Plugged In @ Hinman Straub

November 26, 2025

What’s Inside

  • Governor Announces Investment to Create New Biofabrication Research Center at SUNY Buffalo
  • Governor Highlights New Algorithmic Pricing Law Ahead of the Holidays
  • Assembly Announces Formation of Cryptocurrency Advisory Committee
  • Governor Hochul Announces 1,000 Psychiatric Beds Opened Since Taking Office
  • Judge Dismisses Attorney General James’ Federal Indictments
  • U.S. Representative Mike Lawler Endorses Stefanik for Governor
  • In the News
  • Coming Up

Governor Announces Investment to Create New Biofabrication Research Center at SUNY Buffalo

The Governor announced a $50 million investment to construct a new biofabrication research and imaging facility on the State University of New York at Buffalo campus. The new facility will act as a hub for faculty from multiple disciplines – including engineering, medicine, structural biology, biomedical informatics, dental, pharmacy, life sciences, and arts and sciences – to collaborate on research in regenerative medicine, advanced therapeutics, drug discovery, and medical devices.

The $50 million investment is made possible by the capital support SUNY received from the 2025-26 enacted state budget. The new facility will contain enhanced imaging capabilities, expanding the State University of New York at Buffalo’s research in neurology to include the study of diseases such as Multiple Sclerosis, strokes, and Alzheimer’s, with a focus on the link between the biology of aging that led to certain neurological conditions. The State University of New York at Buffalo is also committing $16.7 million to support faculty research.

Governor Hochul said:

Investing in a new biofabrication research and imaging hub at the State University of New York at Buffalo will help ensure our state is a leader in this essential, life-saving field. The research and advancements that will come out of this facility will not only help New Yorkers have a better quality of life going forward, but will also support innovative and better health for people around the world. I applaud the State University of New York at Buffalo for leading in this cutting-edge research and know that this investment will help turbo-boost innovation.

Governor Highlights New Algorithmic Pricing Law Ahead of the Holidays

Governor Hochul highlighted that the new algorithmic pricing law, General Business Law 349-a, is now in effect in New York State. Ahead of the holiday shopping season, New York State is making consumers aware of algorithmic price setting for online purchases. The new law requires businesses to clearly disclose to consumers when their prices are set by algorithms using their personal data.

Technology today allows corporations to collect personal data online, feed such data into algorithms, and generate a price that’s individual to a consumer. This practice, which the FTC has dubbed surveillance pricing, means a company could be charging you and your neighbor different prices for the same product, based on your individual willingness to pay.

The new law, included the FY 2025-26 Enacted Budget, requires businesses to disclose clearly to consumers when a price for a product was set by an algorithm using their personal data, subject to certain exceptions.

Governor Hochul said:

As we enter the busy holiday shopping season, New Yorkers deserve to know they are getting a fair deal when shopping online. This new law shines the light on hidden online pricing tactics that take advantage of consumers. By requiring companies to be upfront when setting prices based on personal data, we are giving shoppers the transparency they need to make smart choices and keep more of their hard earned money in their pockets.

Assembly Ways and Means Committee Announces Formation of Cryptocurrency Advisory Committee

The Assembly Ways and Means Committee announced the formation of an advisory committee on cryptocurrency and digital finance. According to the press release, the advisory committee will focus on developing laws, tax structures, and regulatory frameworks for crypto users, investors and businesses operating in New York. Ways and Means Committee Chair Gary Pretlow has appointed Dr. Charles E. Williamson to chair the advisory committee.

According to the press release, the advisory committee will focus on: 

  • Establishing a Clear Legal and Tax Framework – Developing policy for trading, mining, point of sale systems, and income earned through cryptocurrencies.
  • Enhance Consumer and Investor Protections – Recommend regulations to safeguard consumers and prevent financial misconduct and fraud in crypto markets.
  • Promote Responsible Innovation – Encourage blockchain-based entrepreneurship while maintaining regulatory oversight.
  • Public Consultation and Education – Engage New Yorkers via town halls, expert sessions, and educational campaigns.

The advisory committee will draft proposals for legislative consideration by the Ways and Means Committee in 2026.

Governor Hochul Announces 1,000 Psychiatric Beds Opened Since Taking Office

The Governor announced the opening of a new state-funded 21-bed inpatient psychiatric facility to serve youth at the New York City Children’s Center campus in the Bronx. Operated by Montefiore Medical Center with funding from the state, the 18,300-square-foot facility will serve young people experiencing serious behavioral health issues and will bring the total inpatient capacity brought online by Governor Hochul to 1,000 beds statewide since taking office.

Montefiore Einstein’s new unit is on the Bronx campus of the New York City Children’s Center and includes 21 beds to serve youth between the ages of 5 and 17. The new center will provide intensive treatment for youth with serious behavioral health conditions, including severe depression, anxiety, trauma, suicidal thoughts, psychosis, and other acute psychiatric conditions.

 Governor Hochul said:

We are committed to increasing options for families that need access to intensive behavioral health services and more importantly, to providing top-notch care to all children who experience serious mental illness. Montefiore Einstein’s state-of-the-art Center for Children’s Mental Health represents the strong partnership we have with our community-based hospitals, and our ongoing commitment to providing the best possible care for our youth and support for their families.

Judge Dismisses Attorney General James’ Federal Indictment

A federal judge ruled on Monday to dismiss the criminal charges against New York Attorney General Letitia James, determining that the prosecutor who initiated the cases was improperly appointed by the Justice Department. The decisions made by U.S. District Judge Cameron McGowan Currie also temporarily halts the prosecution of former FBI Director James Comey.

The rulings are not concerned with the actual allegations against Comey or James but rather address the unusual methods through which the prosecutor was appointed as the interim U.S. attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia. Defense attorneys argued that the Trump administration lacked the legal authority for this appointment. In a pair of similar judgments, Currie concurred and stated that the invalid appointment necessitated the dismissal of the cases.

The judge dismissed the cases without prejudice.

Attorney General James said:

I am heartened by today’s victory and grateful for the prayers and support I have received from around the country. I remain fearless in the face of these baseless charges as I continue fighting for New Yorkers every single day.

U.S. Representative Mike Lawler Endorses Stefanik for Governor

U.S. Rep. Mike Lawler, who was previously viewed as a leading GOP candidate for governor, has officially announced his support for Rep. Elise Stefanik in her campaign to defeat Gov. Kathy Hochul.

“She has engaged in significant battles. She has defended her principles and beliefs,” Lawler stated at a gathering for Rockland County Republicans in his Hudson Valley constituency. “She has represented Americans nationwide and New Yorkers who have been overlooked by ineffective and incompetent leadership in Albany.”

The increasing support for Stefanik among Republicans has not yet dissuaded Republican Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman from contemplating a gubernatorial run. In a statement, Blakeman remarked, “I have great admiration for both Mike and Elise, but the significance of the upcoming election necessitates that the Republican and Conservative parties select the candidate most likely to succeed for the benefit of New York State residents. Hence, encouraged by numerous business and community leaders, I am still evaluating the possibility of running for governor myself.”

In The News

City & State NY’s 2025 Staten Island Trailblazers here.

NYC sneaks in 16% pay raises to put on Zohran Mamdani’s desk as welcome gift.

Dutchess Democrats announce plans to pursue NY State Senate seat.

New York City leaders react to Trump-Mamdani meeting.

Hochul and Stefanik trade barbs following Trump-Mamdani meeting.

Trump’s Mamdani embrace complicates Elise Stefanik’s path to governor.

‘Enough is enough.’ Rep. Stefanik sits down for 1st local TV interview since launching bid for governor.

Mamdani transition: Mayor-elect names over 400 advisors across 17 committees ahead of January inauguration.

HESC Releases 2024-25 Higher Education Services Corporation Annual Report.

Mamdani Response to Protest Inflames Tensions With Jewish Leaders.

Challengers Take on N.Y. House Democrats, Targeting Their Ties to Israel.

Who’s Running in the 2026 Congressional Primaries in NYC.

New York ethics panel closes sexual misconduct case against former state Sen. Jeff Klein.

Rep. Nydia Velázquez’s retirement met with sadness and respect.

State Assemblyman Clyde Vanel on Trump’s possible AI executive order that would collide with N.Y. bill.

Sticker Mule CEO Anthony Constantino running for Stefanik’s House seat in 2026.

Goldman seeks answers from Tisch on Nov. 12 NYPD-ICE incident.

Andrew Cuomo was inevitable – until he wasn’t.

Coming Up

The Assembly will hold a public hearing to examine the role of Adult Protective Services in the prevention, detection, and intervention of financial exploitation committed against older adults on December 2.

The Assembly will hold a public hearing to examine the status of the behavioral health workforce on December 10.

The Senate will hold a public hearing to discuss risks, solutions, and best practices with respect to the use of artificial intelligence in consequential or high-risk contexts, and related issues, such as classification of the types and risk levels of AI uses, frameworks for auditing AI tools for bias, and transparency improvements on January 15.