Plugged In @ Hinman Straub

November 15, 2021

What’s Inside

  • Attorney General Begins Transcript Release from Cuomo Investigation
  • Governor Launches Vaccine Incentive Program for 5- To 11-Year-Olds
  • New York to Close Six Prisons
  • Governor Announces Administration Nominations and Appointments
  • Hochul Campaign Announces Fundraising Figures
  • Democratic Attorneys General Association Endorses Letitia James for Governor
  • Political Updates
  • Coming Up

Attorney General Begins Transcript Release from Cuomo Investigation

The Attorney General’s office began releasing transcripts of depositions regarding the investigation into sexual harassment allegations against Governor Cuomo. So far, transcripts from Governor Cuomo’s deposition along with transcripts from the complainants have been released. Originally, the Attorney General said the transcripts would not be released as County District Attorney’s asked for time to review the evidence and determine whether or not to pursue charges. According to the Attorney General’s office, the release of transcripts has been expedited by the charges filed by the Albany County Sheriff, as discovery laws now require evidence be turned over within a strict time frame.

According to reports, Assembly Judiciary Committee members have been asked by the Chair to hold dates open next week for review of the impeachment report signaling that the report is complete and compiled. Assemblyman Montesano, Ranker of the Judiciary Committee, said he expects the report to be released in the next few weeks.

Governor Launches Vaccine Incentive Program for 5- To 11-Year-Olds

The Governor announced new efforts to support vaccinating 5- to 11-year-olds, including the launch of a new vaccine incentive program – ‘Vaccinate, Educate, Graduate’ – for young New Yorkers. Parents and guardians of children ages 5 through 11 who receive their first vaccine dose by December 19th can enter the State’s incentive program for a chance for their child to win a full scholarship to any two- or four-year SUNY or CUNY college or university. Ten winners will be announced each week beginning November 24th, with a total of 50 winners being selected over the five-week period. Winners of the State’s incentive program will receive two or four years of full-time study in any SUNY or CUNY Associates or Bachelor’s degree program, which includes the following:

  • Tuition: The full cost of in-state tuition at a New York State or City University.
  • Non-tuition Costs: Room and board and allowances for books, supplies and transportation up to the average cost at SUNY colleges.
  • Residence: Students living on campus will receive a higher room and board allowance than commuter students. If housing is not available for students on campus, they will receive the same allowance as students living on campus

Governor Hochul said:

Finally, the COVID-19 vaccine is here for young New Yorkers age 5 through 11. Our critical work to make the vaccine accessible and available to all eligible children and their families is underway – and we will creatively support and celebrate those who get vaccinated. The ‘Vaccinate, Educate, Graduate’ program is an extraordinary opportunity for children to win free tuition to a SUNY or CUNY college or university, and I urge parents and guardians to help their children get vaccinated and enter into this once-in-a-lifetime program.

New York to Close Six Prisons

The Department of Corrections and Community Supervision (DOCCS) announced the closure of six correctional facilities beginning on March 10, 2022. DOCCS began a review of all facilities after the legislature approved closure of six facilities as part of the state budget. According to the Division of Budget, the closures will save the state $142 million. The facilities that are planned to close in March of 2022 include the following:

  • Ogdensburg Correctional Facility
  • Moriah Shock Incarceration Correctional Facility
  • Willard Drug Treatment Campus
  • Southport Correctional Facility
  • Downstate Correctional Facility
  • Rochester Correctional Facility

All facilities scheduled to close currently house under 1,000 inmates and some are operating at less than 50% capacity. New York’s population of incarcerated people stands at 31,469 people, the lowest number since 1984.

Governor Announces Administration Appointments

The Governor announced new administration nominations and appointments.

Dr. Chinazo O. Cunningham, Commissioner, Office of Addiction Services and Supports (OASAS) – Dr. Cunningham will be nominated as Commissioner of OASAS. Most recently, she served as the Executive Deputy Commissioner of Mental Hygiene at the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene. She joined the agency from Montefiore Health System and the Albert Einstein College of Medicine where she is a Professor of Medicine, Family and Social Medicine, and Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences.

Reverend Viviana DeCohen, Director of the New York State Division of Veterans’ Services – Reverend DeCohen will be appointed as Director of the Division of Veterans’ Services. Reverend DeCohen is a Veteran of the United States Marine Corps and most recently served the City of Mt. Vernon as its Commissioner of Veterans Services. Previously she served as Director of Military & Veteran Affairs and Adjunct Professor at Concordia College where she began an On-Campus Resource Program to ensure student veterans have access to food, shelter, clothing and more.

Kylah Hynes, Director of Federal Affairs – Kylah Hynes has been appointed Director of Federal Affairs. Most recently she served as the Director of Federal Affairs for the New York Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) with more than 14 years of experience working in the transportation and infrastructure industry.

Governor Hochul said:

We are building a top tier team to lead State agencies and deliver high quality services for New Yorkers,” Governor Hochul said. “Dr. Cunningham and Reverend DeCohen are outstanding leaders who will lift these agencies to new heights. Kylah Hynes will be a vital liaison between the federal government and New York during our recovery. These are experienced, talented individuals, and I look forward to working with them.

Hochul Campaign Announces Fundraising Figures

Governor Hochul’s campaign announced it had already exceeded their fundraising goal for the year, raising $10 million since she announced and filed to run for a full term this summer. That figure already eclipsed the previous non-election year record of $8.8 million held by Governor Pataki. The Hochul campaign is on track, with two months left in the filing period, to break even the election year record of $12.8 million – also held by Pataki. The campaign is likely releasing the fundraising totals publicly to demonstrate strength to a crowded field and before other candidates decide whether or not to enter the race.

Democratic Attorneys General Association Endorses Letitia James for Governor

The Democratic Attorneys General Association endorsed Letitia James’ bid for governor.

Sean Rankin, Executive Director of the Democratic Attorneys General Association said in a statement:

Attorney General Letitia James has been a national star in some of the most impactful and important fights that have faced New York and our country. Whether it’s taking on the NRA or Donald Trump, Attorney General James has been a protector of consumers, an advocate for the values we share, and a champion for those in need. We know she will be an outstanding governor, given her experience and passion fighting for working people. We are sorry to see her leave the Attorney General ranks, but we know New Yorkers would be fortunate to have Attorney General James leading New York as their next governor.

Political Updates

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

City & State NY’s The Power of Diversity: Women 100 here.

Cuomo eyeing old NY attorney general post in bid for political comeback.

Cuomo’s attorney calls on AG to investigate Albany County Sheriff.

NYT: Why Republicans Won in a New York County Where Democrats Outnumber Them here.

Stefanik draws yet another, well-funded challenger.

New York Democratic lawmakers facing 2022 primary challenges.

Letitia James endorses good cause evictions as Hochul punts.

Three state lawmakers endorse Tish James for governor.

NY Post: Hispanic pols tie Eric Gonzalez AG bid to Hochul, James gov endorsements here.

NY Times: ‘Free Joe Biden’: Sean Maloney on How Democrats Can Get Back on Track here.

CNY health care professional launches Republican primary challenge to Rep. Katko.

Endicott native, lawyer seeks to unseat Rep. Tenney in NY-22.

Coming Up

POSTPONED The Senate will hold a public hearing on campus sexual assault on November 9.

The Assembly will hold a public hearing on employment trends from the pandemic on November 15.

The Board of Regents will hold their next meeting on November 15 and 16.

JCOPE will hold its next meeting on November 16.

The Senate will hold a third public hearing on maintaining quality, equity, and affordability in public higher education throughout the pandemic and beyond on November 16.

The Assembly will hold a public hearing on oversight of the SFY 2021-2022 State Budget as it relates to assisting small- and medium-sized farms and related small businesses to compete in the state, national and international marketplace on November 16.

The Assembly will hold a public hearing on adaptation and recovery of libraries throughout the COVID-19 pandemic on November 16.

The Assembly will hold a public hearing on the availability of services for individuals with a substance use disorder in light of the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond on November 17.

The Senate Cities Committee will hold a public hearing on how to better address municipal needs on November 17.

The Public Service Commission will hold its next meeting on November 18.

The Senate will hold a fourth public hearing on maintaining quality, equity, and affordability in public higher education throughout the pandemic and beyond on November 22.

The Senate will hold a public hearing on childhood lead poisoning in New York State on November 30.

The Senate will hold a public hearing to discuss New York State’s system of ethics oversight and enforcement on December 9.