Plugged In @ Hinman Straub

August 18, 2023

What’s Inside

  • Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie on Special Session
  • Commission On Ethics and Lobbying in Government Appoints Key Staff
  • Attorney General Urges Department of Homeland Security to Expedite Work Authorization for Newly Arrived Migrants
  • Governor Announces $40 Million Awarded Through FAST NY Program to Develop Shovel-Ready Sites
  • Governor Announces NYS Insurance Fund Returns to New York Businesses
  • In the News
  • Coming Up

Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie on Special Session

In speaking with members of the press on Tuesday, Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie stated that he does not anticipate having the Assembly return for a special session at this moment. Regarding the Assembly reconvening session before the Seneca Nation gaming compact expires in December, Speaker Heastie told reporters that the compact could be extended for a month without legislative action – which would take the compact into January of 2024. The Speaker, however, did indicate a willingness to return if the issue necessitates action by the Assembly.

Currently, both Houses of the Legislature are set to return for session in January of 2024.

Commission On Ethics and Lobbying in Government Appoints Key Staff

The New York State Commission On Ethics and Lobbying in Government (COELIG) has appointed the following to their key staff:

  • Jennifer Bliss, Senior Counsel;
  • Breanna Kajano, Deputy Director of Statutory Filings;
  • Amy Nicotera, Deputy Director of Discrepancies and Research;
  • Jeanne Beattie, Assistant Director of Communications;
  • John Amoroso, Confidential Investigator;
  • Brionna Neal, Training Associate;
  • Michael Smith, Training Associate;
  • Brendan Fanning, Compliance Analyst;
  • Christina Hernandez, Assistant Filings Specialist; and
  • Taylor Smith, Communications Assistant.

More information on the Commission’s appointments can be found in their press release here.

Attorney General Urges Department of Homeland Security to Expedite Work Authorization for Newly Arrived Migrants

This week, New York State Attorney General Letitia James called on the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to take immediate action to grant work authorization permits for migrants who are ne to the United States.

As part of a coalition of 19 attorneys general, Attorney General James sent a letter to DHS Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas urging the federal government to resolve the delays and bureaucratic inefficiencies that are preventing migrants from finding work and making it more difficult for states to provide sufficient resources to support migrants.

The attorneys general are specifically requesting that DHS:

  • Grant work authorization when new arrivals are allowed to remain in the United States;
  • Address inconsistent lengths of permitted time allowed in the United States and streamline renewal;
  • Automatically renew work authorization permits whenever someone’s allowance to remain in the United States or other immigration status is renewed; and
  • Make work authorization applications with a fee waiver available online to streamline and expedite processes.

Attorney General James said:

For generations, immigrants have come to New York seeking new opportunities for themselves and their families, and recent arrivals are no different. But bureaucratic delays and a lack of work permits are depriving new immigrants of the chance to create a better life here in America. Moreover, these delays are hurting our economy by depriving businesses of a much-needed source of labor. Immigrants helped build the Empire State, and I will continue to fight to make sure they are treated with dignity and have a fair shot at the American dream.

More information can be found here.

Governor Announces $40 Million Awarded Through FAST NY Program to Develop Shovel-Ready Sites

This week, Governor Kathy Hochul announced that $39.6 million has been awarded for seven locations under the Focused Attraction of Shovel-Ready Tracts New York (FAST NY) grant program. The program is designed to prepare and develop sites across the state to jumpstart New York’s shovel-readiness and increase its attractiveness to large employers and high-tech manufacturing companies.

This round of FAST NY awardees include the following:

  • Oneida County Industrial Development Agency (Mohawk Valley Edge) – $14 million;
  • County of Monroe IDA (COMIDA) – $20 million;
  • Buffalo and Erie County Industrial Land Development Corporation (ILDC) – $4.75 million;
  • Broome County IDA/LDC (The Agency) – $500,000;
  • Onondaga County IDA – $325,000;
  • Town of Lockport IDA – $63,750; and
  • Village of Painted Post – $36,000.

Governor Hochul said:

With our highly skilled workforce and commitment to emerging industries, New York is ready to welcome companies to our state while supporting those who have already invested in our communities. This funding from the FAST NY program will prepare seven shovel-ready sites around the state that will one day house the industries of the future – from renewable energy to high-tech manufacturing. Through investments like this, New York State is attracting elite companies that will create good jobs and power our local economies for generations to come.

Governor Announces NYS Insurance Fund Returns to New York Businesses

Governor Hochul has announced that the New York State Insurance Fund (NYSIF) allocated $585 million to New York employers last year through its dividends and return of premium programs. Every year, NYSIF returns funds to state businesses that prioritize worker safety protocols and exhibit strong safety records. While the program is not guaranteed and dependent on various factors, including financial performance, NYSIF has returned more than $1 billion to many New York businesses insured through this program during the last two years.

Governor Hochul said:

Through efforts like NYSIF’s dividends and return-of-premium program, New York State is proving that safe, stable workplaces are not just good for workers – they’re also good for business,” Governor Hochul said. “New York’s small businesses are the engine behind our economy and our state’s largest employers, and my administration is proud to provide these much-needed savings to companies in every industry that are joining our mission to keep workers safe.

Political Updates

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

Cuomo subpoenas ex-senator as sex harassment lawsuit heats up.

AG’s Office Quietly Closed ParCare COVID Vaccine Probe.

New York court-ordered cannabis license ban extended two weeks.

Democrats line up in Syracuse-era primary for Congress, aiming to unseat Rep. Brandon Williams.

Governor Hochul faces new challenges in migrant crisis.

Redistricting case to be argued before Court of Appeals in November.

Skoufis has long-term IDA game plan.

Speaker Carl Heastie says a special session to alter cannabis laws is unlikely.

New York’s clean energy transition must foster economic growth and protect public safety.

Debate intensifies over signing of birds and bees bill in New York.

Scathing letter reveals tension among New York Democrats over migrant crisis.

DiNapoli: Public health programs improve insurance coverage in New York, but differences remain.

Tish James signals ideological split from Hochul in unusual recusal.

New electrical transmission corridor to bring renewable energy to Capital Region.

Renewed calls for Hochul to veto public campaign finance changes.

Hochul ends Delaware North recusal policy after husband steps down.

Observations on the cost – so far – of implementing New York’s climate law.

Empire State Development Quarterly Status Reports: 2023-2024 here.

Coming Up

The Board of Regents will hold their next meeting on September 11 and 12.

The Senate will hold a public hearing to discuss retention and recruitment for civil service jobs in New York State, the New York State pension fund, pensions, and civil service benefits on September 20.

The Public Service Commission will hold their next meeting on September 14.

The Senate will hold a second public hearing to discuss retention and recruitment for civil service jobs in New York State, the New York State pension fund, pensions, and civil service benefits on September 20.

The Commission on Ethics and Lobbying in State Government will hold its next meeting on September 27.