Friday Morning Brief March 14, 2025

Mar 13

Written By Michael Avella

Member Spotlight

Senator Jamaal Bailey

Senator Jamaal Bailey joins us to discuss his Bronx-based district, legislative achievements, and priorities for 2025. Before being elected to the Senate, he became involved in politics to passionately serve his community as a District Leader and worked for Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie. He is currently the Chair of the Senate Committee on Insurance. He is also a member of various Senate committees, including on Codes, Finance, and Rules.

What district do you represent?
I represent the 36th Senate District. It’s a place I've called home for the better part of my 42 years. There is a character in this district that I love. Geographically, it’s in the North Bronx and parts of Westchester. It includes Wakefield, Williamsbridge, Co-Op City, Woodlawn Heights, Baychester, Edenwald, Parkside, Oakland Heights, Eastchester, and Mount Vernon. People in this district are hard-working women and men. People don’t run from the grind here. The district has some of the highest population density of union membership. The district also has some of the proudest Afro-Caribbean communities and growing Latino and Asian communities. I am honored to represent a unique and diverse district. Homeownership is part of the American dream, and having that passed down through multi-generational homesteads is another great characteristic of my district.

Any landmarks or restaurants that are in your district?
It is hard for me to name just one restaurant or landmark in the district. Co-Op City is a landmark in itself. It’s the largest naturally occurring retirement community in the world and the largest cooperative housing development in the country. There’s also the famous mall at Bay Plaza. For a great restaurant, the Afro-Caribbean community in the district has one of the best beef patties you will ever find. Kingston Tropical Bakery sells some of the best traditional Jamaican food. Many small businesses in the district sell really good food for everybody. Instead of having Starbucks on every corner, the district has various Caribbean options on every corner.

What is your favorite music? Favorite artists/bands?
Hip-hop. I grew up in the borough where hip-hop was born. I also love R&B, soul, and salsa. Asking who is your favorite artist is quintessentially a difficult conversation for hip-hop. For me, I will say Jay-Z, Biggie, Nas, André 3000, and KRS-One, who are actually from the Bronx. Honorable mention goes to Heavy D, who grew up in Mount Vernon. He is one of the true hip-hop Renaissance men we’ve had – he was an actor, filmmaker, and artist of Jamaican heritage right here in the City of Mount Vernon.

Favorite NY sports team?
Knicks and the Mets. I’ve become a Mets fan because of Dwight Gooden and Darryl Strawberry, and I never left the Mets. I’m also a diehard Knicks fan. They are doing a great job this year, and I think they are primed to do great this year.

What was your profession before becoming a Senator?
I’m an attorney. But I started in politics by working for Speaker Heastie. I was first an intern in his office during my senior year at the University of Albany. I have stayed active and involved ever since. I was his Community Relations Director right before being elected to the Senate. I am eternally grateful to Speaker Heastie for his mentorship.

As the previous Chair of Codes, you were at the forefront of criminal justice issues. What are some of your achievements during your time as the Chair of Codes?
Ensuring that the playing field continues to be equal so everybody can walk and chew gum at the same time. Fairness in public safety is essential. There were a lot of conversations around wealth-based attention like how folks shouldn’t be in jail because of how much money they don’t have. So, when you talk about discovery reforms, people should know what charges they’re facing, and before the changes we made, that wasn’t the case. As responsible legislators, we’ve heard conversations about making changes. We’ve gone back and made some changes, but overall, I think we’ve done a great job leveling the playing field and ensuring that the justice system is truly fair. There’s always more work to be done. And even if I’m not the Chair of Codes, I will always be interested in advocating for fairness in public safety issues. I also have to shout out to all the staffers, including the Central Staff, who worked with us to implement these changes. They worked incredibly long hours and sacrificed their personal time to do this incredibly difficult work.

As the Chair of Insurance, what issues do you think the state needs to address?
Insurance is now a kitchen table issue more than it’s been in quite some time. Folks are concerned about increasing premium costs, whether auto, home, or healthcare. Costs are going up and wages aren’t matching the increased costs. And so when you have an affordability crisis, we need to look at what we can do to make sure that essential needs, like insurance, can be more affordable and not burdensome. So, the main focus will be tackling the affordability crisis and figuring out the relationship between insurance and affordability. I will continue to have conversations with all stakeholders and try to learn as much as possible. I’m looking forward to continuing to listen to all voices and making sure that New York is both a business-friendly and consumer-friendly state.

Are there any local issues that impact your district the most?
Housing and employment are always important issues. Education is also important. As a father of three children, I know the importance of ensuring that our education system is properly functioning. Education is critical in this day and age. Importantly, I want to make sure that folks in the 36th Senate District know that I will listen and fight for them with whatever issues they have.

Any advice for young folks who want to be more involved in politics?
Wanting to get involved in politics is the first step. And I am super thankful for young folks who are even interested in the first place. We need young folks to get involved, especially now in our lives, because wanting to get involved means that you care about your community. It means you want to get involved in the granular aspects of your community. Attend a community board meeting or precinct council meeting. You can also join a civic association or volunteer for your local elected officials. By just getting involved, you are making sure that your voice is being heard and telling elected officials, like me, what you really feel and not what you think we want to hear. Staff are the lifeblood of any government. So maybe consider working in government and possibly be part of that change. Ultimately, once you’ve immersed yourself in the community, you will love your community and have a feel for what you think should happen. Then, you will know if you want to run for office. But it’s important to understand that running for office shouldn’t be your first interaction with the community. Know the ins and outs of your community and then decide if you want to run for office. We always need fresh and exciting voices in governments.

Any last comments?
I am eternally grateful to have this opportunity in the Legislature and be part of enacting changes for a community that I deeply love and have a deep affinity for. Besides being a point guard for the Knicks or a centerfielder for the Mets, representing the community I deeply love is my ultimate dream job. And I am deeply honored.

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

This week, the Senate and the Assembly released their respective one-house budgets, officially starting the three-way budget negotiations between the Senate, Assembly, and Hochul. Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins explained that the Legislature is at “the beginning of the middle.” The Final Budget is due by April 1st. Below are some hot-button issues that will be heavily debated over the next few weeks.

Discovery Law Changes

One possible point of contention between Hochul and the Legislature that may arise in the coming weeks is Hochul’s proposed changes to the state’s discovery laws to allow more flexibility for prosecutors. While many DAs across the state support Hochul’s proposed changes, the Senate and Assembly One-House Budgets reject the proposed changes without any counterproposals. On Tuesday, Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie explained that he and most other lawmakers “think the reforms are working and [have] been successful.”

Involuntary Commitment

Another possible difference between the Legislature and Hochul is regarding involuntary commitment. Hochul proposes to expand requirements for involuntary commitment to include individuals who cannot meet their basic needs due to a mental health issue. The Assembly rejected Hochul’s proposal in its entirety, while the Senate only accepted language related to “care coordination.” Stewart-Cousins explained that the Senate understands that “people are rightly concerned” about mental health issues, but “We just want to make sure that we get it right and that we’re working on this issue.” “The only areas that I’d say we’re really going to have loads of discussion is probably on the [involuntary commitment] and discovery,” explained Heastie.

MTA Funding

The debate over MTA Capital Budget funding may also be another point of contention as neither chamber included any specific revenue proposal. In her Executive Budget proposal, Hochul only proposes to invest $3 billion for the MTA’s $68.4 billion 2025-2029 Capital Budget. However, the Senate and Assembly only recognized the need to fund the MTA Capital Budget by including language that would require the state to fund the Capital Budget but did not include any revenue proposal. Hochul’s Budget Director, Blake Washington, previously explained that Hochul, “the MTA, and the Legislature will have to figure out the size of the plan.”

Education

For school aid, the Senate and the Assembly propose increasing funding beyond Hochul’s funding proposal of $825 million increase. The Senate proposes more than a $1 billion increase over the current spending, while the Assembly proposes a $2.7 billion increase over the current spending. Regarding Hochul’s publicized proposal to ban cell phones in classrooms, the Assembly rejected the proposal, while the Senate included it in their One-House Budget. However, Heastie explained that the Assembly supported the idea broadly but did not agree on how to institute a phone ban. Both chambers accepted Hochul’s proposal for universal free school meals with the Senate, including language to allow schools to purchase food from local farmers.

Taxes

For taxes, the Assembly expanded upon Hochul’s proposal to lower the five lowest tax brackets by proposing to set the lowest tax bracket at 3.75% and the fifth highest at 5%. Currently, Hochul proposes to set the lowest tax rate bracket at 3.8% and the fifth highest at 5.8%. The Senate largely agreed with Hochul by proposing to set the lowest tax bracket at 3.9% for the lowest tax bracket and 5.9% for the fifth highest. Additionally, both chambers accept Hochul’s proposal to eliminate income tax for families who earn below 150% of the federal poverty line. However, both chambers propose to increase the tax rate for the top two income brackets, with the Assembly proposing to set the highest tax bracket to 12% and the Senate proposing to set it at 11.4%. Both chambers also propose to increase the corporate tax rate from 7.25% to 9% for businesses with a revenue over $5 million.

"Inflation Refund" Checks

The Assembly accepted Hochul’s “Affordability Agenda” main proposal of giving “Inflation Refund” rebate checks up to $500 for families for a year, explaining that there was wide support among Democrat Assemblymembers. The Senate also accepted the idea of a rebate check but changed it to ensure that only senior citizens could get it over three years. Stewart-Cousins explained that the rebate checks for senior citizens are part of the Senate’s “three-legged” affordability package, with the Families Tax Credit (which would combine the current state child tax credit and earned income tax credit) for families and reduced SUI for small businesses. “We expect that in the first year for the youngins’, as you call them, working families, etc., there will be at least a half a million dollars coming back into the pockets of that cohort of people,” said Stewart-Cousins.

It must be noted that the One-House Budgets (and budget negotiations in general) come in a time of significant uncertainty as the federal government’s impact on the state’s revenue outlook grows, with State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli warning in February that federal aid cuts “may have a large impact on the state’s finances and New Yorkers’ quality of life.” While many lawmakers have recognized the possibility of federal funding cuts, Heastie previously explained that for now, “We’re not doing anything to address cuts in federal funding.”

Mike Groll/Office of Governor Kathy Hochul

EXECUTIVE UPDATES

With March being Maple Month, Hochul highlighted the upcoming Maple Weekends on March 22-23 and March 29-30. Maple Weekends will feature promotions and events from various local and regional maple farms. With the state being the second in the nation for maple production at 846,000 gallons in 2024, Hochul also reiterated her commitment to investing in the state maple industry by proposing additional funding to grow the industry. “Maple Month is officially underway, offering New Yorkers from every corner of the State the chance to support the hardworking producers of this sweet agricultural crop,” said Hochul. A searchable list of Maple Weekend events is available at mapleweekend.nysmaple.com.

On Monday, Hochul announced the availability of a $30 million investment for hospital electrification projects. Under the Empire Building Challenge: Hospitals, the state would provide funding for successful and cost-effective hospital electrification projects. Each project will be able to get up to $5 million in awards from the state. The recent program is part of the wider $50 million Empire Building Challenge program, funded by the state Clean Energy Fundand Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative, which seeks to invest in low-carbon retrofit projects to support the state’s commitment to transitioning into a cost-effective renewable energy economy.

In a Tuesday roundtable with teachers and parents, Hochul announced the endorsement from Common Sense Media of her “Bell-to-Bell” approach to restricting phones in classrooms. In the roundtable, teachers and parents endorsed Hochul’s Budget proposal to regulate AI-generated services. Hochul’s proposals to restrict phones in classrooms and regulate AI-generated services come from her commitment to addressing youth mental health issues and improving educational outcomes. “Constant digital distractions throughout the school day are hurting our kids — that’s why New Yorkers know that students should be learning and growing, not clicking and scrolling,” explained Hochul.

On Wednesday, Hochul announced the start of a $8.8 million road rehabilitation project in Oneida County. The project will modernize a section of Route 12B and State Route 412 to improve connectivity and accessibility for motorists and pedestrians by rehabilitating pavements and installing new sidewalks, curb ramps, signage, and a traffic signal. The project builds upon Hochul’s ongoing commitment to modernizing the state’s road infrastructure, which includes road, highway, and bridge rehabilitation projects. “The conditions of our roadways directly impact connectivity, which is why investing in infrastructure improvement projects is important to create a safer and more connected New York,” explained Hochul.

Yesterday, Hochul announced the availability of $20 million in grants for developing and improving municipal parks and recreation sites statewide. The $20 million Municipal Parks and Recreation grant program would support municipalities constructing or upgrading recreational sites and parks. The first round of awards will provide municipalities up to $10 million. The new grant supports Hochul’s 2025 State of the State Unplug and Play initiative to promote outdoor activities for kids. “Through this $20 million investment, we are continuing to invest in the state’s social infrastructure to encourage New Yorkers to get off of their cell phones and enjoy the outdoors,” explained Hochul.

LEGISLATIVE UPDATES

Next week, the Legislature is scheduled to be in session Monday to Thursday
Final Budget is due by April 1st.

Senator Julia Salazar Criticizes 90-Days Suspension of the HALT Act

As part of the agreement that ended the wildcat COs strikes across state correctional facilities, DOCC officials explained that some provisions of the HALT Act would be suspended for 90 days and re-evaluated. Many striking COs had urged Hochul and the Legislature to repeal the HALT Act, arguing that it contributed to an increase in inmate assaults. Senate Chair of Crime and Corrections Julia Salazar criticized the suspension of the HALT Act, explaining that it “really underscores the importance of oversight [and] accountability.” While Salazar recognized that many correctional facilities face understaffing, she explained, “As soon as staffing levels are safe enough, programming needs to be fully restored, and HALT needs to be fully implemented.” While modifications to the HALT Act were not included in either One-House Budgets, it included a proposal to allow Hochul to close up to five correctional facilities. Heastie explained that with a decreased prison population and smaller correction staff, “this is a good time to maybe reorganize.”

Tom Homan Visits the Capital

This week, President Trump’s Border Czar Tom Homan, a North Country native, visited Albany to urge the Legislature to pass “Laken’s Law” and repealthe state’s "Green Light” law. Homan, alongside Republican lawmakers, explained that the Green Light Law hinders the safety of law enforcement agents and cited the recent death of US Border Patrol Agent David Maland in Vermont. “When you don’t give access to important data that helps drive a criminal investigation, to help them identify exactly who this person is, you’re putting their life at risk,” said Homan. Additionally, Homan and Republican lawmakers explain that “Laken’s Law” would further protect law enforcement’s safety by allowing local law enforcement to cooperate with federal ICE agents. Homan warned that if Hochul and the Legislature do not change the state’s sanctuary status and cooperate, “more agents [will be] in their communities.”

Aung Hset, D&A

Lawmakers Criticize Tom Homan's Visit

In response to Homan visiting Albany, Democrat lawmakers held two separate rallies criticizing Homan and the Trump Administration’s policies on immigration. Assemblymember Jessica González-Rojas accused Trump and Homan of fearmongering a “hateful, nasty racist agenda.” Other Democrat lawmakers also accused Trump of using immigration as a way to shift the narrative away from affordability. “Our farmers, right now, are suffering. Our small businesses, right now, are suffering,” explained Assemblymember Karines Reyes. Senate Majority Deputy Leader Mike Gianaris added that Homan and Trump are “seek[ing] to divide everyday Americans to benefit the 1%.” In a statement against Homan’s visit, Hochul said that “she supports secure borders and deporting violent criminals, but won’t let New York help the Trump Administration tear babies away from their parents.”

Lawmakers Urge US DHS to Release Mahmoud Khalil

Earlier this week, Democrat lawmakers joined various congressional representatives and NYC elected officials in sending a letter to the US Secretary of DHS to call for the release of Mahmoud Khalil. Led by Assemblymember Claire Valdez, the letter calls the arrest of Khalil “a blatant violation of his legal rights.” “It’s important at this moment… to be unequivocal about our support for the immigrant community,” explained Valdez. Khalil’s arrest has led to various responses from lawmakers, with many Democrat lawmakers questioning whether due process occurred during his arrest. Some have critized the arrest altogether, with Senate Majority Deputy Leader Mike Gianaris tweeting, “Yanking a U S. Permanent Resident away from his 8-months pregnant wife and disappearing him so that even his lawyer can’t find him is straight up tyranny.”

Lawmakers and AG Announce FAIR Business Protection Act

Yesterday, Assemblymember Micah Lasher and Senator Leroy Comrie joined Attorney General Letitia James in announcing the FAIR Business Protection Act. James explained that the bill would “safeguard New Yorkers and small businesses from unfair, deceptive, and abusive practices” while the “Trump Administration is taking steps to destroy offices like the CFPB and the protections it provides for families across our state.” Specifically, the bill would include various business acts, including AI-generated scams, as unfair practices under the General Business Law. “When unscrupulous actors take advantage of New Yorkers through online scams, junk fees, and hidden costs, our community and our economy suffer,” explained Comrie.

Aung Hset/D&A

Lawmakers Rally for Office of Gun Violence Prevention

Early this week, lawmakers and advocates joined Senator Zellnor Myrie in a rally for a bill that would revamp the state Office of Gun Violence Prevention and the Gun Violence Advisory Council. Under the bill, the Office of Gun Violence Prevention would coordinate with local municipalities to combat gun violence with law enforcement and criminal justice initiatives. Myrie explained that with federal scrapping of the White House Office of Gun Violence Prevention, the state should increase its focus on its own Office of Gun Violence Prevention. “We’re in a gun violence crisis. OGVP will coordinate a statewide response, support victims + survivors, and share policies that work,” explained Myrie.

Aung Hset/D&A

Lawmakers Rally for Priscilla's Law

On Wednesday, lawmakers joined advocates in a rally for Priscilla’s Law. Sponsored by Assemblymember Jenifer Rajkumar, the bill would require e-bikes to have license plates, registration, and insurance. Advocates explain that e-bikes involved in collisions with pedestrians can easily evade accountability due to the lack of license requirements, making it harder for law enforcement to track them down. While the NYPD had begun prioritizing seizing illegal e-bikes, advocates explained to many in the city that they believed the state should do more for public and pedestrian safety. “We will get it done! We represent the majority of New Yorkers,” explained Rajkumar.

OTHER UDPATES

Lawmakers Start to Endorse Adrienne Adams for Mayor

At the NYC Speaker Adrienne Adams rally for her candidacy to run for NYC mayor on Saturday, Senator James Sanders and Assemblymember Andrew Hevesis announced their endorsement. On Monday, Assemblymember Brian Cunningham also announced his endorsement of Adams. “Adrienne is the right person to govern the city at this time,” explained Cunningham. Various Councilmembers, including Yusef Salaam and Deputy Speaker Diana Ayala, also endorse Adams. Notably, Texas Representative Jasmine Crockett announced her endorsement of Adams. Endorsement for Adams comes as various labor unions and lawmakers announced their endorsement for Andrew Cuomo. Recent lawmakers who endorsed Cuomo include Assemblymembers Vivian Cook, Stacey Pheffer Amato, and Sam Berger.

Federal Government Shutdown Looms

With the federal government shutdown looming at midnight Friday, the House approved a concurrent resolution to ensure government funding for agencies through September. While the Republicans controlled the Senate, Chuck Schumer said the “Republicans do not have the votes in the Senate to invoke cloture on the House CR.” Additionally, Schumer called for a four-week stopgap measure only to keep agencies funding at current levels until April 1st while budget negotiations continue. However, Republican Senate Majority Leader John Thune explained that while he is open to the idea, “the House is gone, so whatever happens, is going to have to be, I think, the final action here.” It remains to be seen if all Senate Democrats will continue to oppose the current budget plan.

Read Past Issues of the Brief

Featured