We’ve just learned about The Albany Project , a blog which “seeks to return New York State Government to its rightful owners – the people.” Its very existence implicitly makes the point that we can’t write off state politics as a lost cause. And the Albany Project looks like a useful resource for understanding what’s happening up there.

We’ve read – but haven’t yet posted about – New York’s new emergency response bill – but we’re hoping to do so soon, along with a backlog of other posts that have been simmering. There’s a lot that needs to happen in this state to make us reasonably ready to address emergency preparedness and public health. State government can make it easier, or harder. In the end, of course, it’s up to the population – citizens and non-citizens alike – to address preparedness issues. With or without government help.