Friday Morning Brief Sept 6, 2024

Sep 5

Written By Michael Avella

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

Member Spotlight

Assemblyman Nader Sayegh

Assemblyman Nader Sayegh joined us to discuss his Yonkers-based district, priorities, and experiences in the Assembly. A lifelong educator, as a legislator and before serving his constituents in the Assembly, he has strived to ensure that students’ and parents’ voices across the state are heard and met. Before serving in the Assembly, he was a teacher, college professor, and attorney. Currently, he is the Chair of the Assembly Subcommittee on Students with Special Needs. He also serves on various committees, such as on Banks, Education, Racing and Wagering, and Higher Education. He is the first Jordanian-American to serve in the Assembly.

What district do you represent, and can you describe or highlight anything about your district?
I represent the 90th district, which is basically the City of Yonkers. Yonkers is now the third largest city in New York State, just behind New York City and Buffalo. It borders New York City and is one of the few growing urban communities in the state. It’s a beautiful city next to the Hudson River. It’s a city on the moon with a very diverse, large middle-class population.

What was your profession before becoming an Assemblymember?
I am an educator by heart. I served in education as a teacher and as a school principal. I was the president of the Big Five school district. And I also taught in college. So, it’s dear to me when it comes to public education. I made it my business in the Assembly to get on the Education and Higher Education Committees. Ensuring adequate funding for urban schools, students with special educational needs, and language learners is crucial for me. I’m also an attorney, and I have my own law practice.

Do you have any fond memories of when you were a teacher?
Of course! In a very diverse city, I always appreciate it when schools have an open-door policy and encourage involvement from students and parents. I’m proud of being able to talk to parents and encouraging them to be part of the school. I’m always promoting teamwork, and I think it’s important. I’m also proud of promoting after-school and weekend instructions because it ensured every student had every opportunity to learn. It’s also great to see the development of students, whether in math, science, or reading. As an educator, when you see a school system doing well, with a 90% enrollment pattern, you feel proud of your work.

What kind of music do you like? Any favorite genres or artists?
One of my brothers was one of the world’s top Elvis Presley impersonators. He looked like him, and he sang like him, so I would say Elvis. I also like some old-time music and the blues.

Do you have any favorite sports? Any favorite NY sports team?
Whether it’s baseball, football, or hockey, I’m always rooting for New York teams. I am a Yankees, Rangers, and Knicks fan. If they are not in the playoffs, I’m rooting for the Mets. Sports are crucial for me. They teach you about teamwork, which is so important in everyday life.

What inspired you to run for office?
I’ve been involved in politics even before my political days. As an educator, I was involved in the community in many ways, from community organizations to supporting the youth in Yonkers. For many years, I lectured to students and community organizations to encourage people to get involved and volunteer. I wanted to make sure that everyone in the community gets a voice and that the community gets heard.
The big driving force for me to run for office was ensuring that Yonkers school district was properly funded. Yonkers is in Westchester County, which is a relatively rich county. So, when it comes to the state funding formula for schools, Yonkers gets less than it needs from the state because it’s in Westchester County. I wanted to fix that so Yonkers gets the funding that it needs for our students.
I’m also proud to be the first Jordanian-American to serve in the Assembly. My family and I immigrated to the US and settled in Yonkers, and I’ve lived here ever since. Yonkers is a very diverse city, and I am proud of that.

Do you have any proud achievements throughout your time in the Assembly?
I was very happy with the 9/11 Notice Act. I realized that the campaign with the federal funding and the victim compensation was heavily focused on first responders while forgotten victims, such as delivery workers, retail workers, hospitality workers, and many other employees who were impacted by 9/11. Many people thought victim compensation was only for first responders, but many people who worked in lower Manhattan in retail, financial, or even students were impacted. Many of them got cancer or respiratory issues from toxins due to 9/11. So, I was proud to sponsor the 9/11 Notice Act and work with many of my colleagues and families to pass it. The bill requires the Department of Labor to work with businesses and corporations to notify employees about their right to register for the 9/11 Victim Compensation Fund and the WTC Health Program.

Another achievement of mine concerns the diaper tax. While meeting with representatives from Westchester, we realized that one-third of mothers don’t have adequate access to clean diapers because of the cost, and diapers are still being taxed. So, I sponsored a bill to exempt all diapers from any local sales tax. I’m very proud of this bill because it might be simple, but it goes a long way for many families across the state.

Do you have any advice for young folks who want to get into politics?
So many young people tell me they want to be a scientist, diplomat, artist, or something very creative and inspiring. So, I will always tell them to take advantage of a college education in New York State. SUNYs and CUNYs are cost-effective and have some of the best professors. Make sure you get the most out of a bachelor’s or a master’s. Importantly, speak up! Having a voice and being involved in your school is important. Join clubs, associations, volunteer, or even student government. It will help you to be visible and really start promoting yourself.

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

Late last week, Hochul announced more than $24 million to expand HealthySteps, a program that supports mental and physical health development for children under three years old. With the $24 million state investment, 50 new HealthySteps sites would be established across the state by 2027 and are expected to serve about 35,000 children. Administered by the state OMH, the program pairs pediatric physicians with child development specialists to identify early childhood behavioral health issues more efficiently. The state investment builds upon Hochul’s commitment to address youth mental health, including a $1 billion investment in the 2024 Enacted Budget.

Last week, Hochul provided an update on the state’s three-month blitz effort to shut down unlicensed dispensaries across the state. In conjunction with the State Police, OCM, DTF, local and state law enforcement, and other state agencies, the Illicit Cannabis Enforcement Task Force deployed 150 investigators and shut down more than 1,000 unlicensed dispensaries. In total, 7,845 pounds, or an estimated street value of $28.9 million, illicit cannabis products were seized. This complements the passage of the 2025 Enacted Budget, which includes empowering OCM and local municipalities to close illicit dispensaries more efficiently. “I launched the Illicit Cannabis Enforcement Task Force to quickly close these unlicensed shops, and today, more than 1,000 have been shuttered,” explained Hochul.

On a call with more than 200 higher education officials last week, Hochul directed them to implement emergency safety plans for campus disruptions during the fall semester. In addition, Hochul will direct the State Police and the state DHSEC to work with college campuses to provide resources and ensure the emergency safety plans meet expectations. This comes after student protests sprung up across campuses across the state in Spring, with several college campuses asking local and state law enforcement for assistance. “Last spring, I directed college campuses to review and update their emergency response plans, and as tensions may be high as we start the academic year, I will continue to ensure all campus leaders and public safety officials have the resources they need to keep students safe,” explained Hochul.

At the 2024 West Indian American Day, Hochul announced a trade mission to the Caribbean in December. Under the trade mission, up to 10 state-based companies will travel to two unnamed Caribbean countries to increase export efforts. Sponsored by the Empire State Development’s Global NY division, the trade mission will include events and meetings with local experts on key topics, including trade and tax policies. “This trade mission will strengthen those ties so New York-based businesses can build and grow deeper partnerships throughout the Caribbean and explore economic opportunities within its vibrant commercial markets that will benefit our economy and encourage job creation throughout the state,” explained Hochul.

On Tuesday, Hochul announced the opening of the largest electrified bus depot in the state. Located in Buffalo, the electric bus depot operated by the Niagara Frontier Transportation Authority has 36 overhead charging systems and a new substation for future expansion to support only zero-emission vehicles by 2035. The new electric bus depot supports the state’s CLCPA goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 85% by 2050 and transitioning to a clean public transit system. “Our investment in electrified buses and charging infrastructure not only improves the environmental impact of the fleet itself but encourages New Yorkers to make public transportation their first choice – resulting in cleaner air and a greener future for everyone,” explained Hochul.

This week, Hochul attended the Future Energy Economy Summit in Syracuse and pinned the importance of advanced clean energy technologies in advancing the state’s clean energy economy. To support the state Public Service Commission’s “Zero Emissions by 2040” plan, Hochul will direct the state to continue focusing on building the state’s renewable energy grid, facilitate and encourage new technological research, and leverage possible federal funding opportunities. The new directives support the state’s goals to transition into a clean energy economy and build upon the state’s previous actions to strengthen energy resiliency, including the Statewide Solar for All program and expanding the state’s offshore wind farms.

LEGISLATIVE UPDATES

Hochul Signs Bills to Expand Women's Health Service

On Women’s Equality Day, Hochul signed two bills to expand resources for women’s health services. One of the bills is designed to reduce the cost of women’s health services by requiring commercial health insurers to provide coverage for tattooing as part of breast reconstruction surgery. “This bill will help breast cancer survivors who experience breast reconstruction and will help them feel and look whole,” Senate sponsor Cordell Cleare explained. Another bill is designed to expand women’s health services coverage by requiring menstrual products in all public higher education buildings. “This legislation is a huge step forward in our fight to end period poverty, reduce financial stress and stigma often surrounding menstruation, and bring us closer to true equity and dignity for people who menstruate,” Senate sponsor Michelle Hinchey explained.

Lawmakers Urge State to Investigate Western Regional OTB

Late last month, Senator Sean Ryan and Assemblymember Monica Wallace sent a letter to the Inspector General and Attorney General offices to review a severance package given by the Western Regional OTB to three of its departing executives. Ryan and Wallace explained that the half a million severance packages given to all three departing executives are higher than their three months’ salary, violating the Severance Pay Limitation Act, which limits severance packages for public at-will employees to three months’ salary. The letter comes after Ryan and Wallace have publicly warned the Western Regional OTB not to give the severance packages to its three departing executives. On the letter, Wallace explained that she and Ryan have already given a “heads-up that [they] think [the severance packages are] wildly inappropriate and unlawful,” and they are taking “it to the next level and [asking] for an investigation.”

Senate GOP Unveils Their Proposed Affordable Clean Energy Legislative Package

Before the start of Hochul’s Future Energy Economy Summit, Senate Republicans proposed their environmental legislative package to ensure a pathway for the state to transition into a renewable, clean energy economy. Citing missed deadlines to meet certain goals of the CLCPA and rising costs, Senate Republicans argue that their legislative package would help the state meet its clean energy goals while saving costs. Some proposals in the legislative package include:

Create the Ratepayer Relief Act to provide relief to ratepayers and determine the cost of the CLCPA mandates
Expanding the residential solar energy credit
Create the Rural Energy Infrastructure Act of 2025 to provide a tax credit for underserved communities
Establish a statewide hydrogen vehicle task force

“The only thing participants of Governor Hochul’s ‘Future Energy Economy Summit’ should be considering is how to reduce energy costs for New Yorkers, and they could do that by taking up these proposals,” said Senate Republican Leader Rob Ortt. The legislative package is expected to be introduced in January.

Senator Skoufis Delivers Grant Award for Water Quality Improvement

Last week, Senator James Skoufis announced a $155,000 grant ward for the Village of Greenwood Lake in his district. The $155,000 will be utilized to support Greenwood Lake’s effort to improve the quality of the lake and combat invasive plant species through purchasing a new weed harvester and SCUBA equipment. “Thanks to Senator Skoufis’ diligent efforts, we have secured a generous grant of $155,000. This funding will be instrumental in enhancing the quality of our lake and public safety,” explained Greenwood Lake Mayor Tom Howley. Skoufis has long been an advocate for improving the water quality in the state, including his 2021 clean water testing bill.

Lawmakers Reacts to Arrest of Former Hochul and Cuomo Staffer

After a former staffer for Hochul and former Governor Andrew Cuomo, Linda Sun, was arrested this week for acting as a Chinese Communist Party agent, Republican lawmakers, including Senator Jake Ashby, called for a bipartisan investigation into the Chinese Communist Party’s “infiltration of state government.” Some, including Assemblymember Matt Slater, urge Hochul to allow AG Letitia James to investigate the issue.

However, Senator John Liu called for caution, explaining, “The federal government has a sordid track record of making accusations against accomplished Chinese Americans, only to drop all charges, with no regard to lives and careers destroyed needlessly.” Former Assemblymember Yuh-Line Niou explained that the recent indictment of Sun could contribute to “perpetual foreigner syndrome” against Chinese or Taiwanese Americans. According to the indictment, Sun boosted several lawmakers’ relationships with Chinese government officials while hampering communications between lawmakers and the Taiwanese government. Sun pleaded not guilty to her ten criminal federal charges.

2024 Election Updates

Assemblymember Michael Norris' Chief of Staff to Run for His Seat

Paul Bologna, the chief of staff for the outgoing Assemblymember Michael Norris, announced his candidacy for the seat. “In the end, it was my experience and knowledge of the district that led to the decision,” Bologna explained on his endorsement from the Republican chairs in Niagara and Erie counties. For his agenda, Bologna said he would fight against “downstate” agendas, explaining, “This election is about [the people]. It’s about the future. It’s about who we want to be, what we want to do, and what our priorities are.” Bologna’s candidacy comes after Norris accepted a nomination to run for a State Supreme Court justice post in the Eighth Judicial District. Bologna will be running against Democrat Michelle Roman, the former mayor of Lockport.

Court Battles Over ERA Continues

Late last month, a state judge upheld the existing ballot language for the ERA as prepared by the state Board of Elections, rejecting the state Democrats’ request to add the words “abortion” and “LGBT.” “The central problem with these arguments arises out of the language of the amendment itself,” Judge David Weinstein wrote in his ruling. “It is unfortunate that Judge Weinstein has declined to require the Board of Elections to inform voters in plain language of the impact of a yes or no vote on the Equal Rights Amendment,” explained Senator Liz Krueger, who has led the ERA amendment in the Legislature.

Democrats were hoping that the inclusion of the words “abortion” and “LGBT” would explicitly protect abortion rights and drive voter turnout in November. Meanwhile, Republican lawmakers expressed that the ballot’s language is too vague and could open the doors for controversial issues. “When it actually gets into the Constitution, if that happens, it’s going to be up to a judge after the fact to decide what it really means,” explained Assemblymember Mary Beth Walsh.

Representative Jim Clyburn Endorses John Mannion for Congress

Last week, South Carolina Representative Jim Clyburn, a high-ranking Black Congressmember, joined Senator John Mannion in Syracuse, touting his endorsement of Mannion. “This election is the most consequential of our lifetime, and I urge all residents of Central New York and Mohawk Valley to support John Mannion for Congress,” said Clyburn. Mannion is running against vulnerable House Republican Brandon Williams for the battleground seat, with many calling the district a possible Democratic win. “Receiving the endorsement of Congressman Jim Clyburn is extremely meaningful, and I am honored he joined me on the campaign trail in Syracuse,” said Mannion.

Kamala Harris and Donald Trump to Debate Next Week

Next week, Vice President Kamala Harris and Donald Trump are set to debate in their first presidential debate on September 10th. For weeks, it was still being determined if the debate would occur due to the back-and-forth disagreement between both campaigns over mic rules, as the Harris campaign wanted to keep the mics unmuted throughout the 90-minute debate. The Trump campaign wanted to keep the mics muted, stating that it was the rule agreed upon by Trump and the Biden campaign for their presidential debate. “I’d rather have it probably on, but the agreement was that it would be the same as it was last time. In that case, it was muted. I didn’t like it the last time, but it worked out fine,” explained Trump.

OTHER UPDATES

Federal Court Rejects Trump's Request to Intervene in Hush Money Criminal Case

Earlier this week, a federal judge rejected Donald Trump’s request to intervene in his sentencing in the state’s hush money criminal case. Trump was expected to move the case from the state court to the federal court to have his conviction overturned due to the recent US Supreme Court’s presidential immunity ruling. State Supreme Court Judge Juan Merchan is expected to rule on Trump’s requests to delay his September 18th sentencing until after the election and to overturn his conviction due to the recent US Supreme Court ruling. Merchan has said he is expected to rule on Trump’s requests on September 16th, a week after the first presidential debate between Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris.

24 New Schools Opens In NYC to Help With Class Size Mandate

Joined by NYC Public Schools Chancellor David Banks and NYC School Construction Authority President and CEO Nina Kubota, Mayor Eric Adams announced the opening of 24 new school buildings. The new 24 schools open up about 11,000 new seats for K-12 students across the city. “The 24 new buildings we’re opening ahead of this school year — with the most K-12 seats the city has opened in two decades — will provide 11,000 additional students with seats and set our children and our communities up for success,” explained Adams. The expansion comes as NYC DOE is mandated to reduce class sizes under state law in five years. Although the new schools will help NYC be on track to reduce class sizes for now, Banks explained, “By the time we hit next year and beyond, there are going to be some more difficult choices that are going to have to be made.”

Andrew Cuomo Set to Testify Before Congress

Next week, Andrew Cuomo is set to testify before the Congressional House Oversight and Accountability Select Subcommittee on the Coronavirus Pandemic. According to the Subcommittee Chair, Representative Brad Wenstrup, the hearing will focus on Cuomo’s nursing home guidance in the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic. “Andrew Cuomo owns answers,” said Wenstrup. However, Cuomo’s spokesperson criticized the subcommittee and explained that the state under Cuomo’s tenure “had a lower nursing home death rate pro rata than all but 11 states” and said that the subcommittee “has continued to engage in false political attacks blaming New York for nursing home deaths despite the fact that New York was following guidance from [former President] Trump’s CDC and CMS.”

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