Plugged In @ Hinman Straub

April 17, 2026

What’s Inside

  • Legislative Session Review
  • Governor Proposes Pied-A-Terre Tax in NYC
  • Governor Announces Expanded Proposal to Protect NYers Against ICE
  • Governor Announces Awards to Expand Health Clinics and Improve Access for People with Developmental Disabilities
  • NY Attorney General Announces Trial Win Against Live Nation and Ticket Master
  • Senator Martins Announces He Will Not Seek Re-Election
  • Former U.S. Representative Eliot Engel Dies at 79 
  • In the News
  • Coming Up 

Legislative Session Review

The Legislature convened on Tuesday and Thursday this week. The Senate also held session on Wednesday to pass a utility affordability package of legislation. The Legislature is set to return for its regular scheduled session on Monday.

Specifically, the Senate utility package includes legislation that would:

  • Establish protections for customers related to service termination and overdue payment;
  • Prohibit utilities from terminating services during extreme weather events
  • Provide direct financial relief to ratepayers affected by utility misconduct;
  • Automatically re-enroll individuals and households who continue to meet the eligibility requirements for the Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP); and
  • Restrict retroactive service charge increases for small non-residential customers.

More information on the legislation can be found here.

New York State’s FY 2027 budget negotiations remain ongoing, with lawmakers passing a fourth budget extender on Thursday to keep government operations running through Monday, April 20. The delay in negotiations stems largely from disagreements over the Governor’s CLCPA proposal, ICE and immigration issues, and reforms to car insurance rates. Legislative leaders are continuing discussions through the weekend in hopes of reaching a finalized budget before the extender expires.

Governor Proposes Pied-A-Terre Tax in NYC

The Governor has proposed a pied-à-terre tax, targeting luxury second homes in New York City valued at $5 million or more. The measure would apply to properties that are not used as a primary residence, primarily affecting wealthy, non–New York City residents who do not pay city income taxes.

The proposal would authorize the City to impose an annual surcharge on these properties, with the goal of ensuring that high-value, part-time residences contribute to the cost of essential public services. The tax is projected to generate at least $500 million in recurring annual revenue, helping to close New York City’s budget gap while avoiding financial impact on everyday residents.

Governor Hochul said:

“New York City is the greatest city in the world, and the people who call it home should not be left carrying the burden alone. As Governor, I understand the importance of stabilizing the city’s finances without compromising on essential services New Yorkers count on. If you can afford a $5 million second home that sits empty most of the year, you can afford to contribute like every other New Yorker.”

New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani said:

“Thanks to the support of Governor Hochul, we are one step closer to balancing our budget by taxing the ultra-wealthy and global elites with a pied-à-terre tax — the first of its kind in our state. Alongside the governor, our administration is fighting every day to make sure we address this fiscal deficit fairly, where the wealthy contribute what they owe and our budget reflects our commitment to the working New Yorkers being priced out of our city.” 

Governor Announces Expanded Proposal to Protect NYers Against ICE

This week, Governor Hochul proposed a plan that would expand protections for New Yorkers regardless of immigration status, safeguard basic rights, and hold federal immigration officials accountable.

Earlier this year, Governor Hochul introduced several proposals in an effort to protect New Yorkers amid an unprecedented escalation in aggressive federal immigration enforcement. Building on her previous proposals, this package would enhance protections and safeguard the rights of New Yorkers from the overreach of federal immigration authorities.

The Governor is proposing expanded protection that will do the following:

  • Ban law enforcement from wearing masks;
  • Refocus local law enforcement on local crimes;
  • Hold federal law enforcement accountable for constitutional violations;
  • Safeguard interactions with public employees;
  • Keep immigration authorities out of sensitive locations; and
  • Protect every student’s right to a free public education.

Governor Hochul said:

“New York prides itself on being the place that immigrants come to build a better life and we will not stand for senseless actions that stand in the way of that promise. My top priority is keeping New Yorkers safe, which is why I’m proposing new measures to stop ICE’s flagrant abuse of power under the guise of public safety. By safeguarding basic rights and expanding protections that keep our communities safe, we are fighting to reassure every New Yorker that we will protect them from ICE overreach. The time to act is now.”

More information can be found here.

Governor Announces Awards to Expand Health Clinics and Improve Access for People with Developmental Disabilities

Governor Hochul has announced 30 awards with a $25 million investment to help address health equity for people with developmental disabilities who often find it difficult to find comprehensive healthcare that meets their needs. 

The New York State Office for People With Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD) prioritized awards based on projects related to expanding access to dental care, improving physical diagnostic space to better accommodate wheelchairs, creating sensory-friendly areas for neurodiverse patients, and improving access to specialty physical health services in ‘healthcare deserts.’

Below is a complete list of awardees and projects by region:

New York City

  • Metro Community Health Centers: $1,343,962 – “Dental & Behavioral Health Renovation Project”
  • New York University: $5,477,832 – “Bridging the Gaps of Access, Transition and Workforce: Expansion of the NYU Dentistry Oral Health Center for People with Disabilities”
  • L’Refuah Medical & Rehabilitation Center dba Ezra Medical Center: $1,826,000 – “Ezra Medical Center (EMC) Dental Services Expansion Project”
  • Premier Healthcare: $449,012 – “Expanding and Enhancing Inclusive Dental Care in Queens for the I/DD Community”
  • $449,012
  • Premier Healthcare: $424,704 – “Expanding and Enhancing Inclusive Dental Care in Manhattan for the I/DD Community”
  • Staten Island University Hospital: $1,214,800 – “Improving Access to Behavioral Health and Dental Services through Implementation of Sensory Friendly Spaces”
  • Community Health Project dba Callen-Lorde Community Health Center: $8,500 – “Improving Accessibility at Brooklyn Clinic with Automatic Door Opener Installation”
  • United Cerebral Palsy of New York City dba ADAPT Community Network: $197,709 – “ADAPT’s Bronx Clinic Dental Operatory Expansion”
  • Betances Health Center: $219,650 – “Improving Accessibility and Inclusive Care for Individuals with Developmental Disabilities”
  • $219,650

Long Island

  • Long Island Select Healthcare: $2,338,753 – “Eastern Suffolk Integrated Healthcare Access Expansion”
  • North Shore University Hospital (Manhasset): $15,766 – “Increasing Adult Primary Care Capacity for Individuals with Developmental Disabilities through Wheelchair Accessibility”
  • North Shore University Hospital (Manhasset): $135,200 – “Improving Dental Services through Implementation of Sensory Friendly Spaces”
  • Long Island Jewish Medical Center: $142,900 – “Increasing Accessibility to Pediatric Dental Care through Sensory Friendly Spaces”
  • Long Island Jewish Medical Center: $345,500 – “Increasing Specialty Care Access and Sensory-Friendly Spaces at Northwell Health at Rego Park”
  • Long Island Jewish Medical Center: $25,621 – “Increasing Accessibility to Pediatric Primary Care through Sensory Friendly Spaces”

Western New York

  • Baker Victory Healthcare Center: $194,000 – “Dental Enhancement Project”
  • State University of New York, University at Buffalo School of Dental Medicine: $3,726,824 – “SUNY UBSDM Special Care Dentistry Center”

Finger Lakes

  • University of Rochester: $225,400 – “Smiles Without Barriers”
  • Cerebral Palsy Association of Rochester dba CP Rochester: $25,540 – “Improved Accessibility for CP Rochester’s Family Dental Center”
  • TheRochester School of the Holy Childhood: $30,387 – “Article 16 Clinical Office Upgrade”
  • Mozaic Chapter, NYSARC, Inc. dba Mozaic: $284,320 – “Article 16 Clinic Expansion in Rural, Inclusive Community Center”

Capital Region

  • Community Work & Independence: $45,144 – “Creating Inclusive Access: Enhancing Mobility and Sensory Comfort at the Foothills Clinic”

Mohawk Valley

  • Fulton-Schoharie Counties Chapter NYSARC, Inc. dba The Arc Lexington: $238,920 – “Arc Lexington’s Article 16 Proposal”

Mid-Hudson

  • The Center for Discovery: $448,533 – “The Discovery Health Center: Improving Health Care for People with Development Disabilities”
  • Westchester Institute of Human Development: $1,197,380 – “Increasing Access to Healthcare and Dental Services for Individuals with Developmental Disabilities”
  • NYSARC, Inc., Ulster, Greene, Putnam Counties Chapter dba The Arc Mid-Hudson: $392,932 – “Enhanced Clinical Services at Arc Mid-Hudson”
  • Cornerstone Family Healthcare: $204,221 – “Restoring Dental Access for Disabled Community in New City, NY”

Central New York

  • NYSARC, Inc., Onondaga County Chapter dba Arc of Onondaga: $533,042 – “AccessAbility Health Project”
  • East Hill Family Medical dba East Hill Medical Center: $1,863,092 – “East Hill Medical Center Expansion Project”

North Country

  • United Cerebral Palsy Association of the North Country dba Cerebral Palsy Association of the North Country: $1,134,070 – “IDD-Focused Dental Suite Expansion – Ogdensburg FQHC”

Attorney General Announces Trial Win Against Live Nation and Ticket Master

New York State Attorney General Letitia James, alongside a coalition of 33 states, has announced an antitrust trial victory against Live Nation and Ticketmaster. Following a five-week trial, a jury found that the companies unlawfully maintained monopoly power across the live entertainment industry, suppressing competition among ticketing services, promoters, and venues. The jury determined that Ticketmaster dominates ticketing services for major concert venues, while Live Nation controls key amphitheaters and uses its position to require artists to use its promotion services.

As a result of these practices, the jury found that consumers have faced higher ticket prices, with New Yorkers paying an estimated $1.72 more per ticket in fees. The case originated in 2024 with the U.S. Department of Justice and multiple states; however, the coalition continued litigation after rejecting a proposed federal settlement. With liability now established, the case will proceed to a separate phase to determine financial penalties and other remedies.

Attorney General James said:

“This is a landmark victory in our ongoing work to protect our economy and New Yorkers’ wallets from harmful monopolies. For far too long, Live Nation and Ticketmaster have taken advantage of fans and artists by raising prices for tickets and stifling any competition that threatened their power. A jury found what we have long known to be true: Live Nation and Ticketmaster are breaking the law and costing consumers millions of dollars in the process. I am proud to have led a bipartisan coalition of attorneys general in bringing this case and look forward to continuing our work to hold Live Nation and Ticketmaster accountable.”

More information can be found here. 

Senator Martins Announces He Will Not Seek Re-Election

According to reports, Senator Jack Martins will not seek re-election this year. Earlier this year, Senator Martins said he would run again, but reportedly declined the party nomination last Friday.

Senator Martins represents the Senate’s 7th District, which covers Northwestern Nassau, including parts of Hempstead and Oyster Bay. He originally held the seat from 2011 to 2016 and has represented the district again since 2023.

Following this news, Assemblymember Jake Blumencranz officially announced that he’d be running for State Senate in the 7th District.

Former U.S. Representative Eliot Engel Dies at 79

Eliot Engel, a longtime New York congressman, died on April 10 at the age of 79 following complications from Parkinson’s disease. He represented the 16th Congressional District, covering parts of the Bronx and southern Westchester, for 32 years, where he spent decades on the House Foreign Affairs Committee. Before Congress, he served in the New York State Assembly from 1977 to 1988.

Governor Hochul recently directed flags to be lowered at half-staff to honor the life and public service of the former Representative, and issued the following statement:

“The son of Ukrainian-Jewish immigrants, Eliot Engel brought the best of the lower Hudson Valley and the Bronx to Congress. I had the honor of serving alongside Eliot, who fought tirelessly for the people he served in his 44 years as a public servant. My thoughts and deepest condolences are with his family and loved ones today.”

Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie and Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins both issued statements regarding the passing of former Representative Eliot Engel.

In The News

City & State New York’s 2026 Who’s Who in Government Relations.

“He called me” Hochul talks President’s call, budget delay, and Climate Law questions.

Sen. Gianaris says Hochul ‘less than willing’ to compromise on car insurance reforms, other state budget issues.

Hochul calls top Dem a liar as spat over $263B state budget drags into second week.

Hochul blames activists’ lawsuit for climate budget standstill.

Albany’s budget clouds.

Clean energy projects in NY on hold as battle over costs escalates.

Judge sides with developers in challenge to NY wetlands protection laws.

Lawmakers seek to claw back refrigeration mandates in Climate Act.

Councilmember directed $450K to Brooklyn nonprofit being investigated by feds.

Zohran Mamdani celebrates ‘pothole politics’ in a raucous rally marking 100 days as NYC mayor.

Mamdani Plans to Open City-Owned Grocery Store in East Harlem.

Bruce Blakeman goes to upstate farm to criticize solar energy projects, Hochul.

Congressmember threatens lawsuit over New York State voter rolls.

Kathy Hochul makes rare primary endorsement for blockbuster NYC race.

Republican businesswoman takes on Rep. Pat Ryan.

Martins’ exit triggers heated battle for Nassau seat.

Nassau GOP taps Hempstead tax official to challenge Gillen.

Halton-Pope to replace Peoples-Stokes in Assembly race.

Dennis Hannon announces campaign for NY-26.

Hochul: Nothing ‘sinister’ about process to replace Peoples-Stokes.

Can Blakeman pull off the magic Trump sees in him?

Coming Up

The Commission on Ethics and Lobbying in Government will hold its next meeting on April 22.

The Public Service Commission will hold its next meeting on May 14.

The Board of Regents will hold its next meeting on May 18 and 19.