Friday Morning Brief March 7, 2025

Mar 6

Written By Michael Avella

Member Spotlight

Assemblyman Jordan Wright

Assemblyman Jordan Wright joins us to discuss his district based in the historic neighborhood of Harlem, his priorities for 2025, and his commitment and dedication to serving the community he grew up in. Before being elected to the Assembly, he served as a Chief of Staff for NYC Councilmember Yusef Salaam and served on a local community board. Currently, he sits on various Assembly committees, such as on Banks, Racing and Wagering, and Transportation.

What district do you represent? Can you describe it to those who have never been there?
I represent the 70th Assembly District, which includes Harlem, Central Harlem, West Harlem, and parts of Manhattanville. It’s where I grew up. The district is a microcosm of the City of New York and has been a beacon of black representation for a very long time. Musically, culturally, or cuisine-wise, you can get anything here. It’s been my home forever and will continue to be so.

Are there any restaurant recommendations in your district?
We have a lot of very good food in the district. You can get really good soul food or great Dominican food. The district has many great restaurants, like Ponty Bistro on Adam Clayton Powell Jr Blvd. Ponty Bistro is a real go-to spot for me. Another great place to eat is Amy Ruth on 116th Street. I can go on forever highlighting all the restaurants.

What music do you like? Any favorite bands/artists?
I have to say, Kendrick Lamar, especially with his Super Bowl performance.

What about sports? Any favorite NY sports team?
I’m a big Knicks and Yankees fan.

What was your occupation before running for office? Did it lead you to run for the Assembly?
I was the campaign manager for then-candidate Yusef Salaam and then as his Chief of Staff when he won his City Council race.

What experiences from your time as a Chief of Staff to a NYC Councilmember do you hope to bring to the Assembly?
The connection to my community. I am lucky to be connected to the folks in the community from a very young age. And I am happy to bring that connection to Albany as the youngest elected official in Manhattan. So, bringing the needs of my community to the Assembly and the political arena in general is how I can make the most impact for my constituents.

What issues do you think are impacting your district the most?
Affordability, as well as good jobs and education, are key issues. It’s important for folks to get good-paying jobs, even if they didn’t go to college. It’s hard to know that there are folks who grew up and lived in a community from a very young age but now cannot afford to live in that same community. So, I am excited to be in Albany and help address that issue.

Are there any other statewide issues that you see that you want to focus on for the 2025 legislative session?
I am focused on participating in the discussions about these downstate casinos coming in the near future. I think it’s important for black folks to have a seat at the table in these discussions so they can voice their opinions. I’m really looking forward to making sure that the downstate casinos are in a good place moving forward for years to come.

What advice would you give young folks who want to be more involved in politics but are afraid to get involved?
It’s important to join a local political club. Participating in the most granular levels of politics, like a Community Board, will give you insight into politics. I myself was a former member of Community Board 11, and it has helped in many ways. So, I really encourage anyone to join a local political club or a Community Board. Inserting yourself is a really important part.

Any other comments?
The constituents I represent now have been represented by some real titans in the past, including Inez Dickens, Keith Wright, Charles Rangel, Percy Sutton, Adam Clayton Power Jr., and many more. So, I take this opportunity to represent my constituents very seriously. Even though I am the youngest elected official in Manhattan, I am excited to represent them and hope to make my constituents proud.

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 React to Andrew Cuomo's Campaign for NYC Mayor

On Saturday, former Governor Andrew Cuomo officially announced his mayoral run for NYC. In his 17-minute announcement video, Cuomo explained that NYC is “in crisis” and needs an “effective leadership.” Additionally, Cuomo criticized the Democratic Party for failing to address voters’ concerns effectively. “The founding premise of a progressive Democratic Party is all about serving working men and women, but the cruel irony is they are the ones now paying the highest price for New York’s failed Democratic leadership.”

NYC Mayor Eric Adams, who is still running for reelection amidst various criticisms from Democratic lawmakers, criticized Cuomo’s rhetoric. “I do believe we need to be safe from him, but I can’t campaign from this place,” said Adams. All other mayoral candidates, including Senators Zellnor Myrie and Jessica Ramos, quickly criticized Cuomo. Myrie questioned Cuomo’s lack of criticism against President Trump, and Ramos questioned Cuomo’s NYC residency status. Assemblymember Zohran Mamdani, also running for mayor, compared Cuomo to Trump. Some lawmakers not running for mayor also criticized Cuomo’s mayoral run, including Assemblymembers Andrew Hevesi and Jessica González-Rojas.

However, some lawmakers have already endorsed Cuomo’s mayoral run, including Assemblymembers Eddie Gibbs, Charles Fall, and Yudelka Tapia. Notably, Congressmember Ritchie Torres, who is possibly eyeing a run for governor in 2026, has also endorsed Cuomo. “[Andrew Cuomo] has the courage to stand up to extremist policies – both from the far left and far right,” explained Torress. NYC District Council of Carpenters, DC 9 of IUPAT, and Teamsters Local 237 have also already endorsed Cuomo.

Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins, who called for Cuomo to resign as governor in 2021, did not criticize Cuomo’s mayoral run. “I guess he feels that it’s time for him to reassert himself in the political arena, and I said for me, I’m watching it, I’d like to know during that time what has changed?... there is a campaign that will unfold, and he will be able to let us know what is different between the time he left and now,” explained Stewart-Cousins. Speaker Carl Heastie, who oversaw the quick impeachment inquiry against Cuomo in 2021, noted last week that mayors have less powers than the governor. Hochul, when asked about Cuomo, said, “I’m running the state, and I’m not engaging in the mayoral race” and “There has to be at least one adult in the state of New York who focused not on politics, not elevating their own personal career.”

Darren McGee/Office of Governor Kathy Hochul

EXECUTIVE UPDATES

Earlier this week, Hochul convened a roundtable with the state’s agriculture leaders to discuss the impacts of the Trump Administration’s tariffs on Mexico and Canada. Additionally, Hochul established an email address for farms and businesses to contact to report the effects of the tariffs. The roundtable came after the Trump Administration instituted 25% tariffs on Canada and Mexico and 10% tariffs on energy from Canada, which Hochul claims will raise the average cost of goods and services by $1,200. “Many of our farmers rely on export sales of their products, and I’ll continue to do everything in my power to fight against this misguided tariff policy and ensure the government is doing what it is supposed to do, which is help, not hurt, New York farmers,” said Hochul.

On Tuesday, Hochul announced the launch of the first Mobile Medication Unit to treat Opioid Use Disorder in Central New York. Managed by OASAS, the new Mobile Medication Unit will offer opioid treatment programs, including medication-assisted therapies, to individuals who may face barriers to accessing traditional treatment. The Central New York’s Mobile Medication Unit is the first one outside of NYC and the third one statewide to be in operation. This builds upon the state’s commitment to address individuals facing Opioid Use Disorder and prioritize treating individuals from a disadvantaged community. “This is just one step in our ongoing commitment to help every New Yorker on their path to recovery,” explained Hochul.

In another roundtable this week, Hochul discussed with a group of recently laid-off federal public service workers. After the roundtable, Hochul announced the expansion of the “You’re Hired” initiative to recruit federal workers that DOGE laid off. The expanded initiative includes digital billboards in DC’s Union Station and NYC’s Moynihan Station. The expanded initiative also builds upon the state’s commitment to address understaffing at many state agencies and Hochul’s 2025 State of the State commitment to expand the state’s workforce.

Yesterday, Hochul touted the downward trend of major transit crimes after a year of the implementation of the Five-Point Subway Safety Plan. According to the report, major transit crimes are down 29% and arrests up 71% year to date, or down 28% compared to 2019. Overall, the report highlights that crime is 55 percent lower than in 2001 and 32 percent lower than in 2013. Additionally, Hochul reiterated her commitment to ensuring public transit safety which includes her recently announced initiatives to increase police patrols on train cars. “Keeping New Yorkers safe is my top priority — and I’ll never stop working to ensure riders can rely on our subways to safely get wherever they need to go,” said Hochul.

LEGISLATIVE UPDATES

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

The Senate and Assembly are expected to release their respective One-House Budget next week.
Final Budget is due by April 1st.

Senate Passes Labor Protections Legislative Package

This week, the Senate passed a legislative package to strengthen labor protections and protect the state’s workforce. “This legislative package cracks down on bad actors who take advantage of workers with little consequence, marking another step forward in the fight against wage theft and workplace exploitation,” explained Stewart-Cousins. “This package of bills is designed to defend and prevent wage theft, modernize our paid sick leave, and give workers a boost as we continue to fight this affordability crisis.” "This package of bills is designed to defend and prevent wage theft, modernize our paid sick leave, and give workers a boost as we continue to fight this affordability crisis,” added Senate Labor Chair Jessica Ramos. Some of the bills in the package include:

No Severance Ultimatums Act: would prohibit employers from delivering severance ultimatums to employees
Paid Sick Leave to Domestic Workers: would require employers to provide annual paid sick leave for domestic workers
Wage Payment Integrity Act: would include bonuses to be counted as wages for determining wage theft
Stop-Work Order Issuance for Employee Misclassification: would allow the state DOL to issue stop-work order for employers misclassifying employees

Darren McGee/Office of Governor Kathy Hochul

"Guardrails" on Eric Adams Continues to Stall in Legislature

After Hochul announced proposed guardrails on Mayor Eric Adams two weeks ago due to an alleged quid pro quo scheme with the Trump Administration, lawmakers have conceded that the proposals have stalled. Stewart-Cousins said on Tuesday that the proposals have “stalled” in the Senate, while Heastie explained on Wednesday that the proposals are “a little cold right now” in the Assembly. Stewart-Cousins also explained that Hochul needs the approval of the NYC Council first. However, NYC Council Speaker Adrienne Adams explained last week that Hochul needs the approval of the Legislature first. Hochul explained that she is working with the NYC Council and the Legislature on the proposals but said, “If people don’t want to do it, and they’re basically saying we’re satisfied with the status quo, that’s also a possibility.” Meanwhile, Mayor Adams still reiterates that Hochul does not have “no legal reason” for the proposals.

Don Pollard/Office of Governor Kathy Hochul

Special Election Bill Stalled in the Legislature

Stewart-Cousins also confirmed on Tuesday that the bill that would change special election dates in the state has been stalled. “The Governor would have to agree to it. Without her wanting to do it, there’s no reason to,” explained Stewart-Cousins. The bill, which was criticized by state Republicans and resulted in Congressmember Mike Lawler asking the DOJ to investigate the state on RICO charges, would allow the Governor to schedule a special election at the same time as the regularly scheduled general election if the seat is vacant in an election year. Republicans call the bill a ploy by Democrats to limit Congressional Republicans’ power as it would impact the race to replace Congressmember Elise Stefanik once she resigns to be the US Ambassador to the UN. Currently, the bill hasn’t moved out of committee.

Lawmakers Criticize Current CDPAP Transition

Earlier this week, Assembly Health Chair Amy Paulin, Senate Health Chair Gustavo Rivera, and other lawmakers joined advocates in a rally opposing the current CDPAP transition. Under the law, Public Partnerships LLC (PPL) is authorized to manage the $9 billion CDPAP by the April 1st deadline instead of several fiscal intermediaries. However, lawmakers explained that more than 150,000 patients who use CDPAP will not be able to register with PPL before the April 1st deadline. “The panic button has been touched,” explained Rivera. However, Heastie explained that he does not favor a delay, saying, “concede to a delay just plays right into the hands of the FI's.”

Paulin is not in favor of a delay and explained that she will introduce a bill to force fiscal intermediaries to give PPL the data to complete the transition or face liability. “They should be personally liable for the harm they’re doing to New Yorkers,” explained Paulin. Paulin also said, "Rather than wait until April 1st to find out how many residents will be left without care, let’s fix the problems and ensure that none of the CDPAP clients ... are left without the help they need.” The proposal to delay the CDPAP transition is not expected to be included in the One-House Budgets next week.

State Bypasses Union for a New Agreement with Striking COs

This week, correctional officers continued their strikes even after a tentative agreement was reached between the state and NYSCOPBA. While the tentative agreement addresses striking COs’ concern about the HALT Act by suspending the law for 90 days and requiring a staffing metric for the HALT Act to be in effect in state correctional facilities, many COs called the agreement inadequate. However, striking COs were voting on a new informal agreement with the state yesterday that would create a committee to adjust provisions of the HALT Act. The agreement also includes increasing staffing, limits on mandatory overtime, and assurance that striking COs can return to work without disciplinary actions. However, NYSCOPBA rejected and criticized the agreement as “outside parties attempting to interject themselves into negotiations on behalf of some officers.” The state DHSES warned that the agreement will only apply to COs that return to work today and will never be offered again.

While Republican lawmakers have supported the strikes, Democrat lawmakers and Hochul called the strikes illegal under Taylor’s Law and expressed unwillingness to change the HALT Act. The strikes have been ongoing amidst a legislative debate over police brutality in correctional facilities due to the recorded death of Robert Brooks at Marcy Correctional Facility. Additionally, seven inmate deaths have been reported since the beginning of the strike, including one death that may be due to members of a Correctional Emergency Response team at Mid-State Correctional Facility.

Aung Hset/D&A

Lawmakers Announce Climate Resilient Act

On Monday, Senators Pete Harckham and Shelley Mayer announced a new bill that would establish an Office of Resilience and a resilience task force to assess and identify climate-related threats and develop a statewide resilience plan. Joined by advocates, Harckham and Mayer explained that the bill would help municipalities impacted by adverse climate events to have a coordinated strategy with the state to mitigate the impacts. “Centralizing our resiliency efforts through the Climate Resilient NY Act is the best way to protect our communities from the excess damage of climate change,” explained Harckham.

Assembly Task Force on Women’s Issues Releases 2025 Budget Priorities

On Wednesday, Chair of the Assembly Task Force on Women’s Issues Jessica González-Rojas announced the task force’s budget priorities. For this year, González-Rojas explained that the task force would prioritize gender equity by advocating for a $1.2 billion investment in universal childcare, $247.5 million investment in “baby bucks allowance,” expansion of reproductive healthcare, and investment for TGNCNB organizations. “This is about the budget and making sure that the budget reflects the moral values of our community,” explained González-Rojas. “Our voices and the voices and needs of the community are at the forefront,” added González-Rojas

Picture Courtesy of NYMCIA

Advocates Rally for Increased Access and Equity to Medical Cannabis

On Wednesday, lawmakers and advocates joined D&A's Katie Neer and her client Medical Cannabis Industry Association in a rally to strengthen the state’s medical cannabis program. First established in 2016, the number of registered medical cannabis patients now sits around 100,000 compared to 148,514 registered patients in March 2021. Advocates are urging lawmakers to eliminate the excise tax on medical cannabis products and fully implement MRTA’s mandated expansion of the medical cannabis program to improve access and health equity. “Medical cannabis has been life-changing for thousands of New Yorkers,” explained Senate Cannabis Chair Jeremy Cooney.

Carvana Visits Albany

This week, the GR team from D&A client Carvana visited lawmakers in Albany for a series of productive meetings on several DMV modernization bills. The bills Carvana advocates for would help the DMV conduct business more efficiently with customers and improve customer service, including helping prevent issues that car buyers/sellers have with titles (a common constituent complaint for legislators). They would also cumulatively provide economic savings and benefits for the state.

D&A's Mike and Aung were joined by Carvana's team - former Mass rep Kathi Reinstein and former TX DMV exec Tony Hall

The D&A team welcomes Buddy to Albany. Buddy is the newest Legislature Dog. He loves sleeping in Assemblymember Steve Otis' office and always asks for pets when he isn't taking a nap. Buddy is a loving black lab puppy and while Mike's hands smelled like dog for the rest of the lobby day, pups are always welcomed by D&A!

OTHER UDPATES

NYC Council Speaker Launches Mayoral Campaign

This week, NYC Council Speaker Adrienne Adams launched her campaign for NYC mayor. Her campaign launch comes on the heels of Andrew Cuomo's announcement last weekend. Observers note that her decision to run for mayor may remove some support from Cuomo and NYC Mayor Eric Adams. Adrienne Adams explained that she “never planned to run for mayor,” but NYC “deserves a leader that serves its people first and always, not someone focused on themselves and their own political interests.” She also said, “Donald Trump is corrupting” NYC’s independence. In a recent poll that includes Adrienne Adams, Cuomo is the front runner with 31% support and Adams in second with 11% support.

Eric Adams Testifies Before Congress at Oversight Hearing

Alongside various Democrat mayors, Eric Adams testified before Congress at an oversight hearing on sanctuary cities. While Republican Congressmembers largely avoided questioning Adams, various Democrat Congressmembers questioned Adams on an alleged quid-pro-quo agreement with the Trump Administration. Several Congressmembers, including one from California, insisted that Adams should resign. When freshman Congressmember Laura Gillen told him he should resign, Adams said, “Thank God you don’t live in New York City. You live on Long Island.” Adams repeatedly explained, “There’s no deal, no quid pro quo, and I did nothing wrong.”

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