Plugged In @ Hinman Straub

March 1, 2021

What’s Inside

  • Governor Accused of Sexual Harassment by Former Aid
  • Legislative Budget Hearing on Health
  • John Howard Designated Interim Chair of the Public Service Commission
  • Senate Democrats Announce Staff Changes
  • President and CEO of Long Island Association Stepping Down
  • Reminders and Links
  • Coming Up

Governor Accused of Sexual Harassment by Former Aid

The Governor was accused of sexual harassment by a former aid this week. The accusation, on the heels of a developing scandal regarding his administration’s handling of nursing home data as well as criticism of his temperament, comes as the legislature contemplates stripping the Governor of the emergency powers granted to him in the early days of the pandemic.

The New York Times coverage of the accusations can be found here.

The response issued by the Governor’s press secretary here.

Legislative Budget Hearing on Health

The once delayed and highly anticipated legislative budget hearing on health was held this week. Department of Health Commissioner Dr. Howard Zucker was questioned by members of the Assembly and Senate for over five hours. Dr. Zucker did not deviate from prior responses on nursing home data or the March 25th order. Prior to the hearing, the Governor’s office held a conference call and issued a statement from Steve Cohen, Chair of Empire State Development and former Secretary to the Governor. Both were intended to preempt any questions on the nursing home issue.

Health hearing part one can be found here.

Health hearing part two can be found here.

Health hearing part three can be found here.

John Howard Designated Interim Chair of the Public Service Commission

The New York State Department of Public Service (Department) announced that the Governor has designated John B. Howard as the Interim Chair of the Public Service Commission (PSC) and Interim Chief Executive Officer of the Department of Public Service. This will temporarily fill the vacancy created by the departure of John Rhodes, whose term as Chair and CEO had expired. Howard was originally appointed to the PSC in 2019. Before his appointment to the PSC, Mr. Howard had served as Director of Chamber Operations to Governor Cuomo.

John Howard said:

I am honored to be designated by Governor Cuomo to serve as Interim Chair of the PSC and Interim CEO of the Department. It is important to ensure a smooth transition to a new permanent chair, and I am pleased to help support that effort as Interim Chair.

Senate Democrats Announce Staff Changes

The Senate Democratic conference announced that Gary Ginsberg, who formerly held the roles of deputy press secretary, press secretary, and deputy communications director will take over as the new Director of Senate Services. Jonathan Heppner will be elevated to replace Mr. Ginsberg and Georgina Parsons will become the conference’s new press secretary.

President and CEO of Long Island Association Stepping Down

Kevin Law, President and CEO of the Long Island Association (LIA), a business advocacy group, announced he would be stepping down to take an undisclosed job in the private sector. Law has served in the role for ten years. LIA will begin a search for a replacement in the coming weeks.

Kevin Law said:

It’s been a privilege and an honor. But it’s time for a new challenge for me. I’ve had a great career and I’m not done yet. I still have a lot of energy, a lot of gasoline in the tank.

Reminders and Links

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

City & State NY’s 2021 Nonprofit Power 100 here.

Coming Up

*POSTPONED – TBD* The Senate hold a public hearing to examine key issues that impacted the 2020 Primary and General Elections, including the overall administration of elections, early voting, absentee, ballots, and board of elections reforms on January 29.

*RESCHEDULED* The Senate will hold a public hearing to hear about the difficulties of taxi drivers and livery drivers across New York State on March 4.

The Board of Regents will hold their next meeting on March 15 and 16.

The Public Service Commission will hold its next meeting on March 18.

JCOPE will hold its next meeting on March 23.