Plugged In @ Hinman Straub
March 12, 2021
What’s Inside
- Attorney General Announces Legal Team to Lead Inquiry into Allegations against the Governor
- Assembly to Convene Judiciary Committee Investigation of Governor
- Counsel to the Governor Announces Resignation
- Quarantine for Domestic Travel Will No Longer Be Required
- Senator Serino Announces She is Cancer Free Following Treatment
- Political Updates
- Reminders and Links
- Coming Up
Attorney General Announces Legal Team to Lead Inquiry into Allegations against the Governor
Attorney General Letitia James announced the appointment of former Acting U.S Attorney for the Southern District of New York Joon H. Kim and employment discrimination attorney Anne L. Clark as the two attorneys who will lead an independent investigation into allegations of sexual harassment against the Governor. Kim and Clark will be supported in the investigation by Jennifer Kennedy Park, Abena Mainoo, and Yannick Grant. According to a press release, the scope of the investigation will include an independent investigation of, and the circumstances surrounding, allegations of sexual harassment against Governor Cuomo, including his administration’s handling of such matters. Upon the conclusion of the investigation, the team will produce a written report which will include its findings. The report will be made available to the general public.
Attorney General James said:
“We are committed to an independent and thorough investigation of the facts. Joon H. Kim and Anne L. Clark are independent, legal experts who have decades of experience conducting investigations and fighting to uphold the rule of law. There is no question that they both have the knowledge and background necessary to lead this investigation and provide New Yorkers with the answers they deserve.”
Assembly to Convene Judiciary Committee Investigation of Governor
In response to the most significant allegations against the Governor to date, which have been reported to the Albany Police Department, the Speaker of the Assembly authorized the Assembly Judiciary Committee to begin an impeachment investigation to examine allegations against the Governor. The Judiciary Committee, chaired by Assemblyman Charles Lavine will have the authority to interview witnesses and subpoena documents. The Speaker said in a statement that this investigation will not interfere with the Attorney General’s investigation.
Speaker Heastie said:
“The reports of accusations concerning the governor are serious. The committee will have the authority to interview witnesses, subpoena documents and evaluate evidence, as is allowed by the New York State Constitution. I have the utmost faith that Assemblymember Lavine and the members of the committee will conduct an expeditious, full and thorough investigation.”
In response to the Speaker’s announcement, Attorney General James said:
“Today’s action by the New York state legislature will have no bearing on our independent investigation into these allegations against Governor Cuomo. Our investigation will continue.”
Counsel to the Governor Announces Resignation
Kumiki Gibson, Counsel to the Governor, announced this week that she would be resigning her position in the Cuomo administration to take a position with a not-for-profit organization. According to a statement from Ms. Gibson, she had informed the administration of her plans last month.
The Governor appointed Beth Garvey to serve as Acting Counsel to the Governor. Since 2019, Ms. Garvey has served as Special Counsel and Senior Advisor to the Governor, responsible for the Governor’s budget, legislative and policy priorities.
Ms. Gibson said:
“It has been an honor and privilege to work for the Governor and the people of the State of New York. I remain deeply impressed with the talent and dedication of my legal team and will forever be grateful for having the opportunity to serve New Yorkers.”
Quarantine for Domestic Travel Will No Longer Be Required
Domestic travelers will no longer be required to quarantine after entering New York from another U.S. State or U.S. Territory starting April 1st. While no longer required, the Department of Health still recommends quarantine after domestic travel as an added precaution. Mandatory quarantine remains in effect for international travelers. All travelers must continue to fill out the Traveler Health Form.
Senator Serino Announces She is Cancer Free Following Treatment
Senator Sue Serino announced that she is cancer free after four weeks of radiation treatment. In July 2020, Senator Sue Serino announced that she had undergone a lumpectomy after having been diagnosed with early-stage breast cancer. While her lumpectomy was successful, the tumor had begun to spread before it was removed.
Senator Serino said:
“I continue to be so humbled by the tremendous amount of support I received throughout my breast cancer diagnosis and treatment, and I cannot thank our community enough. Nothing about a cancer diagnosis is easy, but our community truly went above and beyond to extend encouragement during this time, and I will remain forever grateful. I’m sharing this update once again in hopes that it will inspire others who may be putting off a health screening for any reason, to take a minute today to put their health first. My story is one where early detection made all the difference in my treatment and recovery process, and I hope folks will hear it and make the move to schedule—and commit to keeping—their own health screening appointments.”
Political Updates
City & State NY’s Notable lawmakers calling for Cuomo to resign here.
Cuomo says elected officials “bowing” to “cancel culture” in resignation calls.
NY Mag: Cuomo Never Let Me Forget I Was a Woman here.
NY Mag: Abuse and Power Andrew Cuomo’s governorship has been defined by cruelty that disguised chronic mismanagement. Why was that celebrated for so long? here
NY Times: Publisher Halts Promotion of Cuomo Book, Citing Nursing Homes Inquiry here.
Newsday: 23 Dem women in Assembly push against calls for Cuomo resignation.
Andrew Yang leading poll by double digits in race for NYC Mayor.
Reminders and Links
City & State NY’s Weekly Winners and Losers here.
City & State NY’s 2021 Labor 40 Under 40 here.
Albany Times Union article detailing an alleged cover up regarding structural issues with the Mario M. Cuomo Bridge.
Coming Up
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.
The Senate will hold a public hearing on diversifying agriculture and addressing food justice alongside continuing inequalities in our food systems on April 7.
The Senate will hold a public hearing on East Side Access/East Side Tunnel project oversight (MTA/Amtrak) on April 7.
The Senate will hold a public hearing to discuss and receive input from stakeholders on the Climate and Community Investment Act (CCIA) on April 13.
The Senate will hold a public hearing to examine potentially unfair and deceptive practices occurring in New York State’s primary and secondary ticket marketplaces for live events in order to identify any legislative and policy reforms that would help ensure sales are fair, equitable, transparent, and accessible for consumers and other stakeholders on April 22.