Power and Policy on the Second Floor: Experts on the State of the State and Executive Budget in NYS

On January 27, 2026, the Government Law Center at Albany Law School convened a panel discussion featuring experts who have played integral roles in the development of the State of the State and Executive Budget across several administrations in New York State government. Panelists discussed the statutory requirements and political significance behind the New York State Governor’s annual State of the State address and Executive Budget proposal. Panelists also shared their experiences assisting governors with development of the State of the State speech, budget proposals, and the budget negotiation process. The discussion was moderated by Patrick Wildes ’16, Director of the Government Law Center and former Assistant Secretary to the Governor for Human Services & Mental Hygiene Panelists included: • Robert (Bob) Bellafiore — Founder and President, Stanhope Partners; former Press Secretary to the Governor and Deputy Secretary for Policy and Planning; former Political Analyst for “Capital Tonight;” and former Political and Government Reporter for The Associated Press • Elizabeth (Beth) Colombo Garvey, Esq. ’04 — Shareholder, Greenberg Traurig; former Acting Counsel to the Governor; and former Counsel to the New York State Senate Majority • Kerri Neifeld — Former Deputy Secretary to the Governor and Former Commissioner of the Office for People with Developmental Disabilities