Plugged In @ Hinman Straub – December 13, 2019

What’s Inside

  • Governor Announces 2020 State of the State Details
  • DFS Issues Circular Letter Regarding Insurance Coverage for E-Cigarette Cessation
  • Governor Signs Legislation Regulating the Cultivation and Sale of Hemp
  • SED Announces Appointments
  • Legislation Limiting Political Parties from Modifying Their Party Name or Emblem Signed
  • Senator Robach Announces Retirement
  • Political Updates
  • Updates, Reminders, and Links
  • Coming Up

Governor Announces 2020 State of the State Details

Governor Cuomo announced that the 2020 State of the State Address will be held in the Empire State Plaza Convention Center in Albany on January 8 at 1:30 PM. Those wishing to attend should visit the Governor’s homepage to register between December 20th at 12:00 PM and December 30th at 5:00 PM. Seating is limited and tickets are non-transferable. In the event that the number of requests exceeds available seating, attendees will be selected by lottery. Guests will be notified of their selection via email.

DFS Issues Guidance Regarding Insurance Coverage for E-Cigarette Cessation

This week the Department of Financial Services (DFS) issued a circular letter advising insurers that they must cover the costs associated with vaping cessation without co-pays, coinsurance, and deductibles. According to the circular letter, because e-cigarettes contain nicotine, and people who vape may become addicted to nicotine, insurers should provide coverage for vaping cessation treatment using methods recommended for smoking cessation, including screening, behavioral interventions and FDA-approved pharmacotherapy for adults and behavioral interventions for school-aged children and adolescents.

Department of Financial Services Superintendent Linda A. Lacewell said:

“Insurers must adapt to address emerging issues in public health and that includes vaping, which is growing in use including among teenagers causing illnesses and even deaths. Insurers must cover vaping cessation in the same way they cover services for smoking cessation, and do so without cost-sharing.”

Governor Signs Legislation Regulating the Cultivation and Sale of Hemp and Hemp Extract

Governor Cuomo signed legislation (S.6184/A.7680) establishing a regulatory framework for the production and sale of hemp and hemp extract in New York State. This bill establishes a state permitting process for growers, processors and sellers of hemp and hemp extract as well as requires the laboratory testing and labeling of hemp extract products. The legislation was signed pursuant to a chapter agreement. According to reports, the chapter agreement provides for a more streamlined regulatory pathway for hemp products, grants the Department of Agriculture and Markets supervision over hemp growers and the Department of Health supervision over hemp extract; creates a registration requirement for sellers of hemp extract products; makes conforming regulatory changes to the 2018 Farm Bill; and defers decision making on hemp extracts, including CBD, as additives for food and beverages.

Governor Cuomo said:

“The hemp industry in New York is exploding and with that growth comes a responsibility to regulate the industry in a way that helps ensure its long-term viability and protects consumers. By establishing a regulatory framework for producing and selling hemp and hemp extract we can set the industry on a path to continued growth in a smart, safe way that empowers both farmers and consumers.”

SED Announces Appointments

The Board of Regents met this week advancing a series of appointments, as well as, the 2020-2021 Regents State Aid Proposal. The proposal calls for an additional $2 billion in funds, $1.9 billion of which would be directed toward foundation aid increases. Appointments are as follows:

  • Shannon Tahoe – appointed as Interim Commissioner. Ms. Tahoe will take on the role of Counsel and Deputy Commissioner for Legal Affairs upon the appointment of a permanent commissioner.
  • William Murphy – appointed as Deputy Commissioner for Higher Education.
  • Aaron Baldwin– appointed Acting and Deputy Counsel. Mr. Baldwin will serve in this capacity until the appointment of a permanent commissioner, after which Ms. Tahoe will assume the role.

Board of Regents Chancellor Betty A. Rosa said:

“With these additional appointments, the State Education Department is further building up its leadership team. These individuals have demonstrated exceptional expertise in their years with the Department and will help the Board advance its goal of providing equity and a high-quality education for all students. We are so pleased Shannon will serve as Interim Commissioner until a permanent candidate is identified. Under Shannon’s proven leadership and steady hand, the Department is well positioned to move forward with the Board’s priorities and ensure the smooth operation of the day-to-day activities of the Department.”

Legislation Limiting Political Parties from Modifying Their Party Name or Emblem Signed

Governor Cuomo signed legislation (S.5974-A/A.2047-A) to prohibit new political parties from changing their name once submitted or established. Once established, a political party obtains a permanent ballot line for the next four years. This bill amends the election law to prevent parties or other independent bodies or parties from changing their name or party emblem after they have been submitted and established. In the 2014 elections, the Stop Common Core ballot line received party status, and thus obtained a permanent ballot line for the next four years. Yet in January 2015, the party organization announced it was changing its name from “Stop Common Core” to the “Reform Party.” 

Governor Cuomo said:

“New Yorkers have the right to know who and what exactly they’re voting for when they go to the ballot box. By making this simple change to our election laws, we can ensure political organizations don’t pull the wool over voters’ eyes by claiming to be something they are not in order to gain multi-year legal party status.”

Senator Robach Announces Retirement

Senator Joe Robach announced his intention to retire at the conclusion of the current term, opting not to seek re-election. Senator Robach had served the 56th Senate District since 2002. The 56th Senate District is comprised entirely in the County of Monroe, and includes the Towns of Brighton, Clarkson, Gates, Greece, Hamlin, Parma, and parts of the City of Rochester, including Charlotte, Historic Maplewood and the University of Rochester.

Senator Robach said:

“It has been an honor and privilege to represent Rochester and Monroe County in the state Senate and state Assembly. I have had the opportunity to accomplish much, meet many great people and assist thousands of residents in our community throughout my tenure in elected office. However, I, like many others, am now suffering from the divisive New York City politics that have engulfed everything in the State Capitol. This has impacted my decision not to seek re-election. I have always made my service to be of purpose and have spent my entire career ensuring that Monroe County, Rochester and upstate has a strong voice in state government. It is imperative that any Senate representative from our region, regardless of political affiliation, be willing to stand up to the New York City power brokers that now control our state capitol, and put our region and people first. I hope that my performance has reflected my deep appreciation for the opportunity to serve in elected office and the continued support I have received from the community that I love.”

Political Updates

Race to Replace Senator Little

  • Member of Assembly Dan Stec (R) announced his intention to run for the 45thSenate District, while Assemblyman Billy Jones (D) declared he would not be seeking the office. The 45th Senate District is one of only a few that has a Republican enrollment advantage in the state.

Race to Replace Senator Amedore

  • Child Victims Act advocate Gary Greenberg announced his intention to run as a democrat to replace the retiring Senator George Amedore. This will set up for a primary with Michelle Hinchey.

Race to Replace Assemblyman Buchwald

  • Democratic Supervisor of Bedford announced his intention to run to replace Assemblyman Buchwald as the next representative from the 93rdAssembly District. Buchwald has previously announced his intention to run for congress to replace the retiring Nita Lowey.

Race to Replace Senator Robach

  • Shortly after Senator Robach’s retirement announcement, Sherita Traywick announced her intention to run as a Democrat for the soon to be vacant seat. Ms. Traywick teaches as an adjunct professor of Criminal Justice at Rochester Institute of Technology.

Primary Challenge for Senator Gianaris

  • Ignazio Terranova, a retired department of sanitation official, announced his intention to primary Senator Gianaris.

Endorsements

  • Senator Gianaris receives the endorsement of 32BJ SEIU for re-election.

Updates, Reminders, and Links

City & State NY’s Winner and Losers here.

City & State NY’s The 2019 Power of Diversity: Black 100 here.

Coming Up

The Senate Committee on Higher Education has rescheduled a public hearing on the funding of public colleges for December 16.

The Assembly Education committee will hold a public hearing on mayoral control of New York City School District on December 16.

The Assembly Social Services committee will hold a public hearing on Empire State Poverty Reduction Initiative (ESPRI) on December 16.

JCOPE will hold its next meeting on December 17.

The Assembly will hold a public hearing on substance use disorder services and barriers to accessing those services on December 17.

The Assembly will hold a public hearing on problem gambling on December 18.

The Assembly will hold a public hearing regarding oversight of the 2019-2020 state budget for the Department of Agriculture and Markets on December 19.

According to a tweet from Jimmy Vielkind of the Wall Street Journal, the Governor will announce funding for projects through the Regional Economic Development Councils on December 19 at the Albany Capital Center (though that is yet to be confirmed elsewhere).

The Board of Regents will hold their next meeting on January 13th and 14th.

The Assembly will hold a public hearing to discuss changes the STAR rebate program on January 14.

The Senate Racing Committee will hold a public hearing on the economic impact of the three unused downstate casino licenses on January 22.