Friday Morning Brief April 24, 2026
Member Spotlight
Assemblyman Harry Bronson
Assemblymember Harry Bronson joins us to discuss his district, background as an attorney, and priorities. Before his election to the Assembly, he served his community as an attorney defending civil and employee rights, as well as teaching the next generation of lawyers at Cornell University’s School of Industrial and Labor Relations. Currently, he is the Chair of the Assembly Committee on Labor, and serves on various committees, including on Education, Rules, and Ways & Means.
What district do you represent?
I represent the 138th Assembly District, which includes a portion of the City of Rochester, primarily the southeast side, as well as the towns of Henrietta, Riga, and Chili. It’s considered a rural-suburban district, with about 60% of residents living in suburban and rural areas and about 40% in the city.
What are some of the landmarks in your district?
We’re very proud to be the home of Susan B. Anthony and Frederick Douglass. The district includes the cemeteries where both are buried, which draw visitors from across the country, especially during major political moments. Frederick Douglass’s family farm was also located in the district, and today that site is part of a school campus, with the library named after his wife, Anna Murray Douglass. We’re also home to the statue of Frederick Douglass, which is the first statue of an African American in the US. When it was moved, there was debate about its orientation, so we ultimately created a compromise: the statue now welcomes visitors into Highland Park, while a nearby sculpture represents the North Star. We also have great cultural institutions, including the Strong National Museum of Play, one of the few museums of its kind in the country.
What kind of music do you enjoy?
I listen to a wide range of music. I’d say I gravitate toward pop and country, along with some classic rock. Right now, I enjoy artists like Jelly Roll and Ed Sheeran, and I’ve always loved John Mayer’s “Gravity”, which is one of my favorites. I really have broad tastes: if I hear something I like, I’ll listen to it.
What’s your favorite New York sports team?
Go Bills. I lived in Buffalo during the first two Super Bowl runs and in Rochester during the next two, so I’ve been through the full experience. I’m still hopeful we’ll make it back.
What was your profession before being elected to the Assembly?
I’m an attorney by trade. I started out doing transactional work, including industrial revenue bonds, before moving into trial work. I focused primarily on representing employees in anti-discrimination cases. I became a partner in a law firm that represented labor unions, employee benefit funds, and individual employees. I also served as adjunct faculty at Cornell University’s School of Industrial and Labor Relations, teaching labor and employment law.
In addition, I co-owned a business with my husband, Equal Grounds Coffee House, which focused on community and equality. I also served for five years in the Monroe County Legislature, including four years as minority leader.
What inspired you to go into public service?
It wasn’t something I originally planned, even though I minored in political science. I was recruited by members of the LGBTQ+ community in my area who encouraged me to run. Leaders like Assemblymember Susan John and Congresswoman Louise Slaughter reinforced that encouragement. Ultimately, I decided to run, and it turned out to be one of the best decisions I’ve ever made.
As Chair of the Labor Committee, what are your priorities this year?
My overarching focus is on creating opportunities for people, helping them access education, workforce training, and good-paying jobs with benefits and safe working conditions.
A major issue right now is the impact of artificial intelligence on the workforce. I’ve introduced legislation that would require employers to provide notice when AI results in layoffs, similar to the WARN Act, and ensure affected workers have access to retraining and support services.
We’re also working on legislation to require transparency when AI is used in employment decisions, including auditing algorithms to prevent bias and ensuring human oversight remains part of the process.
Workplace safety is another priority. We’re advancing legislation to address violence against public workers, including librarians and employees in mental health and juvenile justice settings.
We’re also working on workforce development, including partnerships with Cornell’s Climate Jobs Institute, to ensure workers can transition into emerging industries like clean energy, while prioritizing equity and access for underserved communities.
What are some legislative achievements you’re particularly proud of?
One of the most significant is the Marriage Equality Act. I worked on that issue for a decade before coming to the Assembly and was honored to help see it passed.
Another is the Child Poverty Reduction Act, which set a goal of reducing child poverty in New York by 50% over ten years. That remains a critical priority, especially in communities like Rochester.
I’m also proud of expanding access to mental health care by authorizing additional licensed professionals to diagnose and treat patients, helping address workforce shortages in that field.
Additionally, we’ve made progress toward a more compassionate response to mental health crises through pilot programs inspired by Daniel’s Law, which aim to provide care-focused alternatives to traditional law enforcement responses.
Right now, I’m especially focused on expanding access to licensed creative arts therapists, ensuring they are reimbursed through Medicaid and commercial insurance. This is essential for individuals who cannot express trauma through traditional talk therapy and rely on art, music, or movement as a form of healing.
What advice would you give young people who want to get involved in politics?
Get involved. Follow your interests and your values, and don’t be afraid to step into public service. This work is incredibly meaningful. It allows you to learn constantly and make a difference in people’s lives every single day. Whether it’s through policymaking or helping someone navigate a government service, there’s always an opportunity to help.
Any final comments?
I truly love what I do. It’s one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. Every day, I get to learn something new and help someone—that’s incredibly fulfilling. My goal is to leave the world a little better than I found it, and this role gives me the opportunity to do that.
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 Still Stuck On Policy Items
On Wednesday, lawmakers passed the sixth Budget Extender as budget negotiations continue to drag on, more than three weeks past the April 1st deadline. However, leadership have indicated that they are making progress on major policy issues.
On Hochul’s proposed changes to the state’s CLCPA, Assembly Speaker Heastie explained that she provided two different options but said he does not think they “are the final discussions.” While Assembly Environmental Conservation Chair Deborah Glick said both “insufficiently fleshed out,” Senate Deputy Leader Mike Gianaris said, “you could just feel that the outstanding issues are narrowing.” While lawmakers remain unwilling to approve Hochul’s changes to how emission reductions are calculated, Hochul reportedly offered a compromise on the changes to the timelines, requiring CLCPA regulations to be released by 2029 instead of 2030. However, Glick said the proposals remain “inadequate.”
On Hochul’s proposals to crack down on auto insurance fraud and staged accidents, Heastie indicated that Hochul is willing to reconsider her proposal to change joint and several liability. “We were always concerned… You have a person who may have 25/50 auto insurance coverage, they hit a bus full of people, and if the bus is nowhere at fault and there [are] 50 people on the bus and they all get injured, they’re all looking at the 25/50 person… do they have the ability to get pain and suffering?” explained Heastie. However, Heastie explained that Hochul appears unwilling to reconsider her proposal regarding comparative negligence. Hochul continues to state that she is pushing on this issue to reduce auto insurance premiums. “My expectation and the only motivation I have in pursuing this is to see premiums decline,” said Hochul.
However, Gianaris said that other policy issues, including immigration protection, are close to being wrapped up. As part of that issue, lawmakers continue to debate Hochul’s proposal to allow municipalities to share information with federal immigration enforcement in cases of probable cause. Immigration advocates have criticized the proposal, with Assemblymember Karines Reyes, who sponsors the New York for All Act, saying that it would lead to law enforcement being the “judge, jury, and executioner.” Heastie has also expressed similar concerns, saying last week, “Probable cause to commit a crime being committed, that’s such an open and general term.”
Lawmakers are scheduled to return to the Capitol on Monday and are expected to pass another Budget Extender.
Darren McGee/Office of Governor Kathy Hochul
EXECUTIVE UPDATES
On Wednesday, Hochul signed an executive order banning state employees from participating in prediction markets due to the potential for nonpublic information to be obtained through their official state duties. The EO also bans sharing such knowledge for personal gain. Although Hochul explained that there have been no confirmed cases of insider trading involving state workers, the EO comes amid concerns about government employees' misuse of insider trading in prediction markets. The EO also supports Hochul’s commitment to strengthening public trust and ensuring ethical conduct in government. “Our actions will ensure that public servants work for the people they represent, not their own personal enrichment,” said Hochul.
Earlier this week, Hochul announced the expansion of the state Volunteer Firefighter Training Stipend program to strengthen recruitment and retention in the state’s volunteer fire service. The expanded program will now cover additional training, including specialized wildfire response instruction, and will continue to provide stipends to help volunteers afford certification and skill development. The expansion is expected to help municipalities with declining volunteer numbers, especially in rural areas, while emergency demands continue to increase. “This program makes critical training more accessible, allowing our volunteers to grow in their careers without sacrificing their ability to provide for their families,” explained Hochul.
On Tuesday, Hochul announced the availability of $30 million for individuals to purchase or lease electric vehicles. Available through the state Drive Clean Rebate program, these funds are expected to incentivize drivers to switch to EVs, making clean transportation more affordable and accessible. Specifically, the program will provide point-of-sale rebates of up to $2,000 on more than 60 EV models, higher incentives for longer-range vehicles, and expanded funding for workplace and multifamily charging infrastructure. The funding builds on the state’s commitment to help it transition to a clean energy economy while ensuring affordability. “At a time when gas prices at the pump have soared in the wake of the war with Iran, electric vehicles will help make driving more affordable for New Yorkers,” explained Hochul.
This week, Hochul announced the disbursement of $21 million in funding to help over 70 families achieve affordable homeownership. The funding is expected to support local programs that provide down payment assistance, home repairs, accessibility upgrades, and replacement of unsafe housing for low- and moderate-income households. The $21 million funding was disbursed to several local governments and nonprofits that expand opportunities for affordable home ownership for first-time buyers, seniors, veterans, and individuals with disabilities. The disbursement complements Hochul’s $25 billion Five-Year Housing Plan to create or preserve 100,000 affordable homes statewide, as well as to ensure affordable housing opportunities for individuals with disabilities and other expanded needs.
To tout her Executive Budget proposals to reduce auto insurance premiums through addressing auto insurance fraud and staged accidents, Hochul joined the state Farm Bureau, Northeast Dairy Producers, and local farmers, highlighting how her proposals would benefit small farmers and drivers. Currently, Hochul and farmers explained that auto insurance premiums are being driven up by a combination of fraud, litigation, legal loopholes, and enforcement gaps, which are ultimately paid for by small businesses. Additionally, Hochul touted that her proposed $30 million tariff relief for farmers would help offset the rising costs of supplies resulting from federal tariffs. “Farmers across New York State feel the impacts of high car insurance rates and skyrocketing prices — from direct costs of [transporting] goods to shipping and importing… It is time that we drive down these costs and provide our farmers across the state with relief,” explained Hochul.
LEGISLATIVE UPDATES
Next week, the Legislature is scheduled to be in session Monday to Wednesday
Senate Passes Earth Day Legislative Package
On Earth Day, the Senate passed a legislative package to address PFAS and other statewide environmental hazards. The package includes bills that would expedite the replacement of lead service lines and fossil fuel facilities, prohibit PFAS in certain products, prevent harmful algal blooms in the state’s water sources, and establish a new electric landscaping rebate program. The package comes as the Senate continues to prioritize passing legislation focused on environmental protection. “Building on our continued progress to hold polluters accountable and advance environmental justice, this year’s Earth Day package takes further action to reduce harmful emissions, crack down on dangerous ‘forever chemicals,’ and accelerate our transition to clean energy,” said Senate Majority Leader Andea Stewart-Cousins. Some of the bills in the package are:
Prohibition of the sale of anti-fogging sprays or wipes with PFAS
Establishment of a producer responsibility mattress collection program
Hochul Publishes Op-Ed in Support of Her Proposed CLCPA Changes
Yesterday, Hochul published an op-ed to increase support for her changes to the state’s CLCPA. Hochul also explained that she was moved to change the state’s CLCPA because advocates sued the state resulting in a court order to implement regulations to limit GHG emissions by 2030. However, she wrote that timeline “no longer matches our current economic, political or energy reality.” The op-ed comes as advocates and lawmakers continue to criticize Hochul’s proposals, with a recent rally by advocates outside the Governor’s office resulting in more than a dozen arrest.
Aung Hset/D&A
Speaker Criticizes Budget Power Imbalance
Amid a stalled budget negotiation, Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie joined the chorus of lawmakers criticizing the current budget dynamics between Hochul and the Legislature. While not blaming Hochul, Heastie explained that the current budget negotiation process grants the Governor more power than the Legislature, creating a power imbalance that allows the Governor to hold up budget talks in perpetuity. “The conversations are very good…very civil…There’s no issues. She’s just the tools that have been used by our previous Governors.”
If lawmakers decide to change the current power imbalance, it must go through the Court of Appeals to overturn Silver v. Pataki, or it must pass a constitutional amendment. While Heastie personally supports changing the budget process to give the Legislature more power, he expressed concerns about a constitutional amendment. “You pass a constitutional amendment… Now you’re in a campaign [of] the Governor versus the Legislature. Who’s paying for that?” explained Heastie.
Senate GOP Leader Warns of Late Budget's Impact on Communities
With Budget negotiations continuing to drag on after three weeks, Senate Republican Leader Rob Ortt criticized Hochul and Democratic leaders of the Legislature and highlighted that the standstill has begun to negatively impact schools, nonprofits, and municipalities across the state. Ortt explained that schools, nonprofits, and municipalities are currently unsure how much state aid they will receive, as many must submit their own budget plans soon. “There are real-world implications… as you go further and further, it does cause a little bit of financial havoc and chaos for people on the ground that we support, that we try to work for, that really need us to be a little more competent,” explained Ortt.
Budget Talks on Taxes Yet to be Discussed
With a $5.4 billion budget deficit in NYC, Heastie told reporters on Wednesday that he told Mayor Zohran Mamdani that “it would be helpful for the City Council to reconcile where they are, and I believe that’s what they’re going to try to do,” reiterating Hochul’s calls to work with the City Council on spending. This comes as Hochul proposed a pied-à-terre tax on high-priced non-primary residences in NYC to generate an expected $500 million in revenue, which would add to the $1.5 billion state aid that Hochul proposed earlier this year.
While Hochul explained earlier this week that she would not propose any additional taxes, Heastie said that Budget negotiations on taxes and spending have not even begun yet. “We don’t talk about money until policy is over,” Heastie explained. Although Hochul’s recently proposed pied-à-terre is thought to placate the calls for increased taxes, advocates, unions, and some lawmakers are still urging Hochul to agree to raise taxes.
Senator Fahy Advocates for Upstate Pied-à-Terre tax
After Hochul announced a NYC pied-à-terre tax, Senator Pat Fahy, who represents parts of the Capital Region, said she will advocate for an upstate version of the pied-à-terre tax. “During COVID, the second home market went on steroids. It has, in so many ways, crushed the affordability in many of these upstate and Long Island communities. This is a way to level the playing field,” explained Fahy. This comes as many non-NYC municipalities are also facing their own budget deficits, including the City of Albany, which faces a $15 million gap. While there seems to be support for an upstate pied-à-terre tax, it may ultimately not end up in the Final Budget as many lawmakers reportedly do not want to support it publicly.
GOP Lawmakers Introduce a Bill to Allow Bruce Blakeman to Qualify for Public Matching Funds
After GOP gubernatorial candidate Bruce Blakeman and his running mate, Todd Hood, were kicked out of the state public matching fund program by the state Public Campaign Finance Board, GOP lawmakers introduced a bill that would statutorily authorize additional time for Blakeman and Hood to fix the errors that the Board found. Currently, the Board explained that Blakeman and Hood were kicked out of the program for not filing a form together, as the form did not exist at the time of the filing. “Crooked Albany Democrats don’t want fair elections. They're scheming for political power, manipulating matching funds,” Ortt explained.
OTHER UPDATES
President Trump Endorses Anthony Constantino Over Assemblymember Smullen for Congress
Earlier this week, President Donald Trump announced his endorsement of Sticker Mule CEO Anthony Constantino over Assemblymember Robert Smullen to succeed outgoing Elise Stefanik. Smullen, who the state Republican and Conservative parties have endorsed, said he is not concerned and that he will “win this primary and that will be that.” Smullen also suggested that someone has “gotten to the President and encouraged him to make this endorsement without having all of the facts.” State GOP Chair Ed Cox also explained that the party “will continue to work with Robert Smullen as the best candidate to represent the people of NY-21 and the candidate most viable in the general election.”
Assemblymember Rajkumar Sued by Challenger David Orkin
Last week, Assemblymember Jenifer Rajkumar’s primary challenger, DSA’s David Orkin, sued Rajkumar for alleged fraud in her petitioning signatures. Orkin explained that Rajkumar garnered signatures from some of his campaign volunteers and asked the judge to toss out every signature collected by several of Rajkumar’s campaign workers who allegedly committed fraud. If approved by the judge, Rajkumar would lose 70% of her total signatures, which would prompt her to be kicked off the ballot. Rajkumar denies the alleged fraud, calling it "disgraceful, dishonest, and intentionally misleading.” Rajkumar’s spokesperson also criticized Orkin and his campaign, saying, “They are trying to manufacture a scandal out of just nine alleged bad signatures out of more than 2,600 submitted, spinning fiction because they cannot win on the facts or on the ground.”
NYC Councilmember Chi Ossé Arrested at a Protest Over Alleged Deed Theft
On Wednesday, while protesting with other advocates, NYC Councilmember Chi Ossé was arrested by the NYPD for allegedly obstructing government administration and disorderly conduct. Ossé said he was protesting at an alleged deed theft by a firm and was “defending his constituent… from eviction after six decades in her home." This protest comes from a longtime resident, and a firm has been fighting in court over ownership of the Brooklyn brownstone. Both the resident and the firm claim the building has been legally transferred to them, with the firm citing a January 2026 deed and the resident citing a 2024 deed showing that her father transferred the property to her. Although the state AG explained that this case relates to a property dispute and not deed theft, alleged deed thefts have risen in the state, making it a notable issue in Ossé’s district. Meanwhile, both Mayor Mamdani and NYC Council Speaker Julie Menin expressed concerns about Ossé’s arrest.
Recent DOH Report Highlights Higher ACA Coverage Terminations
In a report released by the state DOH on Tuesday found that more than 38,000 individuals and households have either canceled or failed to pay for their ACA health insurance. With terminations currently 24% higher than at the same time last year, the report expects terminations to increase throughout the rest of the year. Additionally, the report found that 1,400 more people, or a 54% increase, enrolled in the high-deductible plans compared to last year. In response to the numbers, the DOH explained that it had been warning about the expiration of ACA tax credits last year and blamed congressional Republicans for allowing them to lapse, which “has driven up costs and reduced enrollment in Qualified Health Plans.”
FIRM SPOTLIGHT
D&A's SVP Tina Haxhillari was recently named to City & State's Who's Who in Energy!! Tina's excerpt below:
Eglantina Haxhillari has become a prominent voice in New York state’s evolving energy debate, working on policy and advocacy in Albany and at the local level. Haxhillari advises clients – such as the Energy Coalition of New York – on legislative and budget priorities while helping shape strategies around affordability and access to power for businesses and ratepayers. She recently worked with a coalition of industry leaders and stakeholders to advocate for a pause on the state All-Electric Building Act, which was put on hold in December amid a pending legal challenge.
Other Interesting Friday Reads
Train fight! Amtrak sues MTA amid long-running railroad feud - Gothamist
Redistricting battle will continue in Virginia Supreme Court - WTOP News
‘All eyes are on Ron DeSantis’: Florida could make or break the GOP’s redistricting edge - POLITICO
Justice Dept. Targets Hundreds of Citizens in New Push for Denaturalization - The New York Times
New York proposes extended hours, permits for World Cup watch parties - RochesterFirst
Hochul's protest buffer zones proposal meets resistance - Times Union
Inside The Long Retreat of Workers’ Compensation in New York - New York Focus
Long Island veterans advocates divided by Trump's order fast-tracking psychedelic treatments - Newsday
How violence skyrocketed in New York state prisons - Spectrum News NY1
Lawmakers and Environmental Advocates Speak on Cutting Down Climate Laws. – The Legislative Gazette
Mamdani’s Municipal Grocery Faces Basket Full of Challenges | THE CITY — NYC News
Senator John Liu on State Budget Negotiations and Education Issues - Max Politics
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