Friday Morning Brief Feb 14, 2025

Feb 13

Written By Michael Avella

Member Spotlight

Rebecca Kassay

Newly elected Assemblywoman Rebecca Kassay joins us to discuss her Suffolk County-based district, priorities, and distinct passion for serving her community. Prior to being elected to the Assembly, she served her community as a Port Jefferson Village Trustee and Deputy Mayor, where she strengthened community involvement in local governance. Currently, she sits on various Assembly committees, including on Local Governments, Small Business, Economic Development, Job Creation, Commerce & Industry.

What district do you represent?
I represent Assembly District 4, which includes Stony Brook, Setauket, Port Jefferson, Port Jefferson Station, Terryville, Coram, Gordon Heights, and parts of Selden, Middle Island, and Centereach. I look forward to meeting the wide variety of challenges throughout the district and serving every resident the way they deserve to be served.

What music do you like? Any favorite bands or artists?
I love folk rock, and Josh Ritter is my favorite musician. I also listen to many classics, like the Beatles, Rolling Stones, Led Zeppelin, and Pink Floyd. I enjoy listening to some of our pop princesses, too, like Chappell Roan and Taylor Swift. I also love musical theater, so I enjoy a wide range of music.

What about sports? Any favorite sports team?
I used to play softball in elementary and middle school. I used to like to say that I will be the first woman to play on the Mets– I’ve always been a fan of the underdog. I guess that being a woman in politics is its own underdog accomplishment!

What’s your favorite food, and/or do you have any restaurant recommendations in your district?
I always say my favorite restaurant in my district is my home and kitchen. My husband and I love to cook, but it’s really special when we do go out to eat. Of course, we love to eat at restaurants that are located in the district. I had my rehearsal dinner for my wedding at the Curry Club. Another great restaurant is an authentic Mexican restaurant that opened up near my district office- Ixchel. The owners have an incredible story, and it’s a women-owned business.

What was your occupation before running for office? And did that occupation lead you to run for the Assembly?
My background is in environmental science. I graduated with a degree in environmental science and worked for seven years at Avalon Park and Preserve, where I created and ran a volunteer program focusing on the environment. My husband and I bought an old 1850 Victorian on Main Street in Port Jeff, and on top of my work at the park and my husband’s work as an architect, we also opened a bed and breakfast. We also became members of the local Chamber of Commerce and slowly became involved in village meetings as we navigated the permitting process. I ended up being on the Board of Port Jefferson Village Trustees to help the village with environmental and business issues. With my background in environmental science and as a small business owner, I gradually got involved in local government, and I saw the importance of having someone strong at a state level to advocate for our district.

What experiences or viewpoints from your time in local government to the Assembly?
As someone who never intended to go into politics, I saw serving in local government was a great place to help my community. Because local government is heavily intertwined with the community, it was a natural transition coming from a nonprofit background. I started at the Beach Street community garden with community members while I was serving on the Village Board, and I was able to secure a federal-level flood study for the village. So, coming to the state level, I really hope to bring in that strong sense of community and deliver resources to the district. I always want to make sure that my office listens to the needs of my constituents and is an effective representative on their behalf in Albany.

And what issues do you think are impacting your district the most?
The cost of living is number one. Under that umbrella, there are issues ranging from affordable housing to the price of food at the grocery store. I want to ensure there are budgetary and legislative ways to help combat the rising costs of living.

Importantly, I will be heavily advocating for bringing taxpayer dollars back to our district. Long Island always sends more money to Albany than it gets, and our district needs money for infrastructure projects and our schools to alleviate the local tax burden on our families.

Environmental issues are also integral in our district. Our district is heavily impacted by floods, which are becoming more frequent and severe. Our North Shore communities regularly face tidal flooding and even our communities in the middle of the district experience flooding at home. So, we will be looking to engage with or create local task forces to understand and see what we can do to improve our infrastructure or any projects that will help mitigate flooding.

Any statewide issues you want to focus on during this year’s legislative session?
The local issues that our district faces, like affordability, are part of the bigger statewide issues. For example, our district and the rest of the state are facing increasingly higher energy costs. We know that we need to incorporate renewable energy sources on a reasonable timeline so that, as the cost of fossil fuels increases due to their scarcity, we have renewable energy sources ready to come online to protect ratepayers. We can gradually phase out the use of fossil fuels while the statewide energy grid is upgraded and renewable energy sources are made widely accessible. Programs like cap-and-invest will help to keep the costs of infrastructure upgrades from falling on the shoulders of our ratepayers.

What advice would you give to young folks who are interested in being involved in politics?
My perspective is that you should get involved locally in a community group of some kind. Whether it’s an environmental, social service, or other group, having any hands-on experience is essential. It will help you build up your public speaking skills and help you navigate solutions. If you’re running for office, it’s very important to show the community that you’re not just asking for someone’s trust and vote, but instead telling them what you’ve done for the community so far and asking them for their support to keep serving.

Any last comments you want to mention?
I am so grateful for the opportunity to serve and for having an incredible staff. Serving our constituents is twofold: the legislative work in Albany and the community work in the district. We are really looking forward to tackling many of the day-to-day issues as well as the big-picture problems on behalf of the district I represent.

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 (left)/ Don Pollard/Office of Governor Kathy Hochul (right)

Special Election Bill Put On Hold

After a bill was introduced Friday night that would allow Governor Hochul to delay the special election to replace North Country-based Congressmember Elise Stefanik, state GOP leaders Ed Cox, William Barclay, and Rob Ortt decried the move as a ploy to diminish House Republicans’ power. Just last week, Republican Congressmember Mike Lawler, rumored to run for Governor, requested the Department of Justice to investigate the state on RICO charges.

However, on Monday, it was reported that Hochul paused the movement of the bill to possibly use it as leverage for negotiations with President Trump over congestion pricing. While Speaker Carl Heastie told Assembly Democrats that the bill was dead, Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins said the bill is only “on hold” and explained, “It began with [Hochul], and if she’s interested in holding it, it’s fine.”

Current state law establishes that the Governor must call a special election after a seat has been vacant for at least 10 days, and the special election must take place within 70-80 days. The bill would allow the Governor to schedule a special election at the same time as the regularly scheduled general election if the seat is vacant in an election year. Democratic lawmakers explained that the bill would increase voter participation and save money for the state and local Board of Elections. Stewart-Cousins explained. “This is a conversation that we had with the governor around increasing voter turnout, around saving people money, and certainly around her having more time to be flexible in terms of when she calls an election.”

However, Republican lawmakers said the bill is solely about politics, with the Senate Republican Leader explaining, “It’s all about the outcome; it’s not about process, democracy, or voter participation.” Hochul has defended the bill and criticized the Republican lawmakers, saying, “Every time there is an election reform bill that comes out… they act like this is going to be the end of society and democracy in America as we know it.”

Susan Watts/Office of Governor Kathy Hochul

EXECUTIVE UPDATES

On Monday, Hochul issued a statewide ban on all state-managed devices and networks from using DeepSeek AI. The statewide ban comes after data privacy and security concerns were raised due to DeepSeek AI’s potential connection to the Chinese Government and censorship. The ban builds upon the 2024 AI Guidance and a previous statewide ban on TikTok on all state-managed devices due to similar data privacy and security concerns. “New York will continue fighting to combat cyber threats, ensure the privacy and safety of our data, and safeguard against state-sponsored censorship,” said Hochul.

Early this week, Hochul announced the launch of a new Safe Options Support (SOS) team in State Island to help unhoused individuals attain support and housing. Staten Island’s SOS team will now be part of the wider SOS teams operating in all five boroughs who canvas through public transportation and transit locations for unhoused individuals seeking support. Currently, 682 individuals have found permanent homes due to the SOS teams. “By expanding this effort to Staten Island, we can help more New Yorkers connect with the support they can rely on to bring lasting stability in their lives,” explained Hochul.

On Tuesday, Hochul directed the Department of Public Service (DPS) to conduct a statewide audit on all state utility companies and urge the DPS to reject Con Edison’s recent rate hike proposal. The first-of-its-kind audit will direct DPS to review utility company salaries and compensation for non-union employees. DPS's audit and urging to reject the recent rate hike proposal comes as Hochul focuses on addressing affordability in her Executive Budget. “From the gas pump to grocery bills to monthly rent, and yes, to utility bills — the costs of daily life just keep rising,” explained Hochul.

Earlier this week, Hochul announced a state investment of $150 million for a proposed North Terminal at MacArthur Airport to connect with the Long Island Rail Road’s Ronkonkoma Station. The investment builds upon her 2022 commitment of $40 million for a new North Terminal at MacArthur Airport to boost tourism and economic development and improve local infrastructure. The $150 state investment will be supported by a $50 million investment from Suffolk County. “This $150 million investment will also create good-paying union jobs while transforming how Long Islanders connect to one another, to New York, and to the rest of the world,” explained Hochul.

Yesterday, to support the state’s transition into a renewable energy economy, Hochul announced that $150 million in grants had been disbursed to various SUNYs and CUNYs for climate resiliency and energy efficiency upgrades. Supported by the 2022 Environmental Bond Act, SUNYs received $100 million for clean energy projects, and CUNYs received $50 million for reducing carbon footprint projects. The grants build upon Hochul’s Executive Budget proposal to invest more than $1 billion towards renewable energy and climate resiliency projects, including $400 million for Environmental Protection Fund projects.

LEGISLATIVE UPDATES

Next week, the Legislature is on break until Monday, February 24th

Aung Hset/D&A

Budget Hearing Updates

This week, lawmakers held Budget Hearings on Health/Medicaid, Human Services, and Public Protection. During the Budget Hearing on Health/Medicaid, lawmakers questioned DOH Commissioner James McDonald and Medicaid Director Amir Bassiri on the current changes in the state’s CDPAP, healthcare, and DOH workforce, and possible disruptions in the state’s healthcare infrastructure due to the potential threat of federal funding cuts. DFS Superintendent Adrienne Harris was also questioned by lawmakers on DFS’s work regulating the state insurance industry.

In the Budget Hearing on Human Services, lawmakers heard testimonies from social service state agencies, with many questioning the state’s ability to adopt encrypted chip technology to curb benefit skimming. The questions on encrypted chip technology come as the state has seen a rise in benefit thefts. OTDA Commissioner Barbara Guin explained that the agency “does not have the resources…to move towards chip cards.” Both Democratic and Republican lawmakers expressed their intentions to ensure some measures are included in the Final Budget to curb benefit thefts.

Yesterday, in the final Budget Hearing of the week, lawmakers heard testimonies from various state agencies regarding public safety, courts, security, and the criminal justice system. Most notable on various lawmakers’ minds was the recorded murder of Robert Brooks by correctional facility staff at Marcy Correctional Facility. While DOCCS Commissioner Daniel Martuscello said that the Department is committed to reform, Assembly Ways and Means Chair J Gary Pretlow explained that the DOCCS should expect legislative reforms this year.

Aung Hset/D&A

Senate Passes Higher Education Legislative Package

On Monday, the Senate passed a legislative package aimed at addressing higher education affordability and accessibility. The legislative package builds upon the “Turn On the TAP” Campaign” from last year, led by then-Assemblymember Pat Fahy and Senator Toby Ann Stavisky. “The Senate Majority remains steadfast in our commitment to ensuring that SUNY and CUNY institutions remain affordable and accessible for all New Yorkers,” said Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins. “Graduate students often face the same financial hardships as undergraduates… S3810 will allow them to be eligible for TAP for a two-year period,” Stavisky, who chairs the Senate Higher Education Committee, explained on a bill she is sponsoring. Other bills in the legislative package include:

Increased Maximum Time Limits for TAP: would increase the maximum time limits for TAP awards from four to six years
TAP Awards for Unhoused Students: would expand TAP eligibility for unhoused students
Tuition Liability Information: would require higher education institutions to provide written notices to students of their tuition liability policies

Aung Hset/D&A

Robert Brooks' Father Advocates in His Son's Honor In Albany

On Wednesday, Robert Ricks, the father of Robert Brooks, met with lawmakers and advocated for the closure of Marcy Correctional Facility and for reforms of the state’s correctional facilities. Joined by former AG and Senator Eric Schneiderman, who’s providing pro bono legal services, Ricks explained that he is advocating for those in carceral settings “coming home better than they were when they were incarcerated and not in a body bag like my son did.” Currently, Senate Crime Victims, Crime & Correction Chair Julia Salazar has been advocating for the closure of Marcy Correctional and reforms of the current correctional system. She is joined by various other lawmakers, including from the Black, Puerto Rican, Hispanic, and Asian Legislative Caucus.

Lawmakers Introduce the REST Act

Earlier this week, housing and renter advocates joined Senator Brian Kavanagh, Assemblymember Sarahana Shrestha, and other lawmakers in introducing a bill that would allow municipalities to use data other than vacancy studies to opt-in to the Emergency Tenant Protection Act (ETPA). Kavanagh, the Senate Housing Committee Chair, explained that the new Rent Emergency Stabilization for Tenants (REST) Act would “modernize the law’s understanding of what constitutes a housing emergency.” The bill’s advocates explained that the REST Act would help municipalities outside of NYC opt-in to ETPA without spending additional resources on conducting vacancy studies. However, the bill’s opponents criticized the bill for not properly addressing affordable housing and exempting large landlords in NYC.

More Lawmakers Criticize SUNY Chancellor's Pay Raise

In an increased pushback against the recent $125,000 pay raise and a $2,500 per month housing allowance increase for SUNY Chancellor John King, Senator Pat Fahy said she would support Skoufis’ bill to require the Legislature and the Governor to approve future salary increases for SUNY and CUNY leaders. Skoufis introduced the bill last year, and Assemblymember David Weprin carried it in the Assembly. Weprin has so far introduced the bill for this year’s session. Republican Senator Jake Ashby said he will also introduce a bill that would require the Senate to agree to salaries of leaders of state agencies or commissions and another bill that would require SUNY chancellors to live in the state. Ashby explained that the King’s new salary is unreasonable and higher than the Governor’s, who makes $250,000 annually. “What we’re looking at with these bills is more oversight in general,” Ashby explained.

Aung Hset/D&A

Assembly Democrats Push Back on Proposed Inflation Refund Checks

Earlier this week, it was reported that numerous Assembly Democrats criticized Hochul’s proposed $300 Inflation Refund checks, with Assemblymember Phil Steck calling it a “gimmick.” Republican lawmakers have also criticized Hochul’s proposed Inflation Refund checks, with Assembly Republican Leader Will Barclay calling it a “promotional stunt” that does not address affordability. Democrat lawmakers in both chambers of the Legislature pledged to address affordability, but some pointed out alternative methods other than the Inflation Refund checks, including expanding childcare programs or implementing a tax credit for families. “I don’t think [the Inflation Refund proposal is] really in tune with what people need,” explained Steck. It remains to be seen if the Inflation Refund proposal will be included in the Assembly One-House Budget.

Hochul Pocket Vetoes 4PM School Bus Bill

In a rare move this week, Hochul “pocket vetoed” a bill that would increase reimbursement rates for after 4 PM school bus services, which would have largely impacted nonpublic schools across the state. The bill was the only one rolled over to 2025 and the third one throughout Hochul’s tenure to be “pocket vetoed.” It has been suggested that Hochul “pocket vetoed” the bill due to possible fiscal impacts while not necessarily wanting to veto it.

OTHER UPDATES

Susan Watts/Office of Governor Kathy Hochul

Attorney General Pam Bondi Sues New York Over Green Light Law

On Wednesday, US Attorney General Pam Bondi filed a lawsuit against the state, Hochul, and state Attorney General Letitia James over the state’s Green Light Law. The Green Light Law allows anybody in the state, regardless of citizenship status, to apply for a driver’s license while barring federal authorities from accessing the records without a judicial warrant. Bondi alleges that the state is prioritizing “illegal aliens over American citizens.” The lawsuit comes after FEMA pulled $80 million from NYC earlier this week over allegations of housing asylum-seekers in “luxury hotels” and after a lawsuit was filed against Illinois for their sanctuary policies. “We expect Pam Bondi’s worthless, publicity-driven lawsuit to be a total failure, just like all the others. Let me be clear: New York is not backing down,” Hochul said.

DOJ Moves to Dismiss Eric Adams' Corruption Charges

On Monday, federal prosecutors moved to dismiss corruption charges against NYC Mayor Eric Adams due to the Trump White House’s concerns about Adams’ “ability to support ongoing, critical federal efforts ‘to protect the American people from the disastrous effects of unlawful mass migration and resettlement.” The move has led to at least six prosecutors, including the top federal prosecutor, resigning in protest. In a six-minute video responding to the recent development, Adams explained, “Many New Yorkers still question my character, and I know that I must continue to regain your trust.” Currently, House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries, who represents parts of Brooklyn, warned that how Adams “responds to the White House’s intentions will determine a lot about [his] political future.

However, all this comes as Adams and Trump’s Border Czar Tom Homan met in a private meeting yesterday, resulting in Adams's announcement that ICE agents will "operate" on Rikers Island. Adams said in a statement that he and Homan "discussed ways to embed more NYPD detectives into federal task forces, focusing on these violent gangs and criminal activity." .

Caucus Weekend

Starting later today, the 54th Annual Black, Puerto Rican, Hispanic & Asian Legislative Caucus will commence. Currently, there are 80 members in the Caucus, the largest ever in the state’s history. The year’s Caucus will include over 75 panels and conferences on various policies shaping the state, with this year’s theme as “Being Bold.” Additionally, a record-breaking $100,000 was raised for scholarships for college students across the state. Notably, Nas will be performing at the Caucus on Sunday night.

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