Plugged In @ Hinman Straub

October 17, 2025

What’s Inside

  • 15 Governors Launch Public Health Alliance
  • Governor Slams Federal Government for Holding SNAP Benefits Hostage
  • Court of Appeals Upholds Even Year Local Elections in New York
  • Governor Marks Progress on Micron’s $100 billion Investment in New York
  • New York Wins Case Protecting Nearly $34 Million in MTA Anti-Terrorism Funds
  • In the News
  • Coming Up 

15 Governors Launch Public Health Alliance

Governor Kathy Hochul and 14 other U.S. governors launched the Governors Public Health Alliance, a joint initiative to protect the health of people across the country. In joining the Governors Public Health Alliance, New York will participate in and contribute to a nonpartisan coordinating hub for governors and their public health leaders and a unified, cross-state liaison with the global health community. The Alliance also provides a platform for governors to exchange best practices, align policies, and coordinate on issues like vaccine access, emergency response and health security.

The Governors Public Health Alliance also facilitates national coordination on public health at the gubernatorial level — complementing existing mechanisms and interfacing with entities across the county. This includes the Northeast Public Health Collaborative, which New York helps lead, and assists state public health laboratories in sharing resources and expertise to strengthen regional readiness.

Governor Hochul said:

From undermining vaccine access and abortion rights to slashing billions in Medicaid funding from those in need, the federal government is wreaking havoc on public health and the institutions we rely on. The Governors Public Health Alliance will allow our states to share expertise, coordinate with global partners, and deploy the tools and information needed to meet public health threats and protect the American people.

More information on the alliance can be found here. 

Governor Slams Federal Government for Holding SNAP Benefits Hostage

Governor Hochul’s office issued a press release blaming congressional Republicans for playing “political games” and holding federal funding that is earmarked for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) hostage. Such funds are utilized by millions of New Yorkers.

Governor Hochul stated that, based on a memo sent to all regional SNAP directors, nearly 3 million New Yorkers could lose their SNAP benefits starting November 1. According to the Governor, the Trump Administration has also indicated to New York that it will not allow states to distribute federal funding for SNAP recipients. Governor Hochul is calling on congressional Republicans to stop withholding this food assistance and prevent families across New York, and America, from going hungry.

Governor Hochul said:

I’m outraged that Washington Republicans are deliberately withholding federal funding from millions of New Yorkers who rely on SNAP to put food on the table. This is a cruel, senseless and politically motivated punishment inflicted by the Trump Administration that they have the power to avoid. Lives depend on this, and Washington Republicans need to stop playing games. Release this federal funding right now and let states get this money to families to ensure they don’t go hungry!

A full breakdown of the potential impacts felt by this funding withholding, by congressional district, can be found here. 

Court of Appeals Upholds Even Year Local Elections in New York

New York’s highest court, the Court of Appeals, has upheld the state’s 2023 law that shifts most local elections (outside of New York City) to even-numbered years, aligning them with state and federal contests. The Court of Appeals ruled unanimously that there is no constitutional barrier preventing the Legislature from enacting the Even Year Election Law. Governor Kathy Hochul praised the decision as a victory for democracy, saying it will make voting more accessible and boost participation.

The ruling allows the law to take effect without delay, meaning several local officials elected this year will serve shortened terms and run again in 2026. The law aims to increase turnout in local elections, which typically see fewer voters than federal or state races.

In her full statement, the Governor said:

The Court of Appeals’ unanimous decision to uphold New York’s even-year election law is a victory for democracy and all New Yorkers. I championed this legislation because I believe our state is stronger when more people have the opportunity to make their voices heard.

By aligning local elections with the state and federal calendar, we’re making it easier for New Yorkers to participate in government. At a time when voting rights are under attack across the nation, New York is proudly moving in the opposite direction.

Governor Marks Progress on Micron’s $100 billion Investment in New York 

This week, Governor Hochul marked progress for the Micron project in Central New York with the New York State Public Service Commission (PSC) adopting the terms of a joint proposal in connection with National Grid’s petition to construct a two-mile, 345-kilovolt underground transmission service line between an existing substation and the proposed Micron technology fabrication areas in the Town of Clay, Onondaga County.

The PSC also approved National Grid’s environmental management and construction plan for the first phase of construction activities, which involves the installation of the eastern expansion of the Clay substation, and installation of equipment from the Clay substation to the Micron campus. The joint proposal was signed by National Grid, the New York State Department of Public Service Staff and the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation.

In addition to approving the transmission connections, the PSC also approved the utility’s plans regarding receiving and addressing public complaints, addressing environmental concerns such as waterbody and wildlife protection, and where and when construction activities would occur. It also seeks to identify and minimize the disruptive effects of construction and describes cleanup and restoration following construction.

Governor Hochul said:

We’re working hard to shape the upstate economy into an economic powerhouse. Today’s decision by the PSC marks a major milestone for the development of the Micron project in upstate New York. This project is set to transform Central New York — and we’re moving quickly ahead with all due speed and deliberation.

According to the Governor’s office, Micron’s presence in Central New York represents growth in Upstate New York and will contribute the following:

  • 9,000 new jobs at all levels of education on site.
  • Over 50,000 new permanent jobs in the region over next 30 years and tens of thousands of construction jobs over the next 20 years to build the campus.
  • An additional $9.5 billion in regional economic output annually starting in 2027, ramping up to over $16 billion annually by 2041.
  • An additional $3.3 billion in annual disposable income for Central New Yorkers by 2035, rising to an average of $5.4 billion per year through 2055.
  • Nearly $20 billion in additional revenue for state and local governments to improve schools and other public services over the next 30 years.

New York Wins Case Protecting Nearly $34 Million in MTA Anti-Terrorism Funds 

This week, the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York ordered the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to award nearly $34 million in critical anti-terrorism funding owed to the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) that DHS had allegedly tried to block.

In a joint statement, Governor Hochul and Attorney General James said:

This ruling protecting critical counterterrorism funding is a victory for every New Yorker who rides our subways, buses, and commuter rails. A court has once again affirmed that this administration cannot punish New York by arbitrarily wiping out critical security resources and defunding law enforcement that keeps riders safe. We will always fight to ensure that New York gets the resources we need to support our law enforcement and keep people safe.

In The News

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

NYC sues Trump officials for revoking $47 million in school grants over trans student protections.

State GOP to disband Young Republican chapter after hateful texts revealed, sources say.

MGM surprisingly drops bid to build casino in NY — leaving just 3 contenders for licenses.

Mayor Adams post-City Hall plans come into focus: PhD, overseas (maybe) ‘dream job’.

Massive NY tunnel and subway projects still alive, official says despite Trump’s claims.

Audit: State missing the mark on using local food in school lunches.

In Albany, calls ramp up for more human services funding ahead of tough state budget.

Fox News Poll: Mamdani maintains significant lead in NYC mayoral race.

Secret recordings indicate Adams aides tried to get alleged mob tow trucks back on the road.

7 takeaways from the first N.Y.C Mayoral debate.

New York’s richest ask ‘how dare he?’ as Mamdani closes in on City Hall.

Super PAC tied to Cuomo buoyed by million-dollar donations.

Why Hochul blocked bill that could have shown if online groceries cost more.

New York Dems’ newest political cudgel? The hate-laced Young Republican chat.

NY Assembly candidates meet in first head-to-head debate.

Advocates push Hochul to sign animal insurance bills.

Lawmakers say lack of comprehensive data privacy protection in N.Y. is stalling efforts to regulate AI.

Mayor Adams says he is in talks with Andrew Cuomo over potential mayoral endorsement.

N.Y. Democrats urge Hochul to reject pipeline over climate concerns.

Coming Up

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 on emerging farmers on October 28. 

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

The Public Health and Health Planning Council’s Health Planning Committee will hold a meeting on November 12. 

The Assembly will hold a public hearing to examine ways to increase veterans’ access to mental health services on November 12.