New York Note – Work Authorizations, Cannabis Injunction, Mayor Visits Israel

August 29, 2023

Governor Hochul Calls on Biden Administration to Support Asylum Seekers in NYS

Governor Hochul has called on President Biden to take executive action in supporting asylum seekers in New York State. Specifically, she requested expedited work authorizations, financial assistance for NYC and NYS, the use of federal land for shelter sites, and Title 32 designation to provide federal funding for the National Guard members providing statewide support. Gov. Hochul also directed the NYS Department of Labor to connect asylum seekers with employment opportunities, so that they can begin work after receiving federal work authorization, and launched a portal enabling businesses to list if they are open to employing asylum seekers. The full letter is available here.

Injunction Blocks New York Cannabis Licenses

A preliminary injunction has been issued by state Supreme Court Judge Kevin Bryant against the NYS Office of Cannabis Management. Four veterans filed a lawsuit over the state’s cannabis license laws, claiming that OCM has established an unconstitutional process, making justice-involvement a requirement and excluding service-disabled veterans and minority- and women-owned businesses. The injunction prohibits OCM from issuing or processing any new cannabis licenses, putting the industry on hold. Two years into the state’s legal cannabis rollout, only 24 cannabis dispensaries have opened.

Mayor Adams Visits Israel

Last week, Mayor Adams embarked on a three-day trip to Israel. Every New York City mayor since 1972 has made this trip, and the Mayor’s three-day tour consisted of meeting with Israel’s prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, and the president, Isaac Herzog. The mayor visited historic and religious sites and attended a briefing on Israeli drone technology.

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