Friday Morning Brief August 23, 2024

Aug 22

Written By Michael Avella

Please note that for the summer, the Morning Brief will be sent out on a bi-weekly basis

Member Spotlight

Stacey Pheffer-Amato

Assemblywoman Stacey Pheffer Amato joined us to discuss her southern Queens-based district, priorities, and experiences in the Assembly. Before becoming an Assemblymember, she was inspired by public service and worked in the FDNY and NYC Department of Education. She and her team pride themselves on their deep commitment to serving their constituents and addressing their concerns or issues. Currently, she is the Chair of the Assembly Committee on Governmental Employees and a member of various committees, such as on Education, Racing and Wagering, and Veterans’ Affairs.

What district do you represent?
I represent the 23rd Assembly district in Queens, right next to the Atlantic Ocean and Jamaica Bay. My district is the furthest south you can go in New York State. It encompasses most of the Rockaway Peninsula, Howard Beach, Broad Channel, and Ozone Park. It’s a true Queens community.

What do you like the most about your district?
I was born and raised here, and this is where I am raising my family. We have the beach, a beautiful boardwalk, and an incredibly diverse and amazing community. In this district neighbors care about each other and every day you can feel the warm sense of community.

What was your profession before becoming a legislator?
After graduating college, my first job was with the NYC Dept. of Sanitation. I got the public service bug and that was it. I also worked for the FDNY as a procurement specialist. Most recently, I was a NYC DOE paraprofessional and small business owner.

What inspired you to run for office?
Well, the word on the street was that I never wanted to run for office. My mom was the Assemblywoman for our community for 25 years. Growing up, I was always involved in community affairs – we had a very active community family. I always said running for office was something I would never do. However, when the sitting member decided not to run for re-election, it was a natural calling, I immediately knew what I had to do. I wanted to stand up for the community and make sure the voices of the people throughout the Rockaways, Broad Channel, Ozone Park and Howard Beach were heard. I decided to put my hat in the ring and won. Upon my victory, my mom and I became the first mother and daughter in New York State to hold the same office. We made history without even knowing until someone told us.

What kind of music do you like? Any favorite genres or artists?
My kids will always say, “Are we going to listen to the 70s channel again?” I’m a 70s kid – I love one-hit wonders and disco. I’m also a Bruce Springsteen fan and listened to rock’ n’ roll growing up. I can also tell you every Harry Styles song because my daughter rules the radio in our car. True confession, I love to sing in my car – I’m a singer.

What about sports? Any favorite NY sports team?
I’m a true New Yorker. I’m a Met fan who married a Yankee fan, so we call ourselves a mixed marriage. And I’m a Jets fan – I love football.

Do you have any pets?
Yep. I have a cat - everyone knows my cat Sugar. She’s a tabby. My daughter wanted a dog, and she would always ask for one every Christmas and Hanukkah for 10 years. However, we live on the 10th floor of an apartment building, so Sugar was a welcomed compromise. Now everyone wants more cats!

What’s your favorite food?
I think it’s easier to say what I don’t like to eat because I like everything. As a former pizzeria owner, I would say pizza! Whether you are feeling happy or getting home late, just eat pizza!

Any favorite restaurants in your district?
My district is filled with many restaurants, and I am a frequent flyer; however my default one is Bungalow Bar. You can eat outside with a beautiful view of Jamaica Bay. I go there with my friends and family. I used to work there when it was called Pier 92-it’s a true Rockaway restaurant. DredSurfer in Far Rockaways has always been another favorite of mine because you get to eat right on the boardwalk and have the sand in your toes.

As the Chair of Governmental Employees, what issues are you focusing on this year?
We are focusing on many parity bills that range from making sure court officers and firefighters have full disability benefits, helping our public school teachers in their retirement system, to increasing the pay for officers in the NYPD. Reforming Tier 6 is a huge priority and ongoing project – and I’m very proud of the work we’ve achieved in changing the final average salary calculations, however, there’s more to do. The biggest thing, in a nutshell, is to focus on recruitment and retention. There is a large number of vacancies in the public sector which is why I worked to remove the fees for civil service exams. I believe a career in civil service is incredibly rewarding and want everyone to have the chance to explore that.

Any top priorities in particular that you are focusing on for your district?
One is education, education, education. My district is full of public schools, charter schools and non-public schools. I work on bringing equity into every school in my community during the State Budget and making sure they all get their fair share of funding.

Public safety and quality of life are also important. When I’m home from Albany I make sure to attend local civic meetings and I am hearing how people are very concerned about illegal cannabis stores and their impact on our quality of life.  That is why we’re changing the law and padlocking illegal stores. On public safety, I’m very proud of my relationship with our 3 local precincts. The police in my district are fantastic and do a great job of fighting crime and protecting the public, which is why I work to make sure they have every resource they need.

And of course, the environment. Majority of my district is surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean and Jamaica Bay. I think about 85% of my district was impacted by Hurricane Sandy so it’s obvious that the flooding is tied to the changes in our environment. That’s why I’m pushing for more investments in infrastructure in South Queens and making sure we are resistant to adverse climate events. It’s an ongoing project but something I will never back down from.

What is your proudest achievement as an Assemblymember?
My proudest achievement was passing the bill to make New York the first State in the county to require insurance companies to cover aesthetic flat closure.  This change ensured that when women have a mastectomy or double mastectomy, they can choose how they want their post-mastectomy bodies to look, and it will now be covered by insurance. The law previously said that getting reconstructive breasts was covered by insurance, but if you choose an aesthetic flat closure, or a flat chest, it wasn’t covered by insurance. Not every woman wanted new breasts and sadly some women were walking around disfigured and unhappy with their body. That wasn’t acceptable and we fought and won, and NYS is now the first out of 50 states to require that insurance coverage. This was the right thing to do and every state should follow.

Another achievement was implementing the E-ZPass toll rebate for all Queens residents traveling over the Cross Bay Veterans Memorial Bridge. It’s the only intra-borough toll bridge in NYC which required people traveling within Queens to pay a toll which was absurd. I can say this policy puts money back in my constituents’ pockets - it’s a huge victory and

I’m proud of the victories we’ve achieved in fighting for our nonpublic schools. The fight to ensure that our nonpublic schools have enough money for STEM, and now arts, is essential to families and students in my district. Every year since I was elected the amount of funds allocated to nonpublic schools has increased and I’m proud to see that happen.

And of course, defending our public employees by increasing pension benefits, and preventing diminished healthcare for retirees. I’m honored to be the Chairwoman of the Committee on Governmental Employees and pass legislation that helps the hardworking men and women of our State. Governmental employees keep NY moving forward and I will always have their backs!

While working on your various issues, do you have any other Members with whom you work or hang out?
That would be Bobby Carroll and Billy Jones. We were elected at the same time and connected on day one. We have a great relationship - we laugh a lot. We come from very different backgrounds which keeps the conversation going.

What advice would you give young folks wanting to get into politics or even run for office?
No brainer - I think anyone wanting to be involved in government must be civically involved in their community. So, aside from growing up in a very community involved family, I was involved with the board of directors of my Mitchell-Lama Co-op. That led me to getting involved with my local police council, community board, and CBO’s, and it grew from there.

We need to ensure that the younger generations understand how to agree or disagree. Having a difference of opinion is important, but also making sure it’s conveyed in a respectful and appropriate way matters. I believe going to local meetings helps because collaboration is very important in politics. I think it’s important to participate in your local community or civic groups to learn from people in your community.

Any last comments?
I love what I do. I love working with people and helping my community. When we work on legislation, it comes down to how that impacts your community and being that voice in Albany. As a member of the State Assembly, I make laws, and its complicated work because there are many parts and layers to it. But, if you peel it all back, it all comes down to your community and ensuring that you are their voice– and I’m honored to elevate my constituents voices every day.

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!

EXECUTIVE UPDATES

Last week, Hochul announced the state’s investment of $27.5 million in Elmhurst Hospital’s maternal and pediatric healthcare facilities in Queens. The investment is expected to increase access to Elmhurst Hospital’s Women’s Pavilion by doubling its size and building a new Pediatric Intensive Care Unit. The expansion of maternal and pediatric healthcare facilities in Elmhurst Hospital is expected to serve the neighborhoods of Elmhurst, Jackson Heights, and Corona, which are Queens’s highest birthrate communities. The investment builds upon Hochul’s commitment to address the maternal mortality crisis and the state’s previous actions to support maternal health, such as a statewide standing order for doula services and covering doula services under Medicaid.

Late last week, during the National Dominican Day Parade, Hochul announced the establishment of a $12.5 million Dominican Center for the Arts and Culture Center in Washington Heights. The first cultural center of its kind is set to open in 2026 and will be dedicated to preserving and celebrating the arts and culture of the Dominican Republic and Dominican New Yorkers. Dominican Studies Institute at CUNY will be in charge of the operation of the new cultural center. The cultural center builds upon the state’s commitment to celebrating and uplifting the diverse cultures and communities across the state. “New York will celebrate and preserve the history of the Dominican Republic as well as the countless contributions Dominican Americans have made to help shape our Northern Manhattan community into what it is today,” explained Hochul.

On Monday, Hochul announced the availability of $16.5 million for decarbonizing and improving affordable housing in NYC through the Resilient and Equitable Decarbonization Initiative for Existing Buildings (REDi: EB) Program. Under the program, $15 million is available to cover costs to strategically electrify space heating and domestic hot water production and improve the building envelope, and $1.5 million is available to fund technical assistance. Applications are now public and will be accepted until the end of this year. The program builds upon the cooperation between the state and NYC and supports the state’s commitment to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 85 percent by 2050, as outlined by the CLCPA.

Earlier this week, Hochul announced the start of a $32.4 million project in Westchester to restore Cross Westchester Expressway, a 5.5-mile stretch of Interstate 287. The project will repair road joints, add new pavement, and upgrade road striping along the highway to improve road resiliency and rideability. The project is expected to complete in the fall of 2025. The project comes as many motorists and Westchester-based lawmakers have raised concerns about the safety of the Cross Westchester Expressway, one of the busiest commuter arteries in the Hudson Valley. “This resurfacing project along the Cross Westchester Expressway will provide smoother rides to the tens of thousands of commuters who use this highway every day and improve the durability and resiliency of one our most important arteries for the flow of goods and commerce,” explained Hochul.

On Tuesday, Hochul announced an international agreement with Japan to collaborate on semiconductor R&D and workforce development. The agreement allows NY CREATES and Empire State Development to cooperate with Rapidus, a Japanese semiconductor firm that will specialize in producing two-nanometer chips in Hokkaido. The international agreement supports the state’s focus on expanding its semiconductor industry and increasing the state’s economic development. “It is international partnerships such as these that foster collaboration and growth and ensure economic success,” said Hochul.

LEGISLATIVE UPDATES

Assemblymember Stacey Pheffer Amato Helps Deliver Investment to Her District's Hospital

Assemblymember Stacey Pheffer Amato joined doctors, nurses, and administrators to deliver $500,000 to St. John’s Episcopal Hospital for a new Labor, Delivery, Recovery, and Postpartum Unit. As the only hospital throughout the Rockaway Peninsula in Pheffer Amato’s district, she explains the new unit is essential in increasing access to maternal healthcare. “This is for the women of Rockaway because they should not have to leave their community to see an OBGYN, to receive top-notch maternal healthcare, or to give birth in a state-of-the-art environment,” said Pheffer Amato.

Assemblymember Monica Wallace Calls for Parole Reforms

Last week, Assemblymember Monica Wallace, parole officers, and NYSPEF called for parole law reforms to ensure that parolees are held accountable if they violate their conditions of release. The push comes after Edward Kindt, who is convicted of murder, was accused of violating parole by fleeing from his home. Wallace explains that the current parole law under the Less is More Act, which jails those who violate paroles for up to 7 days or 30 days for repeat offenders, “went too far” and “handicapped” parole officers from enforcing compliance. “The Kindt case shows the current system fails to hold parolees accountable for violating conditions of their release,” said Wallace. Instead, Wallace explains that her bill that would revoke parole from certain convictions is essential to “restore accountability and protect the public.”

Assemblymember Charles Lavine Visits Cold Spring Harbor

Late last week, Assemblymember Charles Lavine visited D&A client Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, a private non-profit research institute specializing in biomedical research. Lavine toured CSHL’s Foundation for the Future construction site, which will expand the laboratory’s research capabilities and benefit the local economy through new construction and research jobs. Additionally, Lavine visited CSHL’s new seawall, which he heavily supported to protect the laboratory’s campus from future flooding.

Delivery of Craft Alcohol Bill Signed by Hochul

On Monday, Hochul signed a bill allowing the state’s craft manufacturers of spirits, cider, and mead to ship directly to consumers. The bill’s signing comes after more than two years of advocacy by lawmakers, small breweries, and spirit manufacturers. Advocates of the bill explain that delivery of craft alcohol helped the industry survive during the COVID-19 pandemic when it was temporarily allowed, and permanently codifying the delivery law will support the industry’s long-term survival. “This new law offers not just support, but a new pathway for growth to countless New York cideries and distilleries,” Senate sponsor James Skofuis explained.

Court of Appeals Upholds Early Mail Voter Act

On Tuesday, the state’s Court of Appeal rejected the Republican challenge to the state’s Early Mail Voter Act. “Our task is to rigorously analyze the constitutional text and history to determine if New York’s Early Mail Voter Act is unconstitutional. We now hold that it is not,” the Court of Appeals stated in their 6-1 decision. Passed by the Legislature last year and signed by Hochul in September, the law grants all eligible voters in the state the right to early by mail. However, Representative Elise Stefanik and other GOP lawmakers filed a lawsuit against the law the same day Hochul signed it, arguing that the law was unconstitutional. “This law is not only constitutional but to the benefit of New Yorkers – I hope voters remember which party wants to facilitate their voting power and which would deny it,” said Senate sponsor Mike Gianaris.

“I am pleased with today’s NYS Court of Appeals decision upholding our landmark law to guarantee New York voters ability to early vote by mail,” said Assembly Member Karines Reyes, R.N., and Chair of the NYS Puerto Rican / Hispanic Task Force. “We are glad the state’s leading jurists agree with our assessment that the Legislature should be empowered to amend election law to allow voters to use this sensible method of participation in the political process. There are both moral and legal means to ensure that every New Yorker can engage in democracy.”

2024 Election Updates

Assemblymember Jenifer Rajkumar to Run for NYC Comptroller

Last week, Assemblymember Jenifer Rajkumar officially announced her run for NYC Comptroller. This comes as Rajkumar has been rumored to run for the Comptroller Officer after city Comptroller Brad Lander announced his run for NYC Mayor late last month. Running on affordability, Rajkumar explained that “government inefficiency costs lives” and will use her experience as an Assemblymember to ensure that NYC is “affordable for everyone.” Although the primary won’t be until 2025, City Councilmember and Finance Chair Justin Brannan has announced his campaign for city Comptroller, while Manhattan Borough President Mark Levine is ”interested” in running.

Assemblymember Mike Norris Steps Down to Become a State Supreme Court Judge

Last week, the Niagara County Republican Committee confirmed that Assemblymember Mike Norris has been endorsed by Republican and Democratic delegates to be on the ballot for State Supreme Court judge. With his nomination, Norris will serve the remainder of his term through the end of the year but not run for another term in the Assembly. Norris said that although he enjoys being an Assemblymember, he “humbly accepted the nomination for state Supreme Court Justice of the 8th Judicial district.” With Norris not running for reelection, a GOP candidate to replace Norris has not been confirmed yet. Currently, former Lockport Mayor Michelle Roman is the Democratic nominee for Norris’ Assembly seat.

Democratic National Convention

This week was the Democratic National Convention, where Democratic delegates nominated Kamala Harris for president and Tim Walz for vice president. At the DNC, Hochul gave a speech praising Harris and criticizing Donald Trump, and led New York’s roll call to give the state’s 298 votes to Harris and Walz. However, outside the convention, pro-Palestinian protesters rally and march against Democratic lawmakers’ support for Israel, with about 3,000 protestors marching on the first night of DNC and about 2,000 on Wednesday night. While mostly peaceful, violent clashes occurred between police and protestors on Tuesday nights due to unsanctioned protests.

OTHER UPDATES

Mayor Eric Adams Subpoenaed by Federal Investigators

Federal prosecutors investigating NYC Mayor Eric Adams for campaign finance violations have recently issued subpoenas to him, his election committee, and City Hall. The subpoenas reportedly were served in July and were looking into information related to Adams, his aides, and individuals who worked in the City Hall and on Adams’ 2021 campaign. Although the full scope of the investigation is unclear to the public, the subpoenas came after nine months of corruption and campaign finance violation investigation by federal prosecutors. Adams’ spokesperson explained that Adams “has been clear over the last nine months that he will cooperate with any investigation underway” and that “nothing has changed.”

Robert Tucker Appointed to Head FDNY

Last week, Mayor Eric Adams announced the appointment of Robert Tucker to head the FDNY, replacing Laura Kavanagh, who stepped down earlier this month. “As we move forward and see the new challenges that this department is facing, I knew Robert was the one to do it,” explained Adams. Although Tucker has never been a firefighter, he serves on the board of directors of the FDNY Foundation, the official non-profit for the FDNY, and on the board of directors for the NYC Police Foundation. “I know my role here. You’re out doing a hard job. I’m here to make it easier and safer,” Tucker said at his appointment ceremony.

State Financial Control Board Approves NYC Enacted Budget Over Financial Concerns

At last week’s annual State Financial Control Board meeting, which provides oversight over the NYC budget, top state and city leaders met to approve NYC's 2025 Enacted Budget. While the panel did allow the city’s budget to go forward, NYC Comptroller Brad Lander and state Comptroller Tom DiNapoli questioned Mayor Adams’ initial financial outlook, which led to various proposed cuts in city agencies’ budgets. Lander specifically criticized Adams for “under-budgeting,” while DiNapoli explained that “situations do change, and the city benefited from higher than projected revenue.” Additionally, DiNapoli warned Adams of future financial risks and not to overspend, explaining, “I wouldn’t be surprised if, moving forward, depending on economic trends, you may see another round of [budget cuts] projected for the future.”

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