Friday Morning Brief March 21, 2025

Mar 20

Written By Michael Avella

Member Spotlight

Assemblyman Charles Fall

Assemblyman Charles Fall joins us to discuss his experience working in the Assembly and the issues impacting his district, which includes parts of Staten Island, Manhattan, and Brooklyn. Before being elected to the Assembly, he served his community in various positions within the NYC government. Currently, he is the Chair of the Assembly Subcommittee on Consumer Fraud Protection. He also sits on various committees, including on Cities, Governmental Employees, and Aging. He is the first Muslim and Black Assemblymember elected from Staten Island.

What district do you represent?
I represent the 61st Assembly District, one of the best districts in the State of New York. The district includes the North Shore of Staten Island, Lower Manhattan, and a tiny bit of Brooklyn.

Any landmarks in your district that you want to highlight?
There are plenty! Lower Manhattan has the World Trade Center, the 9/11 Memorial & Museum, and Wall Street. And, of course, everybody’s familiar with the Staten Island Ferry. I also represent the beautiful Snug Harbor. I have the honor of representing various interesting aspects of the city.

What’s your favorite music?
My favorite music depends on the day. I love so many different types of music. Whether it’s R&B, rap, rock, or country, it just really depends on the vibe.

What about food?
For me, I really care about eating something simple and healthy. But the beauty about being in New York is the diversity. And with that diversity comes a variety of food or cuisine options.

What was your profession before being elected to the Assembly?
I was the chief of staff for the Staten Island Parks and Recreation Commissioner. Prior to that, I worked for Mayor de Blasio at City Hall as the Staten Island Borough Director for a couple of years. I was also deputy director for the Democratic Party on Staten Island and worked at the Board of Elections.

What local districts do you think are impacting your district the most?
Everybody in my district cares about quality of life issues, such as ensuring that we raise our kids in a really good environment and have enough affordable housing for our senior citizens. Everybody also cares about public safety and better infrastructure. Outside of those issues, every neighborhood is different when it comes to its local-specific issues. When looking at Staten Island, people want a better transit system, such as a bus rapid transit system. There’s a $1.5 billion flood resilience project that is important to people in Lower Manhattan. People want to see improvements when it comes to the Battery Park City Authority, and little by little, there has been some level of transparency. But there’s always work to be done. And at the end of the day, when you're in government, you work for the people.

There are a lot of overlaps when it comes to local and statewide issues, but are there any specific statewide issues you are looking at?
I really care about issues related to my district. If there’s something that my colleagues really care about that is within their district, I’m going to support them on that. But one of the statewide issues that was a big concern was the squatter issue that we had throughout the state and impacted my district. I believe we did fix that issue, and I haven’t heard of any concerns since the fix. The beauty of having conversations with your colleagues across the state is that you can compare with them, especially when dealing with a big or serious issue — for example, the issues surrounding insurance. During COVID-19, people with business interruption insurance plans had many of their claims denied because insurance companies said their business interruption plans did not include pandemics. My colleagues and I were able to address that issue.

As the Chair of the Subcommittee on Consumer Fraud Protection, what issues are you hoping to address this year?
I’m always seeking ways to ensure that we can protect our most vulnerable communities. People are always dealing with scams, and it's always important to educate people on how to best protect themselves from potential scams. We work very closely with law enforcement to better understand what’s new, and we always relay and amplify that information to the public.

What advice would you give to young folks wanting to get more involved in politics?
You always have to be willing to learn. There are a lot of different perspectives out there, so it’s important to research them. It’s also okay to seek advice from people who may be older than you. It could be your parents, older siblings, professors, or even former employees. You should always seek to build up your knowledge and cling to your curiosity and love for learning. I understand that some young people may not want to seek knowledge from older folks, but they may have some wisdom.

Any last comments?
I’ve got to give a big shoutout to my entire staff. My team is amazing. I may be the face of the operation, but there are incredible people behind me who are doing great work. Thanks to my team, we are able to do great things for our constituents.

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

Stewart-Cousins and Heastie Predict On-Time Budget

After the Mothership landed on Monday, Hochul and leaders of the Legislature have a little over a week from today to reach a final budget agreement. However, many lawmakers expressed confidence that the final budget will be agreed upon around the due date of April 1st. “Absolutely,” said Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins explained. Speaker Heastie concurred, saying, “I don’t believe the Budget’s going to be late.” Currently, Hochul’s budget proposal is $252 billion, Assembly’s is $256.5 billion, and Senate’s is $259 billion. While spending and policy priorities between Hochul and both chambers of the Legislature are mostly aligned, involuntary commitment, changes to discovery laws, and school phone bans continue to be the three main points of contention.

On mental health, lawmakers have been expressing their concerns with Hochul’s proposal to expand involuntary commitment requirements. “Before we are going to tell an entire population that they will lose their civil rights, certainly we owe it to them and all New Yorkers to better invest in voluntary services,” Senate Mental Health Chair Samra Brouk explained. Assembly Mental Health Chair Jo Anne Simon also expressed concerns, saying, “A lot of people are very troubled by the proposals,” Both Mental Health Chairs argue that the state should invest more in mental health services and providers. The Assembly rejected Hochul’s proposal in their One-House, while the Senate only accepted language related to “care coordination.”

On public safety, lawmakers disagree with Hochul’s proposed changes to the discovery law. Both the Assembly’s and Senate’s One-House Budget proposals omitted Hochul’s proposed changes, with Senator Zellnor Myrie and Assemblymember Micah Lasher advocating for their own bill that would amend the state’s discovery laws to allow prosecutors independent access to police records and evidence. However, advocacy groups have been split on Hochul’s proposal, with women’s and victims’ rights groups supporting it while criminal justice reform groups oppose it. Heastie suggested that he omitted Hochul’s proposed changes in the Assembly’s One-House because it was a policy issue but also expressed concerns. “I don’t [want to] negotiate this outside of the members, but judges should have a little more of a say,” explained Heastie.

On Hochul’s bell-to-bell model to ban phones in school, Hochul continues to reiterate her support for the model. However, the Assembly’s One-House omitted Hochul’s proposal. Senate proposes a different model that would allow local school districts to take the lead and prohibit schools from suspending students for using their phones. Assembly Education Chair Michael Benedetto also introduced his own bill that would allow school districts to set their own phone policies. Additionally, while the teachers’ union supports Hochul’s proposal, the state’s school boards, superintendents, and administrators oppose the proposal. Instead, the coalition supports the Senate’s and Benedetto’s proposal.

Susan Watts/Office of Governor Kathy Hochul

EXECUTIVE UPDATES

On Monday, Hochul announced the launch of a new DFS web portal to file complaints about drug price spikes by 50% and PBMs. Under the new portal, consumers and pharmacies can directly interact with DFS to issue, communicate, and track complaints, streamlining how DFS interacts with businesses and consumers. The new portable builds upon the recent state’s modernization efforts and reiterates Hochul’s commitment to strengthening consumer protections. “DFS Connect allows for individuals to report [drug price] spikes to the State and provide a more efficient service to both consumers and businesses,” explained Hochul.

Alongside Congressmember Paul Tonko and Senator Pat Fahy, Hochul announced that more than $270 million has been awarded to 28 housing development projects across the state. Awarded through the federal Low-Income Housing Tax Credit and subsidies, the development projects will expand or upgrade 1,800 housing units across the state. With the federal awards, Hochul also reiterated her support for the federal Affordable Housing Credit Improvement Act, which would help develop 100,000 affordable housing units in the state. The disbursement of federal awards supports Hochul’s $25 billion Housing Plan, which would create or preserve 100,000 affordable housing units all across the state.

Earlier this week, Hochul touted the continued success of the state’s GIVE Initiative in reducing gun violence crimes in participating communities. In recent reporting by the state DCJS, shooting incidents with injury decreased by 18 percent in January and February compared to those two months in 2024, and 18 fewer individuals were harmed by gunfire. In NYC, the NYPD reported a 27% decrease in shooting incidents, and the Buffalo and Rochester PD reported the most significant reduction compared to 2024. Touting the success of the GIVE Initiative, Hochul reiterated her support for similar programs in her Executive Budget proposal by proposing to invest $370 million in local public safety programs. “The initiatives we’ve implemented to eliminate gun crimes are working, and we will continue to invest in law enforcement and community-based programs,” explained Hochul.

On Wednesday, in response to four new cases of measles in the state, Hochul announced the launch of a new web portal to support access to the measles vaccine and public health information. As of Thursday morning, three cases of measles have been reported in NYC and one in Suffolk County. Additionally, Hochul encouraged families to be current on their immunization records and get vaccinated if not. “Measles doesn’t belong in the 21st century, and it certainly doesn’t belong in the State of New York,” said Hochul.

Yesterday, Hochul reiterated her 2025 State of the State priority to provide universal free school meals for an estimated 2.7 million students. With her reaffirmation, Hochul also urged the federal government to continue supporting the state’s food assistance programs and criticized the proposed elimination of $1 billion in federal funding for food assistance. Hochul’s reaffirmation for universal free school meals builds upon the state’s $180 million subsidies for eligible schools participating in the federal Community Eligibility Provision program. “I’m fighting to make school meals free for every student in New York — giving every young person the nourishment they need to thrive in the classroom and putting money back in families’ pockets,” explained Hochul.

LEGISLATIVE UPDATES

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

Kevin Coughlin/Office of Governor Kathy Hochul

Hochul Pushes for Mask Restrictions in Budget Talks

Earlier this week, Hochul acknowledged her revived push to codify restrictions for wearing masks in public. Reiterating her previous concerns from last year about mask demonstrators on the subway, she explained, "Someone assaults someone on the subway, they can get away with it, despite the fact that we have cameras because they are masked." While Hochul's support for mask restrictions would not apply to those wearing it for religious or medical reasons, some lawmakers criticized the move and explained that a mask ban could endanger public health and incentivize discriminatory enforcement. Senator James Skoufis, a bill sponsor that would establish masked harassment offenses as a crime, supports Hochul's move. Skoufis explained, "Whether it's in the budget or not, I think it's long past due that we have this conversation" and that "the issue is complex and nuanced." On the current talks with lawmakers, Hochul explained, "We're having conversations" and "We'll see how it goes."

Aung Hset/D&A

Hochul Rejects Legislature's Proposal to Increase Taxes

Earlier this week, Hochul publicly rejected the Legislature’s budget proposals to increase taxes on high-income earners. The Assembly is proposing to increase the highest tax bracket to 12%, and the Senate is 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. However, Hochul explained that the tax hikes would result in businesses and high earners leaving the state. “I’m focused on making sure we do not drive away the individuals who are basically funding our budget,” explained Hochul. Instead, Hochul is proposing to extend the current tax rate for high earners for another five years. While Hochul disagrees with the Legislature’s proposed tax hikes, she and both chambers of the Legislature agreed on lowering taxes for families making up to $323,200 and individuals making up to $215,400.

Susan Watts/Office of Governor Kathy Hochul

Feds Threaten Funding Cuts to MTA Amidst MTA Funding Budget Talks

Amidst the current budget talks between lawmakers and Hochul on proposals to fund the MTA 2025-2029 $65 billion Capital Budget, federal DOT Secretary Sean Duffy tweeted on Tuesday that the federal government will “cut funding” to the MTA if it fails to show any actions “to reduce crime, lower homelessness, and improve safety.” Duffy’s tweet came as Hochul and the Legislature did not include plans to fund the MTA in their budget proposals, and lawmakers were hoping for the federal government to help fund the MTA, with Senate Majority Leader Stewart-Cousins saying on Monday, “We’re obviously looking to the federal government to be helpful.”

Yesterday, Heastie explained that he expects the federal government to try to hurt the state’s ability to fund the MTA but still wants “the federal government to be most helpful, first.” However, With the three-way negotiations between Hochul and the leaders of the Legislature underway, Senate Finance Chair Liz Krueger explained that she’s “optimistic” that the funding proposal for the MTA will be reached.

Senators Urge Hochul to Delay CDPAP Transition

Yesterday, a bipartisan group of Senators, including Senate Finance Chair Liz Krueger, signed onto Senator Leroy Comrie’s letter urging Hochul to postpone the transition deadline for CDPAP to PPL. In the letter, the Senators urge Hochul to delay the deadline until June 1st and call for “full transparency accountability through a strong data reporting to the Legislature.” Additionally, the Senators explained that “PPL has demonstrated an overwhelming lack of coordination in the current timeline.” The proposal to delay the CDPAP transition was not included in the One-House Budget proposals, with some lawmakers arguing for stronger accountability for fiscal intermediaries that are currently managing services under CDPAP. Heastie has previously explained that “[conceding] to a delay just plays right into the hands of the FIs.”

Senate Republicans Unveil Affordability Legislative Package

In response to the Senate One-House Budget proposal by Senate Democrats last week, Senate Republicans unveiled their own affordability legislative package this week. Part of the Senate Republicans’ wider “Liberate NY” 2025 legislative agenda, the affordability package aims at “helping families and businesses who are struggling under high taxes and skyrocketing costs on everything from utilities to housing.” The legislative package would:

Expand child tax credits with a $1000 “baby bonus” for newborns
Establish a Ratepayer Protection Tax Credit
Double the STAR exemption
Lower tax rates for business with income up to $500,000 in 2027
Establish tax credits for first-time homebuyers

Senate Republican Leader Rob Ortt explained that their affordability package would properly address the state’s affordability crisis and deter families from leaving the state. “We can’t spend our way to affordability,” explained Ortt.

Aung Hset/D&A

Assembly Passes Government Transparency Legislative Package

On Monday, the Assembly passed a government transparency legislative package in honor of Sunshine Week. “This is a critical time in our country’s history to ensure our state is standing [at] the forefront of government transparency and freedom of the press. By expanding access to agency records, we’re building trust within the work our government is doing to make the everyday lives of New Yorkers better,” said Speaker Heastie. The legislative package includes:

Public Posting of Emergency Contracts: would require the State Comptroller to post information about emergency contracts publicly
Digital Public Documents: would require all state agencies to digitize all public documents
FOIL Request Reporting Requirements: would require state agencies to publish the FOIL requester’s name, subject, response times, decisions, appeals, fees collected, and legal challenges

State Supreme Court Upholds Lawmakers' Income Limit Law

After a state Supreme Court justice upheld the constitutionality of a law that limits lawmakers’ outside income, Assembly and Senate Republican leaders filed affidavits in support of a recent motion for a stay on enforcement and notice of appeal. Assembly Republican Leader Will Barclay explained in his affidavit that the law “disproportionately [affects] the Assembly and Senate minority conferences” and that a “mass exodus” of lawmakers is “almost assured.” Senate Republican Leader Rob Ortt also agreed with Barclay in his affidavit, explaining, “Implementation of this law [disproportionately] impacts the Republican lawmakers and will embolden Democratic one-party rule by effectively eliminating opposition by expelling minority members.” However, the state filed a motion opposing the motion for a stay, arguing that the request “is questionable” and that there was a year before the law went into effect. The judge has not ruled on the motion for a stay.

Aung Hset/D&A

Senator Kristen Gonzalez Rallies for Election Reforms

On Monday, Senate Election Chair Kristen Gonzalez joined advocates in a rally in support of including election reforms in the Final Budget. The reforms include implementing enhanced automated voter registration, the Democracy During Detention Act, and $10.8 million in state funding for voter outreach. Lawmakers and advocates pushing for the bill argue that election reforms are needed in response to potential actions by the federal government. “Without full funding for voter outreach, we risk leaving behind marginalized communities that have been historically excluded from the electoral process,” explained Gonzalez.

Aung Hset/D&A

Lawmakers Rally for Primary Care Doctors

On Wednesday, lawmakers joined primary care doctors and advocates in rallying for continued primary care investment. Lawmakers and advocates are specifically urging Hochul and leaders of the Legislature to increase funding and investment in primary care services, school-based health centers, and community-based health care providers for communities that lack adequate access to health care. “Supporting independent physicians means investing in health, saving lives, and cutting costs,” explained Senator Robert Jackson.

OTHER UPDATES

Court of Appeals Strikes Down NYC Noncitizen Voting Law

Yesterday, the state Court of Appeals struck down a NYC law that would allow noncitizens to vote in local elections if they were either permanent residents or eligible to work legally. In a decision 6-1, Chief Judge Rowan Wilson wrote in the majority opinion that “It is plain from the language and restrictions contained in Article II that ‘citizen’ is not meant as a floor, but as a condition of voter eligibility.” However, Judge Jenny Rivera said in a dissent, “While the Election Law permits only United States citizens to register and vote, it expressly allows localities to exercise their home rule authority and supersede this requirement.” The lawsuit against the law was led by Staten Island Borough President Vito J. Fossella, Senator Andrew Lanza, and Assemblymembers Michael Reilly and Michael Tannousis.

Trump Administration Delays Congestion Pricing Delay Deadline

Yesterday, the Trump Administration delayed its original deadline for Hochul and the MTA to end congestion pricing to another 30 days. In a tweetannouncing the 30-day extension, federal DOT Secretary Sean Duffy threatened to withhold federal funding and criticized Hochul for not approving a proposed pipeline between the state and Pennsylvania. “The federal government and [President Trump] are putting New York on notice,” said Duffy. In response to Duffy’s tweet, Hochul’s spokesperson said it will not “change what Governor Hochul has been saying all along: the cameras are staying on.” The original deadline for Hochul and the MTA to end congestion pricing was today.

Read Past Issues of the Brief

Featured