The Court of Appeals struck down New York’s congressional and state senate redistricting maps in a ruling that will require new maps be redrawn by a special master and approved by State Supreme Court Judge Patrick McAllister. The court ruled that both maps were enacted in violation of the state’s constitutional redistricting process, and found that the congressional plan was drawn with unconstitutional partisan intent. Judge McAllister had previously appointed Jonathan Cervas, of Carnegie Mellon University, to serve as special master and recently announced a schedule for completing new maps by May 20^th. Judge McAllister along with the State Board of Elections is empowered to move the congressional and state senate primary elections to August creating the potential for a bifurcated primary, barring legislative action to realign.

Governor Hochul said:

Governor Announces Creation of the Office of Strategic Workforce Development

The Governor announced the creation of the New York State Office of Strategic Workforce Development, which will be charged with improving the State’s workforce development programs and practices to better align with the needs and priorities of today’s employers. The Governor first proposed the new office in her State of the State address earlier this year and committed funding that was approved in the FY2023 budget. The $350 million investment in state funding will support coordinated investment in workforce development across state agencies and authorities and includes $150 million in multi-year funding for new grant programs that will primarily support employer-driven, high skilled workforce training programs.

To launch this effort, New York State – in partnership with the Business Council of New York State – has developed a comprehensive online survey to solicit vital feedback from businesses on the skills required for workers to be successful in today’s economy, and how New York can prepare and position its labor force to better serve companies’ needs.

Governor Hochul said:

Governor Signs Executive Order Requiring the Adoption of Gender-based Violence Workplace Policies

The Governor signed an Executive Order directing all New York State agencies and authorities to have a workplace policy on gender-based violence. The Executive Order expands on a previous order, which required domestic violence policies, and strengthens these policies while expanding New York State’s protections to include stalking and sexual assault. The Executive Order—issued today following a newly released Inspector General report detailing a deadly incident of domestic violence involving employees from two state agencies—will require agencies to formulate and issue a Gender-based Violence and the Workplace policy that will include mandatory annual training for supervisors, Domestic Violence Agency Liaisons, and Human Resources staff. The policy also has an explicit requirement for agencies to designate a Domestic Violence Agency Liaison, whose role is providing agency staff with resources and information.

Governor Hochul said:

New Work Group Announced for $350 Million Long Island Economic Development Fund

A new work group has been formed to advise Empire State Development on projects for which the $350 million Long Island Investment Fund should be spent. The work group will be led by Rich Guardino, who served on the Hempstead Town board for 21 years, including five as supervisor, and Jim Morgo, Suffolk’s former economic development chief. The work group is expected to screen building projects for the regional economic development council. The council will then make recommendations to Empire State Development about how the Long Island Investment Fund should be spent. “The LIIF Work Group will solicit ideas and suggestions” from other development council members, elected officials, educators, business and nonprofit leaders and the public, said Kevin Law, who established the work group “as my last official act” as council co-vice chairman. Law has been nominated to become ESD chairman.