Friday Morning Brief Sept 20, 2024

Sep 19

Written By Michael Avella

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

Member Spotlight

Dana Levenberg

Assemblywoman Dana Levenberg joined us to discuss her Hudson Valley-based district, priorities, and experiences in the Legislature. A longtime advocate for her community, she has focused on ensuring that the communities she serves are healthy, vibrant, and equitable. Before becoming an Assemblymember, she served on the Ossining School Board, as Ossining Town Supervisor, and on various advisory boards for her community. She also co-founded the Ossining Micro Fund and Open Arms for Refugees. Currently, she is on various Assembly committees, such as Housing, Environmental Conservation, and Libraries and Education Technology.

What district do you represent? Can you describe it for those that have never been there and highlight anything of particular interest about your district?
I represent the 95th Assembly District, which includes the towns of Ossining, Cortlandt and Philipstown and their villages of Cold Spring and Nelsonville, the City of Peekskill, and portions of Yorktown. One of the defining features of the district is the Hudson River; almost all of the municipalities in my district are situated on the river. It’s a diverse district with beautiful views, charming downtowns and thriving art scenes in several communities; definitely worth a visit!

What was your profession before becoming a legislator – did it inspire you to run for office?
My first career was in advertising and television production. I shifted gears when I became a mother, and my current career evolved out of my involvement in the community. I started off serving on the board of my sons’ nursery school and in the PTA, and co-founded a not-for-profit, the Ossining MicroFund, to help members of the community with small no-interest loans. I was elected to the Ossining school board three times and about a year into my first term began working for Assemblywoman Sandy Galef. I left Sandy’s office to serve as Ossining Town Supervisor; I was elected to that office four times and also helped start another not-for-profit, Open Arms for Refugees, before my election to the State Assembly.

What kind of music do you like - any favorite bands/artists?
I have somewhat eclectic taste in music. I love alternative rock and singer/songwriters, pop, jazz, show tunes and even a little country! Some faves include local artists Dar Williams and KJ Denhert. I also love Lucinda Williams and Van Morrison, Lizzo, Janelle Monae and Taylor Swift, Norah Jones, Sarah Vaughn and Billie Holiday, David Byrne and Maggie Rogers, Elle King and Billie Eillish, Ed Sheeran, Hozier and Citizen Cope.

What about sports? Any favorite NY sports team?
I love sports but don’t really follow any teams. I love the sport of bootcamp, spinning, swimming, polar plunging, pickleball, tennis, yoga, Pilates, Nia, shadow boxing, hiking, and enjoying the great outdoors. I miss skiing!

What’s your favorite food?
I love food which is why I also have to love to work out! Fresh locally sourced food from our farmers markets, NY apples in season, arugula, fennel, Brussels sprouts, sweet potatoes, grass fed cheese, free roaming chicken and eggs. I also love hot and sour soup, my son, Eli’s veggie chili—OMG it’s amazing—our homemade pasta puttanesca and Caesar salad.

Do you have any favorite restaurants to eat at in your district?
The 95th District is incredibly diverse, and that is reflected in our restaurants and cuisines. There are far too many restaurants to name, and I don’t want to leave anyone out! But you can find any cuisine you prefer -- Dominican, Mexican, Ecuadorian, Cuban, Peruvian, Portuguese, seafood, Italian, Irish, American, Japanese, Thai, tapas, Turkish…and many many more! Most recently, my family and I enjoyed a meal from Piato Greek Kitchen in Croton, definitely one of our faves.

What are the top priorities in your district in particular?
My office keeps close tabs on constituent comments and feedback. The environment, and the health of the Hudson River in particular, is a top priority. Roads and infrastructure are also a major concern; we are part of NYSDOT Region 8, and have some of the worst state roads around. I am pushing hard to get more funding for the state roads in this region, and I am so glad that one of the worst roads in the district, Route 9A, will start being repaved this June. Schools and school funding are also a big concern; I am pushing to restore the Governor’s proposed cuts to school funding, and for a study to review and update the Foundation Aid formula to enable us to right-size education aid. We must address the housing crisis statewide and certainly in my district.

What are your proudest achievements throughout your career?
I’m proud to have had a very productive first year in the Assembly, passing and getting signed into law more prime-sponsored legislation than any other first-year member of the Assembly. I’m also very proud of the legacy of my time as Ossining Town Supervisor. During my tenure we overhauled our comprehensive plan, created Ossining Riverjam (a weekly waterfront summer concert series with food trucks), improved our infrastructure, parks and playgrounds, co-founded the Equity Task Force, and achieved Clean Energy Community and Climate Smart Community designations for a variety of environmental initiatives. There is so, so, so much more that I could mention, but for the sake of space I’ll stop there!

Are there any other members that you find yourself working with or enjoy hanging out?
My colleagues are all great! I do find myself spending a lot of time with Chris Burdick and his team because we’re in neighboring districts and we’re working on some housing legislation together. We co-hosted a housing summit together last fall and even had a joint Christmas lunch last year! Having started with MaryJane Shimsky and also sharing road and infrastructure needs with her district, we also spend a lot of time together. New friends include Anna Kelles from Ithaca, Harvey Epstein from Manhattan, Jessica Gonzalez-Rojas from Queens, Gina Silitti from Long Island and Ken Zebrowski from Rockland.

What advice would you give to young folks wanting to get into politics or run for office?
I think young people should start by getting to know lots of people in their community, and particularly those who are already doing the work. Successfully running for office requires understanding your community and getting to know what makes it tick as well as not only what the issues are but how you can work to address them. Understanding different levels of government and how they can successfully work together for the people takes a commitment of time and energy. You can start by getting internships in a local elected official’s office, a not for profit, getting involved in your local party committee, or volunteering on a campaign for a candidate or a particular issue, to name just a few ways. Of course student government, debate groups, mock trial programs, clubs like Junior State of America, and organizations like PTSAs are another great start to learn about issues and advocacy.

Are there any last comments you want to mention?
I know everyone thinks their district is the best in the state, but mine truly is! We have everything: incredible Hudson River views; beautiful parks and public spaces; diverse people, opinions, eateries, shops, and art; amazing schools; committed first responders; and so much more. The 95th District is a gem and I will continue to work hard for the people of this district and do everything I can to ensure it has a long and wonderful future. That means protecting our environment, making living here and living healthfully affordable, and helping our economy thrive.

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

Early last week, Hochul announced that the state launched a new $10 million Food Access Expansion Grant Program to help increase food access in food desert areas. The program is expected to increase access to healthy, affordable food by improving infrastructure for developing and expanding supermarkets, food cooperatives, permanent farm stands, and other retail food stores. The new program comes after State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli reported that around 800,000 households in the state experienced food insecurity and struggled with food affordability between 2019 and 2021. This program will provide resources to assist with upgrading food stores and farm stands and provide them with the capacity to prepare and sell locally sourced food while also supporting our farmers,” said Hochul.

At the end of Fashion Week in Manhattan, Hochul announced the first round of funding from the state’s Fashion Innovation Center to expand renewable animal, plant, and bio-manufactured fibers in the fashion industry. The funding is also expected to boost the state’s agriculture industry through clothes manufacturers and research centers utilizing the state’s agricultural products for renewable animal or plant fibers. The first round of funding supports the state’s commitment to strengthening different sectors of the state’s economy, including the fashion industry, which generates about $25 billion in wages, supports 315,000 jobs, and creates $900 million in economic impact.

Late last week, Hochul announced the availability of $21 million for travel corridors to install electric vehicle fast chargers. The funding, supported by the federal National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure grant, is expected to support the expansion of the state’s electric fast chargers so that consumers can access a network of reliable electric vehicle charging. NYSERDA will hold webinars on September 19th and October 21st to provide more information on eligibility rules and the application process. The funding supports the state’s goal to transition into a renewable energy economy established by the CLCPA and encourage the use of electric vehicles. “With the strong support of the Biden-Harris Administration, this federal funding supplements our ongoing investments in clean transportation advancements and ensures drivers throughout the state have access to a quick charge when they need it,” explained Hochul.

On National Voter Registration Day, Hochul joined lawmakers, activists, and organizations to encourage all eligible voters in the state to register to vote. All eligible voters can register to vote online, in person, or by mail for the November 5th General Election if registered by October 26th. The encouragement to vote comes as the state Democratic Party is heavily investing in various congressional seats across the state. “Our democratic institutions are only as strong as the voters who participate in them, and I encourage every eligible New Yorker to make their voice heard,” explained Hochul.

On Tuesday, Hochul announced the completion of Station 25, a two-building affordable housing development in Albany. The $22 million development provides 51 new apartments in the newly constructed five-story residential building and is energy efficient. The state’s Homes and Community Renewal oversaw the development, which has created or preserved nearly 1,500 affordable homes in Albany County. The development builds upon Hochul’s commitment to expanding the state’s housing supply across the state, including Upstate through a new tax incentive to build housing in Upstate communities. The completion of Station 25 brings more than 50 critically needed apartments to an Albany neighborhood identified for revitalization by local leaders while at the same time preserving a historic gem for years to come,” said Hochul.

On Wednesday, Hochul announced a $50 million investment to expand the state’s childcare facilities to support about 5,500 children. The grant funding through the state’s Child Care Capital Program will be distributed to an expected 45 awardees across the state based on the successful completion of expansion projects and contracts. The funding builds upon the state’s launch of a digital portal that streamlines access to the state’s Child Care Assistance Program, which covers free or low-cost child care for low-income families. “As we make historic investments to expand the number of child care seats and drive down costs, I encourage families to utilize our digital portal and apply for New York’s Child Care Assistance Program,” said Hochul.

LEGISLATIVE UPDATES

Hochul Signs Student Lifeline Act

With September being the National Suicide Prevention Month, Hochul signed the Student Lifeline Act to promote mental health and raise awareness of the state’s resources to prevent suicide. The bill will require colleges across the state to print information about the state’s 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline on all student ID cards. The effort to promote student mental health has been led by Senator Samra Brouk and Assemblymember Sarah Clark, who sponsored the Student Lifeline Act. “This Student Lifeline bill is lifesaving legislation that can prevent crises for students and their families,” explained Brouk. “Suicide is the second leading cause of death for college students in the United States” added Clark. For more information on the state’s resources on suicide prevention, please click here and here. For more general information on the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, please click here.

Assemblymember Dana Levenberg Delivers Funding for In-District Schools

With the start of the new school year, Assemblymember Dana Levenberg announced new funding for six school districts and five youth organizations across her district. In total, over $700,000 in funding was given to school districts and youth organizations as part of the state’s Community Resiliency, Economic Sustainability, and Technology program to support local municipalities’ economic development. The funding was in addition to the formula-based funding for school districts that Levenberg and many other lawmakers negotiated with Hochul over. “I am so pleased to be able to deliver more funding for our schools and youth-serving organizations on top of the state aid I fought for in this year’s budget,” said Levenberg.

Lawmakers Call for Eric Adams to Resign

After the FBI raided or served warrants for several members of NYC Mayor Eric Adams’ administration, the ongoing federal investigations of Adams and several city agencies, and the resignations of Adams’ Chief Counsel and NYPD commissioner, several NYC-based lawmakers called for Adams to resign. Assemblymember Emily Gallagher first called for Adams to resign, explaining, “he is actively harming everyone in our city.” Senator Julia Salazar agreed and called Adams to “step aside and allow for a new leadership.” On Tuesday, Senator Jabari Brisport became the third lawmaker to call for Adams to resign. However, Adams has rebuked the calls for his resignation, saying, “I don’t think any of those members put me in office.”

Haitian Lawmakers Speak Out Amidst Spread of False Claims

After former President Donald Trump and his running mate, JD Vance, popularized an unproven claim that Haitian immigrants were eating pets in Springfield, Ohio, various lawmakers heavily criticized Trump and Vance. Assemblymember Michaelle Solages, the first Haitian-American lawmaker in the state, called the unproven claims by Trump and Vance “xenophobic” that only “serve to divide and degrade our community." Brooklyn Democratic Party Chair Assemblymember Rodneyse Bichotte Hermelyn, the first Haitian-American lawmaker from NYC in the state, called the unproven claims an “attempt to turn the American people against Haitians and advance inhumane mass deportation policies.”

Assemblymember Ron Kim Claims Chinese Government Attempted to "Steal" His Seat

Last week, Assemblymember Ron Kim claimed that groups tied to the Chinese government, including the American Chinese Commerce Association, tried to “steal” his Assembly seat in Flushing, Queens, through Yi Andy Chen. Chen, whom the American Chinese Commerce Association endorsed, was narrowly beaten by Kim in the June primary by 443 votes. The American Chinese Commerce Association is associated with the Chinese government through its Chairman, John Chan, who reportedly has close ties with the Chinese Consulate General in the state. Kim explained that his continuous push in the Legislature to commemorate Taiwan led to the American Chinese Commerce Association opposing him and “trying to dictate the outcome of the election.” The claim comes after ex-Hochul and ex-Cuomo aide Linda Sun was arrested for being an unregistered agent for the Chinese government.

2024 Election Updates

AG Letitia James Releases AI Election Misinformation Guide for Voters

Ahead of the November 5th General Election, Attorney General Letitia James released an AI election misinformation guide for voters. Aside from the AI-generated deep fakes, the guide urges voters to:

Not utilize chatbots to ask voting questions
Be mindful of inaccurate or fake information about voting or elections from phone calls
Recognize that tools for detecting AI-generated content can be inaccurate
Be skeptical of emotionally charged or sensational campaign and election contents

The AI election misinformation guide comes as the state experienced a deep fake audio recording of Manhattan Democratic Party Chair Keith Wright criticizing Assemblymember Inez Dickens in January and Meta’s AI chatbot falsely claiming several lawmakers of sexual misconduct in April. Lawmakers have also started to tackle the issue of AI-generated content interfering with elections across the state, with Assemblymembers Alex Bores and Ed Ra leading the effort in their Future Caucus and this year’s enactment of restriction of AI-generated content in political communications.

Senator Jessica Ramos Announces Her Candidacy for NYC Mayor

After months of speculation, Senator Jessica Ramos announced her candidacy for NYC mayor earlier this week. She will join three other candidates, Senator Zellnor Myrie, City Comptroller Brad Lander, and former City Comptroller Scott Stringer (and one other potential candidate, former Governor Andrew Cuomo), in the increasingly crowded race to challenge Eric Adams. Her announcement comes amidst a series of federal investigations into the Adams administration that has questioned some in the city about his ability to govern. "You'll never have to wonder who I'm working for or who is paying me. We need to bring that trust back to City Hall," said Ramos, explaining her reasoning for challenging Adams.

Trump Rallies on Long Island

Earlier this week, former president Donald Trump held a rally on Long Island, which was originally scheduled to coincide with his sentencing for the hush money trial in Manhattan. However, his sentencing was postponed by the overseeing Judge Juan Merchan to avoid any impressions of politics and source of framing for “any political party and/or any candidate for any office.” The rally was in support of various Republican congressional candidates on Long Island and the rest of the state as many Democratic and Republican leaders view the battleground congressional seats on Long Island and Hudson Valley as key to winning the control of Congress.

The rally comes after Vice President Kamala Harris and Trump had their first debate, marking the first time Harris participated in a presidential debate and the sixth time for Trump. Although many have viewed the debate as a victory for Harris, averages of presidential polls have shown that the election between the two remains relatively the same as before the debate. The rally also comes after Trump faced an apparent assassination attempt at his golf club in Florida, where the FBI caught the suspect, and no injuries were reported.

OTHER UPDATES

The First-Ever National Urban Rat Summit in NYC

This week, NYC hosted the first-ever National Urban Rat Summit. The summit brought health officials, municipal experts, biologists, and other scientists together to strategize the city’s methods to mitigate rats, focusing on parks, sewers, construction sites, and public housing. Since Adams was the Brooklyn Borough President, he has focused on rat mitigation. As Mayor, he has taken various steps for the city on rat mitigation, including naming the city’s first-ever rat czar in April 2023. “I don’t think there’s been a mayor in history that says how much he hates rats. I dislike rats. And I am so happy I have a four-star general who is working on finally winning the war on rats,” explained Adams.

Cuomo Testifies Before Congress Over Covid-19 Nursing Home Guidance

Last week, Cuomo testified before the Congressional House Oversight and Accountability Select Subcommittee on the Coronavirus Pandemic over the state’s nursing home guidance during the Covid-19 Pandemic. The Republican-led committee accuses Cuomo of mishandling the pandemic, leading to unnecessary deaths in nursing homes. “You are culpable for this,” Upstate-based Representative Elise Stefanik said during the testimony. However, Cuomo explained that he was following federal guidelines under Trump, “It was actually the Trump administration, CMS, and CDC that first said in March 2020 that COVID+ people could go from hospitals to nursing homes. That was your ruling.” In addition to Cuomo, the committee also subpoenaed Hochul to hand over documents regarding COVID-19-related nursing home deaths.

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