Plugged In @ Hinman Straub

August 30, 2024

What’s Inside

  • Governor Directs College Campuses to Develop Emergency Safety Plans
  • Governor Signs Legislation Expanding Women’s Health Resources
  • Governor Announces Kickoff of State Energy Plan Process
  • In the News
  • Coming Up

Governor Directs College Campuses to Develop Emergency Safety Plans

This week, Governor Kathy Hochul met with leaders from over 200 college and university campuses throughout the state. During the meeting, the Governor reinforced the importance of emergency plans ahead of students returning to campus for the fall semester.

Due to the need to monitor and respond to campus protests and potential threats to student safety, the Governor as well as State Police and the Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services (DHSES) reinstated expectations and expressed their willingness to connect leaders with necessary resources. The meeting with leaders was to proactively help address hate, bias and antisemitism on all campuses.

In the Spring of 2024, the DHSES conducted reviews of campus emergency response plans and conducted multiple training sessions with higher education institutions across New York State. Throughout the summer, the New York State Police worked closely with campuses to enhance emergency planning and remains committed to working with college campuses to ensure comprehensive measures are in place to protect the school communities.

More information can be found here.

Governor Hochul said:

Public safety is my top priority, and as classes resume, it is essential that all students feel safe and are free from harm. Last spring, I directed college campuses to review and update their emergency response plans, and as tensions may be high as we start the academic year, I will continue to ensure all campus leaders and public safety officials have the resources they need to keep students safe

Governor Signs Legislation Expanding Women’s Health Resources

In celebration of Women’s Equality Day, Governor Hochul signed legislation on Monday to expand resources for women’s health services. The legislation requires commercial health insurers to provide coverage for tattooing performed by a physician as part of breast reconstruction surgery and requires menstrual products in public colleges and universities.

Subsequently, the Governor issued a proclamation naming August 26, 2024 Women’s Equality Day and announced 13 state landmarks will be illuminated purple and gold tonight, August 26. More information on the legislation signed can be found here.

Governor Hochul said:

Women have come so far in the fight for equal rights, but there is still more to do. New York will always be a leader in protecting and expanding women’s rights. As the first woman to serve as Governor of this great state, I will continue to champion women’s equality and reproductive healthcare.

Governor Announces Kickoff of State Energy Plan Process

Governor Hochul has announced the kickoff of the State Energy Plan process convening the State Energy Planning Board to update New York’s comprehensive roadmap to build a clean, resilient, and affordable energy system for all New Yorkers. The Plan provides broad program and policy development direction to guide energy-related decision-making in the public and private sectors within New York State.

Governor Hochul also announced today the appointment of Dr. John B. King Jr., Chancellor of the State University of New York, to the Board chaired by the President and CEO of the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority and comprised of the heads of State agencies and authorities, appointees from the Governor, Senate, and Assembly, and the president of the New York Independent System Operator.

The general scope of the Plan is defined by statute and will include:

  • Demand and supply forecasts for the State’s electric generation, natural gas, and delivered and alternative fuels;
  • A review of electric transmission and distribution conditions and needs;
  • Assessment of current energy policies and programs and consideration of additional actions toward achieving long- range energy planning objectives;
  • An update of the assessment of the climate and environmental impacts of the State’s energy systems; and
  • Discussions of climate justice, workforce policy, energy affordability, economic development opportunities, health impacts, and more.

More information can be found here.

Governor Hochul said:

We recognize that the landscape is significantly different than it was when the State Energy Plan was last updated due to the growing clean energy market, the challenges created by the global pandemic, supply chain issues and increasing energy demands. Planning for the future necessitates a fresh look to gauge in real-time where we are and where we need to be, while maintaining current momentum and reconfirming our commitment to the clean energy transition.

In The News

City & State NY’s weekly Winners and Losers of this week here.

City & State NY’s 2024 Labor Power 100 here.

Democratic House Candidate cleared in New York harassment inquiry.

Kevin Parker has filed to run for New York City Comptroller instead.

NY will use Medicaid funding for housing, transportation and food.

State lawmakers may have to weigh in on congestion pricing alternative.

New group forms to protest NYC ‘Safe Hotels ACT”.

Far from Presidential battlegrounds, blue states could decide Congress.

Environmentalists worry NY’s 2019 climate law could end up paused like congestion pricing.

NY Business Council outlines concerns in advance of next week’s energy conference.

NY Cannabis regulator hasn’t increased staff months after blistering review lead to Hochul ‘overhaul’.

Cellphones stress out parents just like kids, study finds: ‘Constant connectivity comes at a cost’.

This Assemblyman makes a lot of money on the side.

Man is first to be charged in New York with wearing a mask in public.

Stunning video reveals what proposed $12 billion NYC casino complex would look like.

New York State Troopers PBA president discusses reforms, recruitment.

Western Regional OTB cancels meeting to discuss new president.

Sources: Mayor Byron Brown on shortlist for Western Region OTB president.

Democrats target Latino voters in Hudson Valley swing district.

Coming Up

The Boards of Regents will hold its next meeting on September 9 and 10.

The Commission on Ethics and Lobbying in Government will hold their next meeting on September 18.

The Public Service Commission will hold its next meeting on September 19.

The NYS Assembly and Senate will hold a joint public hearing to examine the Community Services Block Grant (CSBG) Program on September 17.

The NYS Assembly will hold a public hearing to examine the impact and effectiveness of economic development programs funded in the enacted 2024-25 State Budget on October 8.