Fiscal Year 2022 Budget Update, New York Expands Eligibility for COVID-19 Vaccine, Nina Kubota Appointed President and CEO of NYC School Construction Authority

April 5, 2021

News in New York – 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 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.

Explore Articles and News

See All News