Plugged In @ Hinman Straub
March 7, 2022
What’s Inside
- Revenue Consensus Reached for FY 2022-23 Budget
- Governor Lifts Mask Mandate in Schools
- Governor Announces Special Election for 20th Assembly District
- Senate Withholds Confirmation Vote on Governor Appointee
- Arguments in Republican Redistricting Lawsuit Begin
- Republican Party Holds Convention
- Political Updates
- Coming Up
Revenue Consensus Reached for FY 2022-23 Budget
The Assembly, Senate, and Executive came to a three way agreement on adjusted revenue forecasts for this year’s budget. The consensus forecast was based on expert testimony provided during the Consensus Forecasting Conference held on February 28. According to the statement issued, the revenue estimates from all parties varied significantly, however, all participants reached consensus on a two year revenue total range that is $800 million to $1.2 billion above the Executive Budget estimate. The increase in available funds will benefit the Assembly and Senate as they look to fund their priorities in this budget.
Governor Lifts Mask Mandate in Schools
The Governor ended the state mask requirement in schools beginning this week, moving to a mask optional policy. The announcement also follows recent changes in metrics used by the CDC to determine risk, transmission and burden levels in communities. Local governments can continue to require masking in schools if desired and other mitigation measures like social distancing and ventilation are encouraged.
Governor Hochul said:
Lieutenant Governor Announces Special Election for 20th Assembly District
Lieutenant Governor Brian Benjamin issued a proclamation declaring a special election to fill the vacancy in the 20th District created by the resignation of Melissa Miller. The special election will be held on Thursday, April 7th. Pursuant to the New York State Constitution, because the Governor was out of New York State at the time of the declaration, the Lieutenant Governor issued the order in her absence.
Senate Withholds Confirmation Vote on Governor Appointee
The State Senate confirmed nominations this week including the commissioners for the Office of People with Developmental Disabilities and the Secretary of State, one nomination however was noticeably absent. Anthony Annucci, Acting Commissioner of the Department of Corrections and Community Supervision had a difficult time in Committee with many members in vocal opposition to his appointment. He was able to advance through committee by one vote, but, was not considered by the entire chamber. There is no time constraint for the Senate to act on the nomination. Annucci has served as acting commissioner for the last nine years.
The Governor’s Press Secretary said in a statement:
Arguments in Republican Redistricting Lawsuit Begin
On Thursday, state Supreme Court Judge Patrick McAllister heard arguments in the Republican lawsuit over the newly drawn district maps. The judge ruled in favor of Republicans by declining to remove Governor Kathy Hochul as a defendant, allowing the suit to challenge the maps in their entirety instead of individual districts, allowed Republicans add a challenge to state Senate lines to their lawsuit, and granted permission to subpoena Democratic legislators’ correspondence on the maps.
The judge however, ruled against Republicans in their attempt to postpone the election process until new maps could be drawn in the event their challenge prevails. The Judge said that doing so would be difficult considering the time constraints and instead suggested he would be inclined to continue the election on the lines signed into law, and if the challenge is successful, require new lines be drawn and new elections be held the following year. Such a decision has precedent. In 1964, after a successful challenge to the district maps, state legislators were elected to one year terms and were on the ballot again the following year.
Arguments are scheduled to continue on March 14 and a final decision is expected in mid-April.
Republican Party Holds Convention
The Republican Party held their convention on Long Island this week nominating Lee Zeldin for governor. Other candidates were able to garner some support, though, not enough to avoid having to petition on to the primary ballot. It is expected that Harry Wilson, Rob Astorino, and Andrew Giuliani will all gain enough signatures to appear on the ballot in June. The party also nominated Joe Pinion for U.S. Senate, Alison Esposito for Lieutenant Governor, Paul Rodriguez for Comptroller, and Michael Henry for Attorney General.
Political Updates
City & State NY’s Weekly Winners and Losers here.
City & State NY’s 2022 New York City Power 100 here.
Cuomo unveils new TV ad “Politics vs. the Law.”
Former Biaggi staffer Christian Amato launches state Senate run.
State Senate candidate Iwen Chu on what Asian representation means for District 27.
Erie County GOP endorses Giambra for 60th Senate District seat.
Race for Biaggi’s senate seat could become crowded.
Oneida County Democrats announce candidate endorsements.
Campaign donors blow past corporate contribution limits.
A competitive state Assembly race in the heart of Manhattan.
Suburban politics could be a harbinger for both parties in New York.
Judge blocks Attorney General James’ bid to dissolve the National Rifle Association.
Carrié Solages announces run for Congress.
Breen to challenge Sayegh for Assembly.
Yorktown Supervisor Matt Slater seeks nomination for Assembly seat.
Coming Up
The Board of Regents will hold their next meeting on March 14 and 15.
The Public Service Commission will hold its next meeting on March 16.
JCOPE will hold its next meeting on March 29.