Governor Cuomo Faces Growing Pressure to Resign, Vaccine Eligibility Expanded, NYC Indoor Dining Can Resume at 50% Capacity

March 15, 2021

Governor Cuomo Faces Growing Pressure to Resign

Last week, Governor Cuomo faced growing pressure to resign in the wake of numerous allegations of sexual misconduct. On Friday, 16 members of New York’s 19 person Democratic Congressional delegation called on Cuomo to step down, including Judiciary Committee Chair Jerry Nadler and Oversight Committee Chair Carolyn Maloney. Notably, House Democratic Caucus Chair Hakeem Jeffries was not part of the 16 person group. In addition, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and Senator Kirsten Gillibrand both called on Governor Cuomo to resign Friday evening. Despite the growing calls to resign, Governor Cuomo declared that he has no intention of stepping down and denied the allegations, insisting on waiting until New York Attorney General Letitia James’ independent investigation is complete. Over the weekend, President Joe Biden stated that he wants to see the outcome of the investigation before calling on Cuomo to resign. In addition to the above, New York Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie authorized the Judiciary Committee to begin an impeachment investigation into the allegations of misconduct, which will have the power to interview witnesses and subpoena documents.

Vaccine Eligibility Expanded

Last week, Governor Cuomo expanded the eligibility of New Yorkers who could receive the COVID-19 vaccine. Cuomo stated that beginning last Wednesday, March 10th, all New Yorkers 60 and older are eligible to receive the vaccine, lowering the age requirement from 65. Further, New York residents 60 and older will be able to receive vaccines at pharmacies. The Governor also announced that public facing essential government and nonprofit workers will be eligible for vaccines starting March 17th. He also announced that public facing building service workers will be eligible on the 17th as well. The State has fully vaccinated over 2.2 million New Yorkers, and has administered over 4.4 million doses of the first vaccine, which you can track on the State’s vaccine dashboard.

NYC Indoor Dining Can Resume at 50% Capacity

Last Wednesday, Governor Cuomo announced that indoor dining can resume in NYC at 50% capacity starting on Friday, March 19th. The Governor made this joint announcement with New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy as they stated that they are encouraged by the continued decline in infection and hospitalization rates. This followed the Governor’s announcement that restaurants outside of NYC will expand to 75% capacity on the 19th. Cuomo also announced last week that domestic travelers entering New York will no longer be required to quarantine beginning April 1st. However, mandatory quarantine will remain in effect for international travelers.

Please contact Katie Schwab or Rose Christ of Cozen O’Connor Public Strategies with any questions you may have regarding this note or if you’re interested in ways to engage on these issues.

About Cozen O’Connor Public Strategies

Cozen O’Connor Public Strategies, an affiliate of the international law firm Cozen O’Connor, is a bipartisan government relations practice representing clients before the federal government and in cities and states throughout the country. With offices in Washington D.C., Richmond, Albany, New York City, Philadelphia, Harrisburg, Chicago, and Santa Monica, the firm’s public strategies professionals offer a full complement of government affairs services, including legislative and executive branch advocacy, policy analysis, assistance with government procurement and funding programs, and crisis management. Its client base spans multiple industries, including healthcare, transportation, hospitality, education, construction, energy, real estate, entertainment, financial services, and insurance.

About Cozen O’Connor

Established in 1970, Cozen O’Connor has over 775 attorneys who help clients manage risk and make better business decisions. The firm counsels clients on their most sophisticated legal matters in all areas of the law, including litigation, corporate, and regulatory law. Representing a broad array of leading global corporations and middle-market companies, Cozen O’Connor serves its clients’ needs through 31 offices across two continents.

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