Sen. Samra Brouk on the 2026-2027 NYS budget; the state of Black maternal health

We’re joined by Senator Samra Brouk. It’s the latest in our series of conversations about New York’s 2026-2027 budget. The senator discusses a number of budget items, including funding for childcare and maternal health. Then, we are joined by a local clinician and a local doula, who weigh in on the state of Black maternal health. Our guests: Sen. Samra Brouk, District 55 Phyllis Sharp, certified doula and owner of Royalty Birth Services Tracy Renee Webber, DNP, director of the Midwifery Division at the University of Rochester Medical Center ---Connections is supported by listeners like you. Head to our donation page to become a WXXI member today, support the show, and help us close the gap created by the rescission of federal funding.---Connections airs every weekday from noon-2 p.m. Join the conversation with questions or comments by phone at 1-844-295-TALK (8255) or 585-263-9994, email, Facebook or Twitter. Connections is also livestreamed on the WXXI News YouTube channel each day. You can watch live or access previous episodes here.---Do you have a story that needs to be shared? Pitch your story to Connections.