Friday Morning Brief April 4, 2025

Apr 3

Written By Michael Avella

Member Spotlight

Assemblymember MaryJane Shimsky

Assemblywoman MaryJane Shimsky joins us to discuss her Westchester-based district, priorities, and some of her advocacy on various issues on behalf of her constituents. Before being elected to the Assembly, she practiced law and served as a Westchester County Legislator. A lifelong environmentalist, she has advocated for combattng climate change while reducing local government costs. She currently sits on various Assembly committees, including on Government Operations, Transportation, and Judiciary.

What district do you represent?
I represent the 92nd District, which is in Westchester County. It's along the Hudson River from Greystone, part of Northwest Yonkers, all the way up through Sleepy Hollow. It includes all of the Town of Greenburgh and its six villages, excluding the Edgemont section, and all of the Town of Mount Pleasant. There are also tiny pieces of Briarcliff Manor and Chappaqua.

Any landmarks or restaurants in your district that you want to highlight?
Walking along the Hudson River is one of the best things to do here. There are beautiful waterfront parks all along the river. We also have the Old Croton Aqueduct Trail and Rockefeller State Park Preserve, the Kensico Dam and Croton Dam parks, and many historical societies and buildings to visit. The Tarrytown Music Hall is Westchester's oldest theater and very popular for live performance. The Jacob Burns Film Center brings people from all over the area to Pleasantville. Many of our villages have live music and festivals outdoors during the summer, and I try to get to some of those when I'm available. We also have some of the best dining, with diverse restaurants showcasing different cuisines like Thai, Malaysian, French, Greek, Chinese, Japanese, Mexican, Indian, Italian, classic American, and farm-to-table. Overall, it is a beautiful district with many things to do and a variety of restaurants to visit.

What’s your favorite music – bands/artists?
My music taste tends to be quite eclectic, and I listen to almost everything. I'm actually a big fan of classical music, like Bach, but also pop artists like Billie Eilish or Adele. I like pop music from other countries, and comparing the similarities and different approaches.

What about sports? Any favorite NY sports team?
Let’s Go Mets! I also root for the Knicks and grew up watching both the Jets and Giants. I tend to watch a lot of Olympic sports. In fact, my husband and I recently went to Lake Placid for the second weekend of the World Bobsled & Skeleton Championships. I'm a big fan of figure skating. I always root for the American teams, but as a Polish-American, I also root for the Polish ski jumping team.

What was your occupation before running for the Assembly?
I started my adult life as a lawyer. After college, I attended law school and worked in the DA's office in Manhattan for several years. Then, I went to a big New York law firm for a while. And somewhere along the line, I realized it just was not me. So, I returned to graduate school and taught as an adjunct at Marymount College while earning my PhD in History at the CUNY Graduate Center. After that, I worked as Community Relations Director for Assemblyman Richard Brodsky for three and a half years, and served as a Westchester County Legislator for 11 years before seeking my Assembly seat.

What are the statewide issues are you hoping to address this year?
I've always been interested in infrastructure. The Governor and both houses included additional funding for roads and bridges in the budget. Those investments are important because, at this point, New York ranks near the bottom of all U.S. states for road conditions. There’s been a strong coalition of folks that my colleagues and I worked with to advocate for more funding for our roads and bridges. When people talk about infrastructure, some may see it as a competition between roads and mass transit. That is not true, because everybody uses roads — buses need quality roads, too.

In the last few years, our suburban school districts have fought very hard and, with some success, to increase the Foundation Aid they receive. All school districts must get what they need to make their students successful. I don't believe public schools should be thought of as the last resort for people who can't afford private schools. That's just wrong. Every child should have access to a really good public school. And I'm glad to see that the State is investing more money to make that happen for our children who have not had that, and are also investing in our higher achieving school districts to ensure that they can continue to have those kinds of schools.

Public health is also really important. We need to ensure that we are collecting up-to-date information on new and current diseases, and that our people have access to things like vaccines and the best public health information possible. I'm very concerned about women’s healthcare, due to the current national political climate, especially regarding reproductive care and cancer. The issues about gender disparity and healthcare go way beyond matters concerning the female reproductive system. The leading cause of death for women in the nation is heart disease, but heart disease manifests in many different ways for women than for men. Most of the research on heart disease has had men as the standard, leaving out women. Doctors and patients weren't taught what signs to look for and how the disease begins and progresses in women. So, I am worried about the recent federal cuts in health research.

We must also ensure that we're dealing the best we can with hunger and food insecurity. Even though it may get worse in the coming years, I am hopeful to see the inclusion of universal free school meals in all of the 2025-26 budget proposals. We have nonprofits in my district that are doing excellent work, such as Feeding Westchester and our many local food pantries.

Crucial to Westchester's continued well-being is the MTA Budget. So much of our economic activity and tax base is in the New York metropolitan area, and the MTA is a major reason for that. This means that we must ensure the MTA Capital Plan is fully funded. In the Metro-North service area, we're having issues ranging from crumbling platforms and storm flooding, to the potential loss of the Hudson Line due to sea level rise. The MTA Capital Budget proposes to upgrade the train lines to and from the Hudson Valley to improve their resiliency, which is very important for my constituents.

Any legislative achievements you want to highlight?
Expanding the State’s food donation and food scraps recycling program. Within the next two to four years, more businesses will be required to participate in the program, which will have many environmental benefits. Creating a tax abatement option for municipalities, to give a break to people recovering from significant property damage due to a storm or other weather event. Also, expanding the use of e-filing to all courts in the State. Seventeen of my bills passed the Legislature and were signed by the Governor during my first term. They also include many items to help our municipalities, such as red-light cameras in Greenburgh, parking permits in Dobbs Ferry, and assisting firefighter benevolent associations in Hastings and Valhalla.

At budget time, one of the many issues I champion is to increase funding for roads and bridges. I always work with my colleagues to ensure that we invest in our roads and bridges. I successfully advocated to have $100 million added to the State budget for local roads.

I am also proud of my work in support of my colleagues' legislation. Some of the most important work I've done in the Legislature was to support Assemblymember Dinowitz on the Climate Change Superfund Act, which was signed into law last year, and Assemblymember Simon on the NY HEAT Act. Environmental issues are also important because, aside from the obvious, they impact our infrastructure — which I have prioritized throughout my time as an Assemblymember, and before that as a County Legislator. If done well, Legislator is the most cooperative job there is.

What advice would you give young folks wanting to get more involved in politics?
One of the first things I tell students is that, while college is not a requirement, it’s important. Not only does it help you analyze issues better, but it teaches you about many other parts of the human experience, whether that’s healthcare, mental health, art, law, engineering, or science. It can also teach you how to steer a conversation and be a leader.

Also, importantly, you should get involved in your community. That can be advocacy, party politics, volunteer work, or PTA. It helps you get connected with others and teaches you about your community. Being involved in local politics means working with your community, for your community.

Any other last comments?
It’s very important that legislators, like me, hear from our constituents, because my job is to advocate on behalf of my constituents. So please feel free to reach out to me or my office for any concerns or issues.

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!

Mike Groll/Office of Governor Kathy Hochul

Budget Negotiations Continue to Stall Over Discovery

Yesterday, lawmakers passed the second budget extender after passing the first extender on Tuesday. Senate Deputy Majority Leader Mike Gianaris explained that the budget talks have moved “not a lot, but a little.” "We're probably on planet Neptune," Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie explained yesterday to describe the current state of budget negotiations. With the second budget extender only lasting until Monday, lawmakers must pass another extender on Monday if a budget agreement cannot be reached over the weekend.

However, Senate Finance Chair Liz Kreuger expressed that she is “more optimistic” that a budget agreement can be reached by the end of next week. “It is possible. It is absolutely possible,” said Krueger. However, lawmakers have expressed frustration with the current state of budget negotiations. “We’re not even discussing numbers,” explained Krueger on Tuesday. “There has been no discussion of money so far,” Assemblymember Andrew Hevesi said on Wednesday.

Currently, negotiations over the final budget agreement have stalled over the language for discovery, with Hochul heavily pushing to change the state’s discovery laws to allow more judicial discretion. While Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins and Heastie said their respective conferences conceptually agree to change the state’s discovery laws, discussions over how to change the law remain. "I believe if we can resolve discovery...we can be on Mars. Discovery is probably the biggest logjam,” Heastie explained. Additionally, Hochul is heavily advocating to broaden the requirements for involuntary commitment, which has been met with some resistance from lawmakers in both chambers. On Monday, Hochul’s Budget Director, Blake Washington, explained that Hochul “can’t compromise” on discovery and involuntary commitment and is willing to hold up the negotiations “as long as it takes.”

Besides discovery and involuntary commitment, classroom cell phones and mask bans are Hochul's other top policy issues. Yesterday, Heastie confirmed that Hochul's "bell-to-bell" proposal is "just about done." However, lawmakers remain divided over the mask ban proposal in part due to the current political climate under President Trump. “I have a lot of concerns about how the Trump administration is playing almost everything when it comes to civil liberties,” explained Krueger.

If Hochul and the Legislature cannot agree to a final budget agreement by the end of next week before their two-week break for Passover, lawmakers will have to resume budget negotiations on April 28th.

Mike Groll/Office of Governor Kathy Hochul

EXECUTIVE UPDATES

On Monday, Hochul and the state DOT announced the completion of a $66.4 million bridge construction project that replaces the 75-year old bridge in the Bronx. The new bridge carrying the Bronx River Parkway is expected to relieve traffic through the artery that connects NYC and Long Island to the rest of the state. The $66.4 million project builds upon the state’s recent rehabilitation and construction infrastructure projects. “I’m working to strengthen infrastructure in the Bronx and beyond — connecting our communities so they can grow and thrive,” said Hochul.

On Tuesday, Hochul announced the start of an affordable housing development in Ossining, Westchester County. The $96 million Station Plaza housing development will provide 108 affordable apartments and include essential community facilities and commercial space. Each apartment will be available for families earning or below 80% of the Area Median Income. The housing development builds upon the state’s financing of 5,000 affordable homes in the last five years and supports Hochul’s $25 billion five-year Housing Plan. “The solution to the housing crisis is simple — we have to build more housing,” said Hochul.

Yesterday, Hochul announced that the state Liquor Authority will accept Conditional Approvals from NYC DOT as proof of municipal authorization to allow more restaurants to be in the Dining Out New York program. The new policy will streamline the approval process for restaurants and bars seeking to provide alcoholic drinks for outdoor dining tables. Previously, establishments had to finalize their permits after being granted conditional approvals before being able to serve alcoholic beverages at outdoor dining tables. The policy comes as NYC establishments and the state Liquor Authority faced a backlog of approvals by NYC DOT. “By recognizing NYC DOT’s Conditional Approvals, we are making it easier for restaurants and bars to offer al fresco options while ensuring compliance with the law and consideration of local input,” said Hochul.

Earlier this week, Hochul announced the start of a $61.5 million pavement improvement project along Interstate 90 in Ontario and Monroe counties. The project includes pavement rehabilitation and safety enhancements on Interstate 90 between Canandaigua and Rochester. The funding for the project comes from the 2025 Enacted Budget, which provides $477.3 million for all capital projects across the state’s thruway system. The project builds upon the state’s previous projects to enhance the state’s road infrastructure. "We are making important investments in infrastructure to provide motorists with a safe and dependable roadway,” said Hochul.

Yesterday, Hochul signed three bills aimed at addressing gun safety and protection. The bills will establish new penalties for individuals using “pistol converters,” require banks to use merchant category codes for bulk retailers, and strengthen existing laws requiring firearms dealers to distribute information about the warnings of gun ownership at the point of sale. Additionally, Hochul touted the 53% decline in gun violence compared to 2022, highlighting the recent actions by Hochul and the state to address gun-related incidents, including continued investment in the GIVE Initiative. Hochul reiterated her commitment to reducing gun violence and highlighted her budget proposal to invest $370 million in gun violence prevention programs. “We’re taking action to drive down gun violence in the State of New York — protecting our communities and making our streets safer,” said Hochul.

LEGISLATIVE UPDATES

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

Aung Hset/D&A

Senate Republicans Call for More Transparency in Budget Talks

After passing the first Budget extender on Tuesday, Senate Republicans criticized Democrat lawmakers for missing the budget deadline and urged more transparency in the ongoing budget negotiations. Specifically, Senate Republicans urge the leaders of the Legislature to end the use of messages of necessity and middle-of-the-night voting. Senator Jim Tedisco, who is sponsoring a bill that would prohibit legislative proceedings between midnight and 8 AM and limit the use of messages of necessity, explained that his bill would allow more accountability and public input on the budget process. “We can’t predict when we will finally see a budget deal, but we can tell you with certainty that it will be completely unsustainable and out of touch,” explained Tedisco.

Lawmakers Advocate for Higher Wages for Behavioral Health Workers

In an ongoing budget push, Senate Mental Health Chair Samra Brouk and Assembly Mental Health Chair Jo Anne Simon are urging Hochul and leaders of the Legislature to increase behavioral health workers’ pay amidst discussions over expanding the criteria for involuntary commitment. While both the Senate and Assembly One-House budgets propose to expand behavioral health workers’ pay by 7.8%, Hochul proposes to increase the pay by 2.1%. Lawmakers and advocates argue that expanding involuntary commitment while not adequately raising wages would lead to more health workers leaving the field and overcrowding existing mental health facilities. “You can pass any law you want, but if you're not paying people enough to keep people or attract people to the field, you've got nothing,” explained Simon.

Senate Republicans Unveil MTA Legislative Package

On Wednesday, Senate Republicans highlighted three bills to address the $64.5 billion MTA Capital Budget pitfall and improve MTA public safety. The bills to address public safety would allow free fares for police officers and imposefelony penalties for individuals committing a crime on the subway. The public safety bills come after federal DOT Secretary Sean Duffy threatened to cut all federal funding of the MTA over concerns about crimes in subways and MTA stations. The third bill would address the MTA budget pitfalls by establishing an MTA fiscal oversight board. “The MTA is a bottomless pit for billions of taxpayer dollars, and it’s high time the MTA put its books out for public review,” explained Senator Jack Martins. The bills come as Hochul and leaders of the Legislature are negotiating over funding streams for the MTA, with payroll mobility tax on large businesses being a possibility.

Aung Hset/D&A

Lawmakers Rally for GAP Act to be Included in the Final Budget

This week, lawmakers joined advocates in a rally for the inclusion and funding of the Green Affordable Pre-Electrification (GAP) Fund Act in the final budget agreement. Lawmakers and advocates argue that the $200 million funding for the GAP Fund would help at least 10,000 homes get access to energy efficiency and electrification programs annually, helping the state achieve its goal of reducing 40% of its greenhouse gas emissions by 2030. “In the midst of an affordability crisis and the climate crisis, the urgency is clear, and I urge the leaders of our state to include this fund in the final budget,” Senate bill sponsor Kristen Gonzalez explained. Assembly bill sponsor Dr Anna Kelles added that the bill's passage would “have a huge impact both reducing costs and improving well-being for a large number of people.”

Lawmakers Call for $1 Billion in Funding for State Childcare System

Earlier this week, a bipartisan group of Assemblymembers held a press conference urging Hochul and leaders of the Legislature to include a $1 billion investment into the state’s childcare system. Led by Assembly Children and Families Chair Andrew Hevesi, lawmakers explained that the $1 billion fundingfor the state Child Care Assistance Program is essential for ensuring adequate pay for childcare workers and childcare vouchers. This comes as lawmakers from both chambers sent a letter to Hochul and leaders of the Legislature that 60,000 children in NYC “are on the brink of losing access to childcare” under Hochul’s budget proposal. “We cannot allow our budget to pass without a $1 billion to invest in the workforce and prevent tens of thousands of kids from losing their childcare,” said Hevesi.

Senate Republicans Criticize DOCCS' Plan to Release Inmates

After the DOCCS and Hochul announced a plan to release inmates if they are within 110 days of their release date to alleviate understaffed state correctional facilities, Assembly Republicans criticized the move as undermining public safety and not adequately addressing understaffing. “It’s not surprising to me that even when this administration had an opportunity to fix a problem, they instead are creating new ones,” said Assemblymember Chris Tague. Assembly Republicans are urging Hochul and the Legislature to take legislative actions to hire more correctional officers and repeal the HALT Act to protect existing correctional officers. "After firing 2,000 correctional officers, state officials have decided it’s easier to release inmates than to hire more officers. The state prison system is completely broken,” said Assembly Republican Leader Will Barclay. Recently, as part of a budget agreement, Hochul proposes to lower the hiring age for correctional officers from 21 to 18 to attract more hires.

Bipartisan Group of Lawmakers Urge Congress to Defend SNAP and School Meal Funding

Earlier this week, a bipartisan group of Senators sent a letter to the state’s federal representatives urging them to help defend SNAP and funding for school meals from being part of the proposed spending cuts in Congress. The Senators, led by Senate Social Services Chair Roxanne Persaud and Ranking Member Dean Murray, explained that funding for SNAP and school meals “provide critical food assistance for millions of New Yorkers” and is essential for the state financial plan. “SNAP provides people in need with the necessities to survive and the opportunity to keep moving forward. These are hardworking people that just need a helping hand to get through a difficult time,” the Senators explained in the letter.

OTHER UPDATES

Eric Adams to Run for Mayor as an Independent

After NYC Mayor Eric Adams was dismissed of his federal corruption charges with prejudice on Monday, he announced his intention to keep running for mayor as an independent. “I’m in the race to the end. I’m not running on the Democratic line. It’s just not realistic,” explained Adams. He also explained that running on an independent line “liberates” him and allows him to run on a platform tailored to public safety. With his charges now dropped and without any opportunity for the federal DOJ to revive them, Adams said he could now campaign for mayor. “The dismissal of the bogus case against me dragged on too long, making it impossible to mount a primary campaign while these false accusations were held over me,” Adams explained.

Environmental Groups Sue DEC Over Cap-and-Invest

Earlier this week, four environmental and climate justice groups filed a lawsuit against the state DEC for “stonewalling necessary climate action in outright violation” of the CLCPA. The lawsuit specifically alleges that the state DEC is “defying the Legislature’s clear directive” on Cap-and-Invest. The lawsuit comes after the state DEC released the first draft rule for Cap-and-Invest last week. However, environmental groups allege that the state is neglecting the established timeline for implementing the program. The DEC said in December that the draft rules would be released in January to ensure the program will be implemented before the end of 2025. NYSERDA and DEC explained that the agencies are still "continuing to develop [the] Cap-and-Invest program" and not neglecting the goals of the CLCPA.

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