The 2024 New York legislative session is in full swing, and this week, leaders for both parties laid out their priorities ahead of Gov. Kathy Hochul's State of the State address next week. State Sen. Pete Harckham spoke to Power & Politics about his productive session last year and what we can expect from lawmakers this year. Harckham (D) represents the state Senate's 40th District which includes northern Westchester, Putnam and Rockland counties.

Political newcomers and incumbent politicians were sworn in this past week. Let's look at some of the historic oaths taken in Yonkers, New Rochelle, Mamaroneck, Poughkeepsie and Dutchess County.

Lawmakers on both sides of the aisle set the tone this week for what we can expect from this upcoming legislative session. State Sen. Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins (D-Yonkers) expressed optimism that lawmakers will be able to address key statewide issues. Meanwhile, State Assembly Minority Leader William Barclay (R) says Republicans are focused on prioritizing several issues such as combatting the state's outmigration, crime, the cost of living and immigration.