DID JUST GET SOMETHING THAT THEY REALLY WANTED.

AND THAT WAS A GIANT PAY RAISE, A 29% PAY RAISE, THAT GOVERNOR HOCHUL SIGNED INTO LAW JUST BEFORE THE BALL DROPPED ON NEW YEAR'S.

>> THAT'S HOW I ALWAYS CELEBRATE.

>> THERE WAS SOME THOUGHT THAT MAYBE THE GOVERNOR WAS TRYING TO SAY, HEY, LEGISLATURE, SENATE, YOU APPROVE MY JUDGE PAY AND I'LL APPROVE YOUR LEGISLATIVE PAY SHE ALREADY DID IT SHE DOESN'T HAVE THAT LEVERAGE ANYMORE.

>> WHAT DOES THAT TELL YOU JON ABOUT THE GOVERNOR'S ABILITY TO NAVIGATE ALBANY?

BECAUSE IT SEEMS LIKE SHE GOT OUTPLAYED ON THAT ISSUE AND IS GOING TO GET OUTPLAYED ON THIS JUDICIAL NOMINATION.

SO DO YOU THINK SHE UNDERSTANDS HOW TO WIN, SO TO SPEAK, IN ALBANY?

DO YOU THINK SHE'S GOING TO BE ABLE TO WALK AWAY FROM THIS BUDGET PROCESS OVER THE NEXT THREE MONTHS, WALK AWAY FROM THE LEGISLATIVE SESSION WITH VICTORIES, OR IS STICKING WITH THE SPORTS PARLANCE, IS THE LEGISLATURE GOING TO END UP ON TOP?

ARE THEY GOING TO BE THE ONES WHO ARE SETTING THE AGENDA?

THEY'RE THE ONES FOR FOOTBALL TERMS GO BILLS ADVANCING THE BALL DOWN THE FIELD, HOW DO YOU SEE THAT PLAYING OUT?

>> THE GOVERNOR -- NEW YORK HAS A VERY STRONG EXECUTIVE OFFICE.

SO THE GOVERNOR STILL ENDS UP DRIVING THE AGENDA.

THAT'S WHY WE LISTEN TO THE GOVERNOR'S STATE OF THE STATE.

THAT'S WHY WE LISTEN TO THE BUDGET PROPOSAL AND THE GOVERNOR HAS REALLY BROAD AUTHORITY IN THE BUDGET TO VETO SINGLE ITEMS, THINGS LIKE THAT.

SO THE GOVERNOR STILL HAS A TON OF POWER.

THAT SAID, THERE IS A SYSTEM OF CHECKS AND BALANCES IN PLACE.

AND THE LEGISLATURE IS VERY MUCH FLEXING ITS MUSCLE.

BUT IT'S COMPLICATED, TOO, IN THAT HECTOR LASALLE WOULD BE THE FIRST LATINO TO SERVE AS THE CHIEF JUDGE OF NEW YORK STATE.

AND THAT IS SOMETHING THAT IS VERY, VERY MEANINGFUL TO A LOT OF LATINO LEADERS ACROSS THE STATE.

AND YOU'RE SEEING THEM ORGANIZE ON HIS BEHALF.

SO THERE ARE IDENTITY POLITICS AT PLAY HERE.

THERE ARE PROGRESSIVE CONSERVATIVE POLITICS AT PLAY HERE.

IT IS GOING TO BE REALLY A FASCINATING THING TO WATCH PLAY OUT AS THE SENATE STARTS TO HOLD A HEARING ON HIS NOMINATION, IF THEY DO.

>> WELL, MARIE, FINALLY THE THIRD PRIORITY THAT THE GOVERNOR OUTLINED WAS THIS IDEA OF CREATING ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITIES.

AND IN 2023 WE'RE GOING TO BEGIN TO HOPEFULLY SPEND SOME OF THIS ENVIRONMENTAL BOND MONEY THAT VOTERS APPROVED IN NOVEMBER.

SO WHAT TYPE OF JOB OPPORTUNITIES COULD WE SEE IN 2023 AND BEYOND IN THAT AREA?

>> I THINK 2023 MIGHT BE A LITTLE EARLY TO SEE SOME OF THAT MONEY REALLY GETTING OUT THE DOOR.

THERE ARE A LOT OF PROJECTS THAT ARE SORT OF IN THE QUEUE OF WATER INFRASTRUCTURE AND THINGS ASKING FOR MONEY AND IT WOULD BE GOOD THEY COULD GET SOME OF THAT MONEY OUT OF THE DOOR PRETTY QUICKLY BUT OTHER AREAS IT MIGHT TAKE A LITTLE WHILE TO SET UP SOME OF THE PROGRAMS.

D.C. WILL NEED MORE STAFF TO START ADMINISTERING SOME OF THAT MONEY.

SO I THINK THAT CERTAINLY IS A BIG POOL OF MONEY, AND I THINK IT WILL BE VERY SIGNIFICANT IN TERMS OF JOB CREATION.

BUT, LIKE, WE NEED TO ACTUALLY IMPLEMENT SOME OF IT FIRST.

>> AND SPEAKING OF STAFF, THEY'RE ALSO GOING TO NEED TO STAFF A DEC SOME OF THE CLIMATE ACTION COUNCIL REGULATIONS AS WELL, RIGHT?

>> EXACTLY, YES.

>> SEEMS LIKE WE'RE GOING TO HAVE A FUN SESSION AHEAD FOR 2023, YOU DON'T THINK YOU'LL BE BORED, RIGHT?

>> FUN IS A RELATIVE TERM.

>> I'M HAVING FUN RIGHT NOW.

>> OH, ABSOLUTELY.

>> IT'S A JOY TO BE HERE, DAVE.

>> ABSOLUTELY.

STATE GOVERNMENT AFFECTS EVERYBODY'S LIFE IN NEW YORK.

>> WE'VE BEEN SPEAKING WITH WNYC AND GOTHAMIST JON CAMPBELL AND POLITICO NEW YORK'S MARIE FRENCH.

AND THAT DOES IT FOR THIS WEEK.

DON'T FORGET THAT YOU CAN GET THE LATEST NEWS FROM THE STATE CAPITOL ANYTIME ON OUR WEBSITE.

THAT'S AT NYNOW.ORG, AND IT'S ALWAYS FREE.

UNTIL THEN, THANKS FOR WATCHING THIS WEEK'S NEW YORK NOW.

HAVE A GREAT WEEK AND BE WELL.

>> FUNDING FOR NEW YORK NOW IS PROVIDED BY WNET.

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