News in New York – One-House Budgets, City Legislation, Mayoral Appointments

March 20, 2023

State Senate and Assembly Release One-House Budgets

The New York State Senate and Assembly have released their one-house budgets, in response to Gov. Kathy Hochul’s Executive FY24 Budget. Notably, both chambers have rejected the Governor’s plan to mandate new housing, instead utilizing a $500M incentive plan. The proposals also removed changes to bail laws, allowances to create more charter schools, and a ban on flavored tobacco products. Gov. Hochul, Speaker Heastie, and Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins will now negotiate the budget before the March 31 deadline. You can find the Assembly budget resolution here and the Senate resolution here.

NYC Council Passes and Introduces Legislation

Last Thursday, the NYC Council convened a Stated meeting, where they passed and introduced multiple pieces of legislation. City Council passed legislation codifying the NYC Ferry Discount Program, and requiring the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene to develop a diabetes reduction plan. They also passed a bill requiring that certain city-owned and city-funded buildings are built to green design standards. The Council introduced bills prohibiting the time that gas-powered leaf blowers can be used, and banning the possession of elephants. You can find all of the bills that were passed and introduced here.

Mayor Adams Announces Appointments

Mayor Adams recently announced several appointments to the Family Court, Criminal Court, Civil Court, the New York City Banking Commission, and the Rent Guidelines Board. Six judges have been appointed to Family Court, three were appointed to Criminal Court, and there is one interim appointment to Civil Court. Additionally, Tonya Jenerette will serve as the mayoral designee on the New York City Banking Commission. Jenerette is currently the Chief Strategy Officer for First Deputy Mayor Sheena Wright. Nestor Davidson will be Chair of the New York City Rent Guidelines Board; he is currently a professor of housing and land use at Fordham University School of Law.

Authors

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