February 2022
Weekly Report for February 25, 2022
Growing list of incumbent Democrats facing primary opponents
Over a dozen incumbent Democratic state lawmakers, including Senate Housing Committee Chair Brian Kavanagh of Manhattan and Assembly Judiciary Committee Chair Jeffrey Dinowitz of the Bronx, are facing potential primary challenges from progressive Democrats. The growing list of incumbent state lawmakers facing a primary and details of the races and their opponents can be found here. New York State’s primary election day is June 28 this year.
Several state lawmakers announce they will not seek re-election
This week, Assemblymember Michael Cusick (D-Staten Island) announced he will not be seeking re-election this fall. This follows retirement announcements of several other state lawmakers over the last few weeks including, Senator Diane Savino (D-Staten Island), Senator Todd Kaminsky (D-Long Beach), Senator Patty Ritchie (R-Watertown), Assemblymember Cathy Nolan (D-Queens), and Assemblymember Richard Gottfried (D-Manhattan).
Gov. Hochul: Inflation-fighting measures under consideration
This week, Governor Hochul did not rule out state efforts to further curtail inflationary costs such as a suspension of the state sales tax on gas in New York. The governor warned inflationary costs and energy costs are likely to increase as a result of the Russian and Ukraine crisis and uncertainty around the ongoing pandemic. Read more here.
Weekly Report for February 18, 2022
PowerPoint Presentations from NYSAR’s Legislative Policy Forum available
Thank you to those attended the in-person Legislative Forum during the Opportunity Awaits – NYSAR 2022 Mid-Winter Business Meetings. To view presentations from the guest speakers, click here to be redirected to NYSAR’s website. The presentation from Gavin Donohue, President and CEO of the Independent Power Producers of NY (IPPNY), which included an in-depth update on the state’s plan to reduce carbon emissions and what that could mean for New York homeowners and taxpayers can be found here.
NAR Political Representative Zack Rubin-McCarry’s presentation on federal legislative and political topics can be found here.
NYSAR works with new housing coalition to oppose “good cause eviction” proposal
NYSAR has partnered with property owners and housing organizations across the state to form a new coalition called Homeowners for an Affordable New York with the common goal of informing state lawmakers and the public of the harmful impacts good cause eviction would have on housing affordability and property ownership. NYSAR also recently signed onto a joint letter calling on Governor Hochul and leaders in the Legislature to allocate $2 billion in this year’s state budget toward rental assistance for tenants and landlords. To learn more, or to contact your state lawmakers urging them to oppose good cause eviction, click here.
Governor Hochul removes accessory dwelling unit language from Executive Budget proposal
On Thursday, in response to recent concerns expressed by local governments, Governor Hochul amended her Executive Budget proposal to remove language requiring localities to allow for the creation of accessory dwelling units (ADUs) on owner-occupied residential lots. The State Senate and Assembly have not yet signaled if the ADU proposal will be included in their respective one-house budget proposals, which are expected to be released in the coming weeks. Read more here.
Governor Hochul secures spot on ballot for June Primary election
Governor Kathy Hochul was the only gubernatorial candidate to receive enough support at the New York State Democratic Committee’s nominating convention on Thursday to earn an automatic spot on the primary ballot in June. Governor Hochul received 85 percent of the weighted vote, exceeding the 25 percent needed to earn a spot on the ballot without petitioning. New York City Public Advocate Jumaane Williams received 12.5 percent and state Senate staffer Paul Nichols received 2 percent. Rep. Tom Suozzi’s name was not put forward. Candidates wishing to run against Governor Hochul in the Democratic Primary must now successfully gather petitions to appear on the ballot.
Weekly Report for February 11, 2022
NYSAR signs onto letter calling on state to provide additional rental assistance funding
NYSAR recently signed onto a joint letter calling on Governor Hochul and leaders in the Legislature to allocate $2 billion in this year’s state budget toward rental assistance for tenants and landlords. The state’s Emergency Rental Assistance Program is currently out of funding, however tenants are still struggling to pay their rent. Providing additional ERAP funds is necessary to help ensure landlords have the resources they need to provide much-needed housing for their tenants. You can read the full letter here.
Governor Hochul lifts statewide mask requirement for indoor businesses
This week, Governor Hochul announced that the statewide indoor business mask mandate will be lifted starting Thursday, February 10. Masks do remain optional for businesses, local governments and counties to enforce. You can read more on the governor’s website by clicking here.
Weekly Report for February 4, 2022
Attend NYSAR’s Legislative Policy Forum – Wed. February 9 at 10 a.m.
NYSAR’s Legislative Policy Forum will be held in-person on Wednesday, February 9 at 10 a.m. in Fort Orange 7-9 as part of NYSAR’s Mid-Winter Business Meetings. Our guest speakers will be Gavin Donohue, President and CEO of the Independent Power Producers of NY (IPPNY), who will be providing an informative update on the state’s plan to reduce carbon emissions and what that could mean for New York homeowners and taxpayers. Gavin is an appointed member of the state’s Climate Action Council, which is charged with making clean energy recommendations to the Legislature. NYSAR Director of Government Affairs Mike Kelly and NAR Political Representative Zack Rubin-McCarry will be providing a state and federal update on the legislative and political landscapes as we head into an election year. To register and find a schedule of NYSAR’s Mid-Winter Business Meetings click here.
Governor Hochul signs redistricting legislation; GOP files lawsuit
Governor Kathy Hochul signed a package of legislative redistricting bills late Thursday after being passed by the Legislature that define new congressional and state Senate and Assembly district maps. Republicans filed a lawsuit in New York Supreme Court challenging the redistricting maps on Thursday evening in Steuben County. Read more here.