Plugged In @ Hinman Straub

March 8, 2024

What’s Inside

  • Legislative Session Re-Cap
  • Governor Nominates Commissioner of the Office of Children and Family Services
  • Governor Nominates Co-Chairs of Emerging Technology Advisory Board
  • State Legislators Not Seeking Re-Election
  • Governor Hochul Announces Economic Recovery from Pandemic
  • In the News
  • Coming Up

Legislative Session Re-Cap

This week, the Senate and Assembly held session Monday-Wednesday and will reconvene Monday-Thursday of next week.

This week, the Senate Democratic Majority advanced a package of legislation that aims to support farmers and food producers around New York State. The bills being passed establish the Office of Urban Agriculture to support urban farming, expand the definition of land use in agricultural production, establish a farming hotline to help connect farmers to resources to expand their farming operations, create procurement goals for New York State products purchased by state agencies, expand regional farmers’ markets, and establish carbon farming tax credits.

Altogether, the package of legislation includes the following:

  • Agricultural Land Use: This bill expands the definition of “land used in agricultural production” to allow start-up, beginning, and small farms that are in production of the sale of crops, livestock or livestock products to receive an agricultural assessment if the farm can establish they have the ability to meet the currently required annual gross sales value within a certain timeframe. This bill provides these farmers an opportunity to receive this tax benefit, protect their land, and connect them with the resources needed to ensure success.
  • Farming Hotline: This bill would establish a farming hotline with the Cornell Cooperative Extension. This would serve as a one-stop hotline to connect farmers with information and support on needs, including, tax credit programs, beginning farmer loans, and sustainable practices.
  • Procurement Goals for New York State: This bill would establish procurement goals for New York State food products purchased by state agencies which will incentivize these agencies to strengthen and expand local farm and food economies throughout the state.
  • Farm Ownership Succession Planning Program: This bill would establish the farm ownership succession planning program to provide farm owners with a succession planning toolkit that can be used by such farm owners who plan on selling or closing their farm.
  • The Office of Urban Agriculture: This bill, S2415, sponsored by Senator Jamaal Bailey would establish an Office of Urban Agriculture to assist with and promote various forms of urban farming throughout the state. This office would support and help facilitate various efforts to create and uphold urban agriculture structures around New York.
  • Agricultural Representation on the State Fire Prevention and Building Code Council: This bill would require that one member, appointed by the governor, to the State Fire Prevention and Building Council shall represent agricultural producers.
  • Expansion of Regional Farmers’ Markets: This bill directs the Department of Agriculture and Markets to increase the number of regional farmers’ markets for the direct marketing of foods and produce in the state.
  • Interstate and Intrastate Cider Shipment: This bill would allow both intrastate shipment of hard cider in New York and interstate shipment to New York by cideries located in states that afford the same treatment to New York cideries.
  • Carbon Farming Tax Credit For Farmers: This bill establishes a tax credit for farmers who maximize carbon sequestration potential through a “carbon farming” land management strategy and directs the Department of Environmental Conservation to develop regulations related to certifying the amount of carbon sequestered or emissions reduced. This would create a new financial incentive for land management practices undertaken by farmers which help improve soil health and reduce greenhouse gas emissions, making New York a leader in promoting new agricultural strategies that combat climate change.
  • New York Healthy Incentive Program: This bill establishes a framework to implement a statewide New York Healthy Incentive Program (NYHIP) to incentivize fresh and healthy food purchases using SNAP benefits and increase local investments in farms and farm-to-consumer entities.

 

The Assembly announced that they passed a package of legislation this week to strengthen consumer protections against rechargeable lithium-ion batteries found in many popular electric vehicles and devices. This set of bills comes as fire departments across the state have reported a concerning rise in fires caused by the batteries, with New York City reporting 250 battery-related fires and 18 deaths last year alone.

The legislation will:

  • Prohibit retailers from selling lithium-ion batteries or chargers until certain safety standards are met;
  • Require the chargers be affixed with a tag that provides consumers with additional safety information and asks them to unplug the device when not in use;
  • Direct NYSERDA to establish a lithium-ion battery rebate program to encourage and facilitate the replacement of old and possibly unsafe batteries with properly certified ones;
  • Require the Department of State, in collaboration with the Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services and NYSERDA, to develop safety resources and post information and protocols designed to educate the public on how to respond and deal with emergencies involving lithium-ion batteries; and
  • Expand the specialized hazardous materials emergency response training program administered by the Office of Fire Prevention and Control (OFPC) to include guidance regarding emergency response to incidents involving lithium-ion batteries.

In addition, leaders and members of the Senate and Assembly majority issued a joint press release announcing the Legislature’s elections to the New York State Board of Regents.

The following have been elected:

  • Hasoni Pratts;
  • Seema Rivera; and
  • Patrick A. Mannion.

The following have been re-elected:

  • Christine D. Cea;
  • James E. Cottrell; and
  • Wade S. Norwood.

More information can be found in a press release here.

Governor Nominates Commissioner of the Office of Children and Family Services

Yesterday, Governor Kathy Hochul announced the nomination of Dr. DaMia Harris-Madden to serve as Commissioner of the New York State Office of Children and Family Services. Dr. Harris-Madden is an experienced nonprofit and community leader who currently serves as Executive Director of the Westchester County Youth Bureau and will take office as Acting Commissioner on April 8.

Governor Hochul said:

My Administration is committed to putting families first, and the Office of Children and Family Services plays a critical role in that effort. Dr. DaMia Harris-Madden is a tested, experienced leader who will be an important part of our work to make New York an even better place to raise a family. I’m also grateful for the leadership of Acting Commissioner Suzanne Miles-Gustave, a dedicated public servant who has played an important role at the agency. Her service to New York is greatly recognized and appreciated.

Commissioner Dr. DaMia Harris-Madden said:

I am deeply grateful to Governor Hochul for entrusting me with the privilege to serve the children, youth, and families of our great state. As we advance the mission of the Office of Children and Family Services, I am committed to leveraging existing partnerships, collaborating across systems, and delivering deliberate, well-led, and efficient services. Together, we will create meaningful opportunities that improve outcomes and enhance the overall well-being of all New Yorkers.

More information on the nomination can be found in the Governor’s press release here.

Governor Nominates Co-Chairs of Emerging Technology Advisory Board

This week, Governor Hochul nominated that IBM CEO Arvind Krishna and Girls Who Code CEO will co-chair the new Emerging Technology Advisory Board. This is an independent group of industry leaders tasked with informing and accelerating New York’s transformation into a hub for growth and innovation. The Board will provide direct insights into the dynamic landscape of emerging technologies with emphasis on artificial intelligence, and inform state efforts to build a modern economy driven by cutting-edge businesses and a thriving workforce.

The Board’s goals will include:

  • Developing recommendations to grow the AI ecosystem in New York and creating an environment for AI businesses and startup ventures to thrive;
  • Attracting and skilling a diverse and equitable tech talent pool, and making sure cutting-edge job opportunities are as accessible as possible; and
  • Identifying the emerging technology opportunities on the horizon and laying groundwork now for future technology sectors in New York.

Governor Hochul said:

From Rochester to Ronkonkoma, New York is embracing new, innovative industries to start building the next generation of tech in our state. This advisory board will bring together the best minds from business, academia, workforce development and other important fields to help our state capitalize on its tremendous growth and build an emerging tech sector that is safe, equitable, and positioned for success. I look forward to working with the Board under Arvind and Dr. Barrett’s leadership to continue our state’s upward trajectory and help usher New York’s economy into the 21st century.

More information can be found here.

State Legislators Not Seeking Re-Election

Over the last few months, several state legislator incumbents have announced that they are not seeking re-election this year. This week, Assemblywoman Helene Weinstein announced that she will retire at the end of her term this year. The Assemblywoman has served the 41st Assembly District for almost 44 years.  A list of incumbents not seeking re-election can be found below.

Senate:

  • Kevin Thomas (D) – SD 6 (Suspended Congressional Run)
  • Neil Breslin (D) – SD 46 (Retiring)
  • John Mannion (D) – SD 50 (Congressional Run)
  • Tim Kennedy (D) – SD 63 (Congressional Run)

Assembly:

  • Fred Thiele (D) – AD 1 (Retiring)
  • Taylor Darling (D) – AD 18 (NYS Senate Run)
  • Jeffrion Aubry (D) – AD 35 (Retiring)
  • Helene Weinstein (D) – AD 41 (Retiring)
  • Daniel O’Donnell (D) – AD 69 (Retiring)
  • Inez Dickens (D) – AD 70 (Retiring)
  • Kenneth Zebrowski (D) – AD 96 (Retiring)
  • Aileen Gunther (D) – AD 100 (Retiring)
  • Patricia Fahy (D) – AD 109 (NYS Senate Run)
  • Phil Steck (D) – AD 110 (Albany County DA Run)
  • Marjorie Byrnes (R) – AD 133 (Retiring)
  • Joseph Giglio (R) – AD 148 (Retiring)
  • Andrew Goodell (R) – AD 150 (Retiring)

Governor Hochul Announces Economic Recovery From Pandemic

Governor Hochul issued a press release this week to celebrate New York’s full economic recovery from the pandemic following the release of New York State Department of Labor (DOL) showing a total statewide private-job count of 8,346,200 jobs – the highest level on record. The department’s full data is available here.

According to the new data, New York gained 47,000 private-sector jobs in January 2024 with key sectors like Private Education and Health Services, Leisure and Hospitality, and Professional and Business Services driving job growth. Overall, the state has recovered 1,935,600 private-sector jobs since the height of the pandemic in April 2020 when statewide jobs reached a 30-year low of just 6.4 million jobs.

Governor Hochul said:

With jobs at an all-time high across the state, New York’s economy hasn’t just recovered – it’s been completely transformed. Business is booming, New Yorkers are getting back to work, and thanks to a major economic relief package I announced in my first months in office, our communities are stronger and more vibrant than ever. New York is back, and with our historic recovery and record-breaking 8.3 million jobs, my administration is moving full-steam ahead to keep creating good-paying jobs that help New Yorkers build a future here in our state.

Commissioner Roberta Reardon said:

I thank Governor Hochul for advancing initiatives that accelerated economic recovery, created career opportunities for New Yorkers, and supported businesses statewide. I encourage job seekers to take advantage of our robust services so we can help connect them to careers they will love.

In The News

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

Democrats ended redistricting with a couple wins. They’re OK with that.

Departing New York, environmental commissioner reflects on his legacy.

State panel to localities: cannabis oversight ‘starts at home’.

New York legislative Labor Committee chairs  renew effort for minimum wage parity between upstate, downstate.

New York fiscal experts agree there’s more to spend ahead of April 1 budget deadline.

New York gaming revenue jumps again in 2023.

New York budget watchdog: Focus should be on spending restraints.

Lawmakers plan restorations to Hochul’s proposed school aid reductions.

New York lawmakers, advocates call for increased wage replacement benefits.

WFP endorses Jonathan Soto in 82nd Assembly District.

Upstate New York business sentiment hits 15-year low, survey finds.

Extra $1.3B in revenue not expected to kill wealth tax talks in New York.

These local agencies hand out over a billion in tax breaks across New York.

Coming Up

The Boards of Regents will hold its next meeting on March 11 and 12.

The Public Service Commission will hold its next meeting on March 14.

The Commission on Ethics and Lobbying in Government will hold its next meeting on March 20.