Friday Morning Brief October 18, 2024

Oct 17

Written By Michael Avella

Please note that for the summer, the Morning Brief will be sent out on a bi-weekly basis

Member Spotlight

Senator Julia Salazar

Senator Julia Salazar joined us to discuss her Queens and Brooklyn-based district, priorities, and experiences in the Legislature. Before becoming the youngest woman elected to the Senate in 2019, she was an active community organizer advocating for criminal justice reforms and the rights of tenants, immigrant families, and workers. Currently, she is the Chair of Crime Victims, Crime, and Correction. She is also a member of various committees, such as Finance, Health, Mental Health, and Women’s Issues.

What district do you represent? Can you describe the district for those who have never been there?
I represent New York’s 18th district, which includes northeastern parts of Brooklyn and a little bit of Queens. I also represent all of Bushwick, most of Williamsburg, East New York, and Cypress Hills. My district is really vibrant and diverse. It is also home to many immigrant communities, so we have lots of good food. It’s a beautiful district.

What was your profession before becoming a legislator? Did it inspire you to run for office?
Absolutely. I was a community organizer for a nonprofit in the city. I did a lot of legislative advocacy in that capacity. So, talking to people specifically directly impacted by police brutality and folks in the criminal justice advocacy inspired me. It made me get involved in the volunteer space, so I worked on many campaigns. In 2018, one of the campaigns I helped with approached me to run for Senate. I did not have political ambitions, and I never even considered running, but my work with my community eventually led me to run for office.

Do you miss doing that on-the-ground work?
Yes, I do. However, one amazing thing about my job as a senator is that most of my work involves being in the community and doing on-the-ground work alongside members of my community. Yes, I spend lots of time in Albany doing legislative work, but the main aspect of being a Senator is working in and for your community. I get to identify problems that people have in my community and the neighborhoods I represent and come up with solutions. It’s the type of enhanced community work that I could not do before. So, I feel privileged and fortunate to serve as a Senator.

What music do you like? Any favorite bands or artists?
I have a pretty eclectic musical taste. I like reggaeton, so I like Maluma, Ozuna, and Nicky Jam. I also like hip-hop and general pop music. I’m a big fan of Latin pop.

What about sports? Do you have any favorite New York sports teams?
I love the Mets. As a kid, I grew up watching the Mets, and my entire family is a Mets fan. #LGM.

What is your favorite food?
I like spicy food in general. If I had to choose one, I would say roasted vegetables with a spicy sauce like chimichurri. It sounds boring, but I like having a variety of vegetables.

Are there any favorite restaurants in your district?
That’s a tough one because there are so many great restaurants in my district. There are so many Mexican places, but one that stands out to me right now is Taqueria Sofia in Bushwick. There is this very interesting Japanese fusion with Ashkenazi deli food called Shalom Japan—it’s very unique, and the food is really, really good.

What do you consider to be your proudest achievement in the Senate?
This year, we were able to pass Good Cause Eviction during the Budget process. I’m extremely proud of that. I first introduced it as a first-year Senator in 2019 and fought for it for five and a half years. It protects tenants and unregulated housing against evictions and rent gouging. Similarly, we passed the Housing Stability and Tenant Protections Act in 2019, which was a big deal in my district. Housing is personal to me, as I was a tenant organizer. When I lived in Uptown in Harlem, I helped organize my neighbors for better living conditions and our renters’ rights.

As the Chair of Crime Victims, Crime and Correction, what are some of your issues or priorities?
One top priority for me is parole justice. In other words, I want to reform the parole system to make it more fair and ensure that it gives more opportunities for people to return to their families and reunite communities. I’ve also tried to reduce mass incarceration and push to end long-term solitary confinement in jails and prisons. I also want to implement sentencing reforms like ending court fees, which are very long overdue.

Do you have any advice for young folks who want to get into politics?
There are many opportunities to get involved, especially in local politics. Local politics is very important. Go to the Community Board or any local community meetings to identify the challenges in your community and think about ways to solve them. Reach out to elected officials like me so you can hold us accountable. Lastly, don’t let anybody tell you that you are too young to represent your community. At the same time, learn from folks that have more experience. It’s also important not to be dissuaded by how changes can be so slow because it is worth it and is very rewarding.

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!

EXECUTIVE UPDATES

Last week, Hochul announced the completion of the $21.3 million infrastructure renovation project on I-87 in Ulster and Green Counties. The project included repairs, pavement resurfacing, and new safety improvements. The funding for the project was part of the $451 million in capital investments dedicated to the Thruway system earlier this year. The completion of the project builds upon the state’s priority to improve road infrastructure throughout the state to bolster local municipal economies. “New York is committed to investing in infrastructure projects to maintain a resilient and dependable transportation system that connects communities and supports our local economies,” explained Hochul.

On Monday, Hochul announced that nearly one million individuals are now enrolled in the state administered Medicare Savings Plan. The Medicare Savings Plan helps older adults with the cost of their healthcare by paying their Medicare Part B premiums and automatically enrolls them in Extra Help. The announcement builds upon Hochul’s commitment to address the rising cost of healthcare, including a 2022 investment to expand the Medicare Savings Plan. Additionally, Hochul encourage those without a health insurance plan to enroll in a Medicare plan with the open enrollment period starting this week.

Earlier this week, Hochul announced a $5.3 million investment for volunteer firefighters on Long Island. Out of the $5 million, $300,000 will be for Suffolk County Fire Academy, $1.85 million for the South Floral Park Fire Department Training Center, and $3 million for the Deer Park Volunteer Fire Department Museum. The investment supports the state’s commitment to uplifting volunteer firefighters, such as the ongoing initiatives that support firefighters’ training and mental health support.

On Wednesday, Hochul touted the state’s milestone of surpassing 71,000 new apartments in New York City and 21,000 affordable units. Hochul explained that the state was able to pass the milestone due to the extension of the 421-a tax break in the 2025 Enacted Budget and thanked NYC Mayor Eric Adams for his cooperation with the state to address the housing shortage in NYC. “My administration is committed to combating the affordability crisis in every region of the State,” explained Hochul. The extension of the 421-a tax break was one of the major housing policies in the 2025 Enacted Budget, alongside strengthening renters’ and homeowners’ protection.

Yesterday, Hochul announced new data highlighting that the state has its lowest reported gun violence since 2006, when the state first began to track reported gun violence. The data reported that shooting incidents with injury declined 26% through September 2024 compared to the same nine-month period last year, and a total of 170 fewer individuals were injured by gun violence in Gun Involved Violence Elimination initiative communities. Hochul explained that the decrease in reported gun violence is due to increased funding for local law enforcement and district attorneys’ offices and initiatives like the Gun Involved Violence Elimination communities. “Our record investments in law enforcement and in critical programs like the GIVE initiative are making a real difference in every corner of our state, and my administration will continue fighting to keep New Yorkers safe,” explained Hochul.

LEGISLATIVE UPDATES

Hochul Signs Gun Safety Legislative Package

Last week, alongside former Arizona Representative Gabby Giffords and lawmakers, Hochul signed a legislative package addressing gun violence. Some of the bills in the legislative package are:

Warning Sites at Gun Stores: requires firearms dealers and gunsmiths to post warnings at sites where firearms are sold and distribute warnings at the time of sale
Reporting of Extreme Risk Protection Orders: requires the court to notify the statewide registry of orders of protection and warrants when a extreme risk protection order is issued
Definition of Petitioner in ERPO Proceedings: allows police agencies to be listed as a petitioner in an ERPO proceeding
Firearms and Ammunition Retailers Merchant Category Code: requires credit and debit card issuers to use the firearms and ammunition retailers merchant category code for gun sale stores

Addressing gun violence has been a priority for various lawmakers during this year’s legislative session, with many lawmakers viewing the issue as a public safety issue. This year, it was highlighted that the state has seized over 7,700 illegal guns and 569 ghost guns so far this year. “Gun violence is an epidemic that is tearing our country apart. Thoughts and prayers won't fix this, but taking strong action will,” Hochul explained

Attorney General Files Lawsuit Against TikTok

Last week, Attorney General Letitia James led a bipartisan coalition of 14 attorney generals in filing lawsuits against TikTok. While the lawsuits are filed separately by each attorney general, all the lawsuits allege that TikTok violated state laws by falsely claiming its platform is safe for young people. “TikTok claims that their platform is safe for young people, but that is far from true,” explained James. The recent lawsuit is one of the several moves by lawmakers to regulate social media companies like TikTok. Earlier this year, lawmakers notably passed the SAFE for Kids Act and the state Child Data Protection Actto regulate and restrict social media feeds for children and young adults.

Judge Rules Even Year Election Law Violates the State Constitution

A state Supreme Court judge in Syracuse ruled that the recent law that will move local elections to even-numbered years violates the state Constitution. The judge explained that the law conflicts with individual county charters. “The prerequisites of a special law were not followed, and the subject matter of the Even Year Election Law is inherently a local issue as it affects no state offices,” the judge wrote in the ruling. Additionally, the judge wrote, “Be it in the local paper, television, radio, online, or one’s mailbox, the competition for a voter’s attention is fierce… There is simply no way local races can compete and obtain media attention, paid or earned, in that maelstrom.” While Republican lawmakers praised the ruling, Democratic lawmakers criticized it. Senator James Skoufis, a leading advocate for the law, said, “It’s unsurprising the plaintiff’s hand-picked judge sided with the partisans who prefer fewer people voting in their elections.” The state is expected to appeal the ruling.

Lawmakers Urge Amtrak to Ensure Continued Services for the Capital Region

After Amtrak announced its decision to reduce its services at the Albany-Rensselaer Train Station, Assemblymembers Pat Fahy and John McDonald sent a letter to the federal Department of Transportation to urge Amtrak to accommodate increasing ridership. The letter recommends Amtrak to:

Add an extra car to each of the remaining trains
Consider alternative ways to operate more services in the morning
Eliminate the long-morning layover at Albany-Rensselaer
Relocate layover locations away from Albany-Rensselaer

Amtrak’s decision to reduce services at Albany-Renssalaer comes from its planned rehabilitation work for the East River Tunnels in New York City. While Amtrak is only reducing three daily round trips between the Capital Region and NYC, it is expected that riders traveling to Montreal will face airport-style layovers of 90 minutes or more. Additionally, there was a 20% increase in ridership levels between the Capital Region and NYC. “As ridership continues to increase, so should our investments in expanding the transit options…Reducing these options will result in lower ridership, a negative impact on the economies of metro hubs like NYC…and potentially drive up costs for Capital Region families,” explained Fahy.

2024 Election Updates
Election Day is on Tuesday, November 5th
Early voting starts on Saturday, October 26th until Sunday, November 3rd
To look up important voting deadlines for registration and applications, please click here
To look up for your poll site or track your ballot, please click here

Notable Senate Races

With less than three weeks before Election Day, campaigns are in their final stretch. In the Senate, it is unlikely that Republicans will re-take the majority since Democrats hold a supermajority. However, there are a few notable competitive Senate races this year, which are highlighted below.

In the Hudson Valley-based district, Democratic Senator Pete Harckham is facing a rematch from Gina Arena, who lost to him in 2022 by less than seven points. While Harckham has been reelected since his first election in 2018, in the past, the district repeatedly voted in Republican Senators before Harckham flipped the district in 2018.

In this Long Island-based district, Democratic Senator Monica Martinez is facing a challenge from Teresa Bryant. Martinez first lost her first re-election bid to Senator Alexis Weik in 2020 but won a different seat by less than three points in 2022.

In another Hudson Valley-based district, Republican Senator Rob Rolison is facing a challenge from Yvette Valdés Smith, a minority leader in the Dutchess County Legislature. Rolison first won the district in 2022 after the redistricting process. Senator James Skoufis previously held the district.

In another Hudson Valley-based district, Democratic Senator James Skoufis is facing a rematch from Dorey Houle, who lost to him by less than two points. Notably, Timothy Mitts is also in the race on the Conservative Party line.

For the last Hudson Valley-based district, Republican Senator Bill Weber is facing a rematch from former Senator Elijah Reichlin-Melnick, who lost to Weber in his first re-election bid by less than 3 points. Many observers note that Weber is vulnerable due to this year being a presidential election year, which may increase Democratic voter turnout.

In another Long Island-based district, Republican Senator Anthony Palumbo is facing a challenge from Sarah Anker, who served in the Suffolk County Legislature from 2011 to 2023. While observers note that it is an uphill climb for Democrats to win the district - the district has repeatedly voted red - Anker does have positive name recognition in the district from her cancer research non-profit.

For the Syracuse-based seat being vacated by Democratic Senator John Mannion, who’s running for Congress, Democrat Chris Ryan is running against Republican Nick Paro. Ryan is a member of the Onondaga County Legislature and a local union leader, while Paro serves as the Town Supervisor of Salina. Notably, Mannion won the seat in 2022 by ten votes, and many observers view the race between Ryan and Paro as highly competitive.

Other Election Updates

AOC Rallies with Pat Ryan

Last week, Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez joined Representative Pat Ryan’s reelection rally in Kingston. Ryan is facing a challenge from Alison Esposito for Ryan’s tossup congressional district. While some observers question the political risk of rallying with Ocasio-Cortez in a tossup congressional district, Ryan explained that he invited her to his district because he “just respect the hell out of” her and said, “actual leadership is leaning into and doing the work to find the commonality and then reminding the community we actually do share some pretty foundational things.” However, Esposito criticized Ryan, saying, “Anyone that’s embracing AOC and embracing the policies that she stands for is not embracing pro-American, putting-our-people-first policies, and that’s not going to play in the Hudson Valley.”

Mike Lawler and Mondaire Jones Debate

Representative Mike Lawler and Mondaire Jones held their first debate for the Hudson Valley-based congressional district on Wednesday. Lawler, who is seen as a vulnerable House Republican, repeatedly called Jones a “radical leftist” and criticized his support for the state’s cashless bail laws. Meanwhile, Jones criticized Lawler for his previous support of Donald Trump, saying that Lawler “has never in a day of his life stood up to Donald Trump.” Additionally, Jones criticized Lawler over abortion and said it would be dangerous for the state to have a Republican-controlled congress if Trump wins the presidency.

OTHER UPDATES

More NYC Mayor Officials Resign

Amidst growing resignations in the Adams administration after the federal indictment of Eric Adams, Chauncey Parker was appointed as the Deputy Mayor for Public Safety after Phill Banks resigned last week. In addition, First Deputy Mayor Sheena Wright also resigned last week, followed by NYC Public Schools Chancellor David Banks’ resignation earlier this week. Maria Torres-Springer succeeded Wright, while Melissa Aviles-Ramos succeeded David Banks. The resignations come as Hochul reportedly pressured Adams to “clean house” to build up public trust. “The goal to restore trust-which we have to do every day-is delivery of services. And that’s what we’re doing. We’re delivering the services for the people of the city,” explained Adams.

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