Plugged In @ Hinman Straub – September 25, 2018

What’s Inside

  • Governor Announces Federal Preparedness and Counterterrorism Funding
  • Governor Announces Electric Vehicle Charging Station Installation Rebate Initiative
  • Long Island Senators Call on MTA to Postpone Proposed Fare Hike
  • Senate Republicans to Hold Hearings on State Parole Policies
  • Attorney General Releases Virtual Markets Integrity Report
  • Attorney General Files Suit Against Student Loan Debt Relief Companies
  • Comptroller: 2018 Wall Street Profits Expected to Increase over 2017
  • Former Cuomo Aide Sentenced to Six Years in Prison
  • Business Council Releases Legislative Scorecard
  • AARP Releases Report on Family Caregivers
  • Political Update
    • Cuomo, Molinaro Kick Off General Election Campaigns
    • Wofford Video Highlights His Personal Story
    • Indicted Congressman to Remain on Ballot in CD 27 Race
    • Senate Candidate Skoufis Releases First TV Ad
    • Green Party Candidates Launch General Election Campaign
  • Coming Up

Governor Announces Federal Preparedness and Counterterrorism Funding

Last week, Gov. Cuomo announced that the state has received $224 million in federal funding to support counterterrorism and emergency preparedness efforts in counties across New York. The funding, provided by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA( through its Homeland Security Grant Program, supports regional preparedness efforts, including planning, organization, equipment, training and exercise activities that are critical to sustaining and improving community prevention, protection, response, and recovery capabilities. The state’s Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services (DHSES) manages these programs in coordination with local officials.

Gov. Cuomo said:

“The safety and security of all New Yorkers is our number one priority, and we will continue to ensure those on the front lines have access to the very best training and resources to protect our communities.  With this funding we will continue to bolster efforts to keep everyone who lives, works and visits the Empire State safe and secure.”

Governor Announces Electric Vehicle Charging Station Installation Rebate Initiative

Last Tuesday, Gov. Cuomo announced that $5 million is available as part of the state’s rebate program that is designed to promote the installation of electric vehicle charging stations at workplaces, office buildings, multi-family apartment buildings, and public locations such as theaters, malls, parks and retail locations.

Gov. Cuomo said:

“New York continues to lead the nation in reducing our carbon footprint by aggressively investing in clean transportation methods. By expanding public access to electric vehicle charging stations, this program will make it more affordable for New Yorkers to make the switch to an environmentally friendly electric vehicle, resulting in a cleaner, greener New York for all.”

Long Island Senators Call on MTA to Postpone Proposed Fare Hike

On Monday, the Senate Majority’s Long Island Delegation called on the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) “to put any proposed 2019 fare hike on hold through at least 2021 until it makes measurable improvements in service, equipment failures and delays.” The MTA has scheduled an authority-wide four percent fare and toll increase that is scheduled to take effect in March 2019.

They also announced the introduction of a bill, by Senator Elaine Phillips (R-Flower Hill), that would create the “Long Island Commuter Relief Fund,” a dedicated state fund to provide operating money for the agency.  This fund, which would consist of at least $60 million dollars “from yet-to-be allocated extraordinary monetary settlement funds,” would be dedicated to the LIRR’s operating budget.

Senator Phillips said:

“Not a day goes by that I don’t hear from constituents frustrated with the MTA’s lack of reliability and service.  Raising fares while service continues to falter is a misguided move and will only further hurt the thousands of commuters who are already facing the worst rail service in two decades.  The MTA needs to start listening to LIRR riders – and my colleagues and I are here to make sure those voices are heard.  Any and all fare hike plans need to be scrapped until measurable improvements in service are made and there is better on-time performance and customer satisfaction.”

Senate Republicans to Hold Hearings on State Parole Policies

The Senate’s Crime Victims, Crime & Corrections Committee and Elections Committee have scheduled two public hearings “to examine the state’s current parole policies and the Governor’s use of executive order to grant conditional pardons allowing parolees to vote.”

In April, Gov. Cuomo issued an Executive Order that restored voting rights to individuals on parole. In May, he pardoned more than 24,000 individuals, drawing criticism from a number of Republican State Senators.

Senator Patrick Gallivan (R-Elma), Chair of the Senate’s Crime Victims, Crime and Correction Committee, said:

“I am troubled by the seeming automatic release of cop killers, sex offenders and violent felons who now have had their rights restored through a questionable process.  The governor’s blanket pardon of approximately 25,000 convicted felons, who have yet to pay their debt to society, is wrong. We need to examine current parole policies and the impact of the governor’s Executive Order to ensure public safety is properly served.”

The hearings will be held on October 1 in Albany and on October 2 on Long Island.

Attorney General Releases Virtual Markets Integrity Report

Last Tuesday, state Attorney General Barbara Underwood announced the results of the Virtual Markets Integrity Initiative, “a fact-finding inquiry into the policies and practices of platforms used by consumers to trade virtual or ‘crypto’ currencies such as bitcoin and ether.”

The initiative includes a Virtual Markets Integrity Report and interactive website (virtualmarkets.ag.ny.gov). They provide information collected by the Attorney General’s Office from 10 virtual asset trading platforms based in the United States and abroad, as well as the conclusions reached by the Attorney General’s office about the state of the virtual trading markets as a whole.

The initiative revealed three broad areas of concern for the virtual markets: lack of protection from abusive trading practices; pervasive conflicts of interest; and limited protection of customer funds. The report identifies “several fundamental areas for customers to understand before trading on a virtual currency trading platform.”

Attorney General Underwood said:

“New Yorkers deserve basic transparency and accountability when they invest – whether on the New York Stock Exchange or on a cryptocurrency platform. Yet, as our report details, many virtual currency platforms lack the necessary policies and procedures to ensure the fairness, integrity, and security of their exchanges. With this report, we hope to give New Yorkers the tools they need to make educated decisions on whether to entrust their money to a cryptocurrency platform and to help protect themselves against theft, fraud, and abuse.”

Attorney General Files Suit Against Student Loan Debt Relief Companies

On Thursday, state Attorney General Barbara Underwood announced that her office has filed a lawsuit against nine student loan debt relief companies.  The lawsuit alleges that the defendants “fraudulently, deceptively, and illegally advertise, market, offer for sale, sell, and finance student debt relief services.”

The complaint alleges that the defendants falsely claim to be affiliated with the federal government; make misrepresentations to induce consumers to enroll in their services; charge illegal upfront fees and/or usurious interest rates; and typically charge a consumer more than $1,000 for their services, which are available for free through the federal government or the consumer’s student loan servicer.

Attorney General Underwood said:

“New Yorkers are already struggling under a mountain of student loan debt. These companies sought to line their own pockets by taking advantage of students who were simply trying to pay for their education. My office will continue to do everything in our power to protect students – and all New Yorkers – from predatory scammers.”

Comptroller: 2018 Wall Street Profits Expected to Increase over 2017

State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli has released his annual report on New York City’s securities industry, which finds that securities industry pretax profits totaled $13.7 billion in the first half of 2018, 11 percent higher than last year.

The report notes that the securities industry is a major source of tax revenue for New York City and New York State.  New York State has more securities industry jobs (197,300 in 2017) than any other state in the nation, and the city accounts for 90 percent of the state’s securities industry jobs.

Comptroller DiNapoli said:

“Wall Street has profited every year since the end of the recession in 2009, and compensation last year reached its highest point since the financial crisis. The momentum from last year’s dramatic rise in profits has carried into 2018 and the industry is on track for another good year absent a setback later in the year.”

Former Cuomo Aide Sentenced to Six Years in Prison

Last Thursday, a federal judge sentenced Joseph Percoco, who served as Governor Cuomo’s closest aide for a number of years, to six years in prison plus three years of supervised released.  Percoco was convicted in March of accepting more than $300,000 in bribes from businessmen looking to buy state influence.  Percoco was often referred to as Cuomo’s behind-the-scenes political fixer.

Gov. Cuomo, who has not been accused of any wrongdoing, said:

“Joe Percoco is paying the price for violating the public trust. And it should serve as a warning to anyone who fails to uphold his or her oath as a public servant. On a personal level, the human tragedy for Joe’s young children and family is a very sad consequence.”

Business Council Releases Legislative Scorecard

Last Thursday, the Business Council of New York State released its legislative scorecard for the combined 2017 and 2018 legislative sessions. The group’s scorecard is based on its annual legislative program and priorities, and on major legislation addressed during the legislative sessions.

Heather Briccetti, the Business Council’s president and CEO, said:

“This bi-annual scorecard contains familiar results.  Votes by the Senate and Assembly Republicans clearly demonstrate they are the most pro-growth, pro-jobs conferences. Interestingly, members of the Senate Democratic conference and the former IDC also scored relatively well, with bipartisan support shown for a number of our priority issues.”

AARP Releases Report on Family Caregivers

Last Monday, AARP NYS released a report addressing the challenges faced by family caregivers, which makes a number of recommendations on how to support family caregivers. The report arose out a summit AARP convened with the New York State Health Foundation (NYSHealth) and the state Health Department and Office for the Aging with family caregivers, aging-service organizations and advocacy groups.

Challenges facing family caregivers include lost time at work, which can reduce income and retirement earnings and deny potential promotions; balancing caring for a parent with working and raising young children; difficulties in finding qualified, affordable, and available outside assistance; significant out-of-pocket caregiving costs; wait lists for home- and community-based services; and social isolation and other mental health issues.

The report recommends establishing a state tax credit for out-of-pocket caregiving costs such as wheelchair ramps, food and medical supplies; expanding the CARE Act to include skilled nursing and rehabilitation facilities; expanding telehealth and tele-mental health services; more “age-friendly” hospital emergency departments; and “virtual” support groups and online chats and hangouts for family caregivers who cannot attend in-person groups.

AARP New York State Director Beth Finkel said:

“We now have a great roadmap for how to better support New York’s nearly 2.6 million family caregivers – the backbone of our long-term care system who provide unpaid care valued at over $31 billion a year. This report should serve as a blueprint for our elected officials and policymakers as we face an aging population that will put more and more stress on caregivers.”

Political Update

Cuomo, Molinaro Kick Off General Election Campaigns

Gov. Cuomo kicked off his general election campaign last Tuesday at a rally in Manhattan to promote party unity. The Governor touted his victory in one of the highest-turnout state primary elections in recent memory speaking of the threat that President Trump and his administration’s policies pose to the state. He also released a new ad, calling his opponent Marc Molinaro “a Trump mini-me.”

Republican gubernatorial candidate Marc Molinaro kicked his general election campaign in Albany and Utica.  He called the Cuomo Administration the “most corrupt administration in America” and said the Governor has used public resources for political purposes. He also said that the Governor is trying to draw attention away from his administration’s record. “Andrew Cuomo is like some sort of deranged Wizard of Oz,” Molinaro said. “’Pay no attention to the corruption in my administration. Look over there, it’s Donald Trump.’” He said that he did not vote for Donald Trump, and that he does not support many of the Trump Administration’s policies. He described himself as “pragmatic public servant” who would “bring people together.”

Wofford Video Highlights His Personal Story

Republican Attorney General candidate Keith Wofford has released a 3-minute online video introducing himself to voters and highlighting his personal story.  The video highlights his growing up on Buffalo’s East Side, as well as his success as an attorney in New York City.

Wofford faces New York City Public Advocate Letitia James in November’s general election.

Indicted Congressman to Remain on Ballot in CD 27 Race

U.S. Rep. Chris Collins (D- Erie County) has decided to remain on the November ballot, despite having been indicted by the federal government on charges of insider trading and lying to federal agents. After initially saying that he would drop out, he said this week that he plans to actively campaign for the seat, and will serve if he is re-elected.

In the wake of Collins’ decision to remain in the race, the non-partisan Cook Political Report has changed its projection of this race from “likely Republican” to “leans Republican.”

Collins has represented the 27th Congressional District since 2013. The 27th CD includes part of Erie, Monroe and Ontario counties, and all of Niagara, Wyoming, Genesee and Orleans counties.

Senate Candidate Skoufis Releases First TV Ad

Democratic Assemblyman and State Senate candidate James Skoufis released his first television ad last week.  The ad features a local mother whom helped by pressuring their health insurer to cover the services and medication that her 9-year-old son needed.

Skoufis is facing Republican Tom Basile in the race to replace retiring Republican Senator Bill Larkin to represent the 39th Senate District. The 39th SD includes two town in Ulster County, central and eastern Orange County, and two towns in Rockland County.

The race is one of a handful that will determine which party controls the Senate in 2019.

Green Party Candidates Launch General Election Campaign

 Last Monday, Green Party candidate for Howie Hawkins announced the launch of his campaign for governor.  He said that he is appealing to progressives who voted for Cynthia Nixon, Jumaane Williams, and Zephyr Teachout in the recent primary to support the Green gubernatorial ticket of Hawkins and Jia Lee, as well as Michael Sussman for Attorney General and Mark Dunlea for Comptroller. Their argument is that the Green Party should be the progressive choice for voters who do not agree with Gov. Cuomo’s policies.

Hawkins received 4.7 percent of the vote in the 2014 gubernatorial race.

Winners & Losers

Each week, City & State New York publishes a list of the week’s political “winners” and “losers.”  Read last week’s list here.

Coming Up

The state Gaming Commission holds its next meeting on September 24.

Also on September 24, Chief Judge Janet DiFiore will preside over a statewide public hearing to evaluate the continuing unmet civil legal services needs in New York.

Gov. Cuomo’s Regulated Marijuana Workgroup, which is drafting legislation for an adult-use marijuana program for the Legislature to consider in 2019, continues its series of listening sessions this week.  They will be held today in Brooklyn; tomorrow on Staten Island; and on Thursday on Long Island. Register to participate in a session here.

On September 26, the Assembly Committee on Tourism, Parks, Arts, and Sports Development and Subcommittee on Museums & Cultural Institutions are holding a public hearing in Manhattan “to examine the impact New York’s artistic and cultural institutions have on the economy of the State.”

The state Board of Elections holds its next meeting on September 26.

The state’s 8th annual Minority and Women-Owned Business Enterprise Forum will be held October 3-4, 2018 at the Empire State Plaza Convention Center in Albany.

The state Board of Regents holds its next meeting on October 15 and 16.

On October 16, the Assembly Committees on Codes, Health, Government Operations and Alcoholism and Drug Abuse are holding the first of four public hearings “to seek input on proposals to legalize, regulate and tax adult use of marijuana in New York.” The first hearing will be held in Manhattan.

The Public Service Commission (PSC) holds its next meeting on October 18.

The Joint Commission on Public Ethics (JCOPE) holds its next meeting on October 30.

Election Day is Tuesday, November. 6.