Friday Morning Brief April 25, 2025

Apr 24

Written By Michael Avella

Member Spotlight

Assemblywoman Carrie Woerner

Assemblywoman Carrie Woerner joins us to discuss her district, priorities, and advocacy on behalf of her community and constituents. Prior to being elected to the Assembly, she worked in the high-tech industry and heavily advocated for historic preservation in her community. Currently, she is the Chair of Assembly Racing and Wagering and served on various committees, including on Agriculture, Local Governments, and Tourism, Parks, Arts & Sports Development.

What district do you represent?
I represent the 113th Assembly District, which represents portions of Saratoga County, Washington County, and Warren County.

Do you want to highlight any landmarks or restaurants in your district?
There are many landmarks in the district. The Saratoga Thoroughbred Racetrack is one of the more popular places to visit in the district. It is one of the oldest continuously operating racetracks. Another popular place to see is the Saratoga National Battlefield Park, which was the scene of the turning point of the American Revolutionary War. It was where the turning point for the Americans occurred and was critical to the founding of our nation. It’s also a really beautiful park where you can just take a walk. We also have some wonderful arts venues, like the Strand Theater in Hudson Falls. It’s a little gem in the district. It’s a historic theater and has been recently restored by the community. It’s busy every night and showcases great music of all kinds. There’s also the Hyde Collection in Glen Falls, a world-class art museum. Overall, it’s a great place to visit year-round, and I highly encourage folks to visit.

Any favorite music – artists or bands?
I'm a product of the 60s and 70s. And so, my musical tastes were formed back then. I have a lot of music on my phone - some folk, bluegrass, and Motown. Dan Fogelberg is a favorite of mine. I also listen to Mary Chapin Carpenter, Nanci Griffith, and Joni Mitchell.

What about the NY sports team?
I’m not really a sports person, but as a New Yorker, I am a Buffalo Bills fan. I also enjoy going to watch the Adirondack Thunder play hockey. I love going to the races and watching the equine athletes. I think people don’t really clue into exactly how much athleticism is required to be on the back of a 1,500-pound horse moving at 30 miles an hour. These athletes are in a squat on top of the horse, and their toes are the only thing that connects them to the horse. So, it's amazing to watch these athletes.

What was your profession before becoming an Assemblymember? Did it inspire you to run for office?
I spent 30 years in the high-tech industry working in software and services. While I don't know that that necessarily inspired me to run for office, the training I got in those settings, thinking of things as systems and understanding that all of the component pieces have to fit together. And if you take one gear out of the system and replace it with one that's a different size, more than likely, the whole system is going to start to fall apart. So, thinking about things from a systemic point of view that I learned from the private sector, I think it's a critical part of my conversation with my peers about how we think about public policy. I also served as a Round Lake Village Trustee and the Executive Director of the Saratoga Springs Preservation Foundation.

As the new Chair of Racing and Wagering, what issues are you hoping to address or want the state to address?
I've come to understand how broad racing and wagering are in New York State. There are many different forms of wagering in this state. And each one of these silos has its own set of regulations, its target market, and innovations.

So, I am focusing on getting my arms around its totality and building a stronger base of understanding for myself and every committee member. So we're learning a lot from academics, leaders, and other stakeholders to develop our intellectual knowledge of this space and ensure everybody understands racing and wagering laws and regulations and how all the pieces fit together. That's probably my top priority,
Below that, I would say that I have long felt that the rationale for horse racing in the state is to support our agriculture industry. And as a Saratoga County resident, I fully appreciate the tourism that horseracing brings. But I want to make sure that we are keeping our eyes on ensuring we are supporting the state’s agricultural sector through horseracing.

Problem gambling is also a topic I hear from my colleagues in the Assembly. Especially with the shift to handheld gambling, it is an important topic. With the shift to handheld gambling, there is a bigger market, and the tendency to problem gambling is much greater. When the device is in your pocket all the time, access to gambling is much easier. So we want to make sure that people are not spending money they don’t have or can’t afford to lose. People should see gambling as entertainment and only gamble with dollars that they’re willing to lose. We’re making sure that there are protections on these devices or in the modality for those who may become addicted to have a path out of addiction and controls to help them out of addiction.

We are also concerned about college students possibly getting access and being addicted. My staff and I heard many stories from parents about the amount of gambling that’s happening among peer groups in college. It’s pretty eye-opening. As much as I would like to be optimistic, I am concerned about kids getting hold of devices that allow them to gamble, especially when some apps allow them to gamble without being officially labeled as online gambling. So we will be paying attention to that.

Are there any statewide issues you are hoping to address this year?
My eyes are on affordability and systemically addressing the causes of rising prices. So what can we do from a policy perspective to structurally change the economics for businesses, farmers, and utilities that will lead to lower or at least not higher prices? While the Governor’s proposal for rebate checks may be a good idea, I don’t think that’s the answer to affordability. We need to think about why prices are higher. My colleagues and I have been pushing the state to pay off the UI debt that has been lingering since the pandemic. Many family businesses are paying a surcharge to pay off the UI debt, which is currently around $6 billion. The state should pay it off because it would free up money in those businesses to lower prices, hire another person, raise their employees, and invest back into their businesses.

What about local issues?
There are a couple of local issues. Currently, one issue is regarding the grassland bird habitat. A lot of the migratory birds winter in the district in the grassland. The DEC has identified and protected specific grassland areas where migratory birds frequently like to winter. It used to be under DEC’s guidelines that if a solar company was going to build on grasslands that migratory birds winter in, they had to mitigate that with every acre they took up, they had to purchase and conserve three additional acres of land. Currently, it’s only one-for-one. So, the migratory birds are gradually losing more and more grassland. Birds are a key part of the district's overall ecology and must be protected. I would say that it is a small piece of the statewide conservation about land use for food, habitat, or energy production.

Any advice for young folks who want to get more involved in politics?
So, I think the advice I would give is that we are very fortunate to live in a country with democratic institutions. But democracy only works when people participate. I understand that politics is currently discouraging or off-putting because of the level of negativity or bullying that people can be exposed to. But it’s really important to remember that democracy is for the people and by the people. If you want to change who’s in government or making policies, you have to be willing, at a minimum, to go out on that first Tuesday after the first Monday in November and vote. In New York, you can vote up to nine days before the official Election Day. You do not need to go to a rally, write a letter to an editor, volunteer, or contribute to make your voice heard. Going out to vote, at a minimum, will allow you to make your voice heard.

Are there any last comments you want to mention?
I've been in office now for 11 years. It is just a source of tremendous pride and honor that I get to represent the people of the 113th Assembly District. I represent amazing communities filled with hardworking people committed to their community's success – from the smallest communities to the largest communities. Many people are either working with not-for-profits, working in schools, or working with faith organizations. Everybody's in the boat with our oar in the water and pulling hard to try and make sure that our communities get someplace, and as a result, Saratoga, Washington, and Warren County are the fastest-growing parts of New York State. And I attribute that 100% to the vision that people have for how great their communities can be. And they're making it happen.

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!

Don Pollard/Office of Governor Kathy Hochul

Budget Negotiations Continue After Framework On Discovery Changes

With the budget nearly a month late, lawmakers passed the eighth budget extender yesterday and are poised to pass the ninth one on Tuesday. However, some lawmakers explained that budget negotiations may be winding down with a possibility of passing budget bills early next week. It was even reported that the announcement of a budget deal was tentatively planned for this week. “I think the hope is we reach agreements on things this week and pass them next,” Senate Deputy Leader Mike Gianaris said earlier this week.

The big sticking point holding up budget negotiations was Hochul’s proposal to change the state’s discovery laws, which Speaker Carl Heastie said was resolved last week with lawmakers and Hochul agreeing to a “framework.” While the exact language has not been public, Heastie explained that the framework deal on discovery would reduce the amount of evidence that prosecutors must hand over to defense lawyers, and the evidence must be specifically related to the case charges. Additionally, judges would have more discretion in handling the evidence. Current state discovery laws require prosecutors to turn over any evidence related to the case. Hochul, prosecutors, and DAs have pushed for changing the state’s discovery laws, citing possibly increased case dismissals and improving public safety.

However, lawmakers must coalesce on other policy items, including Hochul’s proposals to broaden the state’s involuntary commitment requirements and mask ban. Lastly, lawmakers must also commit to how much the state plans to spend. Even amidst proposed federal spending cuts and possible withholding of federal funds from the state, lawmakers reiterated that they would continue budget negotiations as usual and reconvene later this year to address any cuts in federal funding. “We don’t have a crystal ball that tells us the scale of the cuts,” Hochul previously explained. Additionally, Heastie said the final spending plan would “probably” be higher than Hochul’s $252 spending proposal.

While lawmakers have expressed optimism that the budget negotiations are coming to a close, Heastie warned on Wednesday, "We’re still talking, things are moving,” but “It’s not done.” On the floor yesterday, Senate Finance Chair Liz Krueger added, “I can't tell you we're necessarily that close to closing this one down.” After meeting with Hochul yesterday, Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins said there isn't a handshake agreement yet, but "everybody is trying to get to the end."

Susan Watts/Office of Governor Kathy Hochul

EXECUTIVE UPDATES

Early last week, Hochul announced the opening of home energy assistance applications for low-income households. Through the Home Energy Assistance Program, eligible families can get their air conditioning costs covered for the summer. The program aims to alleviate the health concerns of those with documented medical conditions exacerbated by extreme heat and households with young children or older adults. “This assistance is crucial for at-risk New Yorkers, and I encourage those who may be eligible to apply as soon as possible so they can stay cool in their home when the worst of the weather hits,” explained Hochul.

Last week, Hochul joined local lawmakers in announcing the implementation of a $100 million state investment for water infrastructure in the City of Mount Vernon in Westchester County. The multi-year investment will help facilitate the completion of the Third Street Sewer Project and Healthy Homes Pilot Program in Mount Vernon and replace lead pipes across the city. The project builds upon a 2022 $150 million state-county-city partnership with Mount Vernon and Westchester County to upgrade its aging water infrastructure for improving water and public health challenges. “The ongoing progress in Mount Vernon is a major victory for environmental justice and an example of what can be accomplished when federal, state, and local governments work together to overcome decades of neglect and disinvestment,” said Hochul.

Late last week, Hochul announced the launch of ConnectALL Deployment Program RFA for implementing affordable, reliable, high-speed internet service to the final remaining unserved and underserved locations. The approved applicants will be able to get state funding for deploying fiber optic, cable, hybrid fiber-coaxial, and licensed fixed wireless broadband service in locations not yet served by the ConnectALL program. The recent RFA is one of the few remaining steps of the state’s $1 billion ConnectALL Initiative, which aims to expand high-speed internet services across the state. “Today marks a watershed moment in New York's digital future as we launch the final application phase of our historic ConnectALL Deployment Program,” explained Hochul.

On Wednesday, Hochul announced a new joint lawsuit with eleven other states against the Trump Administration for violating federal laws when imposing tariffs issued under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act. Led by AG Letitia James and a coalition of attorney generals, the lawsuit alleges that Congress has not granted President Trump the authority to impose new tariffs. Hochul explained that the tariffs would cost thousands of dollars for families and result in state agencies paying over an extra $100 million due to increased costs. Hochul also explained that the tariffs go against her affordability agenda and threaten workers’ wages. “President Trump’s reckless tariffs have skyrocketed costs for consumers and unleashed economic chaos across the country. New York is standing up to fight back against the largest federal tax hike in American history,” said Hochul.

Yesterday, Hochul announced the launch of the state’s Adaption and Resilience Plan to establish a statewide framework for efforts to implement climate mitigation initiatives. The plan will be implemented gradually through various phases over the course of next year, consider local and statewide stakeholders, and collaborate with other state agencies. The plan will build upon the state’s climate agenda for a just transition into a renewable energy economy and reiterate Hochul’s commitment to expanding upon the state’s adverse climate mitigation infrastructure. “By developing this statewide initiative to guide our ongoing climate resiliency efforts, we are solidifying a commitment to a safe, affordable and sustainable future that all New Yorkers need and deserve,” explained Hochul.

Earlier this week, Hochul rallied local community leaders, lawmakers, and advocates in Rochester to support her budget proposals. In the rally, she touted the importance of her budget agenda for public safety, affordability, and addressing mental health. The rally comes after a framework agreement was reached between her and the Legislature over her proposal to change the state’s discovery laws. Additionally, Hochul reiterated her commitment to advocating for the state’s congressional delegation to repeal the federal SALT deduction. “I won’t stop fighting for a State Budget that puts money back in your pockets and makes our state safer — and everywhere I go, it’s clear that New Yorkers agree. That’s why my message to the Legislature is simple: Let’s get it done,” said Hochul.

LEGISLATIVE UPDATES

Next week, the Legislature is scheduled to be in session Monday to Wednesday

Mike Groll/Office of Governor Kathy Hochul

Uncertainty Remains Over Hochul's Mask Ban Proposal

In addition to changes to the state’s discovery laws, many lawmakers are still at odds with Hochul’s proposal to ban masks. Specifically, Hochul supports including a bill that would create a criminal charge for individuals wearing masks for “menacing or threatening violence.” Speaker Heastie and Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins explained that their respective conferences are split on the bill, with more lawmakers beginning to be concerned that the bill would benefit the Trump Administration’s deportation plans.

Senator James Skoufis, who sponsors the bill Hochul advocates for, explains that his bill is a “crackdown on masked menacing” instead of a full mask ban. However, Hochul recently hinted that her proposal or compromise proposal of enhancing existing penalties might not be included in the final budget and will push it during the final weeks of session. “We didn’t know whether this would be done in the budget or in session, which some are suggesting may be an option,” explained Hochul.

Lawmakers Remain at Odds Over Hochul's Involuntary Commitment Proposal

In addition to Hochul’s proposal on masks, lawmakers are still hammering out details on Hochul’s proposal to expand involuntary commitment requirements. Specifically, Hochul’s proposal would allow involuntary commitment to be placed on an individual if they cannot meet their essential needs due to a mental health issue. Currently, individuals can only be placed on involuntary commitment if they are deemed a safety risk to themselves or others.

While Hochul’s proposal is expected to be included in the final budget agreement, lawmakers argue that expanding involuntary commitment would not properly address the issue of mental health. “We can virtually moot this problem if we address the issue with the kinds of solutions that actually make a difference,” explained Assembly Mental Health Chair Jo Anne Simon. Led by Simon and Senate Mental Health Chair Samra Brouk, lawmakers want to ensure long-term treatment plans for individuals being discharged from involuntary commitment, with many pointing to Daniel’s Law as a possible guide.

Housing Chairs Urge the Inclusion of HAVP in the Final Budget

Last week, Senate Housing Chair Brian Kavanagh and Assembly Housing Chair Linda Rosenthal wrote an op-ed with REBNY and Women in Need, Inc. to support including the Housing Access Voucher Program in the final budget agreement. Heavily supported by Democrat lawmakers in both chambers, the bill would allow renters to pay up to 30 percent of their income toward rent and the program to cover the rest. Advocates of the bill argue that with the federal government’s proposal to cut 50% of the federal workforce that oversees public housing benefits and the recent elimination of the federal Emergency Housing Vouchers, the state should implement its voucher program to help unhoused individuals or renters at risk of evictions. While both the Senate and Assembly included $250 million in funding for the program in their respective One-House Budgets, Hochul did not include it in her Executive Budget. However, it was recently reported that Hochul has agreed to discuss it with Heastie and Stewart-Cousins

Lawmakers and Advocates Urge Funding for Child Care in Final Budget

Amidst discussions around masks and involuntary commitment, various lawmakers have publicly warned about the Child Care Assistance Program funding. With the program’s funding depleting, lawmakers and advocates have been urging Hochul and leaders of the Legislature to invest at least $1 billion into the program, which provides payments to childcare workers and vouchers for parents throughout the state. However, Assembly Children and Families Chair Andrew Hevesi expressed frustration, explaining, “The only preliminary feedback I’ve been able to get so far is that it’s going well.” Senate Children and Families Chair Jabari Brisport explained that while the leaders have not reached a final agreement on the funding amount of the program, he believes that “all three parties agree that something needs to be done.”

Aung Hset/D&A

Senate Passes Environmental Conservation Legislative Package

This week, the Senate passed an environmental conservation legislative package in honor of Earth Day. The legislative package builds upon last year’s package that expanded the prohibition of fracking and strengthened the financial accountability of fossil fuel companies. “We remain committed to protecting New York’s environment and natural resources for both the present and future,” said Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins. “To continue serving as responsible stewards of our environment, we must look for new ways that effectively safeguard our natural resources and help our transition from fossil fuels to clean energy,” said Senate Environmental Conservation Chair Pete Harckham. Some of the bills in the package include:

Fuels Replacement Program: would allow NYSERDA to administer a program to provide funding for residences switching from propane or fuel-oil heating systems to electric heat pumps
Emissions Tampering Act: would prohibit tampering with vehicle emission control devices
PFAS Discharge Disclosure Act: would require certain industrial facilities to conduct PFAS monitoring and disclose any results
Just Energy Transition Act: would allow NYSERDA to develop new programs and initiatives with other state agencies to redevelop old and most polluting fossil fuel generation facilities by 2030

Capital Region Lawmakers Respond to Visa Revocation of Local Students

In response to the federal ICE and DHS revocation of seven student visas at Capital Region schools, Senator Pat Fahy and Assemblymembers Gabriella Romero and John McDonald released a statement criticizing the move and urged the federal agencies to reverse the visa revocations. “We are deeply disturbed by the Trump Administration’s revocation of student visa without justification or explanation,” the statement said. Additionally, lawmakers urge the state to demand more transparency and accountability on future federal agencies’ actions in the state. The recent student visa revocations of Capital Region's students are part of the latest revocations across the state's SUNY and private colleges. “Everyone on American soil is entitled to due process and freedom of assembly, expression, and speech—including our students,” said Fahy.

Lawmakers to Address CDPAP Transition After Budget Negotiations

This week, several lawmakers announced they are considering legislative solutions to address the $9 billion CDPAP transition into a single fiscal intermediary. The announcement comes after the state agreed to delay the final registration date for the CDPAP transition due to a federal judge order and workers reportedly receiving inaccurate paychecks. While lawmakers have not agreed to a legislative solution, Assemblymember Linda Rosenthal explained that they will seek legislative actions to address the CDPAP transition after budget negotiations. “We didn't vote for a plan like this. This is not what anyone expected,” explained Rosenthal. Currently, Senate Health Chair Gustavo Rivera, a vocal critic of the CDPAP transition, sponsors a bipartisan bill that would reverse the transition and strengthen fiscal intermediaries to continue operating under CDPAP.

OTHER UPDATES

Susan Watts/Office of Govenor Kathy Hochul

AG Letitia James Referred to DOJ by the Trump Administration

Last week, the Trump Administration wrote a criminal referral for AG Letitia James to the federal Justice Department for allegedly “[falsifying] bank documents and property records to acquire government backed assistance and loans and more favorable loan terms.” In his Trust Social post, President Trump called James a “totally corrupt politician” and should immediately “resign from her position as New York State Attorney General.” In response, James’ spokesperson criticized Trump for “[weaponizing] the federal government against the rule of law and the Constitution. The criminal referral comes after James successfully won a $464 million civil fraud case against President Trump last year and after Trump stripped James’ security clearance in February.

Elise Stefanik Reportedly Considering Running for Governor

Early last week, it was reported that North Country-based Congressmember Elise Stefanik is considering running for Governor. This comes after Trump pulled Stefanik’s UN Ambassador nomination after House Republicans expressed concerns. While Stefanik did not confirm, she released a statementcriticizing Hochul for her “incompetence, corruption, and radical failed Far Left policies.” Hudson Valley-based Congressmember Mike Lawler, also considering running for Governor, praised Stefanik and said that a “process will play out to ensure that Republicans have the strongest candidate possible.” In response, Hochul explained that any GOP nominee for Governor next year “will be an extreme MAGA Republican” and “look forward to that fight.”

NYC Council Sues Mayor Eric Adams Over Ice Agents on Rikers Island

Recently, the NYC Council filed a lawsuit against Mayor Eric Adams for his administration’s executive order to allow federal ICE agents on Rikers Island. The suit alleges that Mayor Adams allowed the federal ICE agents on Rikers Island due to a “corrupt bargain” with the Trump Administration. Specifically, the suit alleges Mayor Adams “agreed to in advance” with the Trump Administration to get his federal corruption charges dropped.

While NYC Council Speaker Adrienne Adams accused Mayor Adams of “colluding with the Trump Administration to violate the law,” a spokesperson for Mayor Adams explained that the recent executive order “is expressly authorized by New York City’s local laws.” First Deputy Mayor Randy Mastro, who signed the executive order, explained that he only signed the order after he “independently concluded that a federal presence at Rikers to conduct federal criminal investigations is in New York City’s best interest.”

Federal DOT Takes Over Penn Station Revitalization

Federal DOT Secretary Sean Duffy announced that Amtrak will be taking over the revitalization of Penn Station from the MTA. While the federal takeover of Penn Station seems to be part of the ongoing confrontation between the MTA and the federal DOT over congestion pricing, Hochul praised the move as a “major victory for New Yorkers, and the use of federal funds will save New York taxpayers $1.3 billion dollars that would have otherwise been necessary for this project.” Congressmember Mike Lawler, a critic of the MTA, also praised the move, explaining, “The MTA and [MTA CEO] Janno Lieber have the wrong approach and the wrong plan.”

Eric Adams' Administration Joins Congestion Pricing Lawsuit Against Trump

Late last week, Mayor Eric Adams’ Administration and the state DOT joined the MTA’s ongoing congestion pricing lawsuit against the Trump Administration. The lawsuit alleges the Trump Administration’s move to stop congestion pricing was unlawful. While Adams had previously explained that the fight over congestion pricing was a state issue and “not a city issue,” the city DOT explained in the filing that NYC “has a direct and substantial interest” in congestion pricing and alleges that Trump’s action “undermines the rule of law itself.” Currently, the federal DOT has agreed to push back the public deadline of April 20 to stop congestion pricing and delay the judge’s decision until at least October. However, the federal DOT explained that the delay is not an “explicit agreement” to keep congestion pricing in place.

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