Friday Morning Brief Feb 28, 2025

Feb 27

Written By Michael Avella

Member Spotlight

Senator Jeremy Cooney

Senator Jeremy Cooney joins us to discuss his Central New York-based district, priorities, and long-time passion for public service. Before being elected to the Senate, he worked at various levels of government, including Congress and as a Chief of Staff for the Mayor of his hometown of Rochester. Currently, he is the Chair of the Senate Committee on Transportation and the Subcommittee on Cannabis. He also sits on various committees, including on Finance, Insurance, and Civil Service & Pension.

What district do you represent? Can you describe it for those that have never been there? What do you like the most about your district?
I represent my hometown of Rochester in the 56th Senate District, including the surrounding towns of Brighton, Gates, Greece, and Henrietta in Monroe County. We have been defined by our business innovation, including Kodak, Xerox, University of Rochester, and RIT (all within my district!). But I’m more proud of our legacy of civil rights leaders — from Frederick Douglass to Susan B. Anthony. A favorite spot in my district is the Strong Museum of Play, home to the World Video Game Hall of Fame. Come by my Albany office to play an arcade game!

What did you do before becoming a legislator?
I’ve dedicated my career to public service. I started working for the late U.S. Congresswoman Louise Slaughter in Washington, DC and later served as the Chief of Staff for the City of Rochester. Before running for the Senate, I also worked as a law clerk for former Governor David Paterson and on large economic development projects in NYC for former Governor Andrew Cuomo.

What made you want to be a legislator and what is your favorite part of being a legislator?
Legislators are problem solvers. Good ones can see the forest through the trees—connecting people groups to work together on accomplishing a public goal. The legislation we write in Albany is built upon those relationships and trying to fix problems or respond to community needs.

What kind of music do you like - any favorite bands/artists?
Music is a motivator and a passion. I grew up studying and performing classical music and my wife and I served on the board of the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra.

How about sports - any favorite NY sports team or any favorite sports/activities to play?
The Bills make me want to shout!

Favorite foods? Any favorite places to eat in your district?
I’m trying to eat healthier, so I’m spending more time in my own kitchen. That said, you can find me enjoying flavorful Indian food at a number of Rochester-area restaurants. Just don’t ask me to eat a Rochester “garbage plate”!

What do you like to do in your free time?
I enjoy reading, movies and international travel. My wife and I recently took a British Pullman train trip, furthering my passion for high speed rail innovation.

What are/is your proudest legislative achievement(s) throughout your time as a legislator?
We’ve seen semiconductor companies and federal investments begin to flow into Upstate New York, from Micron outside Syracuse to Edwards Vacuum in Genesee County. I was proud to sponsor the “Green Chips” bill that has been instrumental in attracting these companies and incentivizing them to invest in local economies and hire local workers across upstate cities.

As the Chair of Cannabis, were there any achievements that you were proud of this year?
Last year we made strides on what I like to call the “Three P’s:” padlocks, potency, and prescriptions. We made it easier for local governments to crackdown and padlock illicit cannabis shops, which are unregulated and potentially unsafe. But combating the illicit market isn’t just about closing illegal stores, we also made sure legal dispensaries were being put in a position to succeed by repealing and replacing the potency tax with a flat 9% wholesale tax. When it came to medical cannabis, we eliminated the state’s share of the excise tax to keep these products affordable and accessible for those most in need.

As the Chair of Transportation, what issues do you see arising this year?
I’m a strong supporter of public transit systems, like the MTA in NYC and RTS in my home district. Supporting these transit systems is one of the best ways we can get people from Point A to Point B while removing cost barriers to transportation and decreasing the environmental impact of car congestion. I’m also dedicated to road worker safety. In the wake of the heartbreaking deaths of two thruway workers last year, I plan on doing all I can to make sure similar tragedies never occur in our state again.

What are your top priorities for your district in particular?
My focus is always on finding ways to uplift and bring opportunities to New York. Whether it's helping families break the generational cycle of poverty, attracting new jobs to underserved communities, providing better health care access to all — it’s all about improving the quality of life for New Yorkers.

As transportation chair, I’m working to bring more direct flights to the Frederick Douglass Greater Rochester Airport, high speed rail from Toronto to NYC, and connect public transportation from the City of Rochester to suburban and rural jobs. Transportation access is about equity!

What advice would you give to young folks that want to get into politics?
Keep showing up and doing the work. Government (should be) a meritocracy.

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!

Aung Hset/D&A

Lawmakers Push Back on Hochul's "Guardrails" on Eric Adams

After Governor Hochul released her proposal to install “guardrails” on NYC Mayor Eric Adams’ power, lawmakers have expressed that Hochul’s proposals have stalled. The proposals come after an alleged quid pro quo agreement between Adams and the Trump Administration in which the DOJ is seeking to drop Adams’ federal corruption charges in exchange for Adams' allowing Trump’s immigration policies to be in effect in NYC. Hochul’s proposal on installing “guardrails” on Adams include:

Establishing an inspector general for NYC
Allowing the State Comptroller to examine NYC’s finances
Allowing the NYC Comptroller, Public Advocate, and NYC Council Speaker to sue the federal government without mayoral approval

While Hochul expressed that she would be “shocked” to see backlash against her proposed “guardrails,” Senate Deputy Leader Mike Gianaris said, “It doesn’t seem like this is going anywhere.” Gianaris also explained that some Senate Democrats expressed concerns about the proposals and that “we are a long way from anything like that happening.”

Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie also explained that while he “gets where the Governor is coming from,” various Assembly Democrats have voiced their concerns. “I don’t know if everything is here yet.” Heastie explained. Some lawmakers, like Assemblymember Jenifer Rajkumar, argued that Hochul’s proposal is inappropriate for a governor. “This is Albany trying to micromanage the city, and we don’t need that,” Rajkumar explained. Assemblymember David Weprin also explained that Hochul’s proposal would set a “bad precedent” for the future. Assemblymember and Brooklyn Democratic Party Chair Rodneyse Bichotte-Hermelyn has characterized the proposal as a “big overstep.”

Additionally, both Gianaris and Heastie explained that the NYC Council would need to approve the proposals before the State Legislature could act. “We can’t do anything without a home rule agreement on something from the City Council,” said Heastie. NYC Council is also split on the issue, with some Councilmembers still calling for Adams to be removed. In an interview, Adams explained that he doesn’t “believe there is any reason for guardrails.”

Darren McGee/Office of Governor Kathy Hochul

EXECUTIVE UPDATES

On Monday, Hochul announced the disbursement of $1.1 million in grant funding towards 22 community colleges for implementing adult learning. Through SUNY’s Adult Learning Leadership Initiative, community colleges will use the grant funding to expand the use of credit for prior learning, wraparound support, and flexible scheduling for students aged 25 or older. The grant funding builds upon Hochul’s Executive Budget proposal to offer free community college for individuals aged 25-55 pursuing an associate degree. “Under my plan, every New Yorker will have the chance to pursue a free associate degree at SUNY and CUNY community colleges to help fill the in-demand jobs of tomorrow,” explained Hochul.

On Tuesday, Hochul joined local Albany lawmakers to announce a state investment of $19.5 million to improve public safety. Out of the total $19.5 million investment, $1 million will be given to Albany PD and $500,000 to Albany County Sheriff’s Office. The state investment comes after Hochul participated in a public safety roundtable in Albany with local public safety leaders. The investment builds upon Hochul’s recent public safety initiatives in Albany, including $2.4 million for the GIVE program, $2 million for SNUG Street Outreach, and $2 million for Project RISE. “Our State’s capital should be a vibrant, thriving city that reflects the best qualities New York has to offer,” explained Hochul.

On Tuesday, Hochul addressed the MTA Board, reiterating her support for congestion pricing. Alongside MTA Chair Janno Lieber, Hochul presented the benefits of congestion pricing and explained that congestion pricing is still in effect even amidst directives from the Trump Administration to halt the program. Additionally, she touted that congestion pricing has delivered $49 million to the MTA in its first month of operation. “We’re not done. We are in court… We will keep standing up for New Yorkers, reducing traffic [and] air quality is going to continue improving,” said Hochul.

On Wednesday, Hochul announced the adoption of new network adequacy regulations for behavioral health services. The new regulations will require insurers to offer out-of-network mental health or substance use disorder coverage at no extra cost to patients with an appointment 10 business days after the request or seven calendar days following hospital discharge. Insurers will also be required to provide details on behavioral health services’ availability, location, and telehealth availability. The new regulations build upon the state’s commitment to ensuring network adequacy and Hochul’s 2025 State of the State commitment to expand mental health services.

To further invest in the state’s climate resiliency projects, Hochul announced the availability of a new $80 million grant funding for projects aimed at restoring natural habitat, reducing inland flooding, and protecting coastal areas. The $80 million grant funding will be distributed through the Resilient Watersheds Grant Program, Coastal Rehabilitation and Resilience Projects Program, and Inland Flooding and Local Waterfront Revitalization Implementation Projects Program. The new grant funding is also part of the wider state Climate Agenda, which includes a commitment to transitioning into a green energy economy that prioritizes affordability, economic growth, and supporting disadvantaged communities.

LEGISLATIVE UPDATES

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

With the final five Budget Hearings wrapped up this week, the Senate and Assembly will soon release their respective One-House Budgets (mid-March), with the Final Budget due by April 1st.

Aung Hset/D&A

Final Budget Hearings for 2025

This week, lawmakers held the final five Budget Hearings. On Tuesday, lawmakers held a Budget Hearing on Higher Education, in which SUNY and CUNY chancellors reiterated their support for Hochul’s proposed funding for public universities. Additionally, SUNY Chancellor John King said additional operating funding for community colleges would further help provide free classes for students ages 25-55.

During Wednesday's Budget Hearing on Labor/Workforce Development, lawmakers heard testimonies on wage theft, unemployment insurance, and workers’ compensation. During the Budget Hearing on Economic Development, lawmakers heavily questioned the Acting Executive Director of OCM, Felicia Reid, of the state’s legal cannabis market. During yesterday’s Budget Hearing on Taxes, lawmakers heard various testimonies from panelists about the need for the state to act with the potential federal funding cuts. During the last Budget Hearing, lawmakers heard various recommendations for addressing the affordable housing crisis.

Aung Hset/D&A

Senate Passes Essential Goods & Services Legislative Package

This week, the Senate passed a legislative package aimed increasing price transparency and addressing costs for essential goods and services. The package addresses aims to reduce costs in various sectors, including subscription services and grocery prices. “This legislative package is about putting money back where it belongs—in the hands of hardworking New Yorkers. By cracking down on hidden fees, deceptive pricing, and corporate practices that drive up costs, we’re standing up for consumers and holding corporations accountable,” explained Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins. Some of the bills in the legislative package are:

Subscription Cancellation: would require subscription service to offer an option to cancel the subscription
NY Healthy Incentive Program: would establish NYHIP to allow recipients to receive earned SNAP dollars for every dollar they spend on locally grown healthy food
Price Transparency for Online Grocery: would require grocery stores, food retailers, and third party platforms to disclose the difference in price of goods bought in-store

State Reaches “Tentative Agreement” to End Correctional Officers’ Strike

Earlier this week, the state began taking legal actions against striking correction officers across state correctional facilities. While the strikes are ongoing, the state and the NYSCOPBA reached a tentative agreement last night. Under the agreement, all striking workers must return to work by tomorrow. Hochul and various Democrat lawmakers have called the strikes illegal due to Taylor Law, which prohibits public employees from striking unless there is an explicit order from their union. In addition to the understaffing at state correctional facilities, striking COs are urging for the reversal of the HALT Act, which limits the use of solitary confinement. Striking COs explained that the HALT Act led to a rise in assaults against COs by inmates.

Senate Deputy Majority Leader Mike Gianaris reiterated that the Senate will not review or reverse the HALT Act. “The reason we passed the law is because it’s not something that helps with discipline, and it’s not something that is humane,” explained Gianaris. Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie expressed some openness, saying, “As a Legislature, we’re always open to revisiting things,” but explained that he doesn’t “believe [the strike] was the way to get it done.” However, under the agreement, the HALT Act will be suspended for 90 days and requires a staffing metric for the HALT Act to be in effect in state correctional facilities.

Susan Watts/Office of Governor Kathy Hochul

Fight For and Against Congestion Pricing Continues

Amidst the Trump Administration’s directive to end Congestion Pricing by March 21st and Hochul’s insistence to keep the program while legal proceedings play out, Senate Republicans are urging Hochul to drop the fight and pursue other pathways to fund the MTA. Senator Jack Martin explained that the MTA can be fully funded if fare evasion is addressed. “By their own calculations, fare evasion accounts for a billion dollars, and we haven’t even discussed the fraud and abuse that exists in the MTA,” said Martin. Additionally, Senator Bill Weber urged Hochul to conduct a “thorough review and forensic audit of the MTA budget.” Republicans and some Democrat lawmakers have been criticizing congestion pricing as a tax for workers driving into Manhattan for work. Recently, Democrat Senator James Skoufis introduced a bill to remove Orange County from the MTA, which has received bipartisan support.

Lawmakers Rally for Working Families Tax Credit

This week, lawmakers joined advocates and the Working Family Party in a rally for the Working Families Tax Credit to be included in the budget. The Working Families Tax Credit would combine several tax credits, including the Empire State Child Credit and the earned income credit, would raise the maximum tax credit to $1,600 per child, grant a minimum credit of $100 per child, and remove the current cap of three eligible children per family. Advocates argue that while Hochul’s proposal to expand the Empire State Child Credit is beneficial, the state should do more to address child poverty. “In a state as rich as New York, in a state as generous and well-resourced as New York, in a state with a proposed budget of $256 billion, the fact that we have kids go to sleep hungry every night is a crime,” said Senate sponsor Andrew Gounardes.

Aung Hset/D&A

Lawmakers Urge Funding for Gender-Affirming Care Providers

After the Trump Administration passed an executive order to cut federal funding for hospitals providing gender-affirming care to teenagers, lawmakers joined a rally with advocates to include $50 million in the budget for a contingency fund for gender-affirming care providers. While the executive order has recently been struck down in two federal courts, advocates argue that many hospitals in the state are still uncertain about the possibility of losing federal funds in the future. The rally comes after Senators Brad Hoylman-Sigal, Shelley Mayer, and Gustavo Rivera sent a letter to the DOH Commissioner James McDonald requesting guidance for hospitals to provide gender-affirming care. “Capitulating to Trump’s unfounded, and likely unconstitutional, executive orders sends a dangerous and confusing message to patients, families, physicians, and the entire LGBTQ community,” said Hoylman-Sigal.

Aung Hset/D&A

Lawmakers Rally with SUNY and CUNY Students and Faculty

In another rally, lawmakers joined advocates, students, and faculty in rallying for increased funding for SUNYs and CUNYs in the budget. Lawmakers and advocates explained that while Hochul’s current proposal to fund SUNYs and CUNYs represents a good start, it falls short of the $600 million investment required to increase accessibility to financial aid. “CUNY and SUNY have long offered ladders of opportunity for New Yorkers of underfunding has put that promise at risk,” explained Senator John Liu. Advocates are also rallying for the passage of the New Deal for CUNY, which would waive tuition fees and increase faculty requirements. The bill is broadly supported by Democrat lawmakers in both chambers.

OTHER UPDATES

Mike Groll/Office of Governor Kathy Hochul

LG Antonio Delgado Announces He Won’t Seek Reelection with Hochul

On Monday, Lt. Governor Antonio Delgado said that he will not run for reelection with Hochul in 2026. In response, Hochul’s spokesperson noted that Delgado “is simply not interested in doing the job” and that Hochul is already “taking steps to identify a new running mate for 2026.” Additionally, Hochul explained on Tuesday, “It is clear to me that he’s not happy being in the role of lieutenant governor, but I wish him well in whatever he chooses to do.” Delgado said in the same post announcing his decision not to run for reelection with Hochul that he is “deeply committed” to finishing his full term. While Hochul cannot remove Delgado from office, as he was independently elected, it was reported that Delgado was stripped of his offices on the second floor of the Capital, NYC, and the Hudson Valley. Delgado has not announced any intention to run for Governor but said, “All options are on the table.”

NYC Speaker Council Adrienne Adams "Seriously Considering" a Run for Mayor

Yesterday, NYC Council Speaker Adrienne Adams opened a press conference after officially filing paperwork to form a campaign committee to run for mayor on Wednesday night by saying, “We currently have chaos and diminished trust in the other side of City Hall. That’s why I’m seriously considering a campaign to become the first woman mayor of New York City,” explained Adams. She also acknowledged that her timing of entering the race is tight but has already spoken to other mayoral candidates about her entry. This comes as Andrew Cuomo is expected to announce his official entry into the mayoral race this weekend. Adams explained that her possible entry into the race may take some of the support for Cuomo. “When and if I announce it may be something that turns the tide completely,” explained Adams.

Congress Moves Towards Approving a Budget

On Tuesday night, House Republicans approved the Trump-approved Budget Resolution, advancing it toward the US Senate. Dubbed the “Big Beautiful Bill” by Trump and Republicans, it would lay the foundation for Trump’s domestic agenda, including $4.5 trillion in tax cuts and a reduction of federal spending by almost $2 trillion. While House Speaker Mike Johnson applauded the passage and called it a “kickoff in what will be a four-quarter game,” Senate Republicans have already passed their own Budget Resolution focusing primarily on the border and defense spending. “There are some things we need to work with the House package to expand upon,” explained Senate Majority Leader John Thune.

Read Past Issues of the Brief

Featured