Plugged In @ Hinman Straub – December 20, 2019

What’s Inside

  • Governor Begins Rollout of State of the State Proposals
  • Governor Announces Administration Appointments
  • REDC Announces 2019 Awards
  • Applications Open for Western New York Workforce Development Challenge
  • Senate Releases Investigations Committee Report on Public Authorities
  • Senator Funke Announces Retirement
  • Political Updates
  • Updates, Reminders, and Links
  • Coming Up

Governor Begins Rollout of State of the State Proposals

As has become custom, the Governor began to reveal select proposals which will be included in the 2020 State of the State address. So far, the following proposals have been announced:

Ban on gun sales to those convicted of out of state crimes – the 1st proposal of the 2020 State of the State agenda: Preventing individuals from receiving New York State gun licenses if they commit a crime in another state that is similar to a crime that would disqualify them from owning a gun in New York State. New York law currently prohibits individuals from obtaining a gun license if they commit certain New York misdemeanors that are deemed “serious offenses.” However, the law does not prohibit individuals from obtaining a New York gun license after committing comparable misdemeanors in another state. 

Ban fentanyl analogs and MAT expansion – the 2nd proposal of the 2020 State of the State agenda: legislation banning fentanyl analogs by making them subject to the same criminal sale or possession penalties as other controlled substances. The legislation will empower the New York State Health Commissioner to ban any new fentanyl analogs that have been added to the federal schedule of controlled substances. The Governor will also propose a series of actions to expand access to medication assisted treatment for opioid use disorder in hard to reach communities.

MAT expansion proposals include the following:

  • Expansion of the Medication Assisted Treatment and Emergency Referrals (MATTERS) Program: Governor Cuomo proposes expanding a pilot that provides MAT to patients identified with Opioid Use Disorder in Emergency Departments.
  • MAT Telemedicine Program: The Governor proposes improving access to MAT by connecting emergency departments with doctors who can prescribe buprenorphine through telehealth.
  • Expanding Access to Telehealth and Mobile Clinics: The Governor will direct OASAS to continue to expand access to these resources in underserved communities across the state by adding 10 new mobile clinics, one in each economic development zone statewide. In addition, in order to ensure access to addiction treatment in every region of the state, the Governor will direct OASAS to develop telehealth capacity by funding equipment for at least one addiction treatment program in each county across the state.
  • Expanding Access to Medication Assisted Treatment in Correctional Settings: Governor Cuomo will direct DOCCS to expand access to Medication-Assisted Treatment by providing buprenorphine in the 7 facilities currently offering methadone. In addition, the Governor will direct DOCCS to seek national certification and accreditation to operate an Opioid Treatment Program, creating the Nation’s first state corrections-operated OTP in the country.

Automatic manual recounts in close elections – the 3rd proposal of the 2020 State of the State Agenda: Legislation triggering automatic manual recounts in close elections and establishing uniform recount procedures.

Closing the rape intoxication loophole – the 4th proposal of the 2020 State of the State Agenda: Closing the rape intoxication loophole. The Governor will advance a proposal to clarify that a victim’s ability to consent is jeopardized whether they were voluntarily or involuntarily intoxicated.

Ban on single-use Styrofoam containers – the 5th proposal of the 2020 State of the State Agenda: Prohibiting the distribution and use of expanded polystyrene, commonly known as Styrofoam, single-use food containers. The proposal also bans the sale of expanded polystyrene packaging materials known as packing peanuts. Additionally, the bill would authorize the State Department of Environmental Conservation to review and take action to limit or ban other packaging material upon a finding of environmental impact.

Lowering prescription drug prices – the 6th proposal of the 2020 State of the State agenda includes a three part plan to lower prescription drug costs. Elements of the plan include:

  • Capping co-payments for insulin – the proposal will cap co-payments for insulin at $100 per month.
  • Granting DFS additional enforcement authority over spikes in drug costs – the proposal will empower the State Department of Financial Services to investigate significant spikes in prescription drug prices and call on manufacturers to show a reasonable justification for these sudden increases or face fines and pay restitution to harmed consumers.
  • Lowering prescription drug cost by importing Canadian drugs – the proposal will create the Prescription Importation Commission to work with insurers, consumers, health care providers, and other stakeholders to identify any potential consumer savings from importing drugs from Canada. 

Advancing strong Net Neutrality protections – the 7th proposal of the 2020 State of the State Agenda: Advancing the strongest statewide net neutrality protections in the United States. As part of this proposal, the Governor will introduce legislation to prevent the blocking, throttling and paid prioritization of online content. The legislation will also prohibit so-called “zero-rating” practices, which penalize consumers for accessing content or applications that are not preferred by their internet provider. The legislation will also codify into law Governor Cuomo’s 2018 Executive Order mandating that state government entities may not enter into contracts with internet service providers unless they follow net neutrality principles.

Protecting consumers from abusive debt collectors – the 8th proposal of the 2020 State of the State agenda: protecting New York consumers from predatory and abusive debt collectors. The proposal would require debt collectors that contact New Yorkers to be licensed by the State Department of Financial Services. The proposal will also codify a Federal Trade Commission rule that prohibits confessions of judgment.

Cracking down on retailers who sell illegal cigarettes – the 9th proposal of the 2020 State of the State agenda – cracking down on retailers that illegally sell untaxed cigarettes and other tobacco products in New York State. Under the Governor’s proposal, retailers who acquire untaxed cigarettes from other states or other sources and sell them illegally in New York would face possible closure. The Governor is also proposing strengthening penalties and fines for retailers that sell tobacco products to people under 21 years of age.

Governor Announces Administration Appointments

The Governor announced new administration appointments this week. The following appointments were made:

Rueben McDaniel, III – Acting President and CEO of the Dormitory Authority of the State of New York. Mr. McDaniel previously served as Managing Director for the financial services firm Raymond James.

Joseph Rabito – Executive Deputy Secretary to the Governor. Mr. Rabito previously served as interim Chief Information Officer at the State Office of Information Technology Services, Deputy Secretary for Intergovernmental Affairs and as Deputy Director of State Operations.

Norman Birenbaum – Director of Cannabis Programs. Mr. Birenbaum previously served as the Implementation Director for the Rhode Island Office of Cannabis Regulation, where he oversaw the regulation, administration and enforcement of the state’s medical marijuana and industrial hemp programs.

Kelli Owens – Executive Director of the State’s Office for the Prevention of Domestic Violence. Ms. Owens joins the agency after serving as the Governor’s Director of Women’s Affairs since 2017. Before joining the administration, Ms. Owens was the Vice President of External Affairs for Family Planning Advocates/Planned Parenthood Advocates of New York.

Emily Kadar – Director of Women’s Affairs. Ms. Kadar previously spent seven years at the National Institute for Reproductive Health and NIRH Action Fund, most recently as Senior Manager of Political and Government Affairs.

Rebecca Wood – Deputy Special Counsel to the Governor. Ms. Wood previously served as General Counsel and Legislative Director for the New York State Trial Lawyers Association. Prior to that, Ms. Wood served as First Assistant Counsel to the New York State Senate Majority.

Jillian Faison – Assistant Counsel for Human Services. Most recently, Ms. Faison served as the Director of Legislation and Intergovernmental Affairs at the New York State Office of Children and Family Services.

Paul Midey – Assistant Counsel for Transportation. Mr. Midey served six years as Counsel in the New York State Senate.

Craig Herskowitz – Assistant Counsel to the Governor for Taxation and Financial Services. Previously, Mr. Herskowitz served as an attorney in the Criminal Division at the U.S. Department of Justice.

Joshua Norkin – Assistant Counsel for Housing and Civil Rights. Most recently, Mr. Norkin worked for the Legal Aid Society’s Special Litigation Unit, where he served as the founder and Project Coordinator for the Decarceration Project.

Jill Starishevsky – Assistant Counsel for Public Safety. Prior to joining the Chamber, Ms. Starishevsky served as a Senior Trial Assistant for the Bronx County District Attorney’s Office.

Valerie Lubanko – Assistant Counsel for Local Government. Prior to this appointment, Ms. Lubanko served as the New York State Executive Chamber FOIL Counsel.

Jane Wiesenberg – Policy Advisor for Economic Development. Ms. Wiesenberg previously served as the Director of Scheduling for New Jersey Senator Cory Booker.

Benning DeLaMater – Deputy Communications Director for Public Safety. Mr. DeLaMater previously served as a Public Information Officer at NYS Department of Environmental Conservation.

Kyle Kotary – Deputy Communications Director for Health and Mental Hygiene. Mr. Kotary most recently served as CFO for Hospice & Palliative Care Inc. and previously as Director of External Affairs, Outreach and Marketing at New York State of Health.

Governor Cuomo said:

“Each of these individuals brings a depth of knowledge and experience that will be an enormous benefit to the people of the state. We have a phenomenal team in place and these new additions will play an integral role in advancing our bold, progressive agenda and delivering even more results in the year ahead.”

REDC Announces 2019 Awards

This week, the Regional Economic Development Council announced the awardees of Round IX of the Regional Economic Development Council initiative. In total, more than $761 million in economic and community development funding was awarded this year. Over the course of all nine rounds of funding over $6.9 billion has been awarded to more than 8,300 projects.

  • Western New York:Regional Council Awardee | $67.3 million supporting 109 projects
  • Finger Lakes:Regional Council Awardee | $64.4 million supporting 94 projects
  • Southern Tier:Top Performer | $88.9 million supporting 109 projects
  • Central New York:Top Performer | $86.2 million supporting 93 projects
  • Mohawk Valley:Top Performer | $82.7 million supporting 81 projects
  • North Country:Regional Council Awardee | $67.9 million supporting 83 projects
  • Capital Region:Top Performer | $84.1 million supporting 120 projects
  • Mid-Hudson:Regional Council Awardee | $65.8 million supporting 105 projects
  • New York City: Regional Council Awardee | $66.3 million supporting 109 projects
  • Long Island: Top Performer | $87.9 million supporting 94 projects

A complete list of awards can be found here.

Lieutenant Governor Kathy Hochul, Chair of the Regional Economic Development Councils said: 

“By empowering local officials and stakeholders who know their communities best, we have transformed the state’s economic development strategy into one that is not only successful, but is built to last. Together, we are revitalizing downtowns, supporting and attracting businesses, and welcoming new residents and visitors. Through the REDCs, we are advancing the strategic economic development strategies of each region and supporting growth as part of the Downtown and Upstate Revitalization Initiatives. With a focus on workforce development and growth of high-tech industries, we are adding new job opportunities and strengthening the economy of New York State.”

Applications Open for Western New York Workforce Development Challenge

Applications for Round 2 of the Western New York Workforce Development Challenge are now open. To further build on the program’s first-round success, the Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation announced an additional $1.5 million contribution, for a fund total of $11.5 million. Not-for-profit organizations in Allegany, Cattaraugus, Chautauqua, Erie and Niagara counties could be eligible to receive at least $250,000. To qualify for funding, projects must foster workforce development in at least one of the region’s target industry sectors: advanced manufacturing, health and life sciences, tourism, energy and agriculture. In keeping with the region’s talent-attraction strategy, projects preparing workers for tech occupations will also be considered this year. Applications, which are due Monday, March 2, 2020, are available here, along with program information.

Senate Releases Investigations Committee Report on Public Authorities

The Senate Investigations and Government Operations Committee released a report this week based on a nine-month investigation into public authorities in New York. The report found that the 109 active Industrial Development Agencies and 294 Local Development Corporations are insufficiently monitored and suffer from a lack of transparency and accountability. The report acknowledges the important role IDAs and LDCs play in economic development in this state, however, it suggests a number of measures should be enacted to provide transparency and accountability for the use of taxpayer dollars. The report entire report can be found here.

Senator Skoufis said:

“If there’s one takeaway from our investigation, it’s that taxpayers deserve far more accountability and responsibility with their money. The results of this report acknowledge the important role that public authorities play in our state, but also pulls back the curtain on a system that’s desperate for wholesale reform. Many of my colleagues and I will be heading into the forthcoming legislative session with a mission to advance substantial changes that better respect taxpayer pocketbooks.”

Senator Funke Announces Retirement

Senator Rich Funke announced he would not seek reelection to the 55th Senate District which encompasses portions of Ontario and Monroe Counties. Senator Funke was first elected in 2014 and he joins a growing list of Republican incumbents that have decided not to seek another term in office. The district has a Democratic enrollment advantage and will likely be a major target for Senate Democrats looking to make gains in the wake of Republican defections.

Political Updates

Race to Replace Senator Ranzenhofer

  • Amherst Democrat Joan Elizabeth Seamans announced her candidacy for the 61stSenate District. The seat will be open as incumbent Senator Ranzenhofer has decided not to seek another term in office. Seamans is not be the only Democrat interested in the seat, as Rochester democratic activist Kim Smith also recently announced her candidacy and Amherst Town Supervisor Brian Kulpa is rumored to be considering a run. Republicans Ed Rath and Assemblymen Ray Walter are said to be considering a potential run.

Race to Replace Senator Carlucci

  • Elijah Reichlin-Melnick, an aide to Senator James Skoufis, announced his candidacy to replace Senator Carlucci who will be seeking to replace Congresswomen Nita Lowey.

General Election Challenge for Senator Martinez

  • Alexis Weik, Town of Islip Receiver of Taxes, has announced her intention to challenge Senator Monica Martinez.

Endorsements

The Working Families Party has endorsed the following:

  • Senator Gianaris
  • Senator Salazar
  • Assemblyman Kim
  • Assemblywomen Niou

The Communications Workers of America has made the following endorsements:

  • Senator Liu
  • Senator Ramos
  • Senator Salazar
  • Senator Myrie
  • Senator Jackson
  • Senator Biaggi
  • Senator May

Steve Bellone, Suffolk County Executive, has endorsed Jen Lunsford (D) in the race for the 55th Senate District. The seat is being vacated by the retiring Senator Rich Funke.

Updates, Reminders, and Links

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

City & State NY’s Winners and Losers of 2019 here.

City & State NY’s Tech Winners and Losers of 2019 here.

New Landlord Association Forms.

Coming Up

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.

JCOPE will hold its next meeting on January 28.