Plugged In @ Hinman Straub

October 3, 2025

What’s Inside

  • DFS Superintendent Resigns
  • Legislative Activity Increases with Lengthy Public Hearing Schedule
  • Governor Appoints Acting Commissioner of NYS Parks, Recreation, and Historic Preservation
  • Governor Reacts to Federal Government Shutdown
  • Governor Announces Opening of NYS College Aid Applications for 2026-27
  • NYC Mayor Eric Adams Suspends Re-election Campaign
  • In the News
  • Coming Up 

Department of Financial Services Superintendent Resigns

This week, Governor Kathy Hochul issued a press release announcing that Adrienne A. Harris, Superintendent of the Department of Financial Services (“DFS”), will be leaving the state agency. She served as Superintendent for four years. Superintendent Harris was nominated by Governor Hochul to lead DFS in August 2021. Harris led efforts to rebuild the Department to better protect New Yorkers, regulated entities, and the global financial system. Since August 2021, DFS has recovered more than $725 million in restitution for New Yorkers. Nationally, she became the first New York State representative to serve on the U.S. Financial Stability Oversight Council.

The Governor also announced her appointment of Kaitlin Asrow as Acting Superintendent of DFS, effective October 18. Kaitlin Asrow has worked at DFS for the past four years as Executive Deputy Superintendent of the Research & Innovation division. She is also responsible for the Department’s policy work around innovation and financial inclusion. Ms. Asrow has helped lead the operational transformation of the Department and is committed to continuing investment in technological infrastructure and key processes.

Governor Hochul said:

I’d like to thank Superintendent Harris for her four years of service at DFS, working every day to make our financial system work for New Yorkers, while also rebuilding the Department into a regulator fit for the financial capital of the world. Between her time at the Federal Reserve, Financial Health Network, and within DFS, Kaitlin is well suited to lead the Department into the future, expanding access to affordable financial services for all New Yorkers while ensuring our great state continues to be a center for responsible innovation.

DFS Superintendent Harris said:

It has been a privilege and an honor to serve New Yorkers, delivering positive outcomes for consumers; cementing DFS as a global regulatory leader; and transforming the Department’s operations. I want to express my deep gratitude to Governor Hochul, and to the DFS team for the excellent work they do every day to create a more equitable, transparent, and resilient financial system.

More information can be found here.  

Legislative Activity Increases with Lengthy Public Hearing Schedule

Despite the Legislature being away from Albany since mid-June, Legislative activity has begun to increase in recent weeks, mainly through numerous scheduled public hearings on a wide range of issues. This week, the Assembly Health Committee held a public hearing to examine the potential medicinal value and risks of psilocybin. The committee heard testimony from a variety of witnesses including medical professionals, researchers, and advocates.

The Senate also held a public hearing this week taking a closer look at oversight of the Public Service Commission’s processes related to rate case and generic proceedings, and the Department of Public Service’s efforts to implement the goals of the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act (“CLCPA”). The committee heard testimony from Rory Christian, Chair of the Public Service Commission, consumer advocates, and utilities.

The legislature will continue to hold numerous public hearings on the following topics in the coming weeks:

  • October 9th – Assembly public hearing on the impact and effectiveness of economic development programs funded in the enacted 2025-26 State Budget
  • October 10th – Senate public hearing on the Treatment Court Expansion Act (S.4547)
  • October 14th – Assembly public hearing on data privacy and consumer protections
  • October 14th – Assembly public hearing on the future of libraries and their integration of electronic materials
  • October 15th – Assembly public hearing on administrative challenges in the reimbursement system for domestic violence shelters
  • October 16th (POSTPONED) – Senate public hearing to discuss risks, solutions, and best practices with respect to the use of artificial intelligence in consequential or high-risk contexts, and related issues, such as classification of the types and risk levels of AI uses, frameworks for auditing AI tools for bias, and transparency improvements
  • October 21st – Assembly public hearing on virtual learning in higher education
  • October 21st – Assembly public hearing on rent stabilization outside of New York City
  • October 23rd – Assembly public hearing on protecting residential ratepayers from certain increased energy costs (Data Centers)
  • October 29th – Assembly public hearing on combatting problem gambling on mobile wagering platforms

The Legislature isn’t scheduled to resume regular session until January and is – as of this moment – unlikely to need to return for special session to address federal cuts.

Governor Appoints Acting Commissioner of NYS Parks, Recreation, and Historic Preservation

This week, Governor Hochul announced her appointment of Kathy Moser to serve as Acting Commissioner of the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation. Moser will lead the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation in an acting role as she awaits confirmation by the New York State Senate next year.

Acting Commissioner Moser most recently has been Chief Conservation and Policy Officer at the Open Space Institute (“OSI”), an East Coast land trust based in New York. Acting Commissioner Moser directed OSI’s Parks, Stewardship and Government Relations programs. Before taking on the role in June 2020, she served as OSI’s Senior Vice President of Parks and Policy.

Prior to OSI, she was appointed Deputy Commissioner for Natural Resources at the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (“DEC”) in December 2011. She directed DEC’s portfolio in Lands and Forests, Fish and Wildlife, and Marine Resources.

Governor Hochul said:

Kathy Moser has the needed background, experience and commitment to public lands to lead New York’s Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation. I want New Yorkers to get offline and get outside because we know nature has the ability to improve one’s mental health and overall wellbeing. I know Kathy understands this critical intersection of my policies to improve New Yorkers’ quality of life and environmental stewardship. This makes her the ideal person to lead this critical agency into the future.

Acting Commissioner Moser said:

I appreciate the trust Governor Hochul is showing in me to lead this vital agency. I look forward to working with our dedicated team in promoting and protecting our beautiful state parks, campsites, and historic landmarks. Our vast system not only provides affordable relief for New Yorkers looking to take advantage of the outdoors or explore our historic treasures but is an economic driver by attracting tourists from across the country and world.

Governor Reacts to Federal Government Shutdown

Following the federal government shutdown earlier this week, Governor Hochul joined New Yorkers and rallied to call out President Trump and Washington Republicans for their hand in the shutdown.

In a press release, the Governor’s office laid out the potential effects of this shutdown, including:

  • With more than 115,000 federal employees in New York State, tens of thousands will be furloughed, while essential federal employees, including air traffic controllers and TSA employees, will be forced to work without pay
  • Pauses or delays in the processing of applications for Social Security, veterans benefits, and other federal benefits
  • Critical programs, such as SNAP and WIC, are at risk of running out of funds and pausing benefits in the event of an extended shutdown
  • Threatens funding for Head Start programs across the state, jeopardizing childcare and early education for thousands of New York families
  • Hospitals across the state will be left waiting for federal reimbursements
  • Creates uncertainty for hundreds of thousands of families and seniors with housing vouchers or that reside in public housing who will be worried whether their rent will be paid
  • Farmers left without emergency aid while facing detrimental trade policies

Governor Hochul said:

After voting to gut food assistance and healthcare for millions of New Yorkers, Republicans in Congress – including seven members from New York – are once again recklessly siding with Donald Trump to shut down the federal government. Republicans were given another chance to stand up for their constituents, yet they chose to leave town rather than work in good faith to avoid a government shutdown. The GOP shutdown will have devastating effects on workers, small businesses and families throughout our state. Washington Republicans need to do their damn jobs, actually stand up for the people they serve, and come to the table to end this shutdown.
 

Governor Announces Opening of NYS College Aid Applications for 2026-27

Governor Hochul has announced that applications are now open for the New York State Tuition Assistance Program (TAP), and the NYS Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) Incentive Program for the 2026-27 academic year. Additionally, the 2026–27 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (“FAFSA”) is now available, providing students with access to federal resources.

Nearly 38,000 students who have become newly eligible for TAP are now receiving awards, contributing to more than $71 million in aid to students and their families. The NYS STEM Incentive Program provides scholarships that cover the cost of tuition to eligible students who are in the top 10 percent of high school graduates who pursue STEM degrees at SUNY or CUNY colleges. Recipients must commit to working in a STEM field in New York State for five years after graduation, helping to strengthen New York in critical industries.

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

NYC Mayor Eric Adams Suspends Re-election Campaign

New York City Mayor Eric Adams announced last weekend that he is suspending his re-election campaign, just five weeks before the General Election. Despite pausing his campaign, Adams’ name will still appear on the November ballot.

The decision marks a major shift in the city’s political landscape so close to Election Day. His announcement leaves uncertainty about how the race will unfold. Voters will now closely watch what this means for the outcome in November. 

His full announcement can be watched here.  

In The News

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

The cancellation of Jessica Ramos.

Transit union against Mamdani ‘free bus’ plan backs Cuomo for mayor.

Steve Cohen’s casino looks like a front-runner as final votes near.

How Cuomo plans to seize the Adams-less moment.

Eric Adams’s campaign is over. His campaign finance problems are not.

Fired NUMC CEO Megan Ryan sues hospital months after dismissal.

Rep. Lawler on government shutdown: ‘This is the Schumer shutdown’.

Medicare telehealth coverage set to change Oct. 1.

You should report Gov. Hochul’s ‘inflation refund’ checks on your taxes.

Trump launches fiscal assault on NYC, threatening $18B in transit projects, counter-terrorism funds.

New Yorkers’ health insurance costs on the line amid battle over government shutdown.

New York Ethics Commission considers expanding lobbying regulations and campaign finance restrictions.

New York State Gaming Commission appoints new Gaming Facility Location Board member.

Data center developers descend on upstate New York.

Hochul blames GOP over shutdown, doesn’t reveal strategy beyond pointing fingers.

State Association of Counties discusses how government shutdown impacts N.Y.

Inside the pus to legalize iGaming in New York.

Mayoral candidates push ads, messages in final stretch.

The case for reforms to New York’s restrictions on short-term rentals.

140,000 N.Y.C students are homeless. Can the next Mayor change that?

Michael Bloomberg broke Eric Adams’ heart when he endorsed Andrew Cuomo in NYC mayoral election: book.   

Coming Up

The Assembly will hold a public hearing on the impact and effectiveness of economic development programs funded in the enacted 2025-26 State Budget on October 9.

The Senate will hold a public hearing on the Treatment Court Expansion Act on October 10.

The Assembly will hold a public hearing to examine potential solutions for ensuring the protection and privacy of consumer data on October 14.

The Senate will hold a public hearing to discuss risks, solutions, and best practices with respect to the use of artificial intelligence in consequential or high-risk contexts, and related issues, such as classification of the types and risk levels of AI uses, frameworks for auditing AI tools for bias, and transparency improvements on October 16.

The PSC will hold its next meeting on October 16.

The Assembly will hold a public hearing to examine the process for municipalities outside of New York City to opt into rent stabilization and the use of vacancy rate to demonstrate a housing emergency on October 21. 

The Assembly will hold a public hearing to examine the continued integration of virtual learning at institutions of higher education on October 21.

The Assembly will hold a public hearing to examine measures to protect residential ratepayers from increased energy costs associated with integrating new large energy users into the grid on October 23. 

The Assembly will hold a public hearing to examine the combating of problem gaming on mobile wagering platforms on October 29.