Albany/NYS

January 2024

Gov. Kathy Hochul and the Democrats, with super-majorities in both chambers of the Legislature,  are chugging ahead with their visions for New York. That doesn't mean the Gov's got it easy - she's been at odds with her party in the past, especially when she's seen as less progressive than they are, and that's apt to continue this year. 

At the same time, she's equally angered the GOP opposition, particularly on crime, taxes, and spending, the standard complaints. And, of course, we still have the upstate-downstate divide, which makes things fun.

• Upstaters, more red than blue, increasingly feel alienated from what's happening in Albany, and by a strong sense that New York City is calling all the shots. 

• Moderates, too - like me - are also frustrated by the surge of "progress" and what that's doing for the rest of us, and the state's bottom line. We're also frustrated with the apparent lack of attention - or lack of interest - on the part of Republicans to fight back.

I hope to expand the discussion of what's going on in New York this year, through the Meanwhile Back in Albany (MBIA) theme, and through Quick Takes - shorter, focused posts on single issues or ideas.  It's time to focus on what matters here, in the Empire State. 

Posts from previous years can be found using keywords Andrew Cuomo, Albany, and Ethics, among others.