Friday Morning Brief March 22, 2024

Mar 21

Written By Michael Avella

Member Spotlight:

Assemblywoman Michaelle Solages

Assemblymember Michaelle Solages joined us to discuss her Long Island Assembly district and her experiences in the Legislature. Prior to being an Assemblymember, she was a librarian and saw first-hand the many hardships faced by small business owners and the middle class in her community after the Great Recession. She currently chairs the Black, Puerto Rican, Hispanic & Asian Legislative Caucus. She is also a member of various committees, including Health, Racing and Wagering, Social Services, and the Puerto Rican/Hispanic Task Force. She is the first person of Haitian descent to be elected to the Legislature.

What district do you represent? Can you describe your district to those who have never been there?
I represent the 22nd Assembly District on Long Island, which includes Valley Stream, North Valley Stream, Elmont, South Valley Stream, South Floral Park, Floral Park, the Village of Bellerose, Bellerose Terrace, North Woodmere, Stewart Manor, and parts of Franklin Square. It’s a very diverse district. It’s a beautiful place where you have the luxury of living a suburban life and having access to all the great amenities of Long Island while still being able to go to the five boroughs of New York City.

What was your profession before becoming a legislator?
I was lucky to start my political life young. I graduated during the Great Recession and studied to be an athletic trainer, one of those healthcare professionals working with athletes. Unfortunately, graduating during the Great Recession, there wasn’t much access to a job. Many jobs were cut off during hard economic times, especially in athletics and sports. So, I couldn’t find something locally, but I’m very grateful that Hofstra, my alma mater, was able to hire me for this position at a library. It was great because I love libraries. They are the community’s cornerstones.

What inspired you to get into politics?
So, what inspired me to get into office was the needs of my community. I represent an area where many immigrant families move to suburbia and want more upward mobility and representation in government. I also got into political life as a millennial and saw many struggles during the Great Recession. Many my age did not have access to affordable housing or good-paying jobs. So, I realized how important it was to be involved in politics, to be their voice, and to represent them on their issues. Also, being a woman, there are so many disparities: gender pay gap, maternal mortality crisis, representation on the state level, and so on. So, I wanted to work on those issues.

What’s your favorite music? What genres do you like?
For most of my life, I played the violin. I was a concert violinist. One of the reasons I went to Hofstra was because of the music program. And so I always enjoy listening to classical music, like Bach. It puts me at peace and brings me back to when I played the violin. I also love Haitian music. I’m Haitian American – the first person of Haitian descent to be elected in the state Legislature – so I love to listen to Compas. It brings me back to my culture and reminds me of what’s great about Haiti.

What’s your favorite food?
I have to say Haitian food. From griot to black rice, I love Haitian food. But I also love many fresh foods and vegetables, especially locally sourced from Long Island. So when I go out, I love getting all those fruits and vegetables.

Any favorite restaurants in your district you want to highlight?
There are so many, and I love all the restaurants in my district. I would give a shout-out to Pretty Toni’s Café, Gino’s Pizza, and King Umberto. But there are so many restaurants, and my district is diverse so that I can eat Indian food one day, soul food the next, and Caribbean vegan food the day after.

Do you have any favorite NY sports team?
The Islanders – they are in my district. But an honorable mention goes to the Buffalo Bills. To be honest, I always root for any NY sports team that’s on TV.

If you have any free time, what do you like to do? Any favorite activities?
I have three young kids, and when I’m not legislating in Albany or in the district helping constituents, I love spending time with my kids, going to Long Island’s great beaches and parks, and enjoying outdoor activities. So, I love being outside, whether hiking or just sitting on the beach.

What are your proudest legislative achievements?
I work a lot on combatting the maternal mortality crisis because, as a woman with three kids, I have experienced a gauntlet of issues that women experience when they are giving birth. One piece of legislation I’m very proud of is ensuring that human milk is reimbursable for medically necessary infants in New York State. That was passed in the 2019 Budget, and it’s very important because a baby that uses baby formula is more likely to get these bad intestinal issues and diseases. So, ensuring they have access to safe breast milk can be a lifesaver.

Also, last year, I was very proud of the reparations bill passed in the previous year and signed by the Governor. Because of the bill, there is a Commission that will analyze the vestiges of slavery and ensure that we are creating opportunities for the black communities to heal. We recently appointed nine commission members, and we will now be able to thoroughly discuss how we can advance and close some of these disparities in black communities. Black communities are more disproportionately impacted by climate change, health disparities, and lack of housing stability, and that is because of the vestiges of slavery. Whether that be slavery itself, Jim Crow, black code segregation, or redlining, so by discussing these issues, we can begin the healing process and tackle the many ills that still live and impact the black community.

And what are the most pressing issues in your district?
The affordability crisis is pressing here in Nassau County. We have some of the country’s highest property taxes, so we must ensure that we provide some relief to homeowners. The utility cost crisis is also impacting middle-class families. Also, we need to tackle food insecurity because the price of groceries has increased. We made a great step by enacting the universal free school meals program so that a large percentage of students have access to a good meal during the day, whether it’s breakfast or lunch. Now, we must expand on that fight.

And as the Chair of the Black, Puerto Rican, Hispanic, and Asian Legislative Caucus, what issues do you see arising this year?
We must always strive to ensure diversity, equity, and inclusion in our state government. So, there are many issues before us that need to be addressed. We must ensure that all New Yorkers have an equitable opportunity to advance themselves in this state. So, when it comes to housing, we want to ensure that our communities have some type of housing stability, whether that means increasing the supply or ensuring that we have some type of tenant protection. Also, people are getting older. We’re approaching a silver tsunami, and many caregivers struggle to survive. They are caring for elderly parents and children, all while making sure that their bills are paid. We need to ensure we are paying home healthcare workers an appropriate wage. That brings us to healthcare; we need to ensure that families have adequate Medicaid reimbursement for their medical treatments and that safety net hospitals can thrive and serve those who need it.

What advice would you give to young folks in your district, especially first- or second-generation Americans who want to get into politics?
It’s important to focus on local and state politics. Local and state governments can impact you more than national politics, especially state governments. State governments are the boiler rooms of democracy. And it’s a place where many of the impacts in your life are felt. So get engaged, even if you just vote. Get involved in political campaigns — lobby on issues that are important to you. Work in a legislative office to help you get legislative or political experience. There are many pathways to get involved. Government is a participation sport, and it’s important that you get involved and engage with communities.

Any last comments?
Of course, I have to thank my constituents, and I am very proud and honored to represent them on many issues.
I also have to give a big recognition to all my staff. I am nothing without my staff, the people who help me on a day-to-day basis, whether it’s my communications director sending out press releases, my legislative director making sure that my bills pass through committees, or my scheduler getting me to where I need to go.
Are you a public official or staffer that would like to be featured in our spotlight? If so, reach out to your favorite D&A team member or contact us at team@dickinsonavella.com to set up an interview!

Heastie and Stewart-Cousins Optimistic About On-Time Budget

On Monday, the Legislature hosted the General Conference Committee, known as the “Mothership,” which formally started the budget negotiations between the Legislature and Hochul. This year, the Legislature and Hochul have ten days between the Mothership and the statutory deadline of April 1st to agree on the Final Budget, as lawmakers are scheduled to leave Albany on March 28th before Easter. However, the Legislature can pass extenders to ensure that the state government operates while the Legislature and Hochul negotiate the budget if they do not meet the April 1st deadline.

Although there are some disagreements on certain issues between the leaders of the Legislature and Hochul, such as Hochul’s proposal to eliminate the hold harmless provision in the Foundation Aid formula, Speaker Carl Heastie said, “I wouldn’t say we’re in disagreement with the governor. The amounts are different, but at some point, we’ll all get to a place where we’re all comfortable.” In addition, the Legislature is also negotiating with Hochul on housing, with both Heastie and Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins supporting some versions of tenant protections. Stewart-Cousins reiterated her commitment to tenant protections this week, explaining that “we have to have tenant protections” and “tenant protections that align with the principles of ‘good cause.’” in the Final Budget. Another contentious budget issue is taxes; the Legislature proposed raising taxes on the state’s high earners, but Hochul has pledged not to raise any taxes this year. “At this point, nothing’s off the table,” Stewart-Cousins said. Hochul has so far not stepped back from her commitment to not raise any taxes this year.

Nevertheless, some lawmakers, including Heastie, expressed optimism on Monday that the Final Budget can be enacted on time. “I think things are going well in our discussions, and I think we should get to a good place in our on-time budget,” Heastie explained. Stewart-Cousins also said she is “hopeful” and, “We are always trying to make sure that we have a fiscally responsible, balanced on-time budget, so we are going to be working towards that obviously.”

On Monday, Hochul announced that the Office of General Services will conduct an assessment of the Office of Cannabis Management to find key areas of improvement and implement a strategic plan to strengthen the state’s legal cannabis rollout. The assessment will review the following:

Top-down structure of OCM’s structure, processes, and systems to find areas of improvement for processing OCM licenses and application-to-opening timeframes for new cannabis retailers and businesses
Develop key performance metrics and a licensing dashboard for the Executive Chamber to review
Identify and implement policy, procedure, and regulation changes to streamline the OCM licensing process and simply applications for prospective licenses
Develop three-month and six-month action plans with organizational change initiatives, milestones, and actions to improve OCM functions

The assessment will take a minimum of 30 days. The assessment comes after Hochul criticized the OCM’s management of new licenses and the slow rollout of OCM licenses due to various legal challenges. “Today, we take the first step in revamping New York’s legal cannabis industry to ensure its long-term success,” Hochul said.

On Tuesday, alongside the state Health Commissioner, Dr. James McDonald, Hochul signed a standing order authorizing pharmacists to dispense three types of abortion medication without a prescription. Under the standing order, pharmacists can dispense up to 12 months of self-administered hormonal contraception of the individual’s preference, to be covered under their insurance. This builds upon Hochul’s previous commitment to protecting reproductive rights, such as investing $35 million to support abortion providers across the state, allocating $100.7 million in the 2024 Final Budget for abortion providers, and purchasing a five-year supply of misoprostol. “At a time when reproductive rights are under attack, New York State will continue to fight for every individual’s right to access the health care they need,” Hochul said.

On Wednesday, Hochul announced a $32 million investment to expand SUNY’s Direct Support Professional Micro-Credential Program. The $32 million will expand existing programs and fund new programs on six SUNY campuses. The Direct Support Professional micro-credential program collaborates with the Office for People With Developmental Disabilities to financially support aspiring direct workers in getting the necessary credentials. The investment builds upon an investment of $20 million into the program and $5 million for current direct support workers. “Through this $32 million expansion, we are helping to grow this crucial field and ensure students have the training they need to pursue this vital career path and care for their fellow New Yorkers,” explained Hochul.

Yesterday, Hochul announced the opening of the Next Move NY application for veterans and their families. The $10 million Next Move NY initiative aims to expand workforce opportunities for veterans and their families by creating a workforce development pipeline. The workforce development pipeline will support, educate, and train the more than 3,600 veterans at Fort Drum each year. Next Move NY builds upon existing programs, partners, and funding for supporting veterans transitioning from being in service to civilian life and ensuring businesses can address their shortages of workers by hiring veterans. "Next Move NY is creating a robust workforce training pipeline to help soldiers and their spouses receive in-demand job training while connecting them with employers, allowing them to thrive, succeed, and ultimately stay in the North Country," explained Hochul.

LEGISLATIVE UPDATES

Next week, the Legislature is scheduled to be in Session Monday to Thursday
The Final Budget is due on Monday, April 1st

Lawmakers Rally for Increased Security Grants for Nonpublic Schools

On Tuesday, lawmakers joined a rally with advocates from Teach NYS in support of increasing the security grant for nonpublic schools across the state. The Nonpublic School Safety Equipment Grant provides reimbursement for expenditures related to school safety expenses. The push for increasing security grants for nonpublic schools has gained significant support amidst rising cases of hate crime incidents against Jewish and Muslim populations. Many lawmakers and advocates explained that increasing the security grant is necessary to protect students from hate crime incidents and to ensure that families feel safe sending their children to nonpublic schools. “[The security grants] can go toward security guards, hardening the buildings, providing additional alarms, hardening the windows. There is a number of other security type measures that could be funded,” explained Senator Michael Gianaris, who is leading the charge in the Senate. Assembly Republican Leader Will Barclay also supports the push, saying, “Whatever amount would do to make sure our children can go to school safely, I support.”

Senate Passes Legislative Package for Ratepayers

On Wednesday, the Senate passed a legislative package to support the state in achieving CLCPA goals and to decrease the cost of utilities for ratepayers. One notable bill included in the legislative package was the NY Heat Act, which would align utility regulation with state climate justice and emission reduction targets. Although some provisions of the NY Heat Act, like the 100-foot rule, were included in this year’s Executive Budget, Hochul did not include the entire bill. “The current legislative package aims to address the outdated and inaccessible processes, safeguarding ratepayers across New York and holding utility companies accountable,” Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins said. Some other bills in the legislative package include:

Utility Hikes: would require the Public Service Commission to consider the economic impact of utility rates and charges when evaluating utilities’ proposed rate changes.
Home Energy Assistance Re-enrollment: would require social services districts to automatically re-enroll eligible ratepayers for the low-income home energy assistance program.
Strengthen Utility Storm Response and Compliance: would allow more flexibility for the Public Service Commission to assess penalties on utilities for violations of the Public Service Law, and to expand emergency response plan requirements.
Civil Penalties for False Statements: would establish civil penalties for utility companies that make false material statements to the Public Service Commission.

CO2 Fracking Bill Passes in the Senate

Additionally, the Senate passed a bill that would expand the state’s ban on fracking to include CO2 fracking. With the bill passing the Assembly last week, the bill to ban CO2 fracking now heads to Hochul’s desk. CO2 fracking is a new process that uses high-pressure liquified carbon dioxide, which was not included in the permanent prohibition on water-based fracking in the 2021 enacted budget. “There’s a concern that if we don’t close this loophole sooner rather than later, it is going to essentially open up the proverbial gateway for further exploration, which is also going to be problematic,” Senate sponsor Lea Webb explained. However, opponents of the bill explain that the move to ban CO2 fracking is premature and will raise prices for ratepayers. “This utopian approach is a train wreck coming down the tracks,” said Senator Thomas O’Mara. The move to ban CO2 fracking comes after a Texas company sought to lease land in the state for drilling last fall, drawing criticism from lawmakers.

Lawmakers Rally for the Restoration of $30 Million for AAPI Support in the Budget

On Wednesday, lawmakers joined advocates to rally for the restoration of $30 million for the Asian American Pacific Islander crisis intervention centers and community-based organizations combatting hate crimes. Although the $30 million was included in last year’s enacted budget, the funding was excluded from this year’s Executive Budget and was included in both the Senate and Assembly One-House Budgets. Advocates rallying for the restoration of the funding explain that the funding is necessary for Asian American communities and organizations throughout the state to get essential services and programs for recent immigrants. “The fight to secure $30 million for AAPI communities continues…The time is now to invest in mental health, public safety, and educational issues,” explained Senator Iwen Chu.

AG Letitia James Supports Lawmakers to Regulate Social Media

On Wednesday, Attorney General Letitia James joined lawmakers in support of the SAFE Act and the Child Data Protection Act. The SAFE Act would prohibit the use of algorithms for minors using social media, and the Child Data Protection Act would heavily regulate the collection of data from children. The bipartisan push to regulate social media algorithms and data collection comes as nationwide criticisms against the impact of social media on children and their use of algorithms have increased. Although Hochul included both the Safe Act and the Child Data Protection Act in her Executive Budget this year, the Legislature did not in their respective One-House Budgets. Assembly Speaker Heastie explained that non-fiscal policies are usually not included in their One-House Budget, while the Senate said it “strongly supports the need to add greater protections for minors against addictive social media platforms and intends to address the issue outside of the budget process.”

Lawmakers Rally Again to "Get Congestion Pricing Right”

Earlier this week Senator Gianaris and Assemblymember Zohran Mamdani led a rally for a bill to invest in MTA buses in anticipation of the rollout of congestion pricing in Manhattan. The bill would invest $90 million into the MTA and direct them to allocate $45 million to increase the frequency of their buses and the rest of the $45 million to expand the fare-free bus program. The rally comes after an earlier rally this month, with Gianaris, the bill’s Senate sponsor, explaining that “significant investments in public transit, particularly buses,” are essential to ensure the congestion pricing is successful. However, amidst the rallies, the MTA is facing four pending lawsuits against congestion pricing and has canceled new construction contracts due to the lawsuits.

PRIMARY & ELECTION UPDATES

Senate and Assembly Republican Leaders Endorse Trump for President

On Wednesday, Senate Republican Leader Rob Ortt and Assembly Republican Leader Will Barclay endorsed Donald Trump on behalf of the entire Senate and Assembly GOP lawmakers. Ortt and Barclay explained that President Biden’s tenure “has been a disaster both home and abroad,” while Trump is the “clear choice - the only choice - to lead America for the next four years.” The endorsement comes after both Biden and Trump swept to near-total victories on Tuesday in Arizona, Florida, Illinois, Kansas, and Ohio presidential primaries. New York's presidential primary is on April 2nd.

OTHER UPDATES

Mayor Adams Accused of Sexual Assault in Lawsuit

On Monday, Mayor Eric Adams was accused in a lawsuit of sexually assaulting a woman in 1993. The lawsuit stems from allegations that Adams demanded a sexual favor from a colleague in exchange for advancing her career in the NYPD. The suit was filed in court in November before the expiration of the Adult Survivors Act. “Adams preyed on her perceived vulnerability, demanding a quid pro quo sexual favor, revealing himself not to be the ‘Guardian’ he purported to be, but a predator,” the lawsuit states. However, Adams vehemently denied the allegations in November and said on Tuesday, “I don’t recall meeting the person. That is not who I am as a person.”

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