Plugged In @ Hinman Straub – October 30, 2020

What’s Inside

  • Proposed Regulations for Cannabinoid Hemp Products Published
  • Governor Announces Framework of Utility Enforcement Bill
  • Governor Announces Creation of Statewide Special Counsel for Ratepayer Protection
  • SUNY Institutes Mandatory Testing Policy
  • Retiring State Senator Betty Little Announces Early Stage Cancer Diagnosis
  • New York Bankers Association Appoints New President and CEO
  • Political Updates
  • Reminders, and Links
  • Coming Up

Proposed Regulations for Cannabinoid Hemp Products Published

The Department of Health has filed proposed regulations to regulate cannabinoid hemp products in New York State. In accordance with legislation signed earlier this year by the Governor, the Department is creating a Cannabinoid Hemp Program. The program will create a licensing framework for cannabinoid hemp processors and retailers, and by establishing basic manufacturing, packaging and labeling and laboratory testing standards.

Governor Cuomo said:

“These regulations are the next step toward regulating the growing hemp industry in New York in a way that protects consumers and helps ensure the industry’s long-term viability. Establishing the State’s Cannabinoid Hemp Program to regulate production and sale of hemp and hemp extract will help protect both consumers and farmers.”

Governor Announces Framework of Utility Enforcement Bill

The Governor, joined by the Long Island delegation of the State Senate and some Assembly Members, announced the framework of new legislation to provide the State with additional enforcement tools for utility companies in the wake of Tropical Storm Isaias. If passed by the Legislature, the bill would dramatically increase penalties to shareholders for failing to adhere to emergency response plans. The bill also proposes to redefine the ownership of utility infrastructure assets to more easily allow for utility franchise revocation for recurring failures. In addition, the bill requires the PSC to cap the amount of money ratepayers contribute to utility executive salaries.

Finally, the bill would also require the PSC to study whether private water suppliers like American Water on Long Island should come under municipal control. The majority of the State Legislature’s Long Island delegation joined the announcement, pledging to sponsor the bill and help ensure its passage.

Senator Anna Kaplan said:

“PSEG LI, Altice, and Verizon put Long Islanders through hell back in August when they completely failed in their response to Tropical Storm Isaias. It’s clear that we need strict guard rails in place to hold these utilities accountable for the failings, we need better consumer protections for our residents, and the State needs to have more flexibility to replace these companies if they’re unwilling or unable to serve the needs of Long Islanders in an emergency. I’m grateful for Governor Cuomo’s leadership in proposing new measures to do just that, and I will be fighting for their passage when I return to Albany.”

Governor Announces Creation of Statewide Special Counsel for Ratepayer Protection

The Governor announced the appointment of Rory Lancman as statewide Special Counsel for Ratepayer Protection. In this new role, Lancman will represent the interests of residential and commercial customers of New York’s regulated electric, gas, water, and telecom companies. According to the press release, the new position will be charged with reviewing the performance of all utilities in New York – across all sectors – and will include determining whether utilities are making the investments required, whether utilities are performing as required, whether utilities are responding adequately to consumers, and whether utilities are complying with renewable energy goals and standards.

Mr. Lancman said:

“Every New Yorker should be able to turn on the lights, heat their homes and open their faucets to clean water because their electricity, gas and water providers are meeting their obligations to provide safe, reliable, and affordable service as the law requires. I’m honored by the Governor’s appointment and grateful for his commitment to holding New York’s utilities and telecoms accountable to their most important constituency — the rate paying public.”

SUNY Institutes Mandatory Testing Policy

SUNY announced a plan this week to require all students leaving for the semester to take a COVID test. All students taking at least one class on campus, utilizing services on campus (e.g. library, gym, dining), or working on campus must receive a COVID-19 test within 10-days prior to the campus closing on-campus instruction and services.

SUNY Chancellor Jim Malatras said:

“As in-person classes and instruction come to a close next month, tens of thousands of students will travel across the state and country to be with their families and complete their fall courses remotely. By requiring all students to test negative before leaving, we are implementing a smart, sensible policy that protects students’ families and hometown communities and drastically reduces the chances of COVID-19 community spread. While we understand there is a lot of focus on plans for the spring semester, we must first finish this semester safely. I want to thank our students for the phenomenal effort during these difficult times as well as SUNY health policy experts for helping us create this guidance that ensures a safe wind down of the fall semester.”

Retiring State Senator Betty Little Announces Early Stage Cancer Diagnosis

Retiring Senator Betty Little announced this week that she has been diagnosed with early stage breast cancer and has recently completed radiation treatment. Betty Little has served her districts in the Senate and Assembly since 1995.

Senate Minority Leader Rob Ortt said:

“The Senate Republican family learned that retiring Senator Betty Little completed radiation after being diagnosed with early stage breast cancer this month. We are praying for her full and expected recovery. Betty, who is retiring this year, remained steadfastly committed to her constituents during this time and we want her to know her Senate Republican colleagues and the North Country she’s served for decades remain committed to her. We ask everyone to keep Betty’s good health in their thoughts and prayers.”

New York Bankers Association Appoints New President and CEO

The New York Bankers Association announced that General Counsel and Chief Operating Officer Clare M. Cusack will become the first woman to serve as President and CEO of NYBA, effective December 1, 2020, succeeding Michael P. Smith, who is retiring after leading the Association for over four decades. Cusack’s appointment by NYBA’s Board of Directors follows a planned leadership transition after Smith announced plans last year to retire.

Ms. Cusick said:

“I am excited to continue working with the banking and government leaders of New York, particularly during this challenging time when we embrace the common goal of rebuilding our communities in the face of the coronavirus pandemic and its economic impact. I am honored by the confidence NYBA’s Board has shown in me, and I thank Mike for his years of mentorship and guidance.”

Political Updates

2020 Key Races: 60th State Senate District.

2020 Key Races: 55th State Senate District.

2020 Key Races: 146th Assembly District.

City & State NY: A Democratic Supermajority in the Senate could force New York leftward.

Newsday: State legislative races to watch.

New York Democrats see opportunity to curb Cuomo’s veto clout.

Last minute REBNY contributions.

Jewish Insider: A congressman’s daughter looks to build on his political legacy in upstate New York, but will Michelle Hinchey mirror her father’s approach on Israel?

Bernie Sanders and Elizabeth Warren accuse NY Democrat Party of false advertising.

King’s retirement sets up fight for Long Island swing seat.

NY 19th Congressional District election: What you need to know about Delgado-Van De Water race.

Endorsements

Gillibrand endorses James Gaughran for State Senate.

Reminders and Links

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

City & State NY’s Five Issues to Watch Post-2020 here.

Department of Justice demands additional information on New York nursing home deaths.

Upstate sex cult leader sentenced to 120 years in federal prison.

New seatbelt law goes into effect on November 1.

Coming Up

The Board of Regents will hold their next meeting on November 16 and 17.

JCOPE will hold its next meeting on November 17.

The Public Service Commission will hold its next meeting on November 19.

The Senate will hold a roundtable meeting to discuss maternal and child health in Upstate New York on November 19.