Member Spotlight

Assemblyman Al Stirpe

Assemblymember Al Stirpe joins us to discuss his Central New York-based district, background in small business, and his priorities for the year. While always tuned into politics, he was a small-business owner, which allowed him to connect with and better understand his community, which he now represents in Albany. Currently, he is the Chair of Economic Development, Job Creation, Commerce & Industry, and serves as a member on the Agriculture, Higher Education, and Alcoholism & Drug Abuse committees.

What district do you represent?
I represent the 127th Assembly District, which includes the towns of Clay, Cicero, Manlius, and Cazenovia.

What are some of the landmarks in your district?
One of the biggest landmarks—still in development—is the Micron semiconductor facility in the Town of Clay. We also have one of the largest Amazon warehouses in the world, also located in Clay. Beyond that, we have beautiful natural features, including Oneida and Cazenovia Lakes, which give us two vibrant lake communities. The Town of Manlius is also a standout—it’s a lovely area with three villages and is home to many leaders in business, higher education, and industry.

What kind of music do you enjoy?
I’m a child of the late ’60s and early ’70s, so I enjoy artists like The Allman Brothers, Tom Petty, and a lot of soul music. My first concert was during freshman orientation at the University of Notre Dame—I saw Ike and Tina Turner, who absolutely blew the doors off the place, followed by Linda Ronstadt. Since then, I’ve seen hundreds of performances. I also help organize the Syracuse International Jazz Fest and have been involved for about 5 years now. My wife and I are big supporters of live music.

What’s your favorite New York sports team?
The Yankees for baseball. I’ve always been a diehard New York Giants fan, though they’ve had some tough seasons recently. I’m also a longtime Philadelphia 76ers fan, something most people don’t know. Growing up, I used to visit family in New Jersey, and they would take me to Sixers games back when Wilt Chamberlain was playing. That said, I do root for the Buffalo Bills. I think they have a strong team and could make a serious run if they shore up their defense.

What was your profession before being elected to the Assembly?
I started my career at General Electric in Syracuse, working in electronic camera operations. Several colleagues and I spun that division off into our own company, SID Technologies, which focused on charge-injection device technology used in factory automation and scientific instrumentation.

After that, I started a software company called Qube Software, which developed enterprise resource planning systems for small- to mid-sized manufacturers and distributors. I later worked for a larger ERP firm based in Santa Clara, overseeing operations in the eastern U.S., before transitioning into politics.

What inspired you to enter public service?
I have always been interested in politics, especially at the national level. Over time, that interest grew, particularly during the Clinton years. When my predecessor left his Assembly seat to run for the Senate, the opportunity opened up. I decided to give it a try, even though I didn’t have much direct experience at the time, and I ended up winning a very close race.

What I found is that the problem-solving skills I developed in business translated well. People come to you with issues, and while you may not always solve them exactly the way they expect, you can usually find a solution that meets their needs.

As Chair of Economic Development, what are your priorities this year?
A major focus continues to be on alcohol and cannabis policy. These industries come with complex regulatory challenges.

In recent years, we’ve made significant progress, for example, allowing direct-to-consumer shipping for certain craft beverages and enabling restaurants and bars to purchase limited quantities from retail stores instead of waiting for distributor deliveries.

This year, we’re looking at issues like excessive fees — split-case fees, delivery fees, and other charges that disproportionately impact small businesses. We’re also working through emerging questions around CBD and cannabis beverages, where they can be sold, what THC limits apply, and how to regulate them effectively.

My focus is always on helping small businesses, which tend to bear the brunt of these costs and regulations.

What are some district-specific issues you’re working on?
Housing is a major issue. Home prices in the district have increased dramatically—often by 60–70% over just a few years. Homes that once sold for $200,000 are now going for $400,000 or more.

Infrastructure is another major concern, especially with the arrival of Micron and the expected growth that comes with it. We’re preparing for a significant population increase, which requires major investments in water systems, wastewater treatment, roads, and housing development. It’s a lot to manage, but these are positive challenges. For decades, Central New York struggled with population decline and job loss. Now we’re seeing growth, which brings new opportunities.

What advice would you give young people who want to get involved in politics?
Start by getting involved locally—join a county committee, volunteer on campaigns, and learn how the process works. Campaigning teaches you a lot, including the sacrifices involved in public service. It can be demanding on your time and family life. But it’s also incredibly rewarding. You build relationships with community leaders, and when you’re able to help people—whether through legislation or constituent services—it’s a great feeling.

Any final comments?
The nature of politics has changed over time. When I first came to Albany, disagreements were handled internally, and once a consensus was reached, members generally presented a unified front.

Today, there’s more public disagreement, which can make collaboration more difficult. But at the district level, the work remains the same—helping people navigate issues with government and trying to make a difference.

You can’t solve every problem, but you can always try. And when you do succeed, even in a small way, it’s incredibly satisfying.

Are you a public official or staffer that would like to be featured in our spotlight? If so, reach out to your favorite D&A team member or contact us at team@dickinsonavella.com to set up an interview!

Aung Hset/D&A

Budget Negotiations at "Middle of the Middle"

On Wednesday, Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins told reporters that Budget negotiations are currently in the “middle of the middle.” This comes as the Legislature passed the fourth Budget Extender yesterday. However, Stewart-Cousins explained that discussions are moving forward on some issues.

One main issue that has been stalling negotiations revolves around Hochul’s Executive Budget proposals to address a uto insurance fraud. Although intended to lower auto insurance premiums, some lawmakers have raised concerns, including skepticism that it would ultimately reduce premiums. Additionally, lawmakers and trial lawyers, who have been lobbying lawmakers to oppose the proposals, criticized Hochul for backing Uber and insurance companies, with Senator Mike Gianaris alleging that Hochul is “doing the bidding of the insurance companies and Uber.” However, Hochul criticized the lawmakers, explaining that a diverse group of advocates, including small businesses, supports her proposals to reduce rates. “I don't think the trial lawyers' interests are aligned with New Yorkers. That is more self-serving,” said Hochul.

Another contentious issue continues to be Hochul’s proposal to amend the CLCPA, including its goals and the method used to calculate GHG emission reductions. Earlier this week, Hochul explained that she was forced to propose changes to the CLCPA due to an ongoing lawsuit against the state. However, advocates and lawmakers, including Senator Pete Harckham, criticized Hochul's proposal and argued that greater investment in renewable energy would lead to lower utility prices. “A kilowatt of clean energy is far cheaper than a kilowatt of natural gas,” explained Harckham.

Other issues reportedly under discussion include Hochul’s SEQRA reform proposals and immigration protections. While a group of lawmakers in both chambers has been pushing for the inclusion of the New York for All Act in the Final Budget, many observers expect a compromise, as Hochul is repo rtedly pushing to allow law enforcement to share information if probable cause exists, which many lawmakers opposed, and Senator Pat Fahy explained that they are trying to resolve the issue. But Hochul clarified yesterday that there has been progress on some discussions, including prohibiting federal immigration officers from wearing face masks.

On SEQRA reforms, Stewart-Cousins told reporters on Wednesday that the chambers and Hochul are moving forward. However, with policy proposals taking up the bulk of budget negotiations, discussions over revenue haven’t been thoroughly addressed, including lawmakers’ push to increase taxes on the wealthy and corporations.

Nevertheless, earlier this week, Hochul announced that she is proposing a pied-à-terre tax for NYC to raise $500 million in annual revenue. Specifically, the proposal would impose a surcharge on non-NYC residents with vacant second homes valued at more than $5 million. Hochul explained that her proposal is a “common-sense strategy” to help NYC fill in its $5.4 billion budget gap. While Stewart-Cousins did not outright support the proposal, she explained that the Senate has "always been in favor of progressive taxation” and that “pied-à-terre is something we've considered in our house and pushed before."

Yesterday’s Budget Extender will go through until Monday, when lawmakers are expected to pass another Extender.

Mike Groll/Office of Governor Kathy Hochul

EXECUTIVE UPDATES

On Wednesday, Hochul announ ced the availability of up to $70 million for community-based organizations to strengthen security and prevent hate-motivated attacks. Funded through the Securing Communities Against Hate Crimes program, up to $250,000 per project for an estimated 280 total projects will be available for physical security and cybersecurity upgrades. The funding comes amidst heightened threat of hate crimes and terror-driven violence, with the NYPD report ing an increase of 11.7% in reported hate crimes in the first quarter of 2026 when compared to last year. The funding builds on previous disbursements of SCAHC funds, with more than $131.5 million already disbursed to 1,700 projects since Hochul took office. “With the conflict we are seeing globally, it is more important than ever to ensure that New York remains a safe haven for all,” explained Hochul.

On Tuesday, Hochul joined Capital Region-based state and local lawmakers to tour a mixed-income housing development in Troy and tout her Executive Budget proposal to reform SEQRA. Hochul explained that her SEQRA reforms would help accelerate developments like Troy’s Sol Apartments, reduce costs, and alleviate the state’s housing supply shortage. Specifically, Hochul’s SEQRA reforms would set clearer timelines and reduce duplicative reviews to fast-track projects that meet environmental standards. If approved by the Legislature, the reforms would build upon Hochul’s $25 billion Housing Plan to create or preserve 100,000 affordable homes statewide.

To further support Hochul’s $25 billion Housing Plan, Hochul also announced the disbursement of $350 million in housing bonds and subsidies to five housing developments statewide. With state support, it is expected that the projects will create or preserve 750 affordable, supportive, sustainable, and modern apartments. In total, two projects in NYC were awarded $152 million, $22 million for one senior housing project on Long Island, $128 million for Cohoes Housing Authority in the Capital Region, and $46 million for one project in Oneida County. “By leveraging public and private resources, we are creating and preserving hundreds of high-quality, energy-efficient homes while strengthening communities and supporting economic growth,” said Hochul.

Last week, Hochul announced a new partnership between the State Police and the DFS to crack down on staged accidents and fraudulent claims to address rising rates of auto insurance fraud, one of the key drivers of rising auto insurance costs. Under the new partnership, approximately 250 law enforcement personnel will undergo specialized training and be equipped with enhanced tools to detect, investigate, and prosecute financial crimes. The new partnership directly builds on Hochul’s Executive Budget proposal to reform state tort laws to discourage staged accidents and fraudulent claims. “These efforts, along with my proposals to combat insurance fraud and reduce vehicle insurance premiums, all serve one simple goal: Making New York safer and more affordable for all,” explained Hochul.

Early last week, Hochul announced the disbursement of $10 million to the Village of Schoharie and $4.5 million each to the Villages of Canajoharie and Waterville as part of the Mohawk Valley winners of the Downtown Revitalization Initiative and NY Forward programs. Through the funding, it is expected to help support investment plans focused on revitalizing business districts, expanding housing opportunities, and improving public spaces, with eligibility tied to participation in the state’s Pro-Housing Communities program. The latest funding builds on the state’s commitment to fostering and boosting local economic development. “DRI and NY Forward unlock opportunities for our municipalities to engage their communities — this funding is what drives creativity and brings New Yorkers together,” said Hochul.

Last week, Hochul announced the launch of a statewide initiative to fill 175,000 potholes. The initiative, which will take 8,000 tons of asphalt, will be supported by state funding, with Long Island already receiving $58 million and $5.1 million in West Seneca. In total, more than 4,000 lane miles are expected to be repaired and repaved by the end of the initiative. This comes as the state faced one of the coldest winters in recent memory, with paving season commencing across all municipalities. “I know where each and every pothole is hiding on the state highway system, and I have bad news for these public nuisances: Your days are numbered,” said Hochul.

LEGISLATIVE UPDATES

Next week, the Legislature is scheduled to be in session Monday to Wednesday with another extender expected Monday

Darren McGee/Office of Governor Kathy Hochul

Lawmakers Continue to Push for Tier 6 Reforms

Amid a standstill in Budget negotiations, lawmakers continue to express support for reforming Tier 6, with support from both Democratic and Republican lawmakers. Notably, 74 lawmakers in both chambers are also part of the Tier 6 pension system, with Assemblymember Jessica González-Rojas explaining that, like many other state workers, she is “fully aware [that she] has to work longer to get less benefits.” Assemblymember Claire Valdez, who is also part of Tier 6, explained that being part of Tier 6 gives her “solidarity” with the state workers she represents. However, with budget negotiations at a standstill, some have expressed frustration with Senator Jabari Brisport, explaining that “there hasn’t been much movement on it.” Hochul has insisted that reforming Tier 6 remains part of the discussions, telling reporters last week, “Tier 6 is on the table.”

Lawmakers Push for $200 Million for Thermal Energy Networks

Amid Hochul and the Legislature debating changes to the CLCPA deadlines and the method for calculating GHG emissions, lawmakers are urging the Legislature's leaders to include $200 million in the Final Budget to build thermal energy networks. Included in both the Assembly and Senate One-House Budget proposals, lawmakers and advocates argue that thermal energy networks would help lower carbon emissions, reduce strain on the state’s electric grid, and lower utility costs. However, Hochul did not include the funding in her Executive Budget proposal. "Whenever you're moving away from using ...fossil fuel, you're moving in the right direction," explained Assemblymember John McDonald.

Assemblymember Gabriella Romero Urge the Inclusion of Youth Justice Innovative Fund in the Final Budget

To help ensure public safety and help youth at risk of entering the state’s criminal justice system, lawmakers, including Assemblymember Gabriella Romero, are urging Hochul and leaders of the Legislature to include the Youth Justice Innovative Fund in the Final Budget. If included, the Fund would allocate $50 million of the $250 million set aside for Raise the Age programs to community-based organizations serving youth. “Youth Innovative Justice Fund is a simple concept…when young people are arrested, they should be inundated with resources,” explai ned Romero. With increased resources, community-based organizations that work directly with youth would be able to help more young individuals avoid entering the criminal justice system.

Senator James Tedisco Criticizes Budget Negotiation Process

In response to the Final Budget being late for the fifth year in a row, Senator James Tedisco touted his b ill that would restrict the Governor from issuing messages of necessity and prohibit bills from being passed between midnight and 8 AM. Tedisco explained that the bill would ensure that Budget bills and Budget Extenders are not passed with minimal review, which he and other GOP lawmakers argue has been the norm. “It has become a message of political convenience. We’ve had billions of dollars in extenders passed, with maybe eight to ten hours of information coming out in the middle of the night. In the morning, we get the bill. There’s no way I could read the bills; there’s no way my colleagues could,” explained Tedisco.

Assembly Majority Leader Announces Retirement

Last week, Assembly Majority Leader Crystal Peoples-Stokes announced that she will not seek reelection this year after serving more than 24 years in the Assembly. Citing health concerns and wanting to spend more time with her family, Peoples-Stokes said, “When you get a message like the one I get, that I'll be taking care of my health next week. You have to listen.” With the April 6th due date for petitioning past, the Erie County Democratic Party nominated Buffalo Common Council Majority Leader Leah Halton-Pope as the Democratic candidate, who is expected to succeed Peoples-Stokes.

Senator Jack Martins Announces Not to Seek Reelection for Competitive Long Island Distrct

With GOP Senator Jack Martins announcing his retirement last weekend, GOP Assemblymember Jake Blumencranz announced that he will run for Martins’ competitive Senate seat. With the Senate district containing about 82,000 enrolled Democratic voters, 67,000 Republican voters, and 75,000 self-identified independents, Democratic candidate Rory Lancman, a former Assemblymember and NYC Councilmember, and his supporters believe the district can turn blue. However, Nassau County GOP Chair Joseph Cairo Jr criticized Lancman for being “out of step” with Nassau voters. With Blumencranz running for Martins’ Senate seat, GOP Paolo Pironi will be running for his Assembly seat, facing Democrat Dean Tarulli.

Assemblymember Jeff Gallahan to Retire by the End of the Year

Additionally, after GOP Assemblymember Jeff Gallahan announced his retirement by the end of the year for health-related reasons, Mark Benjamin announced he will run to succeed Gallahan, opposing Democrats’ “out-of-touch policies that hurt our rural communities and make everyday life more expensive.” Endorsed by Gallahan, Benjamin explained that he would continue on Gallahan’s ongoing work. “I’m running to get things done, lower utility bills, ease the burden of ever-soaring taxes, and help turn the tide on New York’s record-setting out-migration,” explained Benjamin. Benjamin will run against Democrat Phillip Fleming, who had already announced his campaign before Gallahan’s announcement. Gallahan’s announcement comes as growing field of lawmakers announced their decision not to seek reelection this year.

OTHER UPDATES

Blakeman Campaign Sues State Public Campaign Finance Board and the BOE

In response to being denied matching funds, GOP gubernatorial candidate Bruce Blakeman and his running mate, Todd Hood, sued the state Public Campaign Finance Board and the BOE, asking the court to reverse their campaign’s disqualification from the program. Blakeman and Hood allege that the state Public Campaign Finance Board and the BOE “arbitrarily and capriciously “removed Blakeman and Hood from the program as they did not provide any notice to them, offer a chance to fix the errors, or provide required joint application forms for the program. Additionally, the attorneys for Blakeman and Hood argue that the decision by the Board “would be extremely damaging to and debilitating for a campaign.” Currently, the Board’s decision to kick Blakeman and Hood out of the program has cost them an estimated $7 million in matching funds.

Trump Unfreezes Fund for MTA's Second Ave Subway Project

Amidst an ongoing lawsuit against the federal DOT by the MTA, the DOT sent a letter to a federal judge explaining that the Trump Administration has reached a deal to unfreeze federal funding for the MTA’s Second Avenue Subway project. “In light of MTA’s agreement to take corrective actions, DOT has completed its review and is resuming the processing of reimbursement requests pursuant to normal procedures,” the DOT explained. The lawsuit comes as the Trump Administration initially froze funding for the MTA’s projects for alleged discriminatory actions and possibly in response to a federal government shutdown last year, which President Trump blamed on Democrats. In response to the unfreezing of federal funding, Hochul tweeted, “We took the Trump Administration to court after they illegally froze funding for the Second Avenue Subway. Today, they backed down. The freeze is over.”

Anthony D'Esposito Declines to Run Against Lauren Gillen

Last weekend, former Congressmember and current Inspector General for the US Department of Labor, Anthony D’Esposito, declined to join in the race to retake his former Congress seat against Democratic Lauren Gillen. In a statement, D’Esposito said that he “will continue serving as the 9th Inspector General of the U.S. Department of Labor, working with our team nationwide to root out fraud and put those who steal from Americans behind bars.” This comes as many expected D'Esposito to run against Gillen, with the previous GOP nominee declining the nomination. With D’Esposito declining the nomination, GOP Jeanine Driscoll, the current Hempstead Receiver of Taxes, will challenge Gillen in November.

NYC Launches City-Backed Insurance Programs for Rent-Stabilized Buildings

Yesterday, NYC Mayor Zohran Mamdani announced the launch of a new city-backed insurance program for rent-stabilized buildings. Under the new program, it is expected to lower insurance premiums for about 20,000 homes next year and 100,000 by 2030, and bring down costs by 20% to 30%. Mamdani and Leila Bozorg, the Deputy Mayor for Housing and Planning, explained that rising insurance costs have impacted the city, as for every $100 increase in insurance costs for a new affordable housing project, the city has to pay an additional $1,200 in city capital. “Right now, the market is failing the affordable housing industry, and our goal is actually to create a more healthy ecosystem of insurers for the affordable and rent-stabilized owners in the city,” explained Bozorg.

FIRM SPOTLIGHT

D&A's SVP Tina Haxhillari was recently named to City & State's 2026 Who's Who in Government Relations! Tina's excerpt below:

For nearly a decade, Eglantina Haxhillari has been at Dickinson & Avella advising a range of clients – including the Hotel Gaming and Trades Council, Rivers Casino and the Lawsuit Reform Alliance of New York – on legislative and advocacy strategies. She recently helped ensure upstate casinos continued receiving tax relief, won security funding for at-risk facilities and supported HTC’s efforts to increase the weekly maximum unemployment benefits for its members. Haxhillari is currently leading efforts in auto insurance reforms and combating fraud.

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