Happy Passover and Easter to all who celebrate!

Member Spotlight

Senator Jeremy Zellner

Senator Jeremy Zellner joins us to discuss his district, priorities, and his deep-rooted passion for local politics and public service. Before being elected to the Senate, he served his community as a Democratic Commissioner on the Erie County Board of Elections. He is also serving his community as the Chair of the Erie County Democratic Party. Currently, he is the Chair of Procurement & Contracts and serves on various committees, including on Banks, Judiciary, and Labor.

What district do you represent?
I represent New York’s 61st Senate District.

What are some of the neighborhoods and landmarks in your district?
The district includes the Town of Amherst, the Town and City of Tonawanda, Grand Island, and parts of Buffalo. We have the Elmwood Avenue corridor, the Buffalo AKG Art Museum, Buffalo State University, Buffalo Zoo, and the University at Buffalo. We’re also fortunate to have beautiful waterfront along the Niagara River and Lake Erie. There are a lot of natural and community gems throughout the district.

What kind of music do you enjoy?
I’m one of those people who really does listen to everything. On my phone, you’ll find Frank Sinatra, country music, hip hop, classic rock – bands like the Beatles and the Rolling Stones.

What’s your favorite New York sports team?
Definitely the Bills.

What was your profession before being elected to the Senate?
I was the Democratic Commissioner at the Erie County Board of Elections, and I currently serve as the Chair of the Erie County Democratic Party.

What inspired you to go into public service?
I’ve always wanted to serve. I enjoy helping people and getting things done. It’s rewarding both personally and in terms of the impact it has on people’s lives. I had considered running for office earlier when my Assemblymember retired, but the timing wasn’t right. Later, when this Senate seat became available, I was encouraged by elected officials, labor leaders, and members of the business community to run. After discussing it with my family, I decided to move forward, and here we are.

What are your priorities this year?
Right now, a major focus is infrastructure support for the University at Buffalo and Buffalo State. Both institutions are dealing with serious infrastructure issues: aging buildings, failing pipes, and even heating failures this winter that forced temporary solutions like shower trailers. We’re working through the budget process to secure the funding needed to address those problems.

Another major priority is affordability. When I’m talking to constituents, the message is clear: people are struggling to pay their bills and utilities. I’m focused on finding ways to make life more affordable while ensuring the state continues to provide a strong safety net, especially as federal support becomes less reliable.

Are there other district-specific issues you’re working on?
Yes, economic development is a big one. For example, the redevelopment of the Boulevard Mall in Amherst is a major project. It’s a large, outdated mall that we’re working to transform into a mixed-use development with housing and new commercial space. We’re also supporting the development of a new Amherst State Park and working with Assembly colleagues to ensure it has the resources it needs.

How has your experience as Elections Commissioner helped you in the Senate?
It gave me a strong understanding of how government works at an operational level. I managed a large staff and budget and worked closely with state agencies to implement mandates and policy changes. That experience helps me now when working with state agencies. I understand their challenges and can be a more effective partner in getting things done.

What advice would you give students who want to get involved in politics?
Get involved. It doesn’t matter what party you choose, just start somewhere. When I was at Buffalo State, a professor encouraged me to go to a local party headquarters and get involved. I did, and it made all the difference. Students today should look for opportunities, whether in government, law, or public policy, and take that first step. Knock on the door. You might not get a response right away, but keep trying. Persistence matters. We’ve seen many young people come through internships and go on to successful careers in government and public service.

Any final comments?
I’m really excited to represent this district. It’s incredibly diverse. We have both very affluent communities and communities facing significant economic challenges, as well as a wide range of cultural backgrounds.Having lived here my entire life and raised my family here, I understand the district deeply. The most rewarding part of this job has been helping people directly and making a real difference in their lives.

And for the record. Buffalo winters get a bad reputation, but Syracuse usually gets more snow. Still, you do have to be tough to live here

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Aung Hset/D&A

Budget Negotiations at a Standstill

With the April 1st deadline passing without a Final Budget, lawmakers passed the first budget extender to continue funding state workers earlier this week. The first extender will last through Tuesday, April 7th. While budget negotiations are not expected to continue over the weekend due to Passover and Easter, Hochul’s Budget Director Blake Washington expects negotiations to pick up next week. “Once everybody returns from the holiday season, we hit the ground running. I don't think it should be very long after that,” said Washington.

Currently, Washington, Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins, and Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie have acknowledged that none of the contentious issues have been finalized. “It is my observation after 25 years here that governors choose not to discuss the smaller and perhaps more likely actions until they finish negotiations on the larger, more controversial,” explained Senate Finance Chair Liz Krueger.

One proposal that requires further discussion amongst lawmakers is Hochul’s plan to amend the state’s CLCPA. Specifically, Hochul proposes to move the 2030 deadline for the state to establish rules to reduce emissions to 2040 and to change the method for calculating GHG emission reductions to reach the goals set by the law. However, lawmakers explained that Hochul has not released the full language. “We still don’t think we have a full language from the governor of what she’s actually proposing. I wish I could tell you there was a specific proposal in writing to share with everyone. But we don’t have one,” explained Krueger. However, many lawmakers have continued criticizing Hochul for her proposal to amend the law. “It’s irresponsible and intentional,” said Assemblymember Dr. Anna Kelles.

Additionally, lawmakers have not fully agreed to include Hochul’s proposals to address auto insurance fraud. Although intended to lower auto insurance premiums, some lawmakers have raised several concerns, including skepticism that it would. While acknowledging that trial lawyers, who are opposed to the proposals, are publicly influential in the Legislature, Stewart-Cousins also said that she wants “to make sure that the insurance companies also have some role to play in this as well.” However, advocates, including small businesses and unions, explained that misinformation and disinformation surrounding Hochul’s proposals are also leading to skepticism among lawmakers. On the current state of negotiations, Heastie explained, “I think we might be in the same galaxy, but I don't know if we're in the same planet yet.”

With Stewart-Cousins acknowledging that Budget negotiations are still at the “beginning of the middle,” many are expecting another Budget extender to be passed next week. Additionally, she explained that “We really haven’t started on the real money part of the budget yet.” Assembly Health Chair Amy Paulin also reiterated the same, saying, “We haven’t even begun to talk about money yet. They’re still talking policy,” On how long this year’s Budget negotiations will last, Krueger remarked, “I don’t know how long it’s going to be. I don’t know how many more extenders there will be.”

Darren McGee/Office of Governor Kathy Hochul

EXECUTIVE UPDATES

Yesterday, Hochul announced a $50 million expansion of the state’s ongoing $320 million clean energy workforce development efforts. The new Clean Energy Career Pathways Train ing and Technical Skills Training and Upskill ing programs would help enhance the state’s commitment to supporting projects that develop career pathways, upskilling, and reskilling initiatives for new and existing workers. The effort would be conducted through partnerships with universities, community colleges, labor unions, and training providers. The latest expansion builds upon the state’s commitment to expanding the clean energy industry as the state transitions into a clean, renewable energy economy. “These investments underscore our commitment to preparing New Yorkers for the good-paying jobs of tomorrow – all while driving down energy costs for families statewide,” said Hochul.

On Wednesday, Hochul announced the disbursement of $25 million to farmers statewide to help them mitigate future adverse weather events. Disbursed through the Climate Resilient Farming Grant P rogram, it is expected that over 130 farms will attain financing support to reduce GHG emissions, improve soil health, protect water quality, and strengthen resilience against extreme weather. The recent disbursements build on the $94 million already disbursed to over 700 farms across the state, reducing estimated annual emissions by 642,000 metric tons of CO2 equivalent. “Ensuring New York’s agricultural industry has resources to mitigate the effects of climate change is critical to not only protecting our environment but also maintaining the economic viability of the state's agricultural industry for generations to come,” explained Hochul.

Earlier this week, Hochul announced the disbursement of $10.5 million in federal funding through Homeland Security to strengthen counterterrorism and emergency preparedness efforts across the state. Provided by FEMA, the funding is expected to support local law enforcement and emergency management agencies with planning, training, equipment, cybersecurity, intelligence sharing, and protection of high-risk and densely populated areas. Additionally, the funding is expected to help the awardees respond to natural disasters. The disbursement will help the state continue investing in public safety-critical programs, with up to $108 million invested to date. “With these grants, we are directly investing in the teams who defend New York's critical infrastructure from physical and cyber threats and respond when emergencies strike,” said Hochul.

On Tuesday, Hochul announced the groundbreaking of a $225 million affordable housing development in the Bronx, which is expected to create 292 affordable apartments. Of the 292 apartments, 173 units will have on-site support services to support individuals or households at risk of being unhoused or with specialized needs. Additionally, 15 units are expected to accommodate residents with mobility impairments, and 6 units are expected to accommodate residents with sensory disabilities. The units are expected to be affordable for households earning up to 80 percent of the AMI. The groundbreaking builds upon the state's ongoing commitment to support new affordable housing projects as outlined by Hochul’s $25 billion five-year plan, which has already created or preserved more than 10,000 affordable homes in the Bronx.

On Monday, Hochul announced the availability of $100 million in new grant funding for climate resiliency projects. Funded through the $4.2 billion state Environmental Bond Act, the funding will be for community-focused climate resiliency projects addressing flooding and infrastructure upgrades through the $60 million Resilient Watersheds Grant Program and the $40 million Community Resilience and Flood Risk Reduction Program. The funding builds on the state’s commitment to conservation, climate, and environmental protection amid frequent extreme weather events. “This $100 million investment will strengthen our ability to withstand future storms, while also creating healthier and more sustainable communities and economies for generations to come,” explained Hochul.

LEGISLATIVE UPDATES

Next week, the Legislature will be in session on Tuesday to pass another Budget Extender

Aung Hset/D&A

Taxes Remain a Sticking Point in Budget Negotiations

In another contentious issue, leaders of the Legislature and Hochul remain at an impasse on taxes, with the Legislature proposing to increase personal income taxes on high earners and corporations, while Hochul has reiter ated her commitment to not raising taxes. “Our One-Houses express our willingness to make the uber wealthy pay a little more…because we’re in a time where not only are there the threats from Washington, but we have needs that we need to meet,” explained Stewart-Cousins.

Hochul has not moved from her commitment not to raise taxes and urges reining in spending. “Let’s watch our spending as we move forward…Let’s do things that are sustainable and reflect that reality on the ground. It’s certainly in the backdrop of all of that,” explained Budget Director Blake Washington. However, NYC Mayor Zohran Mamdani reiterated his calls for the state to raise taxes on high earners. “Twelve billion [dollars] in personal income tax cuts for New York’s wealthiest from HR1 last year, tens of billions of dollars in Wall Street bonuses…The money is right there for everything we need to take care of our New Yorkers,” said Senator Jabari Brisport, who is seen as a close ally of Mamdani.

Darren McGee/Office of Governor Kathy Hochul

Debate Over Costs of Reforming Tier 6 in Budget Negotiations

First reported by Newsday, the cost of reforming the Tier 6 pension plan in the ongoing Budget negotiations has become a major sticking point. While Hochul, leaders of the Legislature, and many rank-and-file lawmakers from both parties have announced their support for reforming Tier 6. While they have not publicly announced a specific proposal, the negotiations have reportedly focused on reducing employee contribution rates and the minimum retirement age. While unions have been supportive, school districts and municipal officials have warned of the burden of the costs amid budget crises in various municipalities.

Although estimates of the costs vary, it would cost school districts about $480 million, NYC about $330 million, and other municipalities about $410 million. It is also expected to cost the state an additional $245 million. When asked if the state is open to fully funding the changes instead of municipalities, Hochul’s Budget Director Blake Washington said, “No, just candidly no… I think that shared responsibility in financing public sector pension systems has been the bedrock principle.”

Lawmakers Urge for More SUNY Capital Funding

Advocated by lawmakers, including Senate Education Chair Shelley Mayer, SUNY systems have been requesting additional capital funding to repair aging infrastructure throughout multiple SUNY campuses. “We are going to lose students. They don’t want to be in a school where they’re paying tuition, and there’s no heat or the building is flooded,” explained Mayer. Mayer and lawmakers argue that Hochul’s Executive Budget proposal to appropriate $595 million is inadequate, with Mayer saying that it “wouldn’t even cover a lick of anything that we have to fix on campus.” In their respective One-House budget proposals, the Senate proposes $1.8 billion, and the Assembly proposes $7.8 billion in capital funding for SUNY over five years.

Protests in the Capital Building Over New York for All

Amidst ongoing negotiations on an immigration protection legislative package, advocates protested the lull in negotiations after reports of an impasse between lawmakers and Hochul. While lawmakers and Hochul have been publicly urging the need for a package, various lawmakers have criticized Hochul for holding up negotiations and for not agreeing to New York for All. However, Hochul, alongside some Democratic lawmakers, argues that her proposal to limit 287 (g) agreements would be enough to curb cooperation between the state and immigration enforcement officers. Assembly sponsor of NY4All, Karines Reyes, explained that limiting 287-g agreements would not address informal agreements between some localities and “is where the majority of people are getting dragged into immigration enforcement.”

Aung Hset/D&A

Lawmakers Urge for Providing Coverage for 400,000 Losing Essential Plan

With roughly 400,000 individuals expected to lose their Essential Plan coverage in July, lawmakers, Hochul, and leaders of the Legislature are currently discussing how to continue providing coverage. The Health Chairs, Senator Gustavo Rivera and Assemblymember Amy Paulin, are urging the inclusion of their proposal to authorize the state to use its own funds to provide a subsidized health care option. While Paulin recognizes that the bill hasn’t been fully discussed as part of the ongoing Budget negotiations, she believes that it “will swiftly become part of the conversation when I have 40 members on the bill, and I know that we’re speaking up in conference.”

While speaking to the press yesterday, Heastie said discussions about Essential Plan coverage are ongoing, as are discussions about the cost of providing coverage without federal support. “So it’s uncomfortable for us as Democrats to see people without health care, but at minimum you’re looking at $1 billion, and at a maximum it’s $3.5 billion,” explained Heastie. Budget Director Blake Washington also warned of similar concerns, saying that with state funding for schools and childcare, “it gets very tricky to finance something of that large [] nature.” However, Heastie and Washington said he believes roughly two-thirds of the 400,000 individuals losing coverage may have access to more expensive employer-sponsored coverage or be able to afford coverage on the marketplace.

Republican Lawmakers Criticize Democrats Over Late Budget

With the Final Budget failing to be agreed upon on April 1st, Republican lawmakers criticized Democratic leaders of the Legislature and Hochul, with Assembly Republican Leader remarking that “There doesn’t seem to be any urgency.” After Hochul first took office in 2021, lawmakers have failed to reach an on-time budget, with last year passing after May 8th, the latest Budget since 2010. “There’s a very concerning … lack of urgency in moving this budget forward,” said Senator Tom O’Mara. Ra explained that on-time Budgets are important for local governments and school districts, which heavily rely on state funding. “We want the public to understand what they’re getting this fall if they cast their ballot for an Assembly Republican,” said Ra.

Aung Hset/D&A

Small Businesses and Advocates Urge for Inclusion of Hochul's Auto Insurance Proposals in the Final Budget

On Tuesday, a coalition of small businesses and advocates held a press conference to advocate in support of Hochul’s auto insurance proposals. Advocates explained that Hochul’s proposals would improve affordability for small businesses, unions, and drivers by addressing frivolous litigation and cracking down on fraud. Additionally, the advocates explained that misinformation and disinformation about Hochul’s proposals claim that they would prohibit individuals from filing lawsuits for legitimate reasons. However, advocates explained that Hochul’s proposals would address only sophisticated fraudsters while ensuring protections for those who need them.

OTHER UPDATES

Blakeman Campaign Kicked Out of Public Campaign Finance Program

Earlier this week, the state Public Campaign Finance Board, consisting of four Democrats and three Republicans, voted along party lines to formally kick GOP gubernatorial candidate and Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman out of the state’s public campaign financing program. The Board explained that although Blakeman received a letter stating he was certified, the Board did not receive any official filings from Tom Hood. Thus, because of a new rule established in December that requires gubernatorial candidates and their running mates to file together, the Blakeman campaign is ineligible for the program.

However, while the form that Blakeman and Hood were required to fill out had not been created at the time of the Board’s vote, the Democratic members explained that Hood should have applied under his own name. “With the race tightening and her poll numbers sagging, it’s no surprise Kathy Hochul’s handpicked appointee would vote to take away funds from Bruce Blakeman’s campaign,” Blakeman said in a statement. Hochul announced earlier last month that her campaign would not participate in the program.

Federal Prosecutors Investigate Alleged Bribery and Kickbacks

On Tuesday, it was reported that federal prosecutors are investigating NYC Councilmember Farah Louis, Brooklyn Democratic Party Chair, and Assemblymember Rodneyse Bichotte Hermelyn and her husband, Edu Hermelyn, for bribery and kickback allegations. Additionally, federal prosecutors are also investigating Debbie Esther Louis, Farah Louis’ sister and an aide to Hochul. Reportedly, federal prosecutors are investigating whether the Louis sisters accepted bribes in exchange for awarding city contracts to BHRAGS Home Care, a Brooklyn nonprofit organization. Hermelyn and Bichotte Hermelyn were named in a search warrant after Hermelyn called several NYC Councilmembers on behalf of BHRAGS Home Care. Currently, four individuals have been charged, including leaders of BHRAGS Home Care and an ex-NYPD sergeant, whose security firm was hired by BHRAGS Home Care.

Aung Hset/D&A

NYC Council Releases Preliminary Budget

On Wednesday, the NYC Council released its preliminary budget proposal, proposing that NYC's $5.4 billion deficit over the next two fiscal years can be addressed by reestimating the city’s revenues and spending without explicitly raising taxes. However, the rebuttal prompted NYC Mayor Zohran Mamdani to criticize the proposal as “unrealistic.” In a video released by Mamdani, which was categorized as false and accusatory by several Councilmembers, he explained, “If [Council Speaker Menin’s] proposal was adopted, it would result in slashing billions of dollars from agency budgets, and working New Yorkers would pay the price.” However, many Councilmembers disagree with Mamdani’s explanation and criticize him for the characterization. “This is deeply misleading and potentially harmful! I thought these four years were going to be different,” Councilmember Kevin Riley responded to Mamdani’s video.

Mamdani Rescinds Eric Adams-Era TikTok Ban

This week, Mamdani announced that he is rescinding former Mayor Eric Adams’ ban on TikTok use by city employees. The Adams-era ban on TikTok was implemented in 2023 due to security concerns, out of fears that the app has ties to the Chinese government. Under Mamdani’s policy, city employees would be allowed to use TikTok only on city-issued devices, without other applications. Additionally, agencies that use TikTok must designate a communications staffer to use the app. This comes as TikTok and other short-form content were seen as instrumental to Mamdani’s mayoral victory last year.

Friday Morning Brief April 3, 2026

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Friday Morning Brief April 3, 2026

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