Friday Morning Brief Jan 19, 2024

Jan 18

Written By Michael Avella

Member Spotlight:

Assemblymember Sarah Clark

Assemblymember Sarah Clark joined us to discuss her experience in the Assembly! Prior to being sworn into the Assembly in 2020, she worked in public service for over 20 years and long advocated for affordable health care and higher education. She currently chairs the Assembly Subcommittee on Tuition Assistance Program. She is also a sitting member on various other committees, such as Higher Education, Children and Families, and the Task Force on Women’s Issues.

What district do you represent? Can you describe it for those that have never been there?
I represent Assembly 136, the towns of Brighton and Irondequoit, and parts of the city of Rochester. It’s an urban/first inner ring suburb district – old established towns and cities.

What do you like the most about your district?
I have deep roots in all of them: my dad grew up in Brighton, and my family when I was growing up. But I grew up in the city of Rochester - right on the Irondequoit border - so that’s where my kids all play their youth sports, and some of my in-laws live. So, I feel rooted in the district. I love that many of the neighborhoods across all parts of my district have sidewalks and street lights. I love that it is all about how we live at night, how we want to spend our free time, and how we want to raise our families. Those are the things that are integral to my district and that I care about.

Any favorite places to eat in your district?
There are lots of good restaurants in my district. I love the Irondequoit Beer Company in Irondequoit. I love Lucky’s, which is in the city portion of my district. It’s a great restaurant. In Brighton, there’s the Sheffields.

What kind of music do you like - any favorite bands/artists?
Well, I am the mom of a 13-year-old girl, so I am definitely a Swifty. You have to be a Swifty in my family, particularly if you want to spend time with my daughter, and I do love Taylor Swift. I love her energy. Her passion for beyond music – standing up for things that matter. I also enjoy Fleetwood Mac, Indigo Girls, and Dave Matthews Band; I grew up on those, so those are my favorites.

What did you do before becoming a legislator?
I’ve had a long career in public service working for elected officials, almost 20 years in the US Senate working for Hillary Clinton and Kirsten Gillibrand. Working there centered my knowledge around creating policy, working with your constituents, and fighting for them. Switching from the federal side to the stateside was reasonably easy because it’s a similar system. It’s just different people and different colleagues to connect with. And then, before that, I had brief stints in Hillside and the Youth Bureau and other public service in the nonprofit world, and then I was always a volunteer throughout my kids’ swim meets.

Did your experience working with Kirsten Gillibrand and Hillary Clinton inspire you to run for office?
It did. One of the reasons I was very motivated to run was to ensure more women were in office. At the time, we had no women in our state delegation. And working for two women who cared a lot about that helped inspire me to want to run. I learned so much from working for both of them. Both are very committed to listening to people and creating good ideas to address the daily problems that people have. They were two good role models for centering on the fact that the government is a public service and should work for the people it represents.

How about sports - any favorite NY sports team or play any sports?
I have been a Buffalo Bills fan – Bills Mafia through and through – since I was little. I actually taught myself football. No one watched it religiously in my house - my dad would watch it occasionally, so I had to teach myself. Now, all my kids watch it. So it’s a family affair as well as in my neighborhood.

What do you like to do in your free time?
I mostly like to read and have time to feel alone. But I also really like to catch up with my friends. I like to go to dinner. I like having a book club, and we will attend community events. I also love attending my kids’ sporting events: soccer games, swim meets, and basketball games. I’m going to be that crazy parent who still goes to those things when my kids graduate.

Is it hard balancing your time with family and work?
It’s hard. Some will say run for office when your kids are a little older. The problem is that when they’re older, they are more independent and involved in so many activities that I might be unable to keep up. So yeah, the hardest part is missing what they’re involved in when I’m away. Whether it’s sports or just things that they’re doing with their friends or getting to take them places.

What is your favorite part of being a legislator?
I love solving problems. I love building coalitions. I love working with my colleagues to convince them to agree on things. Government isn’t the answer to everything, and there are many roadblocks. But if we work together, we could do things better. So, we need to find those pathways where we can all agree on things and reach a consensus. We’re more alike across all different walks of life than we think. And so I like finding the things that unify us. And I like being in the middle of government, how it works, and all that jazz; it’s fun. I like it. But I don’t like dirty politics, and I don’t like when things get nasty.

What are/is your proudest legislative achievement(s) this year or throughout your career?
Over the last few years, I’ve done a lot in the childcare space. It’s one of the reasons that I ran. As I mentioned before, I’m a mom of three, so childcare was a big thing for me, and I feel like people weren’t paying attention to it enough. And then, the Covid-19 pandemic arrived, and people realized that you can’t go to work if you don’t have a place for your kids. One of my first pieces of legislation was getting direct deposit for our providers so they could be paid through direct deposit. It seems like a little thing, but it’s very impactful across the state. Our providers are barely holding on. So, changing to quick, direct deposit makes a huge difference. But we’ve done a couple of other things, helping with funding and making sure we put and invest more money in small businesses. People give their blood, sweat, and tears to small businesses. So, supporting them is essential.

As the Chair of the Subcommittee on Tuition Assistance Program, what issues do you see arising?
So, I’m on the Assembly Committee on Higher Ed and the Chair of its Subcommittee on Tuition Assistance Program. We’ve been fighting to increase the minimum awards for TAP and increase income eligibility. We’ve put it in our One-House Budget in 2023, but it has yet to make it into the final budget. But getting access and ensuring more people have college access is essential.

Any other priorities or goals for 2024?
We’re still going to do more fighting around childcare. We need to do more work that centers around poverty and how to get people on better trajectories to get out of poverty. I read a book that said something like the programs we have support poverty – but we need to disrupt poverty. And I think if we’re going to elevate everyone in our state, we really have to focus on that. And I think it will solve many of our other challenges. If we can help get people into more stable places and support them as they become self-sufficient, I think we will do much better across all other areas.

What advice would you give to young folks, especially young women, who want to get into politics?
I tell everyone never to turn down opportunities and get involved in many things you’re passionate about, even volunteering. Whatever your path to your job or career – and it could be very windy like mine was – be nice to everyone, because when opportunities happen, you never know who the person is going to be that’s going to vouch for you or have a say in who gets that opportunity. So, never burn bridges. Be nice to everybody.

Any last comments you want to mention?
Voting participation numbers have declined year over year, and it’s hard for people to understand why their one vote matters. But it does, even in races that may seem like it could be lopsided because everyone looks deeper into the numbers and tries to understand what it means and whether they’re doing the right thing or the wrong thing. Politics can be messy, and watching politics on TV is messy. And I hope that people remember to vote. Remember to try to connect to your neighbors. Remember to try to talk in ways to find unity. But voting and being engaged is essential.

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!

Governor Hochul Releases 2025 Executive Budget Proposal

On Tuesday, Governor Hochul unveiled her $233 billion Executive Budget Proposal for fiscal year 2025, the largest in state history. The Budget comes after the state projected a $4.3 billion budget gap during October’s mid-year budget assessment. However, Hochul revealed the state was able to collect $2.2 billion more in taxes than anticipated, with $1.7 billion going towards pre-payments for the coming fiscal year and $500 million going towards the asylum-seekers crisis. Hochul also explained that she did not raise income taxes and would continue her pledge not to raise any income taxes even if the Legislature proposes to raise income taxes in their upcoming one-house Budgets.

From the $233 billion Executive Budget, $2.4 billion will address the asylum-seekers crisis and cover the cost of shelter, social services, and resettlement. Of the $2.4 billion, $1 billion will be allocated specifically to reimburse NYC for the cost of addressing the asylum-seekers crisis. The Executive Budget also includes an $825 million increase in school aid, which will increase Foundation Aid by $507 million. Although many education advocates expected a larger increase in funding, Hochul explained that “As much as we may want to, we’re not going to be able to replicate the massive increases of the last two years.”

In addition to increased education funding, the Executive Budget proposes altering the “Hold Harmless” provision, which ensures that school districts do not see a decrease in their Foundation Aid funding. Hochul’s Budget Director, Blake Washington, explained that the changes are needed because “As more and more schools fall into the hold harmless bucket if you have a finite amount of resources in a given year, you have less and fewer resources for schools that are growing and have a higher need.” However, many education advocates expressed concerns about the effects of the proposed changes on suburban and rural schools, with Senate Minority Leader Rob Ortt remarking, “I have to believe that my colleagues on the other side of the aisle are going to have something to say about this.” Although Speaker Carl Heastie did not address the proposed changes specifically, he explained that “Foundation Aid is really important to us, but I don’t know where she is going until l see what the details are.”

LEGISLATIVE UPDATES

On Monday, the state’s second anniversary of mobile sports wagering, Hochul announced that the industry generated more than $862 million last year. Since the beginning of mobile sports wagering in January of 2022, the state has received more than $1.55 billion in taxes and $200 million in licensing fees, with total mobile sports wagering handle reaching $35.7B and the state’s education system receiving $1.57B in total net revenue. $5 million from the revenue was also given to underserved youths, and $6 million was put towards funding problem gambling education and treatment. “Over the last two years, New York is the clear leader in providing responsible entertainment for millions while bringing in record-shattering revenue for education, youth sports, and problem gambling prevention,” said Hochul.

Earlier this week, Hochul announced the availability of $235 million in grant money for new clean water infrastructure projects. Under the program, 25 to 50 percent of net eligible project costs go to rural and disadvantaged communities. The grants will also prioritize the new PFAS containment project by covering 60 to 70 percent of the net cost. The announcement comes after Hochul committed to investing in water infrastructure projects last week in her State of the State as part of her environmental agenda. Applications and eligibility criteria will be announced on February 5th.

In addition to investing in clean water infrastructure, Hochul announced the allocation of $5.5 million in awards to seven non-profit conservation organizations. The awards are part of the Farmland Protection Implementation Grants program, which awards non-profit conservation organizations for their efforts in farmland conservation. The program has preserved 113,650 acres of farmland totaling more than $273 million on 385 farms. The recent allocation of funds builds upon Hochul’s environmental priority to combat food insecurity, support climate resiliency, and protect clean water infrastructure, as outlined in her 2024 State of the State’s environmental agenda.

On Wednesday, to combat the shortage of school bus drivers, Hochul announced a plan to remove barriers to prospective school bus drivers applying for commercial driver licenses. Under the new plan, the DMV has been directed to implement a federal waiver that allows school bus driver applicants to skip the engine compartment component. The recent plan builds upon Hochul’s previous actions to address the ongoing school bus driver shortage, such as launching a program authorizing third parties to conduct commercial road tests last year and a multi-organizational recruitment effort in 2021 to get more commercial drivers to become school bus drivers.

LEGISLATIVE UPDATES

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

Joint Legislative Budget Hearings next week:
Tuesday - Health
Wednesday - Transportation
Thursday - Public Protection

This week, the Legislature released the schedule for this year’s Joint Legislative Budget Hearings. The hearings will start on Monday, January 23rd, and conclude on February 14th. Respective state agencies or department heads will begin the testimony each day, followed by witnesses who have requested to testify. The dates and times for the hearings are below:

Senate GOP "A New Hope for the Empire State" 2025 Agenda

The day after Hochul’s Executive Budget, Senate Republicans unveiled their 2024 “A New Hope for the Empire State” Agenda. The Senate Republican’s legislative agenda focuses on affordability and public safety. “Our Republican Conference will fight to give hope to those New Yorkers who feel they have no alternative but to leave our state. Our common sense agenda provides solutions to build a greater New York for future generations,” explained Senate Minority Leader Rob Ortt. The agenda supports Hochul’s proposal to extend the 421- a housing incentive for NYC developers while supporting a new 421- P tax credit program for upstate housing development. Additionally, the agenda urged for more action on hate crimes, such as making any antisemitic behavior a hate crime and implementing antisemitism training on college campuses. In support of the state’s investment in healthcare, the agenda supports increasing inpatient and outpatient mental health treatment options and local municipalities’ efforts to establish crisis stabilization centers. However, the agenda explicitly opposes the New York Health Act, explaining that it “would at minimum double [the] taxes,” worsening the affordability crisis.

Amy Paulin and Brad Hoylman-Sigal

Prioritize Medical Aid in Dying Act

This week, Assembly Health Chair Amy Paulin and Senator Brad Hoylman-Sigal wrote an article expressing their prioritization of the Medical Aid in Dying Act. “One of our top priorities in 2024 is finally passing the Medical Aid in Dying Act to enable our terminally ill constituents to gently end unbearable suffering. The time is now after nine years of legislative debate on this compassionate legislation,” states the article. The bill would allow terminally ill patients to request medications to pass away and would provide certain protections and immunities to healthcare providers. First introduced in 2016, with the issue being heavily publicized after the death of Brittany Maynard, many advocates urge that the bill would give terminally ill patients control of their deaths. “This is not a political or partisan issue. This is a human issue that gives people who will imminently die some measure of autonomy over how much pain and suffering they must endure before they die,” the article states.

Lawmakers Rally for Daniel's Law and Treatment Not Jails Act

On Wednesday, lawmakers joined a rally advocating for Daniel’s Law, named after Daniel Prude, who died while being physically restrained by police in Rochester. Sponsored by Senator Samra Brouk and Assemblymember Harry Bronson, the bill would create a statewide emergency and crisis response council for operating and financing emergency and crisis response services for individuals experiencing a mental health or substance use emergency. Lawmakers in the rally also urge the passage of the Treatment Not Jails Act, which would require judicial diversion courts in every county to expand the list of special circumstances that qualify a defendant to have their hearing outside of a criminal courtroom. Advocates explained that both bills would reduce the chance of individuals with mental illness or substance use disorder interacting with the criminal justice system.

Senator Pete Harckham Advocates for Drivers in

Autonomous Trucks

At a special press conference at the headquarters of Teamsters Local 456, Senator Pete Harckham urged the passage of a bill that would require drivers to be present in autonomous driving trucks when traveling on highways. The bill is supported by unions representing the state’s trucking industry, and supporters explained that the bill would safeguard over 270,000 trucking jobs in the state. “The integral role of the trucking industry in our lives means we have to be proactive and vigilant about public safety and job security when it comes to technological innovations like autonomous operating vehicles,” Harckham explained. However, opponents of the bill explain that the bill would impose a premature and permanent ban on autonomous trucks, stifling innovation.

PRIMARY UPDATES

Micah Lasher Announces His Campaign For Assembly

Micah Lasher, former Director of Policy for Governor Hochul, announced that he is running for Daniel O’Donnell’s Assembly seat in Manhattan. Lasher resigned from his position as Director of Policy last week after two years. He was appointed in November 2021, shortly after Hochul became Governor. Lasher previously ran for a Senate seat in Manhattan in 2016 but lost the Democratic Primary to Marisol Alcantara by less than 300 votes. Lasher explained that he is running to “be an independent, progressive voice for our community on the toughest, most complicated issues of our time.” The crowded race for O’Donnell’s Assembly seat comes after O'Donnell announced in November that he would not seek reelection, with Community Board 9 Vice Chair Barry Weinberg, public defender Eli Northrup, and Community Board 7 member Melissa Rosenburg already campaigning. However, Lasher has already garnered various endorsements, such as from Representative Jerry Nadler, Manhattan Borough President Mark Levine, Senator Brad Hoylman-Sigal, and Assemblymember Linda Rosenthal.

Son of Manhattan Democratic Committee Chair

Plans to Run for Assembly

Jordan Wright, the son of the Manhattan Democratic Committee Chair Keith Wright, confirmed that he plans to run for Inez Dickens’ Assembly seat in Harlem. Keith Wright was the Assemblymember for Dickens’ seat for 24 years until 2016, when he successfully ran for congress. Jordan Wright was a former campaign manager for Councilmember Yusef Salaam, who won his Council seat against Dickens and Assemblymember Al Taylor in November.

Former NYC Comptroller Exploring a Challenge to Eric Adams

Former NYC Comptroller Scott Stringer announced that he is raising funds and exploring a possible mayoral run, presenting the first formal challenge to Mayor Eric Adams. His announcement comes as Adams is under federal investigation for campaign finance violation and with a record-low approval rating of 28%. Stringer explained his reason for challenging Adams: “For the last two years, his administration has been steering the ship straight into an iceberg, and we need a new captain to get around these multiple crises.”Stringer once ran for mayor in 2021 in the Democratic primary but finished fifth after a sexual misconduct allegation against him surfaced.

Trump Wins Iowa Caucus

Earlier this week, Donald Trump won the majority of the delegates in the Iowa Caucus, with 51% of all votes. Trailing Trump was Ron DeSantis, with 21% of all votes, and Nikki Haley, with 19% of all votes. With Trump, DeSantis, and Haley being the three frontrunners for the GOP presidential nomination, Vivek Ramaswamy dropped out of the race and endorsed Trump. The Iowa GOP Party reported that roughly 110,000 out of 752,200, or 15% of all registered Republicans, voted in the caucuses. Iowa Democrats also held their caucuses, which began earlier this week and will conclude on March 5th, but they will vote by mail. New Hampshire will host their primary on Tuesday. New York’s primary is scheduled for June 25th.

OTHER UPDATES

Mayor Adams Released NYC 2025 Preliminary Budget

Hours after Hochul’s Executive Budget address, Mayor Eric Adams released NYC’s 2025 Preliminary Budget. The $109.4 billion budget included the restoration of previous budget cuts to FDNY, NYPD, DSNY, and the Parks Department, as previously announced. The city’s budget comes after Adams directed all city agencies to cut their budgets by 5% but reverted some cuts after better-than-expected tax revenues, state aid, and lower-than-expected costs for asylum-seekers, which lower the city’s budget deficit to $10.6 billion from the original $12 billion. However, Adams explained, “While we have put New York City on the right track to keep moving forward, we still need help from the federal and state governments.” Adams’ budget cuts and reversal drew some criticism from city lawmakers, with Councilmember Shahana Haniif remarking that Adams is “doing some funny math here and every time we’ve tried to ask for transparency or clarification on these numbers, the administration has not come forth with any detailed analysis.”

NYC Council Committee Chair Changes

Earlier this week, Council Speaker Adrienne Adams removed NYC Councilmembers Tiffany Cabán, Shahana Hanif, and Chi Ossé from their committee chairmanships for the new council session. Many observers suggest that removing their chairmanships was a retaliatory move against the three progressive councilmembers for voting against the city’s $107 billion budget in June. However, a spokesperson for Adams explained that the committee changes were not retaliatory and that “The appointment of committee chairs is determined based on the best interests of the Council as a body and not based on the individuals.” Other notable committee change includes the appointment of Councilmember Yusef Salaam as the new Chair of Public Safety, replacing Councilmember Kamillah Hanks, who became the new chair of the Subcommittee on Landmarks, Public Sitings, and Dispositions. The committee changes came after Adams removed Councilmember Keith Powers as the Majority Leader and appointed Amanda Farías.

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