Plugged In @ Hinman Straub
October 20, 2023
What’s Inside
- Governor Travels to Israel
- Governor Vetoes Wind Transmission Bill
- Department of Labor Releases Report on Private Sector Jobs
- Attorney General James Sues Cryptocurrency Companies for Defrauding Investors
- Department of Health Hold Town Hall on Aging Master Plan
- In the News
- Coming Up
Governor Travels to Israel
Governor Hochul traveled to Israel this week to demonstrate New York’s support in the wake of terrorist attacks by Hamas. “During these difficult times, it’s more important than ever for New York to show up in support of Israel.” The Governor said, “I plan to meet with diplomatic leaders and communities who have been devastated by the horrific Hamas attacks. New York will show the world that we stand with Israel – today, tomorrow and forever.”
During her trip, the Governor met with White House Chief of Staff Jeff Zients and Senior Advisor Tom Perez regarding the migrant crisis in New York. The Governor announced that as a result of repatriation flights to Venezuela, there has been a decline in Venezuelans crossing the Southern Border. During the meeting, the Governor thanked the White House for increasing federal staff in New York City, and reiterated her request for additional personnel, more funding to help cover the costs, and enhanced security at both the Northern and Southern borders in light of the recent terrorist attacks in Israel and increased threats worldwide.
Governor Vetoes Wind Transmission Bill
Immediately following her return from Israel and only one week removed from the Public Service Commission’s denial of a petition to increase subsidies for renewable energy developers, the Governor vetoed the “Planned Offshore Wind Transmission Act.” The bill was controversial in the legislature, as it was widely seen as a vehicle to avoid an otherwise required homerule message.
The bill would have required NYSERDA to establish a plan for improved transmission planning and coordinating systems for an offshore grid. It would also have required NYSERDA to conduct a cost-benefit-analysis and ratepayer impact study for planned offshore grid projects.
Aside from these generic provisions, the bill also contained a very specific provision that would have alienated parkland in the City of Long Beach in order to allow Equinor, a wind power company, to land a transmission cable from an offshore turbine under Long Beach and run cable to a transfer station in Island Park. The Senate and Assembly contended that the bill had statewide impact because of the generic provisions contained within the bill, and as a result did not require a homerule message from the City of Long Beach – which they were unwilling to provide.
The Governor said in her Veto Message:
Department of Labor Releases Report on Private Sector Jobs
The Department of Labor (DOL) has issued preliminary seasonally adjusted figures, which can be found here. According to the report, the number of private sector jobs in New York increased over the month by 7,500 in September. Additionally, the number of private sector jobs stands at 8,261,800.
New York’s private sector jobs, not seasonally adjusted, increased by 119,400, or 1.5%, over the year in September, which was less than the 1.9% increase in the number of private sector jobs in the U.S.
Attorney General James Sues Cryptocurrency Companies for Defrauding Investors
Attorney General Letitia James has filed a lawsuit against cryptocurrency companies Gemini Trust Company (Gemini), Genesis Global Capital, LLC and its affiliates (Genesis), and Digital Currency Group, Inc. (DCG) for defrauding more than 230,000 investors, including at least 29,000 New Yorkers, of more than $1 billion.
An investigation by the Office of the Attorney General (OAG) found that Gemini lied to investors about an investment program it ran with Genesis called Gemini Earn. Gemini repeatedly assured investors that investing with Genesis through their Gemini Earn program was a low-risk investment.
More information on the findings of the lawsuit can be found in the Attorney General’s press release here.
Department of Health Hold Town Hall on Aging Master Plan
The Department of Health (DOH) and the New York State Office for the Aging (NYSOFA) continued their series of statewide meetings on the state’s Master Plan for Aging (MPA), with a session Tuesday on Long Island. The meeting provided information about the MPA while offering an opportunity for public input.
During the Town Hall, MPA Chair and the Department of Health’s Office of Aging and Long-Term Care Deputy Commissioner Adam Herbst led the discussion, joined by MPA Vice Chair and New York State Office for the Aging Director Greg Olsen. They outlined the short and long-term goals of the MPA and sought comments and questions about MPA focus areas from those attending in-person and online.
The Department and NYSOFA also urged those attending the Town Hall and the public to complete the recently launched MPA survey and share their input on how the MPA can best serve their needs. The survey is available in English and 16 additional languages here. Print versions are also available for download here. The survey ends December 31, 2023.
In The News
City & State NY’s biggest Winners & Losers of the week here.
City & State NY’s 2023 NYC 40 Under 40 here.
Cook Political Report updated House ratings.
Working Families ditch incumbent; opt for county lawmaker for State Assembly.
Counties with highest unemployment in New York.
Pols push Hochul to curb natural gas hookups next session.
New York’s first ‘built-ready’ renewable energy project seeks developer.
AI proposals expected in Hochul’s State of the State address.
New York’s 2030 renewable goal faces uphill climb.
Taxpayers on hook for at least $20 million from Cuomo investigations.
How will New York swing district Republicans vote on Jim Jordan’s speaker bid?
Erie County executive race pits newcomer against longtime incumbent.
Hochul: FHA approves plan to utilize federal funding for more fast-charging stations.
Tracey Edwards resigns from state PSC for slot at Sands.
Lawmakers eye 2-year timeline to reform N.Y. state’s MWBE program.
New York pot sales hit $83M with more dispensaries opening.
On New York Governor’s first day in Israel to support Hamas terror victims, her father dies in Florida.
Judge throws out Assembly member’s lawsuit against Manhattan Democratic Party.
Will New York congressional lines move again? Top court takes up case that looms over 2024 races.
Coming Up
The Senate and Assembly will hold a joint public hearing to discuss the Bottle Bill on October 23.
The Senate and Assembly will hold a joint public hearing to discuss packaging reduction on October 24.
The Commission on Ethics in Lobbying and Government will hold its next meeting on October 25.
The Assembly will hold a public hearing to examine library construction aid and the long-term capital needs of libraries on October 25.
The Assembly will hold a public hearing to discuss the impact and effectiveness of economic development programs funded in the enacted 2023-24 State Budget on October 26.
The Senate will hold a public hearing to examine issues in the New York State market related to consumer accessibility and retail sale of legal adult-use cannabis on October 30.
The Senate will hold a public hearing to conduct oversight of the Family Court throughout the State, including its resources, operations, and outcomes on November 1.
The State Board of Regents will hold their next meeting on November 13 and 14.
The Public Service Commission will hold its next meeting on November 16.