Friday Morning Brief August 4, 2023

Aug 3

Speaker Heastie Say No Special Session on Housing or Seneca Gaming Compact

Last week’s Daily Gazette report highlighted that several Assembly members indicated a special session was being discussed before a gaming compact with the Seneca Nation expires on December 9th. However, Speaker Heastie declined to confirm any indications and explained, “I think at this point… we haven’t had any discussions about coming back. We can’t rush into something.” This comes after a brief two-day special session in late June, where many observers expected the Assembly to vote on the gaming compact renewal bill since the Senate passed it. However, it was tabled in the Assembly after pushback from local lawmakers and the potential loss of union jobs.

In addition to the Seneca Gaming Compact, many observers expected affordable housing to be considered during a special session. This comes after the Legislature and Governor Hochul failed to reach a deal over affordable housing during this year’s legislative session. Instead, Hochul signed executive orders creating the Pro-Housing Community Program and advancing residential projects halted by the expiration of 421-A. The Pro-Housing Community Program will support housing projects by streamlining their approval and giving priority awards. “In the absence of [the Legislature’s] action, I took the leadership role and said, ‘Well, let me see what we can do to jumpstart a lot of projects,’ and literally build thousands of more units for New Yorkers,” said Hochul.

Aside from Seneca Gaming Compact and affordable housing, some other notable bills were not voted on, including the Coverage-for-All bill, which would give state-funded healthcare plans for more than 240,000 undocumented immigrants. Although the Senate passed the bill, the Assembly did not bring the bill to vote after Hochul raised concerns about the fiscal costs of the bill and the possible budget deficit in the next fiscal year. With the looming budget deficit for next year and the continued influx of asylum-seekers in the state, it remains to be seen if Converge-for-All will be considered next session.

EXECUTIVE UPDATES

The Governor recently announced a series of new administration appointments. The new appointments are:

Budget Director: Blake G. Washington
Deputy Secretary for Education: Maria Fernandez
Regional Director of Western New York: Bonnie Lockwood
Deputy Secretary for Finance and Technology: Albert Pulido
Deputy Secretary for First Nations: Elizabeth Rule
Assistant Secretary for Intergovernmental Affairs: Angel Vasquez
Communications Director: Anthony Hogrebe

On July 7th, Hochul announced the opening of the first licensed adult-used cannabis dispensaries in the Bronx and on Long Island. The Bronx dispensary, Statis Cannabis Co., opened on July 6th, while the Long Island dispensary, Strain Stars LLC, opened on July 8th. Additionally, Hochul announced the opening of Stage One Cannabis LLC in Rensselaer on July 7th and Escape INC. in Vestal on July 8th. The opening of these four cannabis dispensaries brings a total of 19 operating legal and licensed dispensaries in the state, building upon Hochul’s 2024 Budget commitment to build up the legal cannabis market in the state. “With these new dispensaries opening in New York, we are providing safer products to New Yorkers while furthering our ambitious goals for equity in New York’s cannabis laws,” said Hochul.

Earlier last month, Hochul announced the implementation of federal measures in the state’s Department of Labor’s process of shielding undocumented immigrant workers from retaliation and removal during labor disputes. With an interagency partnership with the US Department of Homeland Security, NYSDOL will work with undocumented workers to give temporary protection from prosecution and potential removal and the ability to work legally. This is to help ensure that undocumented workers can report their employers if they are threatened with removal or other forms of retaliation. “We will continue to work with our local, state, and federal partners to ensure that all workers enjoy their right to fairness and safety in the workplace – regardless of their immigration status,” said Hochul.

On July 10th, Hochul announced $3.5 million for start-up grants to develop 13 new certified community behavioral health clinics, with six located in NYC and seven others throughout the state. The 13 new certified community behavioral health clinics will be 24-hour centers that provide comprehensive services for those requiring behavioral health support, specifically coordinated care across behavioral, physical health, and social service systems. This builds upon Hochul’s commitment to increasing access to care for those with mental health issues, especially in low-income, disadvantaged communities.

On July 11th, Hochul announced more than $51 million in grants to strengthen safety and security measures at nonprofit, community-based organizations at risk of hate crimes – the largest amount ever available due to the State’s Securing Communities Against Hate Crimes Grants. Cybersecurity improvements would also be covered under the new grants. Due to the new grants, 497 organizations statewide for 1,081 projects have been awarded, as well as 187 cybersecurity projects. This builds upon the 2024 Budget commitment to provide an additional $25 million for Securing Communities Against Hate Crimes grants to combat hate crimes. “Hate has absolutely no place in our state, and we will continue to do whatever it takes to make sure every New Yorker is safe from baseless violence that stems from prejudice,” explained Hochul.

On July 19th, Hochul publicly announced $29 million for electric vehicle charging infrastructure and rebates. The electric vehicle charging infrastructure funding will be under the Charge Ready NY 2.0, and the rebates will be through the Drive Clean Rebate Program. The funding comes as the state reached a milestone of 150,000 EVs on the road in June. The funding supports the state’s Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act goal to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 85 percent by 2050 and the new requirement that all new passenger cars, pickup trucks, and SUVs sold in the state be zero emission by 2035.

In addition, Hochul also announced a $12 million initiative to support the development of electric vehicle adoption and the integration of electric vehicles with the electric grid yesterday afternoon. The new initiative supports the state’s medium- and heavy-duty electric and hydrogen fuel cell technologies. Awards up to $3 million will be granted for developing and demonstrating technologies and business models that help reduce energy demand peaks and provide grid benefits. The new initiative also supports the state’s Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act goal to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 85 percent by 2050 and achieve a zero-emission electricity sector by 2040.

On July 25th, Hochul announced that nearly $7 million in compensation had been awarded to more than 1,000 victims of discrimination in employment, housing, and public accommodation – the highest total compensation in the past six years. Additionally, $269,000 in fines had been issued against employers, housing providers, and businesses for discriminatory practices and policies. “Securing this funding furthers our efforts to help victims seek the justice they deserve and make New York a safer state for all,” Hochul explained.

LEGISLATIVE UPDATES

New Top Budget Advisors in the Assembly

With Blake Washington - Secretary to the Assembly Ways and Means Committee and longtime budget advisor to the Assembly - leaving his post to become the next Budget Director for Hochul, Speaker Carl Heastie appointed Phillips Fields, a veteran budget aide in the Assembly, to assume the role of Secretary to the Assembly Ways and Means Committee. Additionally, Matthew Golden has been appointed to serve as the Director of Budget Studies in the Assembly. “Philip and Matthew are integral members of a strong, talented team that supports the Assembly Ways and Means Committee, and I am happy to announce that they will be stepping into new positions within our team,” Heastie said.

Senator Mannion to Run for Congress

Earlier last month, Senator John Mannion announced his bid for the state’s 22nd Congressional House District seat, with election experts calling it a battleground race. “We deserve to have a leader in Congress who will work with Republicans and Democrats to create good paying jobs, bring down costs for working families, care for our veterans, improve public safety, and guarantee a woman’s right to choose,” said Mannion. Mannion will compete against Sarah Klee Hood, a local town councilor who finished second in the 2022 Democratic primary for the same seat. Utica University Professor Clemmie Harris is also running for the Democratic nomination. 22nd Congressional House District comprises Onondaga, Madison, Oneida counties, and parts of Oswego County. Republican Brandon Williams currently holds the 22nd Congressional House District.

Onondaga County Legislature Chairman to Run for Mannion's Seat

After Mannion announced his bid for Congress, Onondaga County Legislature Chairman James Rowley announced his intention for Mannion’s 50th District Senate seat. If Rowley is successful in his run, he would be the second Republican to secure the 50th District Senate seat since John DeFrancisco retired in 2018. “This is about families for me. It’s about my family and the thousands of families in the district who are struggling to pay the bills… that are worried about what’s going on in their schools, and they’re afraid to go to the mall because they might be the victim of a crime,” explained Rowley.

Special Election for Assemblymember Daniel Rosenthal's Seat on September 12

With Assemblymember Daniel Rosenthal resigning from his 27th Assembly District in Queens to take a position as Vice President of Government Relations at UJA, Hochul announced a special election to take place for his seat on September 12. This Monday, Queens Democratic Party nominated Sam Berger, a recent graduate from St. John’s Law School and a local of the district, while the Queens Republican Party nominated Dovid Hirsch, a local rabbi and political consultant. Both Berger and Hirsch have been active and influential in the district, with many experts calling the election a battleground race.

Local District Leader to Challenge Juan Ardila

Émilia Decaudin, a member of the Queens Democratic Committee and first openly transgender state party official, announced her bid for Assemblymember Juan Ardila’s seat early last month. Ardila has resisted calls from Democratic Party leaders, including Hochul, to resign over accusations of sexual misconduct. Decaudin, a DSA member, transgender rights advocate, and district party leader, expressed her intentions to work to ensure Assembly District 37 becomes more affordable and inclusive. “New York cannot be the sanctuary it claims to be if people can’t afford to live here,” Decaudin explains.

Jonathan Soto to Challenge Assembylmember Michael Benedetto Again

Yesterday, Jonathan Soto told Politico about his plans to challenge Assemblymember Michael Benedetto in the 2024 Democratic Primary. Last year, Soto also challenged Benedetto in the Democratic primary, getting 36% of the vote against him. Similar to last year, Soto is campaigning to end the mayoral control of NYC schools. Previously, Soto was a former organizer for Representative Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and administration staffer for Bill de Blasio.

Senator Addabbo and Assemblymember Rajkumar Rally in NYC for Federal Aid

With more than 95,000 asylum-seekers arriving in NYC since last spring, Mayor Adams on Monday said, “From this moment on, it’s downhill. There is no more room.” NYC has been providing shelter to any that request it but elected officials from the city have been asking for federal assistance. This Monday, led by Assemblymember Jenifer Rajkumar, 60 elected officials, faith leaders, unions, and employers rallied at City Hall Park for federal assistance. “Our city is at its breaking point. We are requesting help from the White House,” said Rajkumar. “New York City cannot and should not solve a national crisis on its own. It’s time for the federal government to step up and do its job,” added Senator Joe Addabbo. Monday’s rally comes after 54 elected officials from the city signed a letter to the White House outlining a four-point plan, including expediting work permits for asylum-seekers and more federal funding.

Hate Crime Reporting on College Campuses Signed Into Law

On July 11th, in addition to announcing new grants to strengthen security in nonprofit, community-based organizations at risk of hate crimes, Hochul signed a bill to strengthen investigation and reporting requirements for hate crime incidents occurring on college campuses. The bill will require colleges to:

Post campus crime statistics on their website
Implement a plan to provide an investigation of hate crimes on campus
Inform incoming students about hate crime prevention measures.

“We must counter hate with education and teach a new generation that we accomplish much more together than we do apart,” Senate sponsor, Toby Ann Stavisky, explained. The Assembly sponsor, Daniel Rosenthal, said the bill “will allow the public to realize if any individual institution has a particular problem — and whether its administration is taking proper steps to address it.”

OTHER UPDATES

Donald Trump Indicted for January 6 Capital Riot

This Tuesday, Donald Trump was indicted on four felony charges for attempting to overturn the 2020 election results after a lengthy federal investigation over the January 6 Capital Riots. The indictment was filed by special counsel Jack Smith in Federal District Court in Washington D.C. Trump was summoned to court yesterday. The four felony charges are:

Conspiracy to defraud the U.S. Government
Obstructing or attempting to obstruct an official proceeding
Attempting to obstruct the certification of the Electoral College vote
Conspiracy to deprive citizens of their right to have their vote counted

With the addition of four felony charges, Trump currently faces a total of 78 counts of felony counts with 34 felony counts in the state in relation to hush money payments during his 2016 presidential election and 40 felony counts in Florida for keeping classified documents and impeding efforts to retrieve them. Trump is also expecting potential charges in Georgia for election interference to win Georgia in the 2020 presidential election.

NYC Council Override Mayor Adams' Veto of Housing Voucher Bills

After Mayor Eric Adams wrote an op-ed explaining his veto of the NYC Council’s bills to increase access to CityFHEPS vouchers to address homelessness, the NYC Council called Mayor Adams’ op-ed “misleading” and “gaslighting.” This comes as the NYC Council overrides Mayor Adams’ veto by a vote of 42 to 8. “I want to be clear: These bills are about helping the lowest-income New Yorkers facing homelessness and housing insecurity,” explained NYC Council Speaker Adrienne Adams. The fight between the Mayor and the Council over housing vouchers and assistance comes as the homeless shelter population in the city reached record levels with an influx of asylum-seekers. The four housing voucher bills in question are:

Intro 0229-2023: in relation to monthly rental assistance payments for households with rental assistance vouchers
Intro 0873-2023: prohibiting the department of social services from requiring an applicant for a rental assistance voucher to have resided or reside in a shelter of any type
Intro 0893-2023: expanding eligibility for rental assistance to any applicant at risk of eviction or experiencing homelessness
Intro 0894-2023: in relation to income and work requirements for rental assistance

First Latino NYPD Commissioner Sworn In

On July 17th, Edward Caban was sworn in as NYC’s first Latino NYPD commissioner after serving as the acting commissioner since July 1st after the resignation of Keechant Sewell, the first woman to lead the department. “Given how many great leaders of Hispanic descent have come before me in the NYPD, to be the first Hispanic police commissioner is an honor of the highest measure,” Caban said. Caban has been in the NYPD since 1991. Mayor Adams has hailed the appointment of Caban as NYPD commissioner and his commitment to diversity. “It is my honor to announce the appointment of Edward Caban as the next commissioner of the New York City Police Department and the first Latino police commissioner in NYPD history,” explained Mayor Adams.

New Congressional Map Ordered to be Redrawn

On July 13th, the Appellate Division of the State Supreme Court in Albany ordered the state’s Independent Redistricting Commission (IRC) to redraw the state’s congressional map, saying that the court-drawn congressional map put in place for last year’s midterms was only a temporary fix. “Accordingly, we direct the IRC to commence its duties forthwith,” said the majority opinion. This comes after the IRC could not draw the district lines in time, and the Court of Appeals struck down Legislature-drawn district lines, prompting a special master to draw the district lines for last year’s midterms. Republicans vowed to appeal the decision, enabling the Court of Appeals to leave a final decision. “The Court of Appeals must overturn this ruling, or Democrats will gerrymander the map to target political opponents and protect political allies,” Representative Elise Stefanik said in a joint statement with Edward Cox, the state’s GOP chair. However, Representative Hakeem Jeffries defended the ruling as the last year’s court-ordered lines were “drawn by an unelected, out-of-town special master appointed by an extreme right-wing judge, who himself was handpicked by partisan political operatives.”

MEMBER SPOTLIGHT

Assemblymember Matt Slater

Assemblymember Matt Slater has agreed to answer some questions about himself and his experiences during this year legislative's session for today's morning brief! From Yorktown, Westchester, Slater recently joined the Assembly this year.

What was your career before becoming a legislator?
Previously I served as the Executive Director of the New Hampshire Republican Party before returning home where I became Chief of Staff to State Senator Terrence Murphy. Most recently I served three years as the Town Supervisor for the Town of Yorktown.

What area do you represent? Can you describe it for those that have never been there?
I currently represent the 94th Assembly District which includes parts of Northern Westchester and most of Putnam County in the beautiful Hudson Valley. It is a mostly suburban area with some rural parts.

What is/are your greatest/proudest legislative achievement(s) this year?
I was proud to build a bipartisan coalition that successfully stopped Governor Hochul’s proposed housing initiatives that would have superseded local zoning and created high-density housing in suburban downtown areas. I also successfully worked to restore proposed funding cuts for veterans services and programs and, in my capacity as Ranking Member of the Assembly Standing Committee on Libraries and Education Technology, stopped funding cuts for the state’s 755 public libraries. I was pleased to deliver an increase in CHIPS funding to my local communities as well as several infrastructure investments including repaving Route 52 in the Town of Kent and a portion of Route 202 in the Town of Yorktown.

What was the most challenging piece of legislation/policy that you worked on this year?
As a member of the Transportation Committee, securing adequate funding for the Hudson Valley’s infrastructure has been and remains a challenge. The Hudson Valley, DOT Region 8, has the most assets and laned highway in New York State, but the Rebuild NY Coalition testified at the transportation budget hearing that it was among the worst conditioned roads in New York State with more than 60% of its pavements in fair or poor condition.
I also worked diligently with a bipartisan coalition to fund and advance universal free school meals. While I was pleased that we were able to secure funding for many schools in New York State I was disappointed this program stopped short of covering every school. Moving forward, I will continue to make expanding universal free schools to every student in New York a priority.

What are your priorities/goals for next year?
Early indications show next year’s budget will be a challenging one because of recent years of overspending. The most important priority must be tackling the affordability crisis that is hurting families, seniors and businesses in every corner of New York State.

Do you have a favorite colleague that you love to work with?
I enjoy working with all of my colleagues on both sides of the aisle because of the different perspectives that they bring to the conversation. I strongly believe in the importance of collaboration in policy development and hearing from all sides. However, in my first legislative session Assemblyman Ed Ra has been a terrific mentor and friend helping me transition from a local elected official to state office.

What advice would you give to young folks getting into politics?
Listen, learn and be fearless.

Any favorite/go-to spot for bites in Albany?
Café Capriccio, of course.

What is your office focusing on during the summer?
We believe strongly in constituent services and building strong community relationships. Our office is hosting several community events and developing new legislation for next year.

Firm Spotlight

D&A's Mike Avella Jr. was recently named to City & State's inaugural "Who's Who in Government Relations" list. Mike's excerpt below:

Mike Avella Jr. started his career in the Assembly, and between that and his time at the state Board of Elections and the state Department of Health, (he) had over 10 years in state government before transitioning to the private sector. With experience in the legislature, state agencies, health care, association advocacy and government affairs, Avella provides a well-rounded perspective for D&A's clients. He is a strong proponent of retail lobbying and can be always be found roaming the halls of the Capitol complex, utilizing his extensive network to connect clients with policymakers and helping execute strategies that position clients for success.

Recent accomplishments: The best part of my career is the diversity and breadth of issues I work on. I'm not going to pick favorites amongst clients, but if I had to pick recent highlights, I'd say working in the elections space has become one of my greatest passions and we've had great success in helping to continually evolve and improve New York's elections and voting system. Also working to improve awareness about the need to improve methods for treating health and mental health issues, especially as it involves veterans and first responders.

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