Friday Morning Brief Feb 21, 2025

Feb 20

Written By Michael Avella

Member Spotlight

Senator Kevin Parker

Senator Kevin Parker joins us to discuss his Brooklyn-based district, priorities, and dedication to serving his community, constituents, and the state. Prior to being elected to the Senate, he was involved in numerous levels of state government, including serving in the NYC government and the State Comptroller Office. Currently, he sits on the Senate Energy and Telecommunications Committee. He is also a member of various Senate committees, including on Banks, Health, Finance, and Rules. He is currently running for NYC Comptroller.

What district do you represent? Can you describe it to those who have never been there?
I represent the 21st District in Brooklyn, which includes Flatbush, East Midwood, Flatlands, Old Mill Basin, Little Haiti, and Bergen Beach. It stretches from Central to Southern Brooklyn on the eastern end of the borough. Demographically, my district represents the largest concentration of Caribbean communities outside the Caribbean. The district also holds a very large Orthodox Jewish population.

What music do you like? Any favorite bands/artists?
I love music. I used to be a DJ when I was in high school and college. My favorite band is Earth, Wind & Fire—I loved that music growing up. I also listen to contemporary R&B, hip-hop, Afrobeats, and Afro-Cuban music. My favorite MC is actually Rakim. I have a wide range of music.

What about sports? Any favorite NY sports team?
I was an athletic kid growing up. At Midwood High School, where I attended alongside our Democratic leader in Congress, Hakeem Jeffries, I was the captain of the track team. I ran both indoor and outdoor track. I was also on the handball team. I like watching any type of sports. I am really big into the Olympics, where I can watch the US Team win gold in various sports.

What was your occupation before running for office? Did it lead you to run for the Senate?
I’ve always spent my entire professional time working in government and around politics. After graduating with a degree in public service at Penn State University, my first job was working for the Pennsylvania State Legislature. Then, I received a fellowship with the NYC Urban Fellows. I was in that program for about a year and was the special assistant to the Manhattan Borough President, Ruth Messinger. I was also allowed to work for NYC’s first Black mayor, David Dinkins. I also served at the Urban Development Corporation. Before being elected to the Senate, I worked for the State Comptroller, Carl McCall. I’ve also been a college professor and taught at CUNY and SUNY throughout the city, from Brooklyn College to the University at Albany to Medgar Evers College to John Jay City College. I taught both African American studies and political science.

What issues do you think are impacting your district the most?
Addressing the affordability gap. Everyone in the office needs to address the issue of affordability. The cost of living is going up while the chance of living is going down in New York City, so that is something we really have to address. As the Chair of Energy and Telecommunications, I have advocated and put out packages to lower the cost of utilities for the past two years. These include developing discount programs to offer discounts for senior citizens and veterans.

Another important issue is affordable housing. I know a lot of people who want to be homeowners but can’t afford it, so creating opportunities for them to be homeowners is important.

Additionally, access to healthcare is a critical priority. My district is near SUNY Downstate, so I’ve been paying close attention to the conversation about Downstate becoming an outpatient facility instead of primarily an inpatient facility. This issue impacts many of my constituents from a healthcare and employment perspective.

Aside from local issues impacting the district, are there any statewide issues you want to focus on for the 2025 legislative session?
Affordability is a statewide issue. I’ve been appointed to the Health Committee, and I look forward to dealing with many health disparity issues that many communities in the state face. This includes cancer and autoimmune diseases and how treatments are given to members of different communities.

As the Chair of Energy and Telecommunications, much of my attention is around climate change and the state’s transition to a clean energy economy. There are many dimensions to this issue. The first is simply around how the state smoothly converts to clean energy. New York State is getting more solar and wind energy projects, but we must ensure that we properly maintain these projects. Another is ensuring that our state energy grid is fully upgraded. At the same time, energy costs are high, and we need to address that if New York State is going to transition into a green energy economy.

Another dimension is around clean energy jobs, which intersects with addressing the affordability gap. Folks are always looking for new and better-paying jobs, and the clean energy economy is one of the areas in which the job sector is burgeoning, particularly for Black and Latino communities. We always talk about creating full-time jobs at a living wage with benefits, and I believe that the clean energy economy is one of the best paths forward on that issue. There’s a lot of work to be done on this issue.

Throughout your time in the Senate, what are your proudest achievements?
I’ve been in the Senate for about 22 years, and I think the proudest achievement I’ve been part of is flipping the Senate twice into Democratic hands. Our Democratic Majority led us to do a lot of amazing things, from same-sex marriage to ensuring gender-affirming care to ensuring that a woman’s right to choose is codified in law in the State of New York. I’ve also helped pass legislation protecting folks who work in Planned Parenthood or other women's health-based organizations so that they can continue doing their work without being harassed or attacked.
In the context of energy, I’m very proud of what we have done on the issue of environmental justice, including the Environmental Justice Review Board. It ensured that environmental justice would be a core center as the state transitions into a green energy economy.

What advice would you give young folks wanting to be more involved in politics?
Everybody is preoccupied with the federal government, and I understand why. But the reality is that state and local governments are also very important. So when you look at the issues that people are mostly concerned with, education, healthcare, housing, public protection, transportation, and mental health, those are handled on the state and local levels. It’s essential to focus on your state or City Council elections. Politics is not an event but a process. So, I encourage everybody to join a local organization, like a tenant, block, or civic association. It’s important to be involved in your local community organizations so you can help ensure that your community has the necessary resources to thrive.

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!

Darren McGee/Office of Governor Kathy Hochul

Hochul Imposes "Guardrails" on Mayor Eric Adams

With NYC Mayor Eric Adams refusing to resign amidst the ongoing backlash from the DOJ seeking to dismiss his corruption charges due to an alleged quid pro quo agreement and after four of his senior deputy mayors resigned earlier this week, many Democratic lawmakers and leaders are calling for Hochul to remove him from office.

Yesterday, Hochul announced that she will not move to remove Adams from office “at this time” and that the “wills of the voters…preclude me from any other action.” However, she laid out several proposals as “guardrails” to mitigate any possible pressure from Trump on Adams. Hochul explained that she expects the guardrails to be implemented immediately after the City Council and the Legislature approve it.

Hochul’s proposed “guardrails” include:

Creating a new state deputy inspector general for NYC
Providing state funding for the NYC Comptroller, Public Advocate, and NYC Council Speaker to hire outside counsel to litigate future federal actions
Providing state funding for the State Comptroller to examine NYC’s finances

Many state and city Democratic lawmakers are calling for Adams to resign, including Hochul’s Lieutenant Governor Antonio Delgado and Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins. Some, including Senate Deputy Leader Michael Gianaris and Senate Finance Chair Liz Krueger, urged Hochul to step in if Adams did not resign. Some lawmakers, including Assemblymember and Brooklyn Democratic Party Chair Rodneyse Bichotte Hermlyn, urged Hochul not to remove Adams due to the upcoming Democratic primary for mayor in June. After Hochul announced her proposed “guardrails,” Bichotte Hermlyn explained that while she is glad about Hochul’s decision not to remove Adams, she calls her sanctions “a big overstep…. All of this has a little bit of a racial tone.” In a statement, Adams said Hochul does not have "a legal basis for limiting" the mayors' power but is "willing to work with her...”

As of Friday morning, the DOJ’s dismissal of Adams’ corruption charges has yet to be official, as Judge Dale Ho is reviewing the request after questioning the DOJ and Adams over the nature of the request. While under oath, a DOJ official said no “other agreement” with Adams was made to request the dismissal.

Darren McGee/Office of Governor Kathy Hochul

EXECUTIVE UPDATES

Hochul attended the 2025 Caucus Weekend and gave remarks, where she reiterated her commitment to protecting the state’s existing laws and programs from future potential attacks from Washington and criticized the Trump Administration. “There’s a storm in Washington. It’s complicated. We’re going to be okay because you have strong leaders who know how to take it to the mat. And I’m ready to say, ‘Let’s get ready to rumble,’” said Hochul.

On Tuesday, Hochul announced a disbursement of $32.6 million in grants towards seven projects to boost economic development. The $32.6 million was disbursed through the Focused Attraction of Shovel-Ready Tracts (FAST NY) state grant program, which is designed to prepare and develop sites across the state for economic development projects. To date, the grant program has awarded $233 million to 32 sites. The recent grant awards build upon Hochul’s commitment to strengthening the state’s economic development initiatives, including proposing an additional $100 million funding for FAST NY in her Executive Budget. “FAST NY is a valuable tool that attracts strategic industries that invest in our communities and bring good paying jobs to New York State,” explained Hochul.

On Wednesday, Hochul announced that the state would begin the work on the $33.6 million project to replace Brewerton Bridge on US Route 11 over the Oneida River. The $33.6 million project is expected to extend the lifespan of Brewerton Bridge and reduce maintenance costs. Notably, Brewerton Bridge is the state’s first-ever gussetless truss bridge. This builds upon the state's commitment to upgrade its infrastructure and is one of the various bridge upgrades that have occurred in recent years.“The Route 11 bridge over the Oneida River in Brewerton is a pivotal connection that we must maintain, and this state-funded undertaking will ensure it remains safe and reliable now and into the future,” said Hochul.

Earlier this week, Hochul announced a $65 million joint investment with the BAE Systems for expansion in Broome County. With the state providing $8.5 million in performance-based Excelsior Jobs Tax Credit Program and Broome County also providing financial assistance with the expansion, it is expected that $150,000 square feet would be added to the existing BAE Systems campus for a new battery production line and lab space creating 134 onsite jobs. The recent investment supports the state's Southern Tier Strategic Planand “Southern Tier Soaring” strategy, which aims to facilitate development in the Southern Tier region. “BAE Systems’ decision to further expand its business represents yet another win for New York State and for the Southern Tier, which is laser-focused on becoming a global hub for next-generation battery innovation efforts,” explained Hochul.

Yesterday, Hochul announced a new state initiative in Buffalo to connect repeatedly runaway youth to mental health and social services. The new Runaway Intervention Program: Services, Training, Opportunity, Prevention will provide services specifically tailored to each youth and aims to crack down on youth exploitation, address academic underachievement, and provide safe housing. Scott Bieler Child Advocacy Center is currently overseeing the program at BestSelf in partnership with the Buffalo Police Department and the Community Foundation for Greater Buffalo. This builds upon the state’s commitment to addressing the youth mental health crisis and increasing public safety for all communities.

LEGISLATIVE UPDATES

Next week, the Legislature is scheduled to be in session Monday to Wednesday
This week, the Legislature reached a milestone, having already introduced over 10,000 bills

Joint Legislative Budget Hearings Next Week:
Tuesday - Higher Education
Wednesday - Workforce Dev/Labor
Wednesday - Economic Dev/Arts
Thursday - Taxes
Thursday - Housing

Office of Governor Kathy Hochul

Lawmakers React to Trump's Repeal of Congestion Pricing

After President Trump directed the federal Department of Transportation to “terminate” the approval of Congestion Pricing, many lawmakers in support of the Program criticized the move, with Senator Andrew Gounardes saying, “We’ll see you in court.” Senate Finance Chair Liz Krueger explained that Trump’s move was “another illegal attempt.” Senator Brad Hoylman-Sigal, who was with Hochul at her press conference defending Congestion Pricing, explains that “Congestion Pricing is a state’s rights issue” and that the state “should have the right to determine how best to fund our mass transit system without interference from the White House.” Many also criticize Trump for tweeting the repeal of Congestion Pricing with an image of himself with a crown. “We are a nation of laws, not ruled by a king,” said Hochul.

The repeal of Congestion Pricing led to the MTA filing legal proceedings in federal court to retain the Program, calling Trump’s move “unlawful.” However, opponents of Congestion Pricing applauded Trump’s repeal. Assemblymember David Weprin explained, “This is something that the public didn’t want, and to try to pretend it’s about reducing congestion was wrong from the beginning.” The repeal comes as lawmakers and Hochul are currently attempting to find a way to fill the MTA’s budget gap of $35 billion amidst the ongoing budget process.

Correctional Officers' Strike Amidst Talks of Reforms

After state correction officers staged an unsanctioned strike at more than 30 state correctional facilities, Hochul explained that she is deploying the state National Guards and directed AG Letitia James to work on “legal mechanisms such as the Taylor Law,” which bars public employees from striking without approval from their union. Senate Republican Leader criticized Hochul’s move to deploy the national guards, explaining that it would make the “situation even more dangerous.” Assembly Republican Leader Will Barclay also added that “the significant problems facing the men and women staffing our state prisons didn’t happen overnight. The warning signs have been evident for years, and during that time, their pleas have been ignored.” Some GOP lawmakers joined the strikes in support, including Senator Pam Helming and Senator Dan Stec.

The strikes occur amidst a growing cry by lawmakers to reform the state correctional facilities after a recorded murder of Robert Brooks by correctional staffers. However, one of the striking workers’ demands includes the reversal of several correctional reforms, including the HALT Solitary Confinement Act, which many correctional officers say has led to a rise in inmate assaults. Many striking workers also point to the chronic understaffing at correctional facilities, which DOCCS Commissioner Daniel Martuscello pointed out in his testimony to lawmakers in a Budget Hearing last week. Notably, it has been reported that the ongoing strikes may have led to an inmate uprising at Riverview Correctional Facility. How the strikes will impact the ongoing advocacy to reform the state’s correctional facilities remains to be seen.

Senator Pete Harckham Rallies Against Federal SAVE Act

This week, Senator Pete Harckham joined Congressman George Latimer at a rally to oppose the federalSAVE Act. The SAVE Act would establish federal guidelines for states regarding voter registration, including requiring voters to prove their citizenship when registering to vote. Congressional Republicans advocating for the bill explain that it would explicitly direct states to address citizenship discrepancies due to name changes. However, Harckham calls the bill a “blatant voter suppression bill” that “restricts access to voting for working-class citizens and misrepresents facts.”

Staten Island Lawmakers Reject Battery Energy Storage Site

Earlier this week, a bipartisan group of lawmakers from Staten Island joined a local community board meeting to reject a proposed battery energy storage site. The lawmakers and local residents expressed safety concerns and possible impacts on their home prices. While a representative for the proposed battery energy storage site noted that there is “no explosion risk” and “minimal noise impact,” Assemblymember Sam Pirozzolo rejected those claims. “They talk about clean energy, but battery sites have nothing to do with clean energy. And when they talk about keeping power in our neighborhoods, that’s a B.S. statement. Power goes where it’s told. They’re going to store this energy here and then send it to Pennsylvania, New Jersey, anywhere they can,” explained Pirozzolo. The community board unanimously rejected the proposal.

OTHER UPDATES

NYC Council Speaker Adrienne Adams Reportedly Urged to Run for Mayor

Amidst the ongoing developments surrounding Eric Adams, it wasreportedthat AG Letitia James is promoting NYC Council Speaker Adrienne Adams to run for mayor. This comes as Andrew Cuomo, who has long been reported to run for mayor, released a video that observers point out similar to a campaign ad. While both James and Council Speaker Adrienne Adams did not release public statements, it would be a late entry to the mayoral race as the Democratic primary is scheduled for June.

Court of Appeals Rules COELIG as Constitutional

In a 4-3 decision earlier this week, the state Court of Appeals ruled that the Commission on Ethics and Lobbying in Government (COELIG) does not violate the state’s constitution. Specifically, the majority decision found that COELIG does not violate the separation of powers clause. The decision comes after the lower courts found that COELIG violated the separation of power clause because the governor does not have the authority to appoint or remove the members of COELIG, which is instead granted to the board of law school deans. The majority decision found that COELIG’s structure “extends very close to the boundary of permissible legislation” but does not cross it. However, the dissent opinion stated that the decision “closely examines individual parts of the statute before us … and pronounces each, in turn, not wolf. But step back – it’s not grandma; it’s a wolf.”

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