Plugged In @ Hinman Straub – December 18, 2020

What’s Inside

  • Assembly to Return for Special Session
  • Speaker says Potential for Income Tax Increase in Special Session
  • Senator Ortt Re-Elected Minority Leader
  • Senator Griffo to step down as Deputy Minority Leader
  • Unshackle Upstate Announces New Executive Director
  • Political Updates
  • Reminders, and Links
  • Coming Up

Assembly to Return for Special Session

The Assembly will convene a special session on Monday December 21 for the purpose of passing a resolution that will continue to allow for remote session in the upcoming year. The Speaker has suggested potentially passing an income tax increase in conjunction with this special session. It is unclear if they plan to do so Monday.

Speaker says Potential for Income Tax Increase in Special Session

Speaker Heastie floated the potential for a special session to address the need for additional revenue. The Speaker suggested an increase in the income tax rate should be addressed during a special session this month while other revenue raisers could be taken up during the regularly scheduled session in January. The Governor responded arguing that any increase in the income tax rate should be addressed within the context of the budget. The Speaker and Governor disagree that an income tax increase could be applied retroactively. The Governor argued that the court has determined that a retroactive increase is permissible, while the Speaker contended that the only reason it was allowed is because it was unchallenged in court.

Governor Cuomo said:

“It would be chaos and disruption. You have to do a tax increase in the context of a budget … otherwise, it is just a political gesture … I don’t believe Washington is going to give us nothing.”

Senator Ortt Re-Elected Senate Minority Leader

Senator Ortt was unanimously re-elected to serve as Senate Minority Leader. Ortt took over the position earlier this year after Senator Flanagan resigned to take a position in the private sector. Ortt was first elected in 2014 to replace the retiring Senator George Maziarz.

Senator Ortt said:

“I’m proud that my colleagues put their confidence and faith in me to lead the New York State Senate Republican Conference. I am prepared to work tirelessly to put forward an agenda that helps ensure all New York families across the state thrive. It is time to bring back affordability and say ‘NO’ to higher taxes. I, along with my Republican colleagues will make it a priority for our small businesses to succeed now more than ever and continue to promote economic development growth.”

Senator Griffo to step down as Deputy Minority Leader

Senator Griffo announced that he would be stepping down from his role as Deputy Minority Leader and floor leader for the Republican Conference at the end of the year. Senator Griffo will continue to serve his constituents as their elected representative in the New York State Senate.

Senator Griffo said:

“It has been a privilege and honor to serve as Deputy Minority Leader, and I am appreciative of the Conference’s members for having the confidence in me to serve in this role. I look forward to working with you and the Conference as we continue to focus on creating economic opportunity, achieving fiscal affordability, restoring the balance of power in state government and fighting to ensure the equal treatment of all regions of New York State.”

Unshackle Upstate Announces New Executive Director

Unshackle Upstate’s executive board announced that Justin Wilcox has been selected to serve as the organization’s new executive director. According to a press release, Wilcox will lead the organization’s ongoing advocacy efforts, strengthen partnerships with allied organizations, and raise awareness about key issues impacting Upstate’s overburdened taxpayers.

Justin Wilcox said:

“I’m honored and excited to lead this dynamic organization. Having worked in the public sector as well as the private sector, I know what needs to be done to revive our economy and restore Upstate communities. Working together with our leaders in Albany, I believe we can provide real relief for struggling people across Upstate New York.”

Political Updates

 

Final tally in Brindisi-Tenney House race won’t be known before Christmas week.

Errors and campaign challenges could undermine voter rights in Brindisi-Tenney race.

City & State NY’s Campaign Confidential here.

Reminders and Links

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

City & State NY’s 2020 Winners and Losers here.

1199SEIU pushing to repeal medicaid drug carve-out.

Coming Up

The Board of Regents will hold their next meeting on January 11 and 12.

The Public Service Commission will hold its next meeting on January 21.

JCOPE will hold its next meeting on January 26.