From the Lobby with Jack O'Donnell

Joanna Pasceri
  • 5.0 (4)
  • POLITICS

An inside look at politics and government from New York State to Washington, D.C.

  1. Surprise Exits, Budget Pressure, Campaign Struggles

    2D AGO

    Surprise Exits, Budget Pressure, Campaign Struggles

    A lot is happening in New York politics this week, and not all of it was expected. There are surprise exits. Big budget pressure. And cities across the state asking Albany for help… loudly. On this episode of From the Lobby with Jack O’Donnell, we break down what’s really going on and what it could mean next. Jack O’Donnell, Managing Partner of O’Donnell &Associates, joins us from the Lobby to walk through the biggest moves from Albany to D.C. We get into: Why Governor Hochul’s lieutenant governor ended his run for governorA wave of powerful lawmakers deciding not to run again and what that signalsMayors flooding the state capital asking for cash as local budgets get tighterMayor Mamdani’s push to raise taxes on the wealthiest New Yorkers to close a massive budget gapWhat struggling cities like Buffalo need from the state right nowA rocky start to Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman’s run for governorAnd a new voting bill in Washington. Does it have any chance of becoming law?Worth a listen!

    10 min
  2. Meet the Team: VP of Public Affairs Ralph Ortega

    4D AGO

    Meet the Team: VP of Public Affairs Ralph Ortega

    For this week’s Meet the Team episode, we’re welcoming a familiar voice in New York politics, even if you’ve only known him by his byline. Ralph Ortega has spent more than 30 years telling New York’s story from the inside. From breaking news and investigations to shaping the conversation as Editor-in-Chief of City & State New York, Ralph has had a front-row seat to some of the biggest moments in state and NYC politics. Now, he’s bringing that newsroom instinct and a deep understanding of how politics really works to O’Donnell & Associates. In this episode, we cover: What TV show inspired Ralph to pursue journalism and why he stuck with itWhat it was like leading coverage during a turbulent era in New York politics: Cuomo’s downfall and Eric Adams’ riseThe stories that left a lasting mark from 9/11 to the death of a young boyWhy advocating for greater Latino representation has been central to his workHow he recharges after three decades in the newsroom and his all-time favorite movieGive this thoughtful & engaging conversation a listen!

    22 min
  3. Democratic Convention, LG Dispute, Hochul's Leverage

    FEB 6

    Democratic Convention, LG Dispute, Hochul's Leverage

    A last-minute running mate pick. Party leaders pushing back. Poll numbers moving. And a few big fights brewing as convention season and a high-stakes election year kick off. On this episode of From the Lobby with Jack O’Donnell, Jack breaks down what’s really going on and what to watch next. We get into: A surprise lieutenant governor pick just days before the Democratic ConventionWhy Brooklyn Democrats flip-flopped on backing HochulHow much Mayor Zohran Mamdani’s endorsement mattersNew poll numbers showing Governor Hochul at her strongest yetThe next funding fight in Washington Tune in and join us as we go 'From the Lobby!'

    9 min
  4. Meet the Team: Chief of Staff Diane Ong

    FEB 5

    Meet the Team: Chief of Staff Diane Ong

    What does it really take to keep a fast-moving government affairs firm running smoothly? This week on From the Lobby with Jack O’Donnell, we continue our Meet the Team series with someone who knows that answer better than anyone. We’re sitting down with Diane Ong, Chief of Staff at O’Donnell & Associates, for a candid, behind-the-scenes conversation about her experiences from Capitol Hill… to international policy work… to the pressure cooker of a presidential campaign. In this episode: ​ What first drew Diane into public service and when she knew this was the path for her How her background as an organizer, policy researcher, and campaign operator shapes the way she leads today What it was really like running operations on the Harris–Walz presidential campaign How her work on women’s health, humanitarian aid, and international affairs informs her approach to policy And what helps her unplug when politics never seems to slow down, including her all-time favorite movie! Tune in — and meet the team, From the Lobby with Jack O’Donnell.

    14 min
  5. NY’s Crossroads, LG Scramble, ICE Divide

    JAN 30

    NY’s Crossroads, LG Scramble, ICE Divide

    This week on From the Lobby with Jack O’Donnell, Jack discusses the political implications during this critical election year and the pressures of the upcoming budget season. In this episode: Why New York is on track to lose influenceon Capitol Hill, and can it be turned around?The rapid rise of the Democratic Socialists of America and what it signals for this election cycleMayor Zohran Mamdani’s first budget rollout and the $12 billion gap he’s blaming on the Adams administrationThe Governor’s race heats up as Hochul searches for a new lieutenant governor. Who’s in line for the number two job?Immigration takes center stage as Governor Hochul and her GOP challenger draw sharp lines over ICE enforcementAnd a last-minute push to avoid a government shutdownGive it a listen!

    11 min
  6. Meet the Team: Dr. Ellen Grant, Sr. Advisor for Health Care

    JAN 29

    Meet the Team: Dr. Ellen Grant, Sr. Advisor for Health Care

    Meet Dr. Ellen Grant! In this conversation, Dr. Grant shares her extensive experience in healthcare, discussing the challenges organizations face today, the importance of government funding, and the need for innovative solutions. She also emphasizes the significance of servant leadership and community support in addressing these issues, while also reflecting on her entrepreneurial journey and the human experience in healthcare. Give it a listen!

    10 min
  7. Budget Fallout, Medicaid Spending, Financial Outlook

    JAN 22

    Budget Fallout, Medicaid Spending, Financial Outlook

    This week on From the Lobby with Jack O’Donnell, Jack reveals what’s next, now that Governor Hochul has dropped her $260 billion Executive Budget, loaded with record spending and affordability promises. In this episode, Jack discusses: Will there be a bruising budget battle with the Legislature?State tax revenues are up nearly $6 billion… will they offset budget spending?New York’s Medicaid spending is still going up. How long can that last?Reaction to the Governor’s push to fast-track housing by easing environmental reviewsChildcare funding and affordability: Why NYC gets the lion’s share, and will Upstate lawmakers pushback?New York City’s latest budget bombshell: multi-billion-dollar shortfalls now and even bigger gaps ahead. Does Albany have to step in?And the big question everyone’s asking… will New York get a budget done on time?Join us From the Lobby with Jack O’Donnell for the inside scoop!

    11 min

  8. JAN 16

    The Challenges Ahead: Gov. Hochul's Agenda and the Budget Process

    On this episode of From the Lobby with Jack O’Donnell, Jack digs into what the Governor’s State of the State speech really means as Albany heads straight into budget season and an election year. Hochul is pitching big ideas aimed at helping New York families, with affordability front and center, but how easy will it be to turn those promises into reality? Jack breaks down where the Governor’s agenda is likely to gain traction, where it could run into resistance, and why funding these proposals may be trickier than it sounds. With political energy ramping up on both sides of the aisle, the budget process is shaping up to be anything but smooth. Jack also takes a closer look at what Hochul’s affordability push could mean for businesses across the state, and whether the costs of these initiatives could create new tension around economic growth and competitiveness. Plus, a check on what’s happening in Washington, where another funding deadline looms and the question remains: can Congress actually avoid a shutdown this time? Give it a listen!

    10 min
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An inside look at politics and government from New York State to Washington, D.C.

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