Plugged In @ Hinman Straub
June 18, 2021
What’s Inside
- Governor Lifts Pandemic Restrictions as Vaccination Rate Climbs
- State Capitol Building Opens to the Public
- Governor Signs Bill Creating a Prosecutor Conduct Commission
- Tax Revenues Grow in April and May
- Stefanik Opponent Announces Bid
- Political Updates
- Reminders and Links
- Coming Up
Governor Lifts Pandemic Restrictions as Vaccination Rate Climbs
The Governor announced this week that COVID-19 restrictions are lifted with immediate effect as 70 percent of New Yorkers aged 18 or older have received the first dose of their COVID-19 vaccination series. The State’s health guidance and New York Forward industry specific guidelines—including social gathering limits, capacity restrictions, social distancing, cleaning and disinfection, health screening, and contact information for tracing—are now optional for retail, food services, offices, gyms and fitness centers, amusement and family entertainment, hair salons, barber shops and personal care services, among other commercial settings.
COVID restrictions remain in effect for large-scale indoor event venues defined as indoor venues that hold more than 5,000 attendees. Proof of vaccination can be used to eliminate social distancing and remove masks for fully vaccinated individuals. Unvaccinated or unknown vaccination status individuals who are over the age of four must continue to present proof of a recent negative diagnostic COVID-19 test result and wear masks within the venue. However, social distancing can be reduced or eliminated between tested attendees, allowing venues to reach 100 percent capacity in all sections.
Despite the lifting of restrictions, the state of emergency remains in place and with it the Governor’s pandemic powers, limited as they now are. The Governor celebrated the vaccination rate milestone by lighting monuments in blue and gold and coordinating a fireworks display at ten locations across the state.
Governor Cuomo said:
“What New York has done is extraordinary. Not only do we have the lowest COVID positivity rate in the United States of America, we have hit 70 percent vaccination ahead of schedule. We successfully deployed the weapon that will win the war, and New York led the nation. We led with nurse Sandra Lindsay, who was the first at Northwell to take that vaccine and to assure people it was safe. We’ve gone on to do more than 20 million vaccines, more per capita than any big state in the United States of America. Congratulations to New Yorkers because they are the ones who did it. We’re no longer just surviving—we’re thriving. The state mandates that have proven right and brought us through this pandemic are relaxed as of today, effective immediately.”
State Capitol Building Opens to the Public
The State Capitol Building will open to the general public today after operating under restricted access since March of 2020. Tours of the Capitol resume on Monday, June 21, and outdoor tours of the Empire State Plaza will start up again on Wednesday, July 7. Unvaccinated individuals will continue to be responsible for wearing masks.
Office of General Services Commissioner RoAnn Destito said:
“The New York State Capitol and Empire State Plaza are magnificent architectural gems, and we are proud to once again offer the public an opportunity to spend some time exploring and learning about these grand, historic sites. Our knowledgeable and lively tour guides are ready and eager to introduce visitors to the wonderful things New York’s capital city has to offer.”
Governor Signs Bill Amending Provisions of the Commission on Prosecutorial Conduct
The Governor signed legislation (S.3934 Bailey/A.1634 Perry) that will amend the Commission on Prosecutorial Conduct designed to address provisions that were deemed unconstitutional by a state Supreme Court judge in 2020. The Bill clarifies that the commission will act as a fact finding entity and will submit its findings to the appropriate attorney grievance committee to accept or reject the recommended sanction. The Bill also requires, in instances when removal from office is recommended by the commission, that the findings of the commission are transmitted to the Governor who has the constitutional authority to remove a prosecutor.
The Governor said:
“The prosecutors who serve New Yorkers every day in the state’s court system should be held to the highest standards of conduct in the exercise of their duties. This legislation improves the Commission on Prosecutorial Conduct’s ability to more effectively oversee and discipline prosecutors to make our court system safer and fairer for all. New York’s courts are critical to the functioning of government and the competent administration of justice, and this new law will bolster our ability to do both successfully.”
Tax Revenues Grow in April and May
The Comptroller announced this week that tax revenues outpaced predictions dramatically in April and May. Local sales tax revenues grew by 57 percent over the same month in 2020, demonstrating the effect COVID shutdowns had on the economy and local governments. State tax receipts were also $4 billion higher than projected. The Comptroller attributes the higher than expected state tax receipts to a $12.1 billion year-to-year increase in personal income tax (PIT) receipts. Much of year over year change is attributable to delays in PIT filing deadlines from April 15 to July 15 in 2020, and until May 17 in 2021. In addition, PIT collections increased this year from final returns and extension requests. Year-to-date, consumption and use tax collections were $2.9 billion, 47.4 percent higher than the same period last year.
State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli said:
“The strong tax collections through the first two months of the state fiscal year is good news and gives reason for optimism about the economic recovery. The state is emerging from the pandemic on solid fiscal footing because of robust tax revenue growth and an unprecedented infusion of federal assistance. Still, economic uncertainties remain and caution is warranted going forward.”
Rep. Stefanik Opponent Announces Bid
Representative Elise Stefanik will potentially have a new opponent in next year’s election after newcomer Matt Putorti announced his intention to challenge her. Stefanik has held the seat since 2014 and has won by increasing margins in what was once considered a purple district. Since her last re-election the Congresswoman has been elevated to the third-ranking post in the House GOP and with that adds new fundraising advantages to an already prodigious effort.
In a statement, Stefanik advisor Alex DeGrasse said:
“Congresswoman Elise Stefanik works hard every day to successfully deliver results to the hardworking families of the North Country especially our small businesses, manufacturers, farmers, seniors, veterans, and military families. She was just re-elected by the highest number of votes in the history of any North Country congressional candidate earning support from Republicans, Democrats, and Independents. She will continue to fight every day to ensure the North Country has a seat at the highest levels of government to make our voices heard.”
Political Updates
Assembly Judiciary Committee members dine with Cuomo as they consider impeachment.
NY Times: Cuomo’s inner circle raised money for Percoco.
Lt. Governor Hochul discusses Cuomo investigations.
Senator Gianaris on the end of session.
Long Island school lifting mask mandate, defying state orders.
Zeldin receives three endorsements for his run for Governor.
New York GOP prepares to anoint its likely candidate for governor.
NY Assembly Minority Leader weighs in on productivity of legislative session.
Assemblywoman deletes tweet about gunfire in Albany.
Under 300 votes cast during first four early voting days in Syracuse mayoral primaries.
Reminders and Links
City & State NY’s Weekly Winners and Losers here.
Coming Up
The Assembly will hold a public hearing on integrating services offered by the Office of Addiction Services and Supports and the Office of Mental Health on June 21.
JCOPE will hold its next meeting on June 29.
The Board of Regents will hold their next meeting on July 12 and 13.
The Public Service Commission will hold its next meeting on July 15.