Plugged In @ Hinman Straub

August 9, 2024

What’s Inside

  • Governor Announces $350 M In Supplemental Payments Through the Empire State Child Credit
  • Governor Continues Listening Tour on Smartphone Use in NY Schools
  • Global Experts to Discuss Expanding Clean Energy, Grow NY Economy
  • Governor Hochul Signs Legislation Enhancing Voting Protections, Voter Accessibility
  • In the News
  • Coming Up

Governor Announces $350 M In Supplemental Payments Through the Empire State Child Credit

Earlier this week, Governor Kathy Hochul announced New York State started issuing approximately $350 million in supplemental payments to low- and moderate-income families statewide through the Empire State Child Credit program. By the end of August, more than 1 million eligible families will receive up to $330 per child – with no need to apply.

Payments are being provided to New York taxpayers who previously received an Empire State Child Credit of at least $100 on their 2023 state tax returns. Eligible recipients will receive payments ranging from 25 percent to 100 percent of the amount of their Empire State Child Credit received for tax year 2023. More information on supplemental payments is available here. The first round of checks has been mailed and more checks will continue to be mailed over the next two weeks.

Governor Continues Listening Tour on Smartphone Use in NY Schools

The Governor continued her statewide listening tour focused on addressing smartphone use in schools with her most recent stop in the Hudson Valley. Monday’s roundtable was held at the Yonkers Public Schools Board of Education and included State Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins among several other legislators, as well as administrators and teachers from several different schools in the region.

Governor Hochul said:

Our young people can succeed in the classroom when they’re learning and growing – not clicking and scrolling, I’ve already learned a great deal on this listening tour from educators and parents who want to deliver the best results for our kids. I’m excited to keep working with all stakeholders to develop effective solutions to address smartphones and other devices in New York’s schools.

Governor Hochul also recently launched the “Get Offline, Get Outside” campaign outlining initiatives to promote physical and mental health that would spur New York’s kids and families to put down their phones, take a break from social media, and enjoy recreation and outdoor social gatherings.

Global Experts to Discuss Expanding Clean Energy, Grow NY Economy

Governor Kathy Hochul recently announced the convening of global experts to discuss the role of next generation clean energy technologies and strategies to accelerate renewable energy deployment while collectively supporting economic development in New York. Relevant state agencies and authorities, global and federal leaders, power producers, technical experts, labor groups, environmental groups, business groups and other interested stakeholders will come together at the “Future Energy Economy Summit,” scheduled for September 4-5.

Governor Hochul said:

As we continue to bring new manufacturing and economic opportunities to New York, we’re ensuring these businesses are aligned with our vision of a clean and renewable economy. Supporting our historic investments in renewable energy, this summit will bring together the brightest minds to explore how we can accelerate our progress, what potential roles next generation technologies can play in stimulating economic growth and jobs throughout our state, and how New York’s innovation ecosystem can support these future industries.

NYSERDA Board Chair, Richard Kauffman, will serve as chair of the summit with contributions from leadership and staff from NYSERDA, the Department of Public Service (DPS), Empire State Development (ESD), New York Power Authority (NYPA), Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC), Department of Health (DOH), Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services (DHSES) and Department of Labor (DOL).

The summit will address advancing key factors to develop these technologies’ supply chain investments in New York, workforce opportunities, and how these investments can be leveraged to support large load growth and low-carbon economic development across New York while benefiting disadvantaged communities.

Those interested in attending the summit are encouraged to register here by Thursday, August 29, 2024. Capacity for this event is limited

Governor Hochul Signs Legislation Enhancing Voting Protections, Voter Accessibility

On Tuesday, the Governor signed into law legislation to strengthen voting protections and make it easier for voters to cast their ballots.  The signing of this legislation comes on the heels of the 59th anniversary of the signing of the Voting Rights Act of 1965. The following bills were signed into law.

  • 6735A/A.3250A – Allows pre-registered voters, individuals who will be 18 years old by Election Day, to apply for an absentee or early mail voting ballot.
  • 9837/A.10541 – Allows for New Yorkers to cure ballot defects within the required timeframes.
  • 5943/A.725 – Creates a standard ordering criteria for candidates appearing on a ballot.
  • 8464/A.9409 – Brings state election law into compliance with the requirements set under the federal Electoral Count Reform Act.
  • 6130A/A.530A – Expands poll watcher eligibility to include most New York State attorneys.
  • 9763/A.9991 – Makes technical changes related to town elections.
  • 9687/A.10357 – Clarifies administrative processes for preclearance coverage determinations under the John R. Lewis Voting Rights Act of New York.

Governor Hochul said:

Our democracy is rooted in the sacrifices of those willing to fight for that idea greater than any one of us, and with this legislation, we are strengthening our efforts to protect it. Every New Yorker deserves the opportunity to have their voice heard, and these laws bring the ideals of self-governance closer to reality.

Click here to view the Governor’s press release in its entirety.

In The News

City & State NY’s weekly Winners and Losers of this week here.

Siena poll: Harris Leads Trump (53-39%) among likely New York State voters

Robert F. Kennedy in N.Y. court as he fights ballot-access suit

Board of Elections sued over ERA ballot language

Could Andrew Cuomo use his state campaign funds to run for NYC mayor?

New York lawmakers want to study domestic violence in transgender community

National Siena College poll shows bipartisan support for federal nutrition programs

Coming Up

The Boards of Regents will hold its next meeting on September 9 and 10.

The Public Service Commission will hold its next meeting on August 15.