Plugged In @ Hinman Straub – October 12, 2016
Coverage of Albany and New York State government
- Budget Division Tells State Agencies to Submit Flat Budgets
- Governor Announces New Campaign Against Synthetic Marijuana
- Anti-Gambling Activists Filing Lawsuit Challenging State’s Daily Fantasy Sports Law
- Assembly Speaker Calls on Compensation Commission to Raise Legislator Pay
- Governor Announces ‘Transformational Plan’ for MTA Bridges, Tunnels
- Governor Touts Progress on MWBEs
- Governor Announces Finalists for Startup Competition
- Comptroller Reports on Regional Land Banks
- Political Update
- Coming Up
Budget Division Tells State Agencies to Submit Flat Budgets
In a letter to agency heads on Tuesday, State Budget Director Robert Mujica told state agencies to again hold their spending flat as the Cuomo Administration prepares a budget proposal for the state’s 2017-18 fiscal year.
After that state income tax revenues are down by nearly $1 billion assumed in the current state budget, Mujica wrote:
“It is as important as ever that we continue the fiscal discipline of holding total State spending growth below two percent, which has been the hallmark of New York’s financial turnaround. Agencies are directed to submit budget requests for FY 2018 State Operations and Aid to Localities that assume zero growth from FY 2017 cash ceilings (excluding School Aid and Medicaid, which are subject to different caps, and Federal Funds). Furthermore, agencies are advised that planning for the out-years should not include an expectation of spending growth.”
The Governor will submit his Executive Budget proposal in mid-January. The state’s current fiscal year ends on March 31, 2017.
Governor Announces New Campaign Against Synthetic Marijuana
On Monday, Gov. Cuomo announced that the state has launched a new public awareness campaign to encourage members of the public to report the illegal sales of synthetic drugs, commonly referred to as synthetic marijuana. The campaign consists of ads that warn of the dangers associated with use of these drugs and inform those who suffer from addiction that help is available.
Gov. Cuomo said:
“By any name, these synthetic drugs are a danger to public health and a threat to the safety of all New Yorkers. This administration is fully committed to ending both the sale and use of this dangerous substance and this campaign will continue our efforts to educate the public and stop the sale of these harmful substances once in for all.”
Anti-Gambling Activists Filing Lawsuit Challenging State’s Daily Fantasy Sports Law
On Wednesday, national anti-gambling group filed a lawsuit in State Supreme Court in Albany which challenges the recently-enacted law permitting Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS) betting in New York State. Read the compliant challenging the state’s law here.
The suit, which was brought by Stop Predatory Gambling, names Governor Cuomo and the state Gaming Commission. The lawsuit claims the state law is in “direct violation” of the state constitution’s ban on gambling because daily fantasy sports contests are “clearly gambling.”
The state Gaming Commission has issued temporary operating permits allowing nine DFS companies to operate in the state as it drafts regulations that will apply to the industry going forward.
Assembly Speaker Calls on Compensation Commission to Raise Legislator Pay
On Wednesday, Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie wrote to the state Commission on Legislative, Judicial, and Executive Compensation calling for a salary increase state legislators. The letter was sent in response to the Commission’s request for comment on the question of legislative salaries. In it, he urges the Commission to recommend salary levels for state lawmakers that at least match the rate of inflation since 1999, when legislator salaries were last increased.
Speaker Heastie wrote:
“The evidence is overwhelming that a raise in compensation is warranted; indeed, it is long overdue. Economic variables and public policy fully support a salary increase for statewide elected officials, executive officers, and legislators, just as these same considerations yielded an increase for the judiciary earlier this year. In order to maintain our constitutional framework of government and the appropriate balance among the branches and offices of government, it is important that the compensation of the offices under consideration be increased proportionally.”
The Commission has not yet scheduled its next meeting. Its recommendations on legislative and executive branch pay are due by November 15. The Commission’s recommendations will become law on January 1, 2017 unless lawmakers return to Albany before then to reject or alter them.
Governor Announces ‘Transformational Plan’ for MTA Bridges, Tunnels
On Wednesday, Gov. Cuomo announced “a transformational plan to reimagine New York’s crossings” which will include automatic tolling at all MTA bridges and tunnels, security enhancements, energy efficient LED lighting, new tunnel barriers to provide flood resiliency and seismic measures on bridges to provide long-term protection from earthquakes and other natural forces.
Gov. Cuomo said:
“By investing in New York’s transportation network today and equipping it to meet the challenges of tomorrow, we are cementing our state’s position as a national leader in 21st century infrastructure and cutting-edge innovation. From speeding up commutes and reducing emissions on key roadways with automatic tolling to bolstering resiliency on our bridges and tunnels and increasing security at key checkpoints, this transformational project will revolutionize transportation in New York and ensure that our state is built to lead for generations to come.”
See the presentation ‘Reimagining New York’s Crossings’ here.
Governor Touts Progress on MWBEs
On Thursday, Gov. Cuomo announced that that the utilization rate for Minority and Women-Owned Business Enterprises (MWBEs) participating in State contracts increased to 25% in the 2015-16 Fiscal Year, and that MWBEs secured approximately $2 billion in State contracts. He also announced the launch of a statewide Mentor-Protégé Program to facilitate long-term relationships between MWBEs and prime contractors.
The Governor has set the state’s goal for MWBE contracting at 30%, the highest in the nation.
Governor Announces Finalists for Startup Competition
On Monday, Gov. Cuomo announced the 16 finalists for 43North, a $5 million competition designed to encourage entrepreneurs with high growth potential to compete for enterprise funding in Western New York.
Gov. Cuomo said:
“43North continues to draw some of the world’s best, brightest and most innovative entrepreneurs to Buffalo – helping to remake the city and revitalize Western New York’s economy — and the best is yet to come. I look forward to the third year of this competition and the additional excitement and momentum it provides to a city that continues to be on the move.”
The winner of the competition will be awarded a $1 million cash prize, the first runner-up will win $600,000 and six third-place winners will receive $500,000. These organizations will also receive free space for one year at the 43North incubator on the Buffalo Niagara Medical Campus, guidance from mentors in related fields, access to other business incentive programs and the opportunity to apply for up to $400,000 in follow-on funding in 2017.
Comptroller Reports on Regional Land Banks
On Thursday, State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli released a report on the progress that the state’s 15 regional land banks are making in helping communities fight blight. The state’s land banks are charitable not-for-profit corporations authorized by the state’s 2011 Land Bank Act, and are intended to help local governments return vacant, abandoned or tax-delinquent properties to productive use.
Comptroller DiNapoli said:
“The surge in foreclosures and vacant, abandoned ‘zombie properties’ across our state demands action. The creation of land banks, as well as legislation passed earlier this year, gives local officials new tools to promote economic recovery in the areas most heavily impacted by the foreclosure crisis. Over time, with adequate funding, these entities may help stop the erosion of local tax bases and return economic vitality in disadvantaged communities.”
Political Update
Poll: Katko Leads Deacon in 24th CD
A Siena Research Institute poll released on Tuesday shows incumbent Republican Congressman John Katko leading his opponent, Democrat Colleen deacon, 53% – 34% in the 24th Congressional district race.
The 24th CD includes all of Cayuga, Onondaga, and Wayne counties, and the western part of Oswego County. The district (most of which was in the 25th CD until the 2012 redistricting cycle)
The district has been a swing seat in the last decade. Democrats have won it in races that coincided with the presidential elections of 2008 and 2012, while the Republicans have won the seat in 2006, 2010 and 2014.
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 19th Annual New York State Fallen Firefighters Ceremony will be held Tuesday, October 11 at the Empire State Plaza in Albany. Eight fallen firefighters will be honored at the ceremony.
The Public Service Commission (PSC) holds its next meeting on October 13.
On October 20, Columbia Law School and the Rockefeller Institute of Government are hosting an event titled “Constitutional Convention Referendum 2017 and Home Rule within the Empire State” in New York City.
On October 21, City & State Reports and New York University’s Robert F. Wagner Graduate School of Public Service present a day-long conference on government ethics in New York City.
The state Board of Regents holds its next meeting on October 17 and 18.
The Joint Commission on Public Ethics (JCOPE) meets on October 26.
Election Day is Tuesday, November 8.