Plugged In @ Hinman Straub – May 3, 2019

What’s Inside

  • Governor Launches $175 Million Workforce Development Initiative
  • Governor Signs Offshore Drilling Ban
  • Governor Deploys Resources to Help Lake Ontario Flood Prevention
  • Comptroller Releases Economic Snapshot Report of Long Island
  • Attorney General Leads Coalition Urging FDA to Strengthen E-Cigarette Guidance
  • Comptroller Appoints New Deputy Comptroller for the Division of Local Government and School Accountability
  • Empire State Development Corporation CEO to Step Down
  • Updates, Reminders, and Links
  • Coming Up

Governor Launches $175 Million Workforce Development Initiative

Governor Cuomo announced the launch of the Workforce Development Initiative, which will invest $175 million to strengthen workforce development in the state. The concept was first unveiled in January in the Governor’s state of the state address. The plan creates a new Consolidated Funding Application (CFA) that will create a single point of entry for workforce development funds. The state Regional Economic Development Councils (REDCs) will play a role in recommending projects that best fit with regional workforce plans.

A list of available resources will be accessible here. The CFA will open to applicants on May 8, 2019 and project plans and applications will be accepted on a continual basis. The funding made available for this initiative consolidates multiple programs administered by various state agencies and authorities.

Awards will fall into one of three categories:

  • Public-Private Partnerships to Advance 21st Century Skills: These programs expand the infrastructure and capacity of SUNY and CUNY to produce skilled talent that meets the needs of regional employers. The resources will provide funding for classroom space, technology and equipment, and industry-engaged curriculum development. These programs will also foster connections with regional employers by building structured work-based learning experiences such as internships; co-op learning; apprenticeships; and direct on-the-job training in high demand sectors like life science, STEM, and advanced manufacturing.
  • Employer-Driven Skills:These programs expand employer investment in a skilled workforce pipeline. Resources will provide funding or tax credits to train incumbent workers and to recruit and train entry-level workers. Applications tend to come directly from employers. 
  • Workforce Solutions: The Workforce Solutions programs provide flexible funding for innovative workforce development projects. Funds will support strategic regional efforts that meet businesses’ near-term workforce needs, address long-term industry needs, improve regional talent pipelines, and expand apprenticeships. The focus will be on regionally significant industries in emerging fields with growing demands for jobs. Funds will also support efforts to improve the economic security of women, young workers and other populations that face significant barriers to career advancement. Successful applications could include sector and industry-cluster-based strategies that regionally address a worker shortage and projects that have the potential to rapidly deploy and meet the demonstrated demand for current or anticipated job openings.

To access the CFA, please visit https://apps.cio.ny.gov/apps/cfa/. 

Governor Cuomo said:

“We must ensure the workforce of today is not only prepared for the jobs we have now, but also ready for the jobs of tomorrow. The Workforce Development Initiative is another significant step to ensure future growth in the state and help New Yorkers succeed in the 21st Century economy.”

Governor Signs Offshore Drilling Ban

Governor Cuomo, accompanied by Long Island native singer Bill Joel, held a signing ceremony for a bill to ban offshore drilling in New York’s coastal waters. The bill, S.2316 (Kaminsky)/A.2572 (Englebright), will ban the granting of permits for offshore drilling and oil and gas exploration in waters controlled by New York. The bill is a response to the 2017 federal proposal known as the National Outer Continental Shelf Oil and Gas Leasing Program for 2019-2024, which would open large portions of the country’s offshore waters to oil and gas drilling and exploration.

Governor Cuomo said:

“This bill says no way are you going to drill off the coast of Long Island and New York, because we must lead the way as an alternative to what this federal government is doing. Today is about making sure Jones Beach and all of the coastal communities are here for our children and for the next generation. We must make sure we leave this world a better place for them because our job as parents, as citizens, as human beings is to pass it on better than you found it.”

Senator Kaminsky said:

“Keeping Long Island’s waters pristine must be a priority for our state even when it is not for the federal government. By signing the prohibition on oil drilling today, Governor Cuomo and our entire state send a strong message that we will not move backward with respect to our energy policy and that we will keep moving forward to protect our natural resources.”

Governor Deploys Resources to Help Lake Ontario Flood Prevention

This week the Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services and the Department of Transportation, at the direction of the Governor, proactively deployed over 200,000 sand bags to protect communities around Lake Ontario to prevent possible flooding damage. Severe flooding in Canada has the potential to contribute to already higher than average levels in Lake Ontario. The International Joint Commission is reducing outflows from the Moses-Saunders Dam on the St. Lawrence River in response to the situation in Canada. The Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services also has more than 6,000 feet of temporary dam ready to deploy if necessary. The Department of Corrections is assisting with teams to fill additional sandbags for deployment.

The Governor said:

“After waters on the Lake Ontario coastline rose to the highest levels in 20 years in 2017 resulting in devastating impacts to the shoreline, we know the importance of taking proactive steps to prevent potential flooding in the region. Out of an abundance of caution, we are deploying these resources to protect Lake Ontario’s shoreline communities and mitigate rising water levels.”

Comptroller Releases Economic Snapshot Report of Long Island

This week, Comptroller DiNapoli released a broad report which aims to provide a snapshot of Long Island’s economy. The report found that Long Island added 115,400 jobs between 2009 and 2018, reaching 1.3 million jobs. The unemployment rate declined to 3.7 percent in 2018 after having peaked at a post-recession high of 7.5 percent in 2010. Health care, restaurants, business services, construction and retail have driven these job gains. While growth averaged just over 1 percent annually in this ten year period, the latest data indicates slower growth in 2018. Health care is the largest private sector employer on Long Island, accounting for nearly 17 percent of private-sector jobs (193,500). From 2009 to 2018, health care added 36,800 jobs to the region. Average wages in this sector ($64,726) are above the regional average. The average annual wage on Long Island in 2017 was $60,084, second only to New York City. Median household incomes are higher than the state median of $62,765, too, at $105,744 for Nassau County and $92,838 for Suffolk County. However, there are pockets of both significantly higher and lower incomes within both counties.

Other highlights of the report include:

  • 72% of Long Islanders own their homes, where 48% is the state average
  • Long Islanders pay above-average property tax rates, median property tax bill in Nassau County is $14,872, compared to $8,081 statewide.
  • One-fifth of workforce commutes to New York City for work
  • If not for immigration, the region’s population would have contracted by 40,000 since 2010
  • Of the region’s 237 local government entities examined through the Comptroller’s Fiscal Stress Monitoring System in 2018 and 2019, 14 are currently listed as being in some level of fiscal stress.
  • In 2017, visitors to the region spent nearly $5.9 billion at restaurants, hotels and attractions.
  • Suffolk County has experienced one of the highest rates of heroin-related overdose fatalities in New York.

Long Island had one of the lowest crime rates of any large metropolitan area in the nation in 2017. However, there are areas where crime is a serious problem, stemming particularly from gang-related activity.

Attorney General Leads Coalition Urging FDA to Strengthen E-Cigarette Guidance

Attorney General Letitia James, leading a coalition of seven Attorneys General, filed comments urging the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to strengthen action to curb youth access to electronic cigarettes. In March, the FDA issued draft guidance in the Federal Register called “Modifications to Compliance Policy for Certain Deemed Tobacco Products” to explain its proposed changes to the compliance policies for certain deemed tobacco products, including e-cigarettes, and to describe how the FDA intends to prioritize its enforcement resources with regard to the marketing of those products. As part of its rule-making process, the FDA sought comments to inform the final version of the guidance.

The comments filed by the Attorney General in response to the FDA request for comment urge the following:

  • The FDA should include menthol and mint flavors in its enforcement priorities for electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS)
  • The FDA should advance the compliance date for premarket authorization for ENDS
  • The FDA should ban online sales of ENDS
  • The FDA is correct to prioritize enforcement of actions with respect to flavored cigars, including menthol and mint flavored cigars.

Attorney General James said:

“The FDA’s fundamental responsibility is to protect the health and well being of the American public. Increased enforcement action on flavored e-cigarettes are critical to public health, especially for young New Yorkers, who too often get hooked on these products at a young age, leading to a lifetime of addiction. My office will continue to work with other states to prioritize the welfare of our youth.” 

NYC Charter Commission Releases Preliminary Staff Report

The New York City Charter Commission released its preliminary staff report which outlines recommendations for topics the Charter Commission should consider in more detail before making final determinations. The Charter of the City of New York (the Charter) serves as the local constitution and establishes the structure of City government. It sets forth the key institutions and processes of the City’s political system and broadly defines the authority and responsibilities of city agencies and elected officials, such as the Mayor, Council, Comptroller, Borough Presidents, and Public Advocate. The 2019 Charter Revision Commission was created by Local Law 91 of 2018, which was passed by the New York City Council on April 11, 2018, and approved by the Mayor on April 30.

The following are highlights of the preliminary staff report recommendations:

  • Elections and Redistricting: The staff report suggests the commission further evaluate, with various stakeholders, the viability of moving to a Ranked-Choice Voting (RCV) system – also known as instant run-off elections system – for at least some of the city-wide races. The report also recommends a timing change to the calendar for petition gathering due to the short time frame between redistricting announcement and the new primary date.
  • Civilian Complaint Review Board: The report suggests the commission look into a couple of changes to the Civilian Complaint Review Board (CCRB), which reviews complaints made against police officers. The report recommends the commission make changes to the appointment of CCRB members so the city council has direct appointing authority over its nominations, rather than recommendations submitted to the Mayor. The report also recommends the commission study whether or not to require the Police Commissioner supply a written notice of the reasons why the discipline recommendations of the CCRB, which are non-binding, were not followed in all cases where the Police Commissioner deviates from recommended discipline.
  • Public Advocate: The report recommends the commission consider giving the Public Advocate direct subpoena power, where currently it is required to go through a relevant city council committee.

Uniform Land Use Review Procedure: The report makes two recommendations regarding land use that are notable. The first would establish a pre-ULURP process to increase community engagement. Currently, the process begins when an applicant files an application and the Department of City Planning certifies it. The report suggests that permitting community boards and borough presidents’ time to review the application before it is certified would allow local input to have greater impact and require applicants to engage with local interests before their application is finalized. The second major recommendation on land use is the implementation of comprehensive planning in the city to ensure that new developments are part of a broader plan that takes into account the best interests of the city.

Comptroller Appoints New Deputy Comptroller for the Division of Local Government and School Accountability

State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli announced this week that he has appointed Elliott Auerbach as deputy comptroller for the Division of Local Government and School Accountability. Mr. Auerbach will lead the division tasked with monitoring the finances of local governments and school districts. Mr. Auerbach, a graduate of Hofstra University, was most recently serving as Ulster County Comptroller where he has served in that capacity since 2009. Prior to that Mr. Auerbach was Mayor of the Village of Ellenville from 2002-2009.

DiNapoli said:

“Having served four terms as Ulster County Comptroller and as a village mayor, Elliott has first-hand knowledge of the challenges faced by local governments. He has aggressively pursued fraud and waste in county operations and understands that strong fiscal controls ensure that taxpayer resources are used efficiently and effectively. He is the ideal choice to lead my efforts to hold local governments accountable, while offering them a helping hand to better serve taxpayers.”

Empire State Development Corporation CEO to Step Down

Howard Zemsky, longtime CEO of the Empire State Development Corporation, announced this week that he would be stepping down from his role as CEO of the agency, but, has agreed to remain as chairman of the board of directors. Zemsky has held the position since 2015, receiving a salary of $1 per year.

Cuomo Spokesman Rich Azzopardi said:

“Howard’s original commitment to us was for two years, he’s served this administration and the people of this great state for eight – with no compensation mind you – and New York is the better for it. We are thrilled and honored that he will continue his public service and remain a beloved part of the team.” 

Updates, Reminders, and Links

City & State NY’s weekly Winners & Losers here.

City & State NY: The 2019 Albany Power 100 here.

Albany Times Union: Child Victims Act likely to lead to higher insurance rates for school districts.

Crain’s New York Business: Gas pipeline needed for affordable housing.

NY Daily News: Mayor de Blasio expected to announce run for president next week.

Coming Up

The Assembly Committee on Housing will hold public hearings on rent regulations on May 9th, and May 10th.

The Senate Committee on Racing, Gaming, and Wagering will hold a public hearing on sports betting with a mobile component in New York State on May 8th.

Board of Regents will hold its next meeting on May 6th and 7th.

The Assembly Committee on Education will hold a public hearing on specialized high schools on May 10th.

Public Service Commission will hold its next meeting on May 16.

The Assembly Committee on Environmental Conservation will hold a public hearing on climate change on May 17th.

The Senate Committee on Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities will hold a public hearing on the general operations of the Justice Center for the Protection of People with Special Needs on May 22nd.

A second Joint Legislative hearing on sexual harassment is reportedly scheduled for May 24th, details not yet determined.

A Joint Legislative hearing on suicide and suicide prevention is scheduled for June 4th.