Plugged In @ Hinman Straub – November 20, 2020

What’s Inside

  • New York City Schools Close Through Thanksgiving
  • Governor Announces PSC Report on Utility Storm Response
  • State Senate Updates
  • State Assembly Updates
  • Commission on Legislative, Judicial & Executive Compensation Declines to Recommend Pay Raise
  • Retail Council Names New CEO
  • Political Updates
  • Reminders, and Links
  • Coming Up

New York City Schools Close In-Person Learning

New York City closed Thursday for in-person learning until further notice. All students will immediately begin remote learning until it is safe to resume in-person activities. The Mayor cited a COVID positivity rate of three percent on a rolling seven-day average. The Mayor indicated the week following Thanksgiving would be the earliest possible period for a return to in-person learning.

Mayor de Blasio said:

“We all are in fact are feeling very sad about this decision because so much work has been put into keeping the schools open and opening them up to begin with. We intend to come back and come back as quickly as possible.”

Governor Announces PSC Report on Utility Storm Response

The Governor announced the completion of the Public Service Commission’s investigation into utilities response to Tropical Storm Isaias, which ravaged large swaths of New York State this summer. As a result of the investigation, three of the state’s largest utilities now face potential penalties totaling $137.3 million. All three will now have an opportunity to respond to the allegations or pursue a negotiated settlement. PSEG LI was also the subject of the investigation. The Department recommended enforcement actions to the LIPA Board of Trustees earlier this week.

Governor Cuomo said:

“We had Hurricane Isaias back in August and we once again had delays from the utility companies. They want to say the storm is the reason why the service was disrupted. I understand that, and New Yorkers are reasonable, but we’re paying you for the service of restoring power after the storm. I’m going to do everything I can do to make sure New Yorkers are compensated, and certainly that New Yorkers are not paying for service they’re not getting. I asked the PSC to do an investigation and as a result of its swift action the three utilities could be penalized $137 million, which is one of the most significant penalties. They have a right to contest. Let them contest. We will remain diligent in pursuit of the penalties because we are serious.”

State Senate Updates

Michelle Hinchey Declares Victory in Race to Replace Amedore

Michelle Hinchey has declared victory in the 46th Senate District after absentee ballots put her over the top. Hinchey will replace the retiring Senator George Amedore to represent the district that spans from Amsterdam to Kingston.

Hinchey said in a statement:

“Our world has changed immensely since we started our campaign, but that didn’t stop voters from coming out in droves to make their voices for change heard. I decided to run to make our Upstate communities stronger for the future, and I am tremendously thankful for everyone in the 46th District who heard our message and put their faith in me to be a strong Upstate voice in Albany. I could not be more excited or humbled to have the opportunity to represent them in the State Senate.”

Senator Kevin Thomas Declares Victory

On Monday, Kevin Thomas erased an Election Day deficit and declared victory after overcoming his challenger with a wide margin of absentee votes. Thomas will begin his second term in January.

Senator Thomas said:

“Following a very close election in 2018, I am thrilled to have won a larger margin this year, and I know that is because of my hard work fighting for this community, Long Island, and all of New York State.”

Senator Gounardes Wins Re-Election

After trailing behind his Republican opponent by more than 6,000 votes on Election Day, State Senator Andrew Gounardes declared victory against Republican Vito Bruno, following days of ballot counting. Absentee and mail-in ballots helped Gounardes surge past his opponent. As of Wednesday evening, the incumbent led by about 2,500 votes, with 1,800 or so to count, according to his campaign.

Senator Gounardes said:

“It is the honor of my life to serve my community, and today as the remaining votes are counted, I am enormously grateful to the neighborhoods of southern Brooklyn for reelecting me to represent them in the State Senate. I will go back to Albany and continue to fight for our community while always remembering the values we share together: to help our neighbors in need and do what is right no matter what.”

Senator Gaughran Defeats Smyth for 2nd Term

Senator James Gaughran, who trailed Republican challenger Edmund Smyth in early election night returns, won re-election to a second term Wednesday after absentee ballots were counted. Smyth, a Huntington Town Councilman, conceded to Gaughran after the incumbent came out on top as Suffolk County Board of Elections officials counted the unusually large amount of absentee ballots mailed in due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Senator Gaughran said:

“I am humbled to be re-elected by the residents of the 5th Senate District and I thank them for their support. During my first term in office, I worked tirelessly on behalf of Long Islanders and I am proud to have delivered real results — from a permanent property tax cap to support for small businesses navigating the COVID-19 pandemic. I will keep fighting for my constituents, for Long Island, and for all of New York State and I thank the voters for giving me the opportunity to continue to serve them.”

Jeremy Cooney Wins Race to Replace Senator Robach

With the absentee, affidavit and military ballot totals counted in Monroe County, Democrat Jeremy Cooney has won the race for the 56th District in the New York State Senate. Cooney had a lead of 866 votes over Republican Mike Barry on the night of the November 3 general election. The seat is being vacated by veteran Republican lawmaker Joe Robach, who has served as the district’s senator for 18 years.

Reichlin-Melnick Declares Victory in Race to Replace Senator Carlucci

Reichlin-Melnick, 36, a Nyack village trustee has declared victory in the 38th Senate District. The district covers the towns of Ramapo, Orangetown and Ossining in Westchester County. Reichlin-Melnick surged from more than 3,100 votes down on Election Day tallying as absentee votes provided the margin of victory. Reichlin-Melnick congratulated Weber on a hard-fought race, adding, “to everyone who voted for Bill, I will be your representative as well, and work to earn your support.”

State Assembly Updates

Assemblyman Ed Braunstein Declares Victory

Assemblyman Ed Braunstein announced his win in the tight Assembly District 26 race on Sunday after overtaking his Republican opponent in the absentee ballot count.

Braunstein said:

“Now that the absentee ballots have been counted, I am proud to report that I have won re-election and will continue to represent the people of the 26th Assembly District.”

Assemblyman Mark Johns Defeated by Jen Lunsford

Democrat Jen Lunsford has defeated incumbent Republican Mark Johns in the race for New York’s 135th Assembly District. Johns had represented the district since 2011, but Lunsford pulled ahead by just under 700 votes Wednesday, when absentee and affidavit ballots were counted.

Lunsford said:

“I promise that in the months ahead, we will continue to advocate for the needs of this community, our young families, and for the relief our residents desperately need to rebuild as we fight against this pandemic.”

Commission on Legislative, Judicial & Executive Compensation Declines to Recommend Pay Raise

The Governor, along with members of the state Legislature and judges will not receive a pay raise next year due to the state’s $14 billion budget shortfall heading into 2021, according to a report issued by the Commission on Legislative, Judicial & Executive Compensation. The commission meets every four years and their decision is binding until they meet again unless the Legislature passes a law stating otherwise. Governor Cuomo has already committed to declining his previous scheduled pay raise for next year because of the economic downturn caused by the pandemic.

Retail Council Names New CEO

The Retail Council of New York State’s Board of Directors has voted unanimously to select Melissa O’Connor as its next President and CEO. Ms. O’Connor will be the first woman to serve in this role since the organization was established in 1931. Melissa previously held the position of executive vice president and director of government relations for the Retail Council of New York State.

Alayna Alderman, Chairwoman of the Board of Directors said:

“Melissa brings more than 15 years of experience and passion to her new role as President and CEO of the Retail Council of New York State. She has the full support and confidence of the Board to lead the organization today and well into the future. Her reputation in government relations, coupled with her deep understanding of the various issues and challenges facing small and large retailers alike, makes her the best choice to effectively move our organization forward.”

Political Updates

Senate Democrats inch toward supermajority as absentees decide races.

Absentee ballots proving to be a boon for N.Y. Legislature Democrats.

Millions spent for one State Senate race.

Astorino vs. Harckham will be close as Westchester absentee count begins.

Gordon concedes to Garbarino in the 2nd congressional district race.

Tenney’s lead over Brindisi cut to 300 in 22nd congressional district race.

Suozzi leads in 3rd Congressional District race.

Antonio Delgado challenger concedes.

Reminders and Links

City & State NY’s Weekly Winners and Losers here.

IRS will issue regulations to allow SALT cap workaround.

In reversal of earlier position, Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins now not ruling out December special session.

Coming Up

The Assembly will hold a public hearing on oversight of the SFY 2020-2021 State Budget as it relates to supporting the New York State agricultural industry on December 2.

The Board of Regents will hold their next meeting on December 14 and 15.

JCOPE will hold its next meeting on December 15.

The Public Service Commission will hold its next meeting on December 17.