New York Note: State Tax Legislation, Universal Childcare, NYS Appointments, CPS Parks Event

March 9, 2026

State Legislators to Introduce Tax Increase

New York Democratic lawmakers are preparing to introduce new taxes on wealthy residents and corporations, as New York City confronts a $5.3 billion budget gap. Mayor Zohran Mamdani has argued that taxing high earners is the only viable alternative to steep property tax increases and depleting city reserves. Gov. Kathy Hochul, however, has consistently rejected broad-based tax hikes as she heads into a reelection year, while maintaining that discussions with city officials and legislative leaders will continue ahead of the April 1 state budget deadline.

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First Four Communities to Receive Free 2-K Seats Announced

Mayor Mamdani and Governor Hochul announced the first four communities that will receive free 2‑K seats this fall, launching the city’s universal child care initiative for two‑year‑olds. The initial 2,000 seats will be located in School Districts 6 (Washington Heights, Inwood and Hamilton Heights), 10 (western Bronx), 18/23 (Canarsie, Brownsville), and 27 (Ozone Park, Howard Beach and Rockaways), selected based on need, demand, access gaps, and provider capacity. The program is expected to expand to full universality within four years, with services beginning in September 2026. See here for the full list of the communities.

Governor Hochul Announces Two Appointments

Governor Kathy Hochul announced two agency appointments, nominating Terry O’Leary to serve as Commissioner of the Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services (DHSES) and Doris B. González to serve as President of the Higher Education Services Corporation (HESC). O’Leary has spent the past decade as Executive Deputy Commissioner of DHSES, overseeing daily operations and helping lead the state’s response to natural disasters. González, who joined HESC as Executive Vice President in August 2023, previously spent 25 years in leadership roles in corporate philanthropy at IBM. Both will serve in acting capacities pending State Senate confirmation.

Council Member Ty Hankerson Visits CPS Office

Last week, Cozen O’Connor Public Strategies hosted NYC Council Member Ty Hankerson at their New York office. Council Member Hankerson, who was elected in January to represent District 28 in Queens, was recently appointed chair of the NYC Council Committee on Parks and Recreation. Speaking to a room of parks representatives, open space advocates, and other outdoor organizations, he reaffirmed his commitment to securing increased parks funding amid ongoing budget negotiations between the Mayor and the City Council.

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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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