Plugged In @ Hinman Straub – January 24, 2020

What’s Inside

  • 2020-2021 Executive Budget Released
  • Siena College Research Institute Issues New Poll
  • New York City Transit President Resigns
  • New Law Takes Effect Allowing Adopted Persons to Obtain Birth Records
  • Senator Seward Announces Retirement
  • Political Updates
  • Updates, Reminders, and Links
  • Coming Up

2020-2021 Executive Budget Released

Governor Cuomo delivered his 2020-2021 Executive Budget in Albany on Tuesday, January 21 at a presentation held at the Empire State Plaza in Albany.

The 2020-2021 Executive Budget is comprised of a $176 billion budget proposal that increases state spending by less than 2% over SFY 2019-2020, and addresses a projected $6.1 billion deficit. The Executive Budget holds agency operations spending flat at $10.7 billion.

Key proposals in the 2020-2021 Executive Budget include:

Deficit – The State faces an estimated $6.1 billion budget deficit, which the Executive Budget proposes to close through a combination of measures. The Governor proposes to re-activate a panel to identify $2.5 billion in cost-containment actions in the Medicaid program (Medicaid Redesign Team II), $1.8 billion in other savings in Medicaid and other local assistance programs, $1.5 billion in improved tax receipts, and $359 million in savings in state agency operations.

Economic Development – The Budget proposal includes a new Green Jobs wage credit for green economy businesses. The Executive Budget includes funding for a tenth round of Regional Economic Development Council awards, totaling $750 million. The Governor’s plan supports multi-million dollar commitments the State has made for a silicon carbide wafer manufacturing facility near Utica, and a particle collider and research facility at Brookhaven National Laboratory.

Education – For the 2020-2021 school year (SY), the Executive Budget would appropriate $28.55 billion in school aid, an $826 million increase over the current year (an increase of 3%). The Governor proposes an additional $704 million in Foundation Aid, to be directed specifically to high-need districts. 

Environment – The Executive Budget proposes a $3 billion environmental bond issue, and to ban polystyrene food containers and packaging. The budget continues to include a $300 million appropriation for the Environmental Protection Fund (EPF), and establishes two new state parks. The budget proposal also includes new products stewardship requirements for carpet and mattresses. 

 Higher Education – The Executive Budget provides a $257 million increase in funding for higher education in New York, bringing total support to $7.76 billion. The Governor’s plan would increase the income eligibility threshold for the Excelsior Free Tuition Program $150,000. The Governor also proposes $24 million to reduce or eliminate textbooks and to expand food pantries at CUNY and SUNY schools. The Executive Budget also includes proposals to regulate student debt relief firms. 

Human Services – The Executive Budget continues support for more than 100,000 new units of affordable housing and 6,000 units of supportive housing. The budget proposal also includes $5 million to expand housing opportunities for homeless veterans and expands a tax credit provided to low-income families with children between the ages of 4-16. The Governor also proposes to require all employers to provide employees with sick leave benefits, to vary depending on the size of the employer.

Expand Equal Rights Amendment – The Executive Budget calls for an amendment to the State Constitution to expand current Equal Rights Amendment protections to include sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age and disability as protected classes.

Infrastructure – The Governor is calling for a $25 billion increase in the State’s current five-year infrastructure plan, to now total $175 billion for 2020-2024. The plan includes $87 billion for transportation infrastructure, $35 billion for environmental facilities and parks, and funding for affordable housing, school buildings and community development.  

Marijuana Legalization – The Executive Budget proposes to enact the “Cannabis

Regulation and Taxation Act,” a regulatory structure for the adult use of marijuana and accompanying tax structure. The proposal would institute state oversight of the production, testing, labeling, distribution, and sale of cannabis, through a new “Office of Cannabis Management.”

Revenue – The Executive Budget includes a number of revenue actions. It continues the phase-in of middle class tax cuts enacted in 2018, and would reduce business income taxes on small businesses with net income below $390,000. The Governor also proposes to expand the current Empire State Child Credit, to include families with incomes of $50,000 or less. The budget proposal increases penalties on retailers selling untaxed cigarettes, and closes a loophole on the taxes on certain tobacco products.

Under New York’s budget-making process, the Governor develops and proposes to the Legislature a comprehensive and balanced budget proposal – the 2020-2021 Executive Budget proposal issued January 21.  The Governor is then afforded two opportunities to amend his initial proposal. The first opportunity to amend is on the 21st day after initial submission and the final opportunity to on the 30th day after initial submission. In recent years, the Governor has infrequently issued 21 day amendments and has focused all amendments on the 30 day submission.

Over the next several weeks, the Assembly and Senate will conduct joint hearings on the proposal – by agency and issue area – and negotiations with the Governor usually commence directly after each house submits their own one house budget proposals. Joint budget hearings are scheduled to commence on January 27.

The 2020-2021 budget year begins April 1, 2020.  

Siena College Research Institute Issues New Poll

Siena College Research Institute released a poll this week testing approval for a variety of proposals from the Executive Budget. The poll demonstrates overwhelming support for 11 of the 12 issues polled. Support for recreational marijuana, though not polling as high as the other issues, is still registering higher support than any other previous Siena poll on the subject.

One issue polled, however, provides some perspective the on high polling numbers for these proposals. Siena polled support and opposition to New York’s new bail law for the first time since enactment. A sizable plurality of those polled on the subject said the new law was bad for New York, providing context for the rest of the proposals currently registering wide popularity, as it was similarly popular prior to enactment.

A deeper look at the crosstabs demonstrate a precipitous decline in support among independents and those living in the suburbs. Support for the law declined in every demographic group including black and Latino voters, who shifted from roughly two-thirds majority support, down to under half. 

A plurality of voters, when asked which issue should be the Governor’s top priority this year, named taxes as their number one issue. Health care, education, and criminal justice followed behind as a top issue for voters. Education was the most popular second choice.

New York City Transit President Resigns

Andy Byford, the popular New York City Transit President, resigned this week. Byford was hired in 2017 to help turn the subway system around and had previous experience in Toronto, London, and Australia. Byford cited a reduced role within the MTA as one reason for his departure. His resignation does not come as a complete surprise as he had previously submitted a resignation letter last October, but, was ultimately convinced to stay by the members of the board.

Pat Foye MTA chairman and CEO, said in a statement:

“Andy Byford will be departing New York City Transit after a successful two years of service and we thank him for his work. Andy was instrumental in moving the system forward, enacting the successful Subway Action Plan and securing record capital funding with the Governor and the Legislature, and we wish him well in his next chapter.”

New Law Takes Effect Allowing Adopted Persons to Obtain Birth Records

Late last week, Governor Cuomo announced that more than 3,600 adoptees, outside of New York City, aged 18 or older have filed applications since January 15, 2020 to receive a certified copy of their original, or pre-adoption, birth certificate. As a result of the new law taking effect on January 15, the New York State Department of Health now accepts requests from adoptees 18 years old and older born in New York State, outside of New York City, who want to receive their birth certificate. If the adoptee is deceased, direct line descendants, such as a child, grandchild or great-grandchild of the adoptee, may request a copy of the adoptee’s birth certificate. Those born in New York City must apply through the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene.

Governor Cuomo said:

“Adoptees have every right to the same birth records as everyone else, and the new law we enacted is making that a reality for the first time. The significant interest we’ve seen in just the first 48 hours of the new law being in effect underscores how valuable this policy change is for New Yorkers, and I’m proud we were able to help correct this inequity.” 

Senator Seward Announces Retirement

Senator James Seward announced this week that he would not be seeking re-election. Senator Seward, long-time Chair and Ranker of the Senate Insurance committee, has held his seat since 1987.

Senator Seward said:

“While I have responded well to cancer treatments, my physicians have advised me that treatments will continue for the foreseeable future limiting my ability to maintain the rigorous schedule needed to campaign for re-election. This is the right decision for my health, my family, and the people of the 51st Senate District. I am grateful for the opportunity to serve in the state Senate and sincerely thank the voters for their support and confidence. The sacred trust bestowed in me by those I have had the privilege to represent has always been foremost on my mind.”

Political Updates

A fourth candidate has announced a run for Sen. LaValle’s seat.

Aaron Gladd will not seek rematch for Senate seat.

Assembly challengers posting strong fundraising numbers.

Endorsements

Senator Skoufis receives local endorsement.

Updates, Reminders, and Links

City & State NY’s Winners & Losers here.

City & State NY’s 2020 Health Power 100 here.

City & State NY’s Who’s Facing A 2020 Primary Challenge In The State Legislature here.

Coming Up

The 2020-21 Joint Legislative Budget Hearing on Environmental Conservation will be held at 11:00 A.M. on Monday, January 27th in Hearing Room B, Legislative Office Building.

The 2020-21 Joint Legislative Budget Hearing on Transportation will be held at 9:30 A.M. on Tuesday, January 28th in Hearing Room B, Legislative Office Building.

JCOPE will hold its next meeting on January 28.

*POSTPONED* The Legislative Commission on Rural Resources public hearing to examine the effectiveness of current flooding emergency and mitigation efforts, and to discuss the need for future assistance due to the increase in extreme weather events has been postponed.

The 2020-21 Joint Legislative Budget Hearing on Health/Medicaid will be held at 9:30 A.M. on Wednesday, January 29th in Hearing Room B, Legislative Office Building.

The 2020-21 Joint Legislative Budget Hearing on Human Services will be held at 9:30 A.M. on Thursday, January 30th in Hearing Room B, Legislative Office Building.

The 2020-21 Joint Legislative Budget Hearing on Mental Hygiene will be held at 11:00 A.M. on Monday, February 3rd in Hearing Room B, Legislative Office Building.

The 2020-21 Joint Legislative Budget Hearing on Higher Education will be held at 9:30 A.M. on Tuesday, February 4th in Hearing Room B, Legislative Office Building.

The 2020-21 Joint Legislative Budget Hearing on Workforce Development will be held at 9:30 A.M. on Wednesday, February 5th in Hearing Room B, Legislative Office Building.

The 2020-21 Joint Legislative Budget Hearing on Housing will be held at 1:00 P.M. on Wednesday, February 5th in Hearing Room B, Legislative Office Building.

The Board of Regents will hold their next meeting on February 10th and 11th.

The 2020-21 Joint Legislative Budget Hearing on Local Government will be held at 11:00 A.M. on Monday, February 10th in Hearing Room B, Legislative Office Building.

The 2020-21 Joint Legislative Budget Hearing on Elementary Education will be held at 9:30 A.M. on Tuesday, February 11th in Hearing Room B, Legislative Office Building.

The Senate Racing Committee will hold a public meeting on the economic impact of the three unused downstate casino licenses on February 12.

The 2020-21 Joint Legislative Budget Hearing on Public Protection will be held at 9:30 A.M. on Wednesday, February 12th in Hearing Room B, Legislative Office Building.

The 2020-21 Joint Legislative Budget Hearing on Economic Development will be held at 9:30 A.M. on Thursday, February 13th in Hearing Room B, Legislative Office Building.

The 2020-21 Joint Legislative Budget Hearing on Taxes will be held at 1:00 P.M. on Wednesday, February 13th in Hearing Room B, Legislative Office Building.

The Assembly will hold a public hearing on incentives for community solar on February 18.