Plugged In @ Hinman Straub

July 11, 2025

What’s Inside

  • Budget Director Holds Press Conference on the Impacts of the Federal Reconciliation Bill
  • State Senate Public Hearing on CDPAP Transition Postponed at Request of Hochul Administration
  • Governor Sends Letter to Secretary of Homeland Security: Release Emergency Management Funding for State and Local Governments
  • Office of Cannabis Management Announces New Leadership Members
  • U.S. Rep. Lawler Says No Republican Primary in Governor’s Race
  • In the News
  • Coming Up

Budget Director Holds Press Conference on the Impacts of the Federal Reconciliation Bill

New York State Budget Director Blake Washington provided an update on the State impacts of the “Big Beautiful Bill” during a press conference held this week. Washington reported that the legislation will result in an estimated $750 million impact to the State’s current fiscal year and at least $3 billion in additional costs in the next fiscal year, primarily in changes to Medicaid and the Essential Plan.

Some of the key concerns he outlined include the anticipated loss of health coverage for many New Yorkers and reduced revenue for hospitals and health providers. The bill ends or reduces several funding streams, including provider taxes and state directed payments. These changes are expected to place considerable strain on the healthcare system.

Washington also mentioned the administrative burden of implementing new federal requirements for eligibility redeterminations in Medicaid and SNAP, which could cost the State approximately $500 million over several years. While State officials are assessing options to address the shortfall, Washington indicated that tax increases are not currently under consideration and that reductions in non-essential spending may be necessary. Specifically, he mentioned cuts to programs that have not yet been implemented to lessen the impact.

He emphasized the need for continued analysis and collaboration with legislative leaders as the State works to respond to the changes. Washington plans on holding more press conferences in the future to provide further updates.

According to reports, the State Assembly Majority conferenced the federal legislation on Friday to discuss the impact and the potential need to returning for a special session to address the fallout.

The Governor followed this press briefing with a release focusing on the expected impact, which can be read here in its entirety.

Governor Hochul said:

I’ve been very clear: no state can fully undo the damage in this bill or backfill cuts of this scale. I’m working with the Legislature to brace for the impact and protect as many New Yorkers as possible because your family is my fight. I will never turn my back on New Yorkers or the values that we share.

State Senate Public Hearing on CDPAP Transition Postponed at Request of Hochul Administration

The State Senate has postponed a planned public hearing on the CDPAP program transition to a single fiscal intermediary. According to reports, the postponement was at the request of the Department of Health which indicated to the state Senate that it would only have the capacity to answer questioning at a later date.

“As the agency with oversight of the [Consumer Directed Personal Assistance Program], it is imperative that DOH is present to provide their unique perspective as it relates to the transition and ongoing operations of CDPAP. We are currently reviewing dates in August and will advise of the new date once confirmed,” a spokesperson for Skoufis said. “DOH has unequivocally committed to participate in the rescheduled hearing.”

According to subsequent reports, the Senate Health Committee Chair and Senate Investigations Committee Chair have announced a new date for the hearing, which will now take place on August 21, in New York City. 

Governor Sends Letter to Secretary of Homeland Security: Release Emergency Management Funding for State and Local Governments

The Governor issued a letter to U.S. Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem urging the Department to make funding available to state and local governments through the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) Homeland Security Grant Program (HSGP) as has been done every year since 2002.

HSGP provides states, local jurisdictions and their law enforcement, public safety, homeland security and emergency management officials with critical resources to further their preparedness and response capabilities. Without these resources, first responders and frontline emergency management operation teams will be unable to access state-of-the-art training, the latest advancements in equipment and the ability to seamlessly share and analyze intelligence with each other.

The full text of the letter is can be read here.

Office of Cannabis Management Announces New Leadership Members

The New York State Office of Cannabis Management announced new key hires to its leadership team: L. Simone Washington has joined the Office as Chief Equity Officer, and Dr. June Chin has been named Chief Medical Officer. The pair will lead initiatives established by the Marijuana Regulation and Taxation Act (MRTA).

L. Simone Washington provides OCM with extensive experience in building equitable frameworks. Formerly the Chief Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging Officer at Wellspring Philanthropic, she will work alongside the Executive Director and key stakeholders to expand OCM’s equity-focused initiatives.

Dr. June Chin brings over two decades of experience in integrative cannabis medicine, research, and public health advocacy to the role of Chief Medical Officer. Previously serving as CMO for Leafwell, Dr. Chin also worked as the New York State Vice Chair of the Cannabis Advisory Board and Chairperson of the CAB’s Health, Safety and Research Committee.

OCM Acting Executive Director Felicia A.B. Reid said:

We are thrilled to welcome Dr. Chin and Ms. Washington to OCM’s ever-growing agency community. Both of them have demonstrated vital leadership in their respective fields, are wellsprings of insight and organizational development practice, and each have a deep understanding of New York cannabis’ needs. They are the right leaders for the work now and the work to come. I am confident that their expertise will be invaluable as the OCM team continues to strengthen New York’s cannabis market and as the agency continues to grow.

U.S. Rep. Lawler Says No Republican Primary in Governor’s Race

U.S. Representative Mike Lawler joined Susan Arbetter as a guest on Capital Tonight to discuss the impact of the recent federal reconciliation bill. Notably, however, when asked about his intentions of running for Governor, Lawler claimed that while he has not had a conversation with Elise Stefanik, another candidate said to be eyeing a potential run, and despite feeling he provides the best opportunity to win in a general election, that he believes there will be no Republican Primary for the seat.

“There’s not going to be a primary. There can’t be a primary. It’s a waste of time, money and effort on everybody’s part. The focus has to be on defeating Kathy Hochul,” Lawler stated. Lawler is expected to decide whether to run for governor in the next few weeks.

The entire interview can be viewed here.

In The News

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

Former Rep. Sean Patrick Maloney (D) is considering a challenge to Lawler, potentially a run for Governor.

Take two: In southern Brooklyn, Chris McCreight running for Assembly again.

What Trump’s ‘Big Beautiful’ Bill Means for NYC.

Dems are gearing up to weaponize Trump’s megabill.

N.Y. GOP defends pushback to Trump’s spending plan.

Hochul’s press secretary resigns following sexual harassment allegations.

Interim U.S. attorney orders Times Union removed from media list.

A first look at the state’s Master Plan for Aging.

NYC Mayor Adams says Cuomo pushing him to drop out of race to maximize chances against Mamdani.

After Mamdani’s Win, Some Democrats Are Determined to Stop Him.

New York’s Financial Crowd Rushes to Build Anti-Mamdani War Chest.

New American Pulse NYC Mayoral Poll Released.

Mamdani claimed FBI was responsible for radicalizing infamous al Qaeda terrorist.

Who runs city government matters as much as a mayor’s vision.

Hakeem Jeffries dodges question about Mamdani identifying as African American on college application.

Hakeem Jeffries’ team blasts Zohran Mamdani’s liberal ‘Team Gentrification’ as primary threats spark feud.

Consultant for Democrat Blake Gendebien, Running Against Rep. Elise Stefanik, Interrupts Interview.

Expand voting to all New Yorkers: Charter Revision Commission must approve nonpartisan elections.

Zohran Mamdani leads general election poll for NYC mayor.

Democratic congressman: ‘I’m honored’ Mamdani allies want to primary me.

Coming Up

The NYS Board of Regents will meet on July 14 and 15.

The PSC will hold its next meeting on July 17.

POSTPONED The Senate will hold a public hearing to examine the Consumer-Directed Personal Assistance Program (CDPAP) transition to a single statewide fiscal intermediary – new date August 21.