Plugged In @ Hinman Straub – April 8, 2016

Coverage of Albany and New York State government – April 8, 2016

What’s Inside 

  • Governor Signs Minimum Wage Increase, Paid Family Leave Law
  • Governor Announces Launch of Downtown Revitalization Initiative
  • Governor Announces Western New York Transportation Projects
  • Lawmakers Push For Security Review of New York City Area Transportation Facilities
  • Governor Announces Support for Advanced Manufacturing Initiative at Binghamton University
  • Governor Touts Success of Tenant Protection Unit
  • Attorney General Warns of Tax Season Scams
  • Pipeline Opponents Urge Governor to Reject Natural Gas Pipeline
  • Hinman Straub Attorney Selected as New York Law Journal ‘Rising Star’
  • Political Update
  • Coming Up

 

Governor Signs Minimum Wage Increase, Paid Family Leave Law

On Monday, Governor Cuomo held an event in New York City where he signed into law the state’s minimum wage increase and paid family leave program.  He was joined by a number of Democratic state elected officials, and by Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton.

The law gradually raises the minimum wage to $15 in New York City by the end of 2018 and in Westchester, Nassau and Suffolk counties by the end of 2021. It will rise to $12.50 in the rest of the state by 2020, eventually reaching $15. In all, about 2.3 million workers are expected to benefit from the increases.

In a newspaper editorial, Gov. Cuomo said that the state’s actions on these two issues can serve as models for the nation:

“We are having a long overdue debate in this country about income inequality and how to close the wealth gap. These two policies, in meaningful ways, help bridge the current divide of income and opportunity….There can be no doubt: These policies will not only lift up the current generation of low-wage workers and their families, but enable future generations to climb the ladder of economic opportunity.”

 

Governor Announces Launch of Downtown Revitalization Initiative

On Thursday, Gov. Cuomo announced the launch of the Downtown Revitalization Initiative, “a comprehensive approach to transform communities ripe for development into vibrant neighborhoods where the next generation of New Yorkers will want to live and work.”

Under the initiative, ten downtown neighborhoods will be selected – one by each of the state’s Regional Economic Development Councils (REDCs) – and will receive $10 million to invest in the downtown area.  Read the nominating criteria here.

Gov. Cuomo said:

“A thriving downtown can provide a tremendous boost to the local economy.  This initiative will transform selected downtown neighborhoods into vibrant places for people to live, work and raise a family – which will also help attract new investments and businesses for years to come.”

 

Governor Announces Western New York Transportation Projects

On Wednesday, Gov. Cuomo announced that the recently-enacted state provides $112.4 million for four major transportation projects in Western New York.  The transportation projects are $30 million to convert the Scajaquada Expressway into a low-speed urban boulevard, $6 million for an environmental and design assessment on the Kensington Expressway, $22.3 million for the Cars on Main Street initiative, and $54.1 million for the Niagara Falls Transportation Authority.  The budget also includes $10.5 million for improvements and enhancements to Allegany, Niagara Falls and Midway state parks.

Gov. Cuomo said:

“The state is investing heavily in Western New York – taking a new approach to transform this region’s transportation network into a 21st century model for progress, and revitalize our state parks to meet the needs of the next generation.  These remarkable investments will leverage the natural beauty of Buffalo, while rethinking travel and restoring the visionary design of our parks and roads that was lost decades ago. By listening to local leaders and hearing from residents, we are reuniting our communities to create a world-class transportation network and parks system deserving of Western New York.”

 

Lawmakers Push For Security Review of New York City Area Transportation Facilities

Citing the deadly attacks in Brussels that targeted the subway system and airport, State Senator Michael Gianaris (D-Queens) and Assemblymember Nily Rozik (D-Queens) called for the state to undertake a security review of the region’s transit and commuter rail system.

The two have introduced legislation that would require the New York State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services (DHSES) to conduct regular, comprehensive assessments of security on the Metropolitan Transportation Authority’s (MTA’) systems, including the Long Island Rail Road (LIRR), Metro-North and New York City subways.

 

Governor Announces Support for Advanced Manufacturing Initiative at Binghamton University

On Wednesday, Gov. Cuomo announced $20 million in state support to Binghamton University for the NextFlex Flexible Hybrid Electronics Manufacturing Innovation Institute.

The funds will support the retrofitting of space at the former IBM facility in Endicott, as well as specific projects and new businesses that will be utilizing the space. The first year of the program is expected to create up to 200 academic and private sector jobs, with the potential for the creation of up to 1,000 new jobs over the five years of the Flex Tech Alliance Program.

Gov. Cuomo said:

“By leading the New York node of this national initiative, Binghamton University and its private sector partners are leveraging their collective strengths and raising New York’s profile as a global leader in innovation and technology. This is a shining example of how the Upstate economy is turning around, and I look forward to seeing what it can be and will be in the years to come.”

 

Governor Touts Success of Tenant Protection Unit

On Tuesday, Gov. Cuomo announced that the Tenant Protection Unit has returned 50,000 improperly deregulated New York City apartments to rent regulation and restored more than $2.25 million in overcharged rent to tenants during the last four years.

Gov. Cuomo said:

“Four years ago, we created the TPU to root out landlord fraud and abuse, fight tenant harassment and protect the rights of two million New Yorkers occupying rental apartments.  Since then, the TPU has successfully fought for tenants’ rights, returning thousands of units to rent regulation, holding bad actors accountable and forcing restitution for those who have been overcharged.”

 

Attorney General Warns of Tax Season Scams

On Wednesday, Attorney General Eric Schneiderman marked the beginning of National Financial Literacy Month and offered to avoid falling victim to tax season scams. He also asked members of the public to notify his office of any suspected fraudulent schemes designed to steal personal and financial information from consumers.

Attorney General Schneiderman said:

“Some of the most common scams reported to my office involve fraudsters targeting consumers during tax season and I hope New Yorkers remain vigilant leading up to tax day.  By keeping in mind a few basic tips and reporting suspected fraud, consumers can stay safe and ensure that they get to keep the full tax refund to which they’re entitled.”

 

Pipeline Opponents Urge Governor to Reject Natural Gas Pipeline

On Tuesday, hundreds of anti-pipeline activists rallied at the Capitol, urging the Cuomo administration to deny a water quality certificate needed for construction of the Constitution pipeline project.  The proposed 124-mile pipeline would run from Pennsylvania to Schoharie County, and would become a significant new source of natural gas for the state.

With New York State prohibiting hydraulic fracturing to develop its natural gas resources, anti-fracking activists are now opposing pipeline development in a number of areas around the state.

The Department of Environmental Conservation is expected to issue or deny a water quality certificate that is required for the pipeline to be constructed in the near future.

The pipeline developers said that the project is needed to meet state energy needs, is environmentally beneficial and will not ultimately be used to ship natural gas overseas.

 

Hinman Straub Attorney Selected as New York Law Journal ‘Rising Star’

Hinman Straub Principal Janet Silver, a member of the firm’s Education and Government Relations departments, has been selected as one of the New York Law Journal’s 40 Rising Stars. Ms. Silver is the only attorney selected from a private upstate law firm.

Ms. Silver started with the firm as a law clerk while completing her law degree. Since law school she has developed a practice that focuses on education, economic development, health and human services. She provides legal, regulatory and legislative services to a variety of higher education institutions, private and public elementary and secondary schools and nonprofits.

In 2015, she served as President of the Albany County Bar Association, and currently serves as president of the association’s Foundation and chairs its Pro Bono Committee.

Sean Doolan, chair of the firm’s Government Relations Department, said:

“Janet Silver possesses a combination of intellect, tenacity and drive that make her a passionate and successful advocate for her clients. In addition, she is a tireless contributor of her time and talent for others here at the firm and in the community.  We are pleased that the Law Journal has recognized her achievements.”

 

Political Update

Assemblyman Will Not Run for State Senate

Assemblyman Bob Oaks (R-Macedon) said this week that he plans to run for re-election this fall, and will not run for the Senate seat that is currently held by State Senator Michael Nozzolio, who is retiring.  Oaks, who serves as the Ranking Minority Member of the Ways and Means Committee, will seek a 13th Assembly term in November.

Clinton, Sanders Agree to Debate in New York

After weeks of negotiations, presidential candidates Hillary Clinton and Senator Bernie Sanders have agreed to debate at the Brooklyn Navy Yard on April 14, less than a week before New Yorkers head to the polls for the state’s April 19 primary.  The debate will be broadcast by CNN.

Winners & Losers

Each week, City & State New York publishes a list of the week’s political “winners” and “losers.”  Read this week’s list here.

 

Coming Up

The Senate and Assembly are scheduled to be in Albany session Monday through Wednesday, next week, April 11 through 13, before taking a two week break.

On Monday, April 11, the Assembly committees on Banks, Small Business and Consumer Affairs and Protection are holding a public hearing on small business online lending practices.

The Public Service Commission (PSC) holds its next meeting on April 12.

The Board of Regents holds its next meeting on April 18 and 19.

New York’s Presidential Primary is April 19, as are the special elections for the 9th Senate District (to replace Dean Skelos), the 59th Assembly District (to replace Roxanne Persaud), the 62nd AD (to replace Joe Borelli) and the 65th AD (to replace Sheldon Silver).

The Gaming Commission holds its next meeting on April 25.

The Joint Commission on Public Ethics (JCOPE) holds its next meeting on Tuesday, April 26.