Capitol Confidential
@www.capitolconfidential.com
An exclusive inside look at the latest in New York government and politics.
New York is exploring different ways artificial intelligence could be used in its state court system, per the judiciary’s $3.2 billion budget request.
And the state Commission on Ethics and Lobbying in Government has set its legislative agenda for 2026. Here’s what’s in it.
And the state Commission on Ethics and Lobbying in Government has set its legislative agenda for 2026. Here’s what’s in it.
New York courts explore how AI fits into the justice system
And New York's ethics agency has set its legislative agenda for 2026.
bit.ly
December 23, 2025 at 8:53 PM
New York is exploring different ways artificial intelligence could be used in its state court system, per the judiciary’s $3.2 billion budget request.
And the state Commission on Ethics and Lobbying in Government has set its legislative agenda for 2026. Here’s what’s in it.
And the state Commission on Ethics and Lobbying in Government has set its legislative agenda for 2026. Here’s what’s in it.
ICYMI: There's much more to CapCon than the lead story.
We've got more on the last bill Hochul has left to decide and the crowded field of Democrats seeking to succeed Rep. Jerry Nadler in Congress has narrowed.
We've got more on the last bill Hochul has left to decide and the crowded field of Democrats seeking to succeed Rep. Jerry Nadler in Congress has narrowed.
Hochul blindsided by White House halting of offshore wind projects
And we have a new candidate for state Senate in Manhattan.
bit.ly
December 23, 2025 at 1:02 PM
ICYMI: There's much more to CapCon than the lead story.
We've got more on the last bill Hochul has left to decide and the crowded field of Democrats seeking to succeed Rep. Jerry Nadler in Congress has narrowed.
We've got more on the last bill Hochul has left to decide and the crowded field of Democrats seeking to succeed Rep. Jerry Nadler in Congress has narrowed.
Gov. Kathy Hochul said she was blindsided by the Trump’s decision to halt offshore wind projects after they spoke this weekend.
Hochul blindsided by White House halting of offshore wind projects
And we have a new candidate for state Senate in Manhattan.
bit.ly
December 22, 2025 at 9:23 PM
Gov. Kathy Hochul said she was blindsided by the Trump’s decision to halt offshore wind projects after they spoke this weekend.
A decidedly slow news day today.
Stefanik has suspended her campaign for New York governor. Plus, Hochul signed a package of prison oversight bills and a repeal of the “100-ft. rule,” ending what the bill’s supporters view as a subsidy for natural gas hookups.
Much more in today's CapCon.
Stefanik has suspended her campaign for New York governor. Plus, Hochul signed a package of prison oversight bills and a repeal of the “100-ft. rule,” ending what the bill’s supporters view as a subsidy for natural gas hookups.
Much more in today's CapCon.
Stefanik suspends campaign for governor, won't run for reelection
And Hochul has signed signed the 100-ft. rule repeal and prisons oversight bills.
bit.ly
December 19, 2025 at 9:46 PM
A decidedly slow news day today.
Stefanik has suspended her campaign for New York governor. Plus, Hochul signed a package of prison oversight bills and a repeal of the “100-ft. rule,” ending what the bill’s supporters view as a subsidy for natural gas hookups.
Much more in today's CapCon.
Stefanik has suspended her campaign for New York governor. Plus, Hochul signed a package of prison oversight bills and a repeal of the “100-ft. rule,” ending what the bill’s supporters view as a subsidy for natural gas hookups.
Much more in today's CapCon.
Elise Stefanik is suspending her gubernatorial campaign, and won’t seek reelection to a sixth term in Congress.
Churchill: Stefanik says she won't run for governor — or Congress
“In a traditionally blue state like New York, you sort of have to have all the stars aligned politically,” Rep. Elise Stefanik said, citing a primary challenge and other concerns.
bit.ly
December 19, 2025 at 9:06 PM
Elise Stefanik is suspending her gubernatorial campaign, and won’t seek reelection to a sixth term in Congress.
Democrats want the New York Power Authority to build 15 gigawatts of renewable energy.
Lawmakers and advocates disappointed by Power Authority's renewable plan
Democrats want the New York Power Authority to build 15 gigawatts of renewable energy.
bit.ly
December 19, 2025 at 3:30 PM
Democrats want the New York Power Authority to build 15 gigawatts of renewable energy.
Gov. Kathy Hochul again made the New York Coalition for Open Government 'naughty list' after vetoing a bill to tighten FOIL response deadlines.
Hochul makes ‘naughty list’ for third Christmas in a row, watchdog group says
Gov. Kathy Hochul again made the New York Coalition for Open Government 'naughty list' after vetoing a bill to tighten FOIL response deadlines.
bit.ly
December 19, 2025 at 2:30 PM
Gov. Kathy Hochul again made the New York Coalition for Open Government 'naughty list' after vetoing a bill to tighten FOIL response deadlines.
There's much more to CapCon than the lead story. For example, the state Senate doesn’t publish how members vote on nominees from the governor. Yesterday we explored whether that could change.
When Hochul says she'll announce her 2026 running mate
And Bruce Blakeman hits the airwaves ... in Florida?
bit.ly
December 19, 2025 at 1:28 PM
There's much more to CapCon than the lead story. For example, the state Senate doesn’t publish how members vote on nominees from the governor. Yesterday we explored whether that could change.
We won’t have to wait long for Gov. Kathy Hochul to announce her 2026 running mate. In other election-related news, Bruce Blakeman placed his TV ad buy in New York … and Florida?
Much more in today’s CapCon.
Much more in today’s CapCon.
When Hochul says she'll announce her 2026 running mate
And Bruce Blakeman hits the airwaves ... in Florida?
bit.ly
December 18, 2025 at 9:00 PM
We won’t have to wait long for Gov. Kathy Hochul to announce her 2026 running mate. In other election-related news, Bruce Blakeman placed his TV ad buy in New York … and Florida?
Much more in today’s CapCon.
Much more in today’s CapCon.
ICYMI: When Hochul discussed her rationale for supporting the medical aid in dying bill, it was the first time she had publicly stated a definitive position on the bill.
Hochul wrote that she contemplated her decision on the bill while she was at the Catholic funeral Mass of a family friend.
Hochul wrote that she contemplated her decision on the bill while she was at the Catholic funeral Mass of a family friend.
Hochul says aid in dying was 'one of the toughest decisions' she's made
And New York's drinking water council decided against recommending stricter PFAS limits this week.
bit.ly
December 18, 2025 at 1:01 PM
ICYMI: When Hochul discussed her rationale for supporting the medical aid in dying bill, it was the first time she had publicly stated a definitive position on the bill.
Hochul wrote that she contemplated her decision on the bill while she was at the Catholic funeral Mass of a family friend.
Hochul wrote that she contemplated her decision on the bill while she was at the Catholic funeral Mass of a family friend.
Both supporters and opponents of the Medical Aid in Dying Act say there’s more work to do after Gov. Kathy Hochul agreed to sign it Wednesday.
Much more in today's CapCon.
Much more in today's CapCon.
Hochul says aid in dying was 'one of the toughest decisions' she's made
And New York's drinking water council decided against recommending stricter PFAS limits this week.
bit.ly
December 17, 2025 at 10:16 PM
Both supporters and opponents of the Medical Aid in Dying Act say there’s more work to do after Gov. Kathy Hochul agreed to sign it Wednesday.
Much more in today's CapCon.
Much more in today's CapCon.
In a guest column published in the Times Union, Gov. Kathy Hochul says she supports medical aid in dying but wants to see some changes. Bill sponsors and legislative leaders have agreed to include them in the bill that she will sign when lawmakers approve the amended language.
Gov. Hochul: Why I’m supporting medical aid in dying
Terminally ill New Yorkers deserve the right to make their own end-of-life decisions, with appropriate protections in place.
bit.ly
December 17, 2025 at 1:45 PM
In a guest column published in the Times Union, Gov. Kathy Hochul says she supports medical aid in dying but wants to see some changes. Bill sponsors and legislative leaders have agreed to include them in the bill that she will sign when lawmakers approve the amended language.
There's much more to CapCon than the lede story.
We've got details on a new Siena poll that shared some good news on Gov. Kathy Hochul's reelection bid. But spoiler alert: It's bad news for her on how voters want to fund her policy priorities.
We've got details on a new Siena poll that shared some good news on Gov. Kathy Hochul's reelection bid. But spoiler alert: It's bad news for her on how voters want to fund her policy priorities.
The big catch in New York's new energy plan
And Foundation Aid formula changes are being sought by state education officials.
bit.ly
December 17, 2025 at 1:10 PM
There's much more to CapCon than the lede story.
We've got details on a new Siena poll that shared some good news on Gov. Kathy Hochul's reelection bid. But spoiler alert: It's bad news for her on how voters want to fund her policy priorities.
We've got details on a new Siena poll that shared some good news on Gov. Kathy Hochul's reelection bid. But spoiler alert: It's bad news for her on how voters want to fund her policy priorities.
The state Energy Planning Board finally approved New York’s 15-year plan on power generation and distribution Tuesday.
And we've got the details.
And we've got the details.
The big catch in New York's new energy plan
And Foundation Aid formula changes are being sought by state education officials.
bit.ly
December 16, 2025 at 10:06 PM
The state Energy Planning Board finally approved New York’s 15-year plan on power generation and distribution Tuesday.
And we've got the details.
And we've got the details.
ICYMI: Join us at the Hearst Media Center in Albany, New York, to celebrate the launch of Capitol Confidential Pro.
We'll be chatting with Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins.
We'll be chatting with Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins.
RSVP Required: CapCon Pro Launch Party & Live Interview with Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins
Join us at the Hearst Media Center in Albany, New York, to celebrate the launch of Capitol Confidential Pro
bit.ly
December 16, 2025 at 4:27 PM
ICYMI: Join us at the Hearst Media Center in Albany, New York, to celebrate the launch of Capitol Confidential Pro.
We'll be chatting with Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins.
We'll be chatting with Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins.
Gov. Kathy Hochul signed 23 bills and vetoed 14 bills on Friday. We've got the details here:
Hochul vetoes 14 bills and signs 23, including controversial voter list bill
And Attorney General Letitia James is suing UPS.
bit.ly
December 15, 2025 at 8:14 PM
Gov. Kathy Hochul signed 23 bills and vetoed 14 bills on Friday. We've got the details here:
We're focused on the Sen. Robert Jackson-sponsored bill for custom fabricators in public projects, which has become the latest flashpoint in discussions about affordable housing in New York.
Plus, two Republicans have entered state Senate races in upstate New York.
Plus, two Republicans have entered state Senate races in upstate New York.
Will the prevailing wage bill hurt affordable housing?
And two Republicans announced state Senate campaigns
bit.ly
December 11, 2025 at 8:34 PM
We're focused on the Sen. Robert Jackson-sponsored bill for custom fabricators in public projects, which has become the latest flashpoint in discussions about affordable housing in New York.
Plus, two Republicans have entered state Senate races in upstate New York.
Plus, two Republicans have entered state Senate races in upstate New York.
ICYMI: Lt. Gov. Antonio Delgado was at the state Capitol and The Public Campaign Finance Board and Board of Elections have voted to allow campaign funds to be used for security.
Antonio Delgado returns to the state Capitol
And Hochul called up another two bills Tuesday night.
bit.ly
December 11, 2025 at 1:07 PM
ICYMI: Lt. Gov. Antonio Delgado was at the state Capitol and The Public Campaign Finance Board and Board of Elections have voted to allow campaign funds to be used for security.
It’s rare that an advocacy group holds a rally at the state Capitol when the state Legislature isn’t in session.
But it’s even rarer that Lt. Gov. Antonio Delgado makes an appearance in the building, as he did Wednesday.
But it’s even rarer that Lt. Gov. Antonio Delgado makes an appearance in the building, as he did Wednesday.
Antonio Delgado returns to the state Capitol
And Hochul called up another two bills Tuesday night.
bit.ly
December 10, 2025 at 10:15 PM
It’s rare that an advocacy group holds a rally at the state Capitol when the state Legislature isn’t in session.
But it’s even rarer that Lt. Gov. Antonio Delgado makes an appearance in the building, as he did Wednesday.
But it’s even rarer that Lt. Gov. Antonio Delgado makes an appearance in the building, as he did Wednesday.
ICYMI: We've got the details on the 155 bills Hochul's called up yesterday. Spoiler alert: She's not called up four controversial/high-profile bills.
Also, the Assembly Ethics Committee is meeting in Albany next week. The committee is allowed to investigation complaints made against members.
Also, the Assembly Ethics Committee is meeting in Albany next week. The committee is allowed to investigation complaints made against members.
Hochul calls up 155 more bills, including 100-ft. rule and prisons overhaul
Only four more bills remain after this, including the RAISE Act.
bit.ly
December 10, 2025 at 1:34 PM
ICYMI: We've got the details on the 155 bills Hochul's called up yesterday. Spoiler alert: She's not called up four controversial/high-profile bills.
Also, the Assembly Ethics Committee is meeting in Albany next week. The committee is allowed to investigation complaints made against members.
Also, the Assembly Ethics Committee is meeting in Albany next week. The committee is allowed to investigation complaints made against members.
Only four more bills remain after this, including the RAISE Act.
Hochul calls up 155 more bills, including 100-ft. rule and prisons overhaul
Only four more bills remain after this, including the RAISE Act.
bit.ly
December 9, 2025 at 9:02 PM
Only four more bills remain after this, including the RAISE Act.
Sticker Mule CEO Anthony Constantino hasn’t always had kind words for Charlie Kirk, who he accused of trying to “grift off” people influential in government and politics.
Constantino says Charlie Kirk inspired new album but wasn't always a fan
He hasn’t always had kind words for Kirk, who he accused of trying to “grift off” people influential in government and politics.
bit.ly
December 9, 2025 at 7:19 PM
Sticker Mule CEO Anthony Constantino hasn’t always had kind words for Charlie Kirk, who he accused of trying to “grift off” people influential in government and politics.
A third high-ranking member of the State Police is abruptly leaving the agency amid an expanding investigation into the misuse of PGA credentials by members of the agency who attended the Ryder Cup.
3rd NY State Police official seeks retirement amid Ryder Cup probe
A third high-ranking member of the State Police is abruptly leaving the agency amid an expanding investigation into the misuse of PGA credentials by members of the agency who attended the Ryder Cup.
bit.ly
December 9, 2025 at 4:30 PM
A third high-ranking member of the State Police is abruptly leaving the agency amid an expanding investigation into the misuse of PGA credentials by members of the agency who attended the Ryder Cup.
Blakeman's entrance to the race for governor is set to divide Republicans across New York.
Blakeman is running for New York governor, will primary Stefanik
His entrance to the race is set to divide Republicans across New York.
bit.ly
December 9, 2025 at 3:30 PM
Blakeman's entrance to the race for governor is set to divide Republicans across New York.
Among the dozens of bills Gov. Kathy Hochul will consider before the end of the year is one that would allow debt incurred by victims of domestic violence at the hands of their abuser to be removed.
Domestic violence victims often coerced into debt. New York may create way out
“This is a way for victims to dispute the debts," said state Assemblywoman Linda B. Rosenthal.
bit.ly
December 9, 2025 at 2:50 PM
Among the dozens of bills Gov. Kathy Hochul will consider before the end of the year is one that would allow debt incurred by victims of domestic violence at the hands of their abuser to be removed.