Plugged In @ Hinman Straub

February 28, 2022

What’s Inside

  • Governor Lifts Pause on Elective Procedures
  • Governor Signs Conditional Cannabis Cultivation Bill
  • New York Launches Cybersecurity Task Force
  • Assemblyman Cusick Announces Retirement
  • Harry Wilson Announces Run for Governor
  • Zeldin Announces Running Mate
  • Paul Rodriguez Enters Race for State Comptroller
  • Political Updates
  • Coming Up

Governor Lifts Pause on Elective Procedures

During an unrelated briefing on winter weather, the Governor announced that restrictions on non-essential elective surgeries would be lifted statewide. According to the Governor, every hospital in the state has improved capacity enough to allow for the lifting of restrictions that were re-implemented amid the initial Omicron variant wave.

The Governor said:

As you all know, we had to take some extraordinary steps, and that was to identify the hardest hit areas, the ones that needed the most help. And those are areas we had to suspend elective surgeries and to have a flex in surge capacity that we’re now coming out of. The great news is all of our hospitals are off the list to have to pause those elective surgeries and procedures. I want to thank all the hospitals who had to go through tremendous stress.

Governor Signs Conditional Cannabis Cultivation Bill

The Governor signed legislation creating a new Conditional Adult-use Cannabis Cultivator license, establishing a pathway for existing New York hemp farmers to apply for a conditional license to grow cannabis in the 2022 growing season for the forthcoming adult-use cannabis market. With a conditional adult-use cannabis cultivation license, farmers can grow outdoors or in a greenhouse for up to two years from the issuance of the license. It also allows them to manufacture and distribute cannabis products without holding an adult-use processor or distributor license, until June 1, 2023. Cultivators are limited to one acre of flowering canopy outdoors or 25,000 square feet in a greenhouse and can use up to 20 artificial lights. They can also split between outdoor and greenhouse.

To qualify for an Adult-use Cannabis Conditional Cultivator License an applicant must have been an authorized industrial hemp research partner for the Department of Agriculture and Markets, cultivating hemp for its non-intoxicating cannabinoid content for at least two of the past four years and in good standing as of December 31, 2021. Licensees must also participate in a social equity mentorship program and ensure the cannabis is grown in an environmentally conscientious way.

Governor Hochul said:

I am proud to sign this bill, which positions New York’s farmers to be the first to grow cannabis and jumpstart the safe, equitable and inclusive new industry we are building. New York State will continue to lead the way in delivering on our commitment to bring economic opportunity and growth to every New Yorker in every corner of our great state.

New York Launches Cybersecurity Task Force

The Governor announced the formation of a Joint Security Operations Center to combat cybersecurity threats in a coordinated manner. The center, based in Brooklyn, is launched in partnership with the Mayor of New York City, as well as, the mayors of upstate cities including Albany, Syracuse, Buffalo, Rochester, and Yonkers and is designed to improve coordination on threat intelligence and incident response across the state.

Governor Hochul said:

There is a new type of emerging risk that threatens our daily lives, and just as we improved our physical security infrastructure in the aftermath of 9/11, we must now transform how we approach cybersecurity with that same rigor and seriousness. I’m proud to announce this dynamic and innovative partnership to establish the Joint Security Operations Center in collaboration with New York City, our upstate cities, and government and business leaders across the state. Cybersecurity has been a priority for my administration since Day 1, and this command center will strengthen our ability to protect New York’s institutions, infrastructure, our citizens and public safety.

Assemblyman Cusick Announces Retirement

Assemblyman Michael Cusick announced he would not be seeking reelection in November. The Staten Island Democrat was first elected in 2002. Cusick is currently the Chair of the Assembly Committee on Energy.

Mr. Cusick said:

This decision is one that I do not make lightly. As a lifelong Staten Islander I grew up seeing the impact that leaders like Betty Connelly, John Marchi, and Eric Vitaliano had on our community. Their leadership, along with my mother’s civic engagement and my father’s public service inspired me to serve. While it has been an honor and a privilege to serve in the New York State Assembly, I am looking forward to taking more time for my most important jobs, those of being a father and a husband. I have been blessed with a loving and supportive family who have been by my side throughout my career and I am looking forward to my next chapter.

Harry Wilson Announces Run for Governor

Businessman Harry Wilson announced this week that he would be launching a campaign for Governor. Wilson made the announcement only a week prior to the Republican Party’s convention in Garden City, leaving little time to secure enough support and avoid having to petition on to the ballot. Wilson has pledged to spend $12.5 million of his own money to fund his campaign and has pledged to raise additional funds making him likely the only Republican candidate that could keep pace with Governor Hochul’s spending. Wilson last ran for public office in 2010, when he lost to Tom DiNapoli in a race for Comptroller.

Zeldin Announces Running Mate

Republican Gubernatorial Candidate Lee Zeldin held a press conference in New York City to announce Alison Esposito as his preferred candidate for Lieutenant Governor. Esposito is a Deputy Inspector for the NYPD and currently leads the 70th precinct in Central Brooklyn. This will be her first attempt at seeking elected office, though she did consider running for Mayor in the previous election before deciding against running. The position of Lieutenant Governor runs separately from gubernatorial candidates in party primaries, and together as a ticket in the general election. Esposito is joining Zeldin and other Republicans to highlight public safety concerns across the state.

Ms. Esposito said:

For far too long, I’ve witnessed the state and city that I love deteriorate in spiraling decline. Fatally flawed liberal policies like cashless bail, defund the police, the Less is More Act and even DAs like Alvin Bragg who refused to enforce the law have surrendered our streets to criminals.

Paul Rodriguez Enters Race for State Comptroller

Republican unknown Paul Rodriguez announced his candidacy for State Comptroller just in time for the state party convention next week. Rodriguez is a businessman with no political experience and faces an uphill battle taking on Tom DiNapoli, the poplar Democratic incumbent. Mr. Rodriguez was born in Queens and spent ten years of his childhood living in Puerto Rico. He spent most of his career on Wall Street at various firms, including Salomon Brothers, Merrill Lynch, UBS, BBVA, and ANZ. He began his career as an equity research analyst, later transitioning to credit analysis, and eventually working as a global banker.

Mr. Rodriguez said:

New York ranks worst in the nation in every economic category from the highest taxes to the worst place to retire. Our next comptroller must serve as a real check and balance on one-Party Democrat rule and their out-of-control socialist spending. I will break up the cozy, corrupt cabal in Albany and bring my private-sector experience to serve as a true watchdog for New York’s taxpayers.

Political Updates

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

City & State NY’s 2022 Labor Power 100 here.

Siena Research Institute releases new poll, crosstabs here.

NYT: Redistricting – Staten Island, Park Slope and an Unlikely Marriage here.

Tom Suozzi courts Latino vote in his bid to become governor.

Diana Reyna: Latino New Yorkers must be heard in politics.

Working Families Party endorses Stewart-Cousins, dozens of Democratic lawmakers.

With lines redrawn for Congressional districts, another candidate joins race for First District.

As Alessandra Biaggi sets sights on Congress, others set theirs on her current job.

Crowley announces state Senate bid in newly drawn 17th District in western Queens.

Brian Cunningham wins Dem Party nomination for Crown Heights Assembly Seat.

GOP primary possible in challenge to Woerner’s Assembly seat.

Former Suffolk BOE commissioner, Nick LaLota, announces campaign for Congress.

Lisbon businesswoman Susan Duffy announces candidacy for 116th Assembly District.

Legislator Vedat Gashi to challenge Rep. Bowman in 16th District.

Efforts launched to convince former three-term Gov. Pataki, 76, to run again.

Conole endorsed by Onondaga County Democrats in congressional race.

David Yassky gets key endorsement in state Senate race.

Coming Up

The Senate will hold a public hearing on the financial risks on banking posed by climate change on March 1.

The Senate will hold a public hearing on the impact of sexual assault in the prison system on March 3.

The Senate and Assembly will hold a joint public hearing on mayoral control of the New York City School District on March 4.

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

The Public Service Commission will hold its next meeting on March 16.

JCOPE will hold its next meeting on March 29.