News in New York â Fiscal Year 2022 Budget Update, New York Expands Eligibility for COVID-19 Vaccine, Nina Kubota Appointed President and CEO of NYC School Construction Authority
Fiscal Year 2022 Budget Update
Governor Cuomo and the State Legislature continue to negotiate the Fiscal Year 2022 budget. While much of the $200 billion budget is still being negotiated, there appears to be a budget agreement that would raise taxes on New York’s highest earners and some corporations, at rates which would make NYC’s highest earners pay the highest combined local tax rate in the country. These increases will impact New Yorkers who make more than $1 million annually, and the rates will continue to rise on those who make more than $5 million and $25 million annually. Overall, these new taxes are expected to raise about $4.3 billion in revenue. There are discussions that this new revenue will be used to increase school aid and create new funds for unemployed undocumented immigrants, small businesses, and tenants behind on rent. While the budget was technically due on April 1^st^, it is expected to be passed this week.
New York Expands Eligibility for COVID-19 Vaccine
Last week, Governor Cuomo expanded the eligibility of New Yorkers who could receive the COVID-19 vaccine. Cuomo stated that beginning last Tuesday, March 30th, all New Yorkers 30 and older are eligible to receive the vaccine, lowering the age requirement from 60. Further, beginning tomorrow April 6th, universal eligibility goes into effect and New York residents 16 and older will be able to eligible to receive the vaccine. The State has fully vaccinated over 4 million New Yorkers, and has administered over 6.5 million doses of the first vaccine, which you can track on the State’s vaccine dashboard.
Nina Kubota Appointed President and CEO of NYC School Construction Authority
Last Thursday, Mayor de Blasio announced the appointment of Nina Kubota as President and CEO of the NYC School Construction Authority (SCA). Kubota has served in various roles with the agency since 1998, with she most recently served as Senior Vice President for Capital Plan Development & Implementation. Kubota assumes the role from Lorraine Grillo, who left the post earlier this month to take on the role of NYC’s Recovery Czar, and will become the first Japanese American woman to lead SCA.
Cozen O’Connor New York Team Welcomes Lauren Turenchalk
We are happy to share that Lauren Turenchalk has joined our team as a Legislative Analyst. Lauren previously served as an Intern for Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and as a research assistant at the University of Delaware’s Biden School of Public Policy. Please join us in welcoming Lauren!
Please contact Katie Schwab or Rose Christ of Cozen OâConnor Public Strategies with any questions you may have regarding this note or if youâre interested in ways to engage on these issues.
2022 Legislative Session â March Madness
March Madness is beginning to take hold and not just in the basketball arena. The Virginia General Assembly has less than 11 days left in the 2022 Session and Budget bills have passed out of both chambers and are in the bosom of the money committees. Staff of the Senate Finance & Appropriations and House Appropriations committees will be working to get the respective budgets in a posture to be hashed by the Budget conferees.
The Republican controlled House budget has included money for school construction, teacher pay raises and bonuses for public employees and tax relief (including suspending the gas tax increase and eliminating the sales tax on groceries). The Senateâs budget differs with more education funding and less in tax relief. These differences will need to be worked out when the Budget conferees meet leading up to adjournment of Session on March 12. Youngkin has already met with budget conferees and leadership to begin work on the budget.
Once a budget is approved it will be sent to Governor Youngkin who will then review and send down budget amendments for the April 27 Reconvened Session.
Advancing Legislation
Employer/Labor: SB 631 (Barker) employer liability; overtime, passed both houses and will be sent to the Governor;
Workforce Development: HB 191 (Hodges) passed the House and is in Senate General Laws;
Labor bills: SB 352 (Surovell) which requires employers to provide paid sick leave to health care providers, grocery store workers and home health workers was killed in a House subcommittee and SB 624 (Favola) which only applies to home health workers has not been heard yet in House Commerce & Energy:
HB 1156 (Byron) and SB 15 (Favola) both passed that will create a new class of family leave insurance that an employer can offer;
Workers Comp: presumption as to death or disability from COVID-19, extends exp. to Dec 31, 2022, HB 932 (Robinson) passed out of a Senate committee but SB 181 (Saslaw) was killed in the House subcommittee;
Data Protection: SB 341 (Barker) dealing with high-volume third party sellers died in the House; Consumer data protection bills, HB 714 (Hayes) and SB 534 (Marsden) are still alive;
Freezing or lowering gas tax: HB 1144 (Webert) was killed in Senate Finance;
Wage bills: minimum wage bills HB 296 (McNamara) and SB 173 (Peake) both were killed in the Senate Commerce & Labor committee;
Cannabis: SB 391 (Ebbin) retail market cannabis bill was quietly carried over in a House subcommittee on Monday delaying any retail sales until at least 2023; SB 591 (Hanger) prohibiting the sale of marijuana products in certain shapes and including provisions to address chemically synthesized cannabinoids, including delta-8 THC, will be up for a House floor vote.
Other notable legislation: SB 203 (Morrissey) adding Petersburg to the list of cities to host a casino was killed in the Senate. The City of Richmond is still considering another vote on their previously defeated referendum to bring a casino to the city but they may face a legal challenge. Virginia Football Stadium Authority bills SB 727 (Saslaw) and HB 1353 (Knight) have passed and will be worked on in conference.
Review legislation from the Virginia Legislative Information System LIS
March Madness Richmond style
Co-Chaired by Cozenâs Julia Hammond, the Annual Capitol Square Basketball Classic was held at the VCU Siegel Center pitting the skilled basketball prowess of Governor Youngkin and his office against the tenacious lobbying team. In a thriller, Governor Youngkinâs son hit the game winning shot giving the Governorâs team the win. In the House vs Senate game, the House pulled out a win over the hard scrabbling Senate team. While fun was had, the main purpose of the game was to raise money for the VCU Massey Cancer Center and over $50,000 was raised for this most worthy cause.
Newsclips
With first veto, Youngkin overrules bill on Arlington policing oversight
By TEO ARMUS, Washington Post (Metered Paywall – 3 articles a month)
Gov. Glenn Youngkin (R) on Tuesday issued his first veto since taking office, blocking part of an effort by one of the most liberal jurisdictions in Virginia to ramp up independent accountability of its police force. The bill he vetoed would have allowed the Arlington County Board, rather than the county manager, to hire an auditor to investigate possible police misconduct. The measure received bipartisan support, passing the GOP-controlled House of Delegates on a 65-to-35 vote.
Senate panel holds line on tax policies as final negotiations loom
By MICHAEL MARTZ, Richmond Times-Dispatch (Metered Paywall – 7 articles a month)
The Senate Finance & Appropriations Committee isnât budging from its positions on Gov. Glenn Youngkinâs package of tax cuts as it prepares for negotiations with the House of Delegates over budgets that are $3 billion apart in spending. The committee rejected an attempt by Sen. Steve Newman, R-Lynchburg, one of Youngkinâs closest allies in the General Assembly, to approve a proposal to double the standard deduction for state income tax filers instead of sending the idea to a special tax policy subcommittee to study over the next year.
House Republicans kill legislation to kick start legal sales of marijuana in Virginia
By MEL LEONOR, Richmond Times-Dispatch (Metered Paywall – 7 articles a month)
House Republicans on Monday killed legislation intended to kick start the legal sale of recreational marijuana in Virginia, arguing that there is not enough time to perfect the complex legislation, while promising to address it next year. Virginia last year became the first state in the South to legalize possession of small amounts of marijuana, an effort led by Democrats, who then had sweeping power. Lawmakers in 2021 punted the creation of a new legal market to the current session in an effort that appeared to fail on Monday.
Virginia House passes Parole Board transparency bill
By TANNOCK BLAIR, WRIC-TV
The Virginia House of Delegates passed a bill that intends to make Parole Board votes public. The bill, listed as Senate Bill 5, passed with bipartisan support and a majority vote of 96-3 in the chamber last week. It is now headed to Gov. Glenn Youngkinâs desk where it is expected to be signed.
Legislation lays out a plan for affordable broadband
By JACKIE LLANOS HERNANDEZ, Virginia Mercury
Legislation creating a plan to expand affordable broadband access across the commonwealth is on the way to Gov. Glenn Youngkinâs desk with broad bipartisan support. HB 1265, by Del. Suhas Subramanyam, D-Loudoun, charges the state Department of Housing and Community Development with creating a plan to deliver recommendations to the General Assembly and Youngkin by Dec. 1. Designing a map and blueprint to establish the areas in the state that are in most need of broadband access is among the tasks agency will have to tackle before the end of the year.
Gov. Youngkin releases updated COVID Action Plan
By GARY BOYER, WFXR-TV
Gov. Glenn Youngkin updated Virginiaâs COVID-19 Action Plan this week. The plan continues the Commonwealthâs commitment to providing additional COVID-19 vaccine events across Virginia, as well as grand flexibilities to health care workers and reaffirmed his commitment to chart a pathway to normalcy.
Va. Senate removes a pandemic protocol — plastic dividers
Associated Press
The plastic dividers that have separated lawmakers in the Virginia Senate in the name of COVID-19 prevention are coming down. Senate Clerk Susan Clarke Schaar and other members of the Senate staff were working to remove the tall, shiny barriers from the chamber after Mondayâs floor session concluded. The plastic panels that separated lawmakersâ desks, which Republicans had complained amounted to cages, were being disassembled and carried out.
Senate committee kills bill to restore regulatory oversight over energy projects
By PATRICK WILSON, Richmond Times-Dispatch (Metered Paywall – 7 articles a month)
Democrats on a Senate committee killed a House bill on Monday that would have restored State Corporation Commission oversight over the bonanza of energy projects approved in a 2020 law. The bill from Del. Lee Ware, R-Powhatan, would have amended the Virginia Clean Economy Act, the legislation Democrats passed in 2020 to transition Virginia off the use of fossil fuels for electricity generation and promote the use of solar and wind energy.
Proposal to forbid local gas bans dropped in Senate
By SARAH VOGELSONG, Virginia Mercury
A controversial proposal to forbid local governments from banning or limiting use of natural gas has been dropped after House Majority Leader Terry Kilgore revamped a bill Tuesday in a bid to ensure legislation providing businesses with certainty about gas service makes it through the Senate. . . . The new version of House Bill 1257 presented Tuesday would prohibit any âpublic entity that provides natural gas utility serviceâ from discontinuing service âgenerally or to any commercial or industrial customersâ without providing three years of notice, undertaking certain negotiations and in some circumstances offering the system up for auction to the highest bidder. Only three localities would be affected by the legislation: the cities of Richmond, Charlottesville and Danville, all of which have municipal gas utilities.
Report finds potentially $400 million wrongly given out from Virginia Employment Commission
By MARGARET KAVANAGH, WTKR-TV
An audit of the Virginia Employment Commission has highlighted major issues within the agency after an explosion of claims filed as a result of the pandemic. The report dissects problems that could have potentially cost taxpayers $400 million. The News 3 investigative team spoke to those impacted, the VEC commissioner and Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin about the new findings.
D.C., Virginia awarded millions in federal grants to push equity in unemployment benefits
By TEO ARMUS AND MICHAEL BRICE-SADDLER, Washington Post (Metered Paywall – 3 articles a month)
The U.S. Department of Labor is planning to roll out millions in funding to promote equity in unemployment insurance programs â and the District and Virginia will be two of the first to benefit. Employment agencies for the two jurisdictions were among the first selected to receive these new federal grants, which are meant to help claimants from traditionally marginalized backgrounds access unemployment benefits, Labor officials announced Tuesday.
Richmond increases business tax threshold to $250,000
By C. SUAREZ ROJAS, Richmond Times-Dispatch (Metered Paywall – 7 articles a month)
Beginning next year, Richmond will cut business taxes for local companies by increasing an exemption threshold. Businesses will be exempt from the cityâs Business, Professional and Occupational License tax for the first $250,000 generated annually, starting Jan. 1, 2023. Companies earning less will only need to pay a $30 annual fee, rather than a rate determined by the type of business
Miyares: Virginia to receive $530 million to fight the opioid crisis
By TYLER THRASHER, WRIC-TV
Attorney General Jason Miyares has announced the final approval of the $26 billion opioid agreement between Cardinal, McKesson and Amerisource Bergen with Johnson & Johnson. The commonwealth expects to receive $530 million to fight the opioid crisis. According to a release by the office of the Attorney General, following successful state sign-on and subdivision sign-on periods, the defendants will start releasing funds to a national administrator on April 2, 2022. Money will start flowing to state and local governments in the second quarter of 2022.
With big tax incentives, Virginia aims to lure Commanders
By SARAH RANKIN, Associated Press
Virginia lawmakers are advancing a measure intended to lure the Washington Commanders to the state by allowing the NFL team to forgo what could be $1 billion or more in future tax payments to help finance a potential new football stadium. The move, which comes a year after lawmakers gave the team preferential treatment for a lucrative sports betting permit, is intended to help Virginia secure its first major pro sports franchise and beat out Maryland and the District of Columbia as the team weighs where to go after its FedEx Field lease ends in 2027.
Va. Congressman unveils plan to sack tax perks of state’s plan to lure Washington Commanders stadium
By ERIC FLACK, WUSA-TV
A Virginia congressman wants to sack a financial incentive package aimed at luring the Washington Commanders’ new stadium to the Commonwealth. U.S. Representative Don Beyer, a Democrat who represents Virginiaâs 8th Congressional District in the heart of Northern Virginia, said stadium bond packages like the one working its way through the Virginia state legislature takes needed tax revenue out of the pockets of taxpayers all to benefit people who have more than enough money to build new stadiums on their own.
2022 Special Session for the Budget
After the General Assembly failed to adopt a new state budget during the recently concluded regular session of the legislature, Governor Youngkin called the General Assembly back to Richmond for a Special Session beginning Monday, April 4, 2022. As of today, the budget negotiators have not reached a compromise. While it feels like Delegates and Senators are in no rush to finalize a budget, those relying on tax relief, pay raises, or new investments in education and public safety are growing restless.
Some of the issues being worked on are a suspension of the gas tax, elimination of the grocery tax, increasing the standard deduction and gun violence prevention money. The Governor did sign into law one tax measure that is not stuck in the budget, HB 1239 (Scott) allowing localities to lower vehicle tax rates to help give tax relief to struggling Virginians.
While we await a budget during the Special Session, Governor Youngkinâs Administration is reviewing all of the legislation passed during the regular session. The Governor has until midnight on April 11th to sign, amend, or veto bills. One bill facing possible amendments deals with regulations to address cannabis products, including synthetics, aimed at bringing the retail market under control and providing consumer safety protections. While the legislature pushed back the timeline for establishing a legal marijuana retail market, they did pass legislation providing a path to regulate cannabis products, specifically Delta-8, in the retail market and prohibiting certain shapes of retail marijuana products including the shape of a human, animal, vehicle, or fruit which are more appealing to children (SB591âHanger).
The creation of a Stadium Authority, in hopes of wooing the Washington Commanders new stadium to the Commonwealth, may see a significant reduction in scope and size. The Senate bill originally called for as much as $1 billion in bonds to finance the project but now, many are reporting, the bill conferees are looking to reduce the amount by two-thirds to $350 million. Even with the reduction in financial scope, Virginiaâs proposed bid is greater than both Maryland and DC.
COVID Workplace regulations
Earlier this month, the Virginia Department of Labor and Industryâs Worker Safety Board (DOLI) voted to remove additional workplace safety restrictions for COVID-19 that were widely seen as overly burdensome. The new guidance directs businesses to follow OSHA and CDC directives, thus allowing business owners greater flexibility to limit spread and calls for employers to facilitate vaccines and boosters, encourage workers who are ill to stay home, provide masks and promote sanitation and good ventilation, educate workers on COVID policies and report infections.
Election updates
There are several groups – the Virginia League of Women Voters, the ACLU of Virginia, the Virginia NAACP – calling for new elections in 2022 for the recently redrawn legislative districts. Whether the elections are in 2022 or 2023, many legislators and politicos are putting their names forward for the newly redrawn House of Delegates, Senate and Congressional districts.
Newsclips
Youngkin pushes tax cuts in TV ad; sets April 4 special session
By MEL LEONOR, Richmond Times-Dispatch (Metered Paywall – 7 articles a month)
Gov. Glenn Youngkin is putting pressure on the Virginia legislature with a new TV ad â that will air across the state starting Thursday â pitching his package of tax cuts. Youngkin also announced that he will call lawmakers back to Richmond for a special session April 4 to wrap up work on the budget. Speaking with reporters Wednesday afternoon, Youngkin said he signed a proclamation calling legislators to a special session to finish work on the budget and other pending legislation.
Gov. Youngkin signs law empowering localities to lower tax rates on vehicles
By GARY BOYER AND SARAH FEARING, WAVY-TV
Gov. Glenn Youngkin has signed a new law meant to empower localities across the commonwealth to cut tax rates and prevent huge tax hikes driven by dramatic increases in used vehicle values. . . . If local government leadership does not address the increased value of used vehicles, then taxpayers will likely be facing significant increases in taxes as the Commonwealth of Virginia constitutionally mandates 100 percent fair market value in property tax assessments.
Youngkin hails state board’s removal of stricter COVID workplace rules
By ANDREW CAIN, Richmond Times-Dispatch (Metered Paywall – 7 articles a month)
Gov. Glenn Youngkin on Tuesday hailed a move by a state board to formally remove a set of rules that required employers to treat COVID-19 as a work place hazard and institute mitigation measures like requiring masks and ensuring social distancing. The Virginia Department of Labor and Industryâs Worker Safety Board voted Monday to remove what Youngkin said were unnecessary restrictions put in place under then-Gov. Ralph Northamâs administration. As expected, the board determined that COVID no longer poses a grave threat to Virginians in the workplace.
Virginia, the first state to set Covid workplace rules, drops them.
By EMMA GOLDBERG, New York Times (Metered Paywall – 1 to 2 articles a month)
Virginiaâs workplace safety board voted on Monday to withdraw the stateâs emergency rules for protecting workers from Covid-19, leaving employers to follow looser guidelines to prevent the spread of the coronavirus in the workplace. Virginia, which has its own workplace safety agency, was the first state in the country to put in place emergency standards to protect workers from the virus. Under those standards, which were enacted in July 2020 under Gov. Ralph Northam, a Democrat, employers had to require indoor masking in higher-risk areas, as well as report Covid outbreaks to the stateâs Department of Health.
Judge rules that a dozen Virginia students can ask for mask mandates â but no more
By HANNAH NATANSON AND RACHEL WEINER, Washington Post (Metered Paywall – 3 articles a month)
A federal judge in Charlottesville ruled Wednesday that a handful of schools in Virginia could require face masks if necessary to protect a dozen immunocompromised children whose families sued over mask-optional policies. The ruling includes schools in the stateâs largest districts, Loudoun and Fairfax. Judge Norman K. Moon emphasized repeatedly, though, that he is not undoing state law and an executive order that makes masks optional. His order is limited to the 12 families who sued in Charlottesville federal court, whose children attend 10 different school districts in Virginia and range in age from preschool to 11th grade.
âRadio silenceâ: Voting rights advocates push for 2022 Virginia House elections as lawmakers shy away
By DEAN MIRSHAHI, WRIC-TV
Public support for new Virginia House of Delegates elections this year has grown over the last month, but voting rights advocates have questioned the reticence from state lawmakers and groups to get behind the push. The Virginia League of Women Voters, the ACLU of Virginia, the Virginia NAACP and several of its local branches have all recently backed the calls for new elections using newly redrawn districts that reflect the population shifts over the last decade. . . . But the Democratic Party of Virginia has not weighed in on the effort, nor have any of the party caucuses in the House or state Senate.
Rep. Beyer faces packed slate of challengers in 8th District race
By JO DEVOE, ArlNow
A full slate of candidates is vying to unseat Rep. Don Beyer as Arlingtonâs representative in Congress. Beyer has held onto his 8th District seat â which includes all of Arlington County, the cities Alexandria and Falls Church, and portions of Fairfax County â since he replaced the retiring Rep. Jim Moran in 2014. The incumbent, who declared his re-election bid in January, will face off local progressive Democrat challenger Victoria Virasingh in a Democratic primary scheduled for June 21. . . . Local Republicans, meanwhile, will be able to select their preferred candidate from five hopefuls.
Into the weeds as hemp concerns clash
By LUKE WEIR, Roanoke Times (Metered Paywall – 5 articles a month)
Hemp legalization was not intended to get people high, said a lawmaker whose proposal to close loopholes in state cannabis code was approved this winter by the legislature, to the dismay of hemp businesses in Southwest Virginia. In response to a proliferation of Delta 8 THC products for sale in stores across Virginia, Sen. Emmett Hanger, R-Augusta, this year carried a bill alongside Sen. Bill Stanley, R-Franklin County, to redefine legal distinctions between the non-intoxicating hemp plant and its mind-altering sibling, the cannabis plant.
Hemp Businesses Call On Youngkin To Amend Restrictive THC Bill
By JILLIAN LYNCH, Daily News Record (Metered Paywall – 5 articles a month)
A bill approved by the General Assembly aims to change the legal definition of marijuana in Virginia. In Virginia, hemp is classified as cannabis with a concentration of 0.3% THC or lower, according to the state code. If signed into law, SB 591, introduced by Sen. Emmett Hanger, R-Mount Solon, Virginia would be more restrictive to THC in classifying hemp products than federal law. THC, or tetrahydrocannabinol, is the main compound in marijuana that produces a âhigh.â
High from hemp: States wrestle with chemically made THC
By GENE JOHNSON, Associated Press
Over the past few years, Jonny Griffis has invested millions of dollars in his legal marijuana farm in northern Michigan, which produces extracts to be used in things like gummy bears and vape oils. But now that farm â like many other licensed grows in states that have legalized marijuana â faces an existential threat: high-inducing cannabis compounds derived not from the heavily regulated and taxed legal marijuana industry, but from a chemical process involving little-regulated, cheaply grown hemp….Virginia lawmakers this month approved a bill to strictly limit the amount of THC allowed in hemp-derived products; Gov. Glenn Youngkin has not yet signed it.
Former Petersburg delegate says she will run for new state Senate district seat
By BILL ATKINSON, Progress Index (Metered paywall – 10 articles a month)
Even though it was less than three months ago that Lashrecse Aird’s time in the General Assembly officially ended, the decision to jump back into the political fray actually was a bit difficult. “It really was a hard decision,” Aird said in a phone interview Wednesday morning, the same day she announced she would run for the Democratic nomination in the newly created 13th Senate District.
Ayala, former Lt. Gov. candidate, announces bid for new Prince William senate seat
Potomac Local (Subscription Required)
Former Prince William County delegate turned lieutenant governor candidate Hyla Ayala announced a bid for Virginia Senate today. Ayala will run for the newly created 33rd District seat representing portions of south Fairfax, Lake Ridge, and Woodbridge. Currently, there is no incumbent in the district.
News in New York â Governor Cuomo and State Legislature Agree on New York State Fiscal Year 2022 Budget, COVID-19 Announcements, Deputy Mayor Vicki Been Appointed Chair of the Hudson River Park Trust
Governor Cuomo and State Legislature Agree on New York State Fiscal Year 2022 Budget
Last week, Governor Cuomo and the State Legislature came to an agreement on the New York State Fiscal Year 2022 (FY22) Budget. The Enacted Budget totals $212 billion, roughly 10 percent higher than the FY21 Budget. The final agreement includes a number of major policy items, and avoids budget cuts due to higher than expected state revenues and the application of the first $5.5 billion of the $12.6 billion provided by the federal American Rescue Plan. The Budget includes $29.5 billion in aid to schools, $29 billion in public and private “green economy” investments, $2.4 billion for rent and homeowner relief, $2.4 billion for child care, $2.1 billion for excluded workers, $1 billion for a small business, arts, entertainment and restaurant relief, and $40 million for an arts and cultural organization recovery grant program. On the revenue side, the Budget includes a personal income tax rate increase on individuals making over $1 million, an increase in corporate taxes, and the legalization of mobile sports betting which the Governor forecasts will raise $500 million. In addition, the Budget includes provisions to require internet service providers to offer and advertise low cost broadband, new programs to address systemic injustice, authorization to place a $3 billion environmental bond act on the 2022 ballot, and comprehensive nursing home reform.
COVID-19 Announcements
Last week, Mayor de Blasio made several COVID-19 related announcements. The Mayor announced the launch of new mobile vaccination efforts and expanded walk-in vaccine sites for New Yorkers 75 and older. The mobile vaccination effort will include a fleet of mobile vaccine vans and busses that will deliver and administer the vaccine directly to communities most in need. The Mayor also announced the AfterCare program, which will support New Yorkers living with the long-term effects of the virus. In terms of reopening news, de Blasio announced that the City’s public beaches and outdoor pools will open on time for the season, which is in contrast to last summer. The City’s beaches will open on Memorial Day Weekend, and outdoor pools will open the day after the last day of school. He was also present at the reopening of the Coney Island Amusement Park on Friday. Finally, the Mayor announced the launch of the City Cleanup Corps, an economic recovery program designed to clean up NYC and directly create 10,000 jobs.
Deputy Mayor Vicki Been Appointed Chair of the Hudson River Park Trust
Last Wednesday, Mayor de Blasio announced the appointment of Deputy Mayor Vicki Been as the new Chair of the Hudson River Park Trust. Been has been Deputy Mayor of Housing and Economic Development since 2019, where she oversees 20 agencies, including the Department of Parks and Recreation. She also served in the de Blasio Administration as the Commissioner of the Department of Housing Preservation and Development from 2014 to 2017. The Hudson River Park Trust is responsible for designing, building, operating and maintaining Hudson River Park, which stretches for several miles along the western Manhattan shoreline. Been will take over for Basil Seggos, who replaced longtime Chair Diana Taylor in September 2020.
Please contact Katie Schwab or Rose Christ of Cozen OâConnor Public Strategies with any questions you may have regarding this note or if youâre interested in ways to engage on these issues.
New York Concludes 2022 Legislative SessionLast week, New York State concluded its 2022 legislative session, with the State Legislature passing many pieces of legislation in the finals days. Driven by democratic supermajorities in both houses, the Legislature passed a slew of bills to strengthen voting rights, abortion access, gun control, street safety, and more. Among these bills are the New York Voting Rights Act, legislation to protect medical providers from misconduct charges for performing abortions, and a package of gun control measures. For housing, lawmakers also passed legislation to create the NYCHA Preservation Trust, as well as a bill that will make it easier for distressed hotels to be converted into affordable housing. In regards to crypto, the Legislature passed a two-year, limited moratorium on digital currency mining at fossil fuel power plants. The Legislature passed only a two-year extension of mayoral control of city schools, with a costly mandate he has resisted for the city to bring down class sizes, a significant blow to NYC Mayor Adamâs education agenda. However, many hotly contested issues were not passed before the Legislature concluded the 2022 session. The 421-a real estate development tax break, a key part of city housing policy, has been left for dead for the time being, as well a ban on gas hookups in newly-constructed buildings. In addition, Good Cause Eviction was not able to make it through the Legislature, and neither were two parole reform bills known as the Elder Parole Bill and the Fair and Timely Parole Act. Several bills passed the Senate but did not make it through the Assembly, including the Build Public Renewables Act and the Clean Slate Act. All in all, state lawmakers passed 1,007 bills in both houses, the first time since 1986 in which over 1,000 bills were passed. NYC Council Passes and Introduces LegislationLast Thursday, the NYC Council convened a stated meeting, where they passed and introduced multiple pieces of legislation. The Council passed a bill that will require inspections for self-closing doors in residential buildings, complementing the recently passed legislative package of bills that will strengthen fire city measures in NYC residences. The Council introduced legislation which would require payment of prevailing wages for city-contracted human service workers. They also introduced a bill that would create a temporary exemption from the payment of the commercial rent tax for certain retail stores and food service establishments. In addition, the Council introduced legislation which would require the City to establish a pilot program reimbursing small businesses for purchasing panic buttons. You can find all of the bills that were passed and introduced here. Mayor Adams Outlines Vision for âCity of YesâLast Wednesday, Mayor Eric Adams outlined his vision for New York City to become a âCity of Yesâ. Speaking in front of government and business leaders at an Association for a Better New York power breakfast, Adams laid out a plan to use citywide zoning initiatives to support small businesses, create affordable housing, and promote sustainability. The first citywide text amendment â âZoning for Economic Opportunityâ â will allow small business to repurpose their space for a post-pandemic city. The second citywide text amendment – âZoning for Housing Opportunityâ â will encourage the creation of more affordable housing throughout the city. The third and final citywide text amendment â âZoning for Zero Carbonâ â will help NYC reach its zero carbon goals. In addition to these three zoning initiatives, the Mayor also announced the Building and Land Use Approval Streamlining Task Force (BLAST), as well as the launch of the New York City Strategy for Equity and Economic Development (NYC SEED) Fund. BLAST is a coordinated effort across a dozen agencies to cut red tape and streamline processes for economic recovery, and the NYC SEED fund will provide neighborhood-wide capital investments in areas where those funds will have the greatest impact in creating jobs, housing, and economic opportunity for New Yorkers. These initiatives follow the release of the Mayorâs âRebuild, Renew, Reinventâ blueprint for NYCâs economic recovery. |
Pennsylvania
At Long Last, 2022-23 Pennsylvania State Budget Is Passed
After much back-and-forth negotiation, Pennsylvania state legislators passed the 2022-23 budget last Friday in a bipartisan vote. Clocking in at $45.2 billion, the budget includes increases to school funding, cuts to the state corporate tax rate, and investment in the stateâs Rainy Day Fund. It also allows for several important measures to potentially appear on votersâ ballots in 2023. City & State Pennsylvania has more.
State Court Blocks Wolf Administrationâs Carbon Pricing Program
The Commonwealth Court has temporarily barred Pennsylvania from participating in a regional carbon pricing program. While Governor Tom Wolf and his administration have sought to fight climate change by implementing policies that are intended to curb carbon emissions, some argue that such policies are essentially an unlawful tax. The Associated Press has more.
Governor Wolf Uses Veto Power to Block Republican-Supported Measures
Last Friday, Governor Tom Wolf vetoed bills regarding transgender athletes in the school sports and poll watchers â as expected â as well as a provision within the Human Service Code which would prevent state agencies from contracting with financial management vendors. The Associated Press has more.
âRepublicans4Shapiroâ PAC Launched by Notable Pennsylvania Republicans
A group of influential Pennsylvania Republicans â including former Chief of Staff to Senator Arlen Specter Craig Snyder and former U.S. Representative Jim Greenwood â have formed a PAC to organize against State Senator Doug Mastrianoâs bid for governor. This comes in the wake of nine former state Republican officialsâ recent endorsement of Mastrianoâs Democratic opponent, Attorney General Josh Shapiro. PennLive has more.
Philadelphia
PICA to Continue Overseeing Philadelphia Finances
On Friday, Governor Tom Wolf signed a bill extending the Pennsylvania Intergovernmental Cooperation Authority (PICA) until January 2047. The organization, which provides financial oversight, was originally established in 1991 when the Cityâs finances were in dire straits. WHYY has more.
Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh Works Together Announces New Leadership, Extols Manufacturing Sector as Jobs Creator
Pittsburgh Works Together â an organization that lobbies in favor of pro-natural gas and manufacturing policies in Pennsylvania â has announced Peoples Natural Gas President Michael Huwar as its new board co-chair. Huwar is a known proponent of the natural gas and manufacturing sectors, and has emphasized their importance to the region’s potential for economic growth. WESA has more.
Redistricted Pittsburgh Electoral Map ImminentÂ
Pittsburgh City Council is said to be finalizing its redistricted electoral map in accordance with data from the most recent U.S. Census. However, the potential for annexation of neighboring Wilkinsburg means that the newest iteration being discussed may not last for longer than 18 months. The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette has more.
Pennsylvania
Wolf Sets Veto Record During Eight-Year Tenure
Governor Tom Wolf surpassed former Governor Robert P. Casey for most veto uses in two terms, with nearly a third of those vetoes coming during 2020 on issues related to the COVID-19 pandemic. During the first years of the Wolf Administration, most vetoes were related to education and labor bills. City & State PA has more .
Medical Marijuana Card Companies Act As Middlemen for Doctors Banned from Advertising
The recent flood of companies promising to connect Pennsylvanians with doctors who could grant them a medical marijuana use card comes from a unique provision in the state âs cannabis laws â while doctors alone have the power to grant these card, they are barred from advertising these privileges. Advocates worry that these companies and the doctors they work with are rushing through the application process, improperly screening patients or leaving questions unanswered. Read more from Spotlight PA.
New State Environmental Protection Policies Unveiled and Scrutinized
The Department of Environmental Protection is revamping its operating policies by requiring environmental justice to be considered when adopting programs or policies. For some, elements of this may mean additional hearings focused on environmental justice before approval. However, the draft policy is being criticized by some who say that it amounts to lip service while others say it oversteps the DEP âs mandate. The Post-Gazette has more .
Floor Vote on Assault Weapon Ban Fails in State House
State Democrats took the unusual step of forcing a floor vote on an assault weapon ban introduced by former Rep. Ed Gainey. The vote failed nearly along party lines (with one Democrat voting against and one Republican voting in favor). Read more from the Post-Gazette.
Philadelphia
Philadelphia Restarts Stalled Program to Power 22% of City Buildings by Solar, Including City Hall and the Airport
Yesterday, City officials announced that they signed an update agreement to buy solar-generated power. The Philadelphia Inquirer has more.
Workers at Four Philadelphia Starbucks Vote to Unionize
Votes to unionize were successful in four Philadelphia Starbucks, two in West Philadelphia and two in Center City. One store by the Barnes Foundation voted against unionization. The moves come as a number of Starbucks nationwide take unionization votes. Read more from the Inquirer.
Two Major Area Scholarship Organizations to Merge
Philadelphia Futures and Steppingstone Scholars will merge to create a new organization that helps 3,000 Philadelphia students by issuing $10 million annually in scholarships. The Inquirer has more .
Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh Climate Regulations Shift to Focus on Lowering Overall Emissions
The Pittsburgh 2030 District is shifting its push for a greener city by shifting focus on overall lower carbon emissions, spurred by scientists calls for the world to become carbon neutral by 2040 to avoid the worst of climate change. WESA has more .
Federal
Toomey Joins Bipartisan Group Working on Gun Legislation
Sen. Pat Toomey (R-PA) joined a group of nine other bipartisan Senators to work on a âmodest â piece of gun reform legislation, with Toomey working specifically on expanding background checks. ABC27 has more .
Official Recount Ordered in Senate Race with Oz Maintaining Slight Edge
Mehmet Oz maintains a 902-vote lead over David McCormick after Pennsylvania election officials ordered a recount in the tight Senate race. Thousands of GOP mail-in ballots still remain uncounted. Read more from PennLive.
Pennsylvania
IFO Releases Report on Monthly, Quarterly Revenue Estimates
The Independent Fiscal Office (IFO), the state agency responsible for providing revenue projections and impartial analysis for state legislators, has released its report on FY 2022-23 projections, as well as statutory changes that were enacted with the approval of the most recent state budget. View the report here.
State Senator Mastriano Stands by Controversial Photos; Backlash From Attorney General Shapiro and Philadelphia Officials Ensues
On Wednesday, Attorney General Josh Shapiro â the current Democratic candidate for governor â and several Philadelphia officials and clergy members publicly denounced Republican gubernatorial candidate Doug Mastriano for his choice to pose for photos in a Confederate Army uniform. Though recently resurfaced, the photos were originally taken in 2014 when Senator Mastriano was a faculty member at Army War College in Carlisle. The Senator has stood by the photos, claiming that they have historical merit, and arguing that Democrats âhave nothing else to run on.â The Philadelphia Inquirer has more.
President Biden Visits Wilkes-Barre, Touts Public Safety Record
During his visit to Wilkes-Barre on Tuesday, President Joe Biden excoriated defenders of the participants of the January 6, 2021 insurrection at the Capitol while touting his record on public safety and law enforcement. The visit is one of a few trips the President will be making to Pennsylvania ahead of the midterm elections. City & State Pennsylvania has more.
Nursing Home Workers May Strike Despite Recent Increase in FundingÂ
A nursing home worker strike may be looming due to a lack of specificity in the most recent state budget. The 2022-23 budget, which was passed in July, included $600 million for long-term care providers, though it did not specify how exactly the funds should be spent. Workers fear that they may not benefit from the increase in funding. Spotlight PA has more.
Labor Leaders Pressure General Assembly to Pass Minimum Wage Increase
On Wednesday, in recognition of Labor Day, labor leaders and legislators gathered at the state Capitol to call on the General Assembly to pass a minimum wage increase, as well as other measures that would protect workers across the state. The Pennsylvania Capital-Star has more.
Governor Wolf Calls for $2,000 Stimulus Checks
Governor Tom Wolf continues to push for stimulus checks for Pennsylvanians despite Republican pushback. During a speech in Allegheny County on Monday, the Governor urged Republican legislators to consider his PA Opportunity Program, which would provide a $2,000 stimulus check to Pennsylvanians who make less than $80,000. PennLive has more.
Governor Wolf, Lieutenant Governor Fetterman to Pardon Potentially Thousands With Marijuana Convictions
Governor Tom Wolf and Lieutenant Governor John Fetterman have announced the administrationâs intent to pardon Pennsylvanians of minor, non-violent marijuana criminal convictions. Eligible Pennsylvanians can apply for the PA Marijuana Pardon Project throughout September through the Pennsylvania Board of Pardons. Governor Wolfâs website has more.
Governor Wolf, State Lawmakers to Prioritize Childhood Sexual Abuse Legislation
Governor Tom Wolf and legislative leaders on both sides of the aisle will be prioritizing a constitutional amendment that would allow victims of childhood sexual abuse to file civil lawsuits. If passed, the amendment would appear on Pennsylvaniansâ ballots in 2023. PennLive has more.
Pennsylvania DOC Releases 2022 Annual Recidivism Report
Pennsylvaniaâs recidivism rate has changed little over the past 15 years according to the Pennsylvania Department of Correctionsâ (DOC) recently released annual report on the subject. The metric is an important performance indicator for the department, as one of its primary goals is to reduce incidents of re-arrest and re-incarceration of previously incarcerated individuals. Pennsylvania Pressroom has more.
Philadelphia
Reclaimâs Amanda McIllmurray Exploring a Run for City Council
Cofounder and former Political Director of Reclaim Philadelphia Amanda McIllmurray has filed paperwork to run against Councilmember Mark Squilla in 2023. Councilmember Squilla has served the First District for three terms and is expected to run for reelection. The Philadelphia Inquirer has more.
Pittsburgh
Pittsburghâs Famous Sister Bridges to Feature Permanent LED Lighting
Pittsburgh is famous for its bridges â so much so that it is frequently called the City of Bridges. Now, its three famed Sister Bridges â the Roberto Clemente Bridge, Andy Warhol, and Rachel Carson Bridges â will be adorned with permanent LED light installations. A similar temporary installation on the Rachel Carson Bridge gained popularity during its display from 2016 to 2018. The Pittsburgh Tribune-Review has more.
City Controller Lamb to Step Down After Completing Current Term
Pittsburgh City Controller Michael Lamb has announced that he will not be seeking reelection in 2023, though he is said to be considering a run for Allegheny County Executive. City Controller Lamb has served four terms over 15 years, having served under three mayoral administrations. WESA has more.
Fate of Gunshot Detection Technology in the Hands of State Supreme Court
ShotSpotter â a California-based company that has a $1.2 million contract with the Pittsburgh Police Department to accurately pinpoint the location of gunshots â has been criticized by legal organizations such as the Innocence Project and the American Civil Liberties Union for allegedly providing mixed results and resulting in unjust convictions. Now, a case before the Pennsylvania Supreme Court will determine the constitutionality of gunshot detection technology across the state. PublicSource has more.
Federal
Dr. Oz Issues Contentious Response to Lieutenant Governor Fettermanâs Debate RSVPÂ
Republican candidate for U.S. Senate Dr. Mehmet Oz recently issued a list of debate concessions in an attempt to convince his Democratic opponent, Lieutenant Governor John Fetterman, to participate in a debate hosted by KDKA-TV. The Lieutenant Governor, who declined the invitation due to lingering effects from a stroke he suffered in May, has criticized the list of concessions, saying that they were not issued âin good faith,â but rather to âmock a stroke survivor.â City & State Pennsylvania has more.
Lieutenant Governor Fetterman Participates in First National TV Interview Since Stroke
On Wednesday, Lieutenant Governor John Fetterman appeared in his first national television interview since his stroke in May, where he discussed some of the challenges of managing his health while campaigning. The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette has more.
Pennsylvania
State Budget Negotiations to Focus on Public School Aid
Governor Tom Wolf and Pennsylvania state legislators continue to negotiate the 2022-23 budget plan, which is expected to include new aid for the stateâs public schools, among other priorities. While the state has $12 billion in reserves and surpluses, there is not yet agreement on how much to spend and which priorities to fund. The final budget deadline is Thursday. Both AP and PennLive have more.
Governor Wolf Urges Increase in Pennsylvaniaâs Medicaid Reimbursement Rates for Nursing Homes
Governor Tom Wolf is seeking to appropriate $91.25 million of the 2022-23 budget to increase Pennsylvaniaâs Medicaid reimbursement rate for skilled nursing homes, which is currently lower than that of many neighboring states. The intended purpose is to help close the gap in the quality of care between Medicaid and Medicare nursing home patients. Spotlight PA has more.
Politicians Across the State React to Fridayâs SCOTUS Decision
In the wake of the United States Supreme Courtâs historic decision to overturn Roe v. Wade last Friday, Pennsylvania politicians â including current officeholders and those who are currently running for office â weighed in with a plethora of reactions ranging from support to dismay. City & State Pennsylvania has more.
Pennsylvania Attorney General Rallies for Abortion Rights in Philadelphia
On Saturday, state Attorney General and Democratic nominee for Governor Josh Shapiro spoke at a rally in defense of abortion access and rights. Shapiroâs Republican opponent Doug Mastriano favors a total ban on abortion in Pennsylvania. WHYY has more.
Pennsylvania House Democrats Propose New Price-Fixing and -Gouging Legislation
In light of the recent historic rise in inflation â which has resulted in rises in the cost of gas and consumer goods â Pennsylvania House Democrats have proposed a series of bills that would tackle price fixing and gouging. City & State Pennsylvania has more.
Philadelphia
Philadelphia Police Department Set to Receive $30 Million Budget Increase
The $5.8 billion budget passed by Philadelphia City Council last Thursday included a $30 million increase in budget for the Philadelphia Police Department, the largest such increase in years. The budget also includes increases in spending on anti-violence programs and the Defender Association of Philadelphia. The Philadelphia Inquirer has more.
Weather Normalization Adjustments Wreak Havoc on Many Philadelphiansâ Heating Bills
Despite higher than average temperatures throughout the region during the month of May, many Philadelphia Gas Works customers have reported astronomical increases to their heating bills. This is due to weather normalization adjustments, which allow for PGW to charge more or less between the months of October and May if the temperature deviates drastically from what is typical for that time of year. The Philadelphia Inquirer has more.
Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh to Revive Dormant Disruptive Properties Program
In an attempt to address rising levels of crime, Pittsburgh is looking into potentially reviving its disruptive properties program. The program allows for Pittsburghâs Public Safety Department to designate certain properties disruptive once the property owner receives three citations for âdisruptive activity,â which ranges from noise complaints to firearm discharge. The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette has more.
Mayor Gainey and Other Pittsburgh-Area Officials Seek Right to Pass Local Gun Reform Measures
Pittsburgh Mayor Ed Gainey and other Western Pennsylvania legislators are calling on their colleagues in Harrisburg to allow them the ability to pass local gun reform laws. Currently, Pennsylvaniaâs preemption laws prevent cities from passing such laws. The Tribune-Review has more.
Federal
Senator Toomey Applauded for Role in Promoting Historic Bipartisan Gun Violence Bill
Republican Senator Pat Toomey was one of 15 Senate Republicans who voted in favor of the Safer Communities Act, which was signed into law by President Joe Biden over the weekend. The bill, which was largely negotiated by Senator Toomey, expands background checks for gun buyers under the age of 21 and places limitations on firearm ownership for known perpetrators of domestic violence, among other things. City & State PA has more.