Friday Morning Brief August 22, 2025

Aug 21

Written By Michael Avella

Please note the brief will be sent on a bi-weekly basis for the summer.

Member Spotlight: Assemblywoman Karines Reyes

Assemblywoman Karines Reyes joins us to discuss her district, priorities, and her advocacy on behalf of her community and constituents. Prior to serving as an Assemblymember, she worked in her community as a registered nurse, which inspired her to become an advocate for her constituents in Albany. Currently, she serves as the Chair of the Puerto Rican/Hispanic Task Force and is a member of various committees, including on Health, Labor, and Codes.

What district do you represent?
I represent the 87th Assembly District in the southeast Bronx, which includes the neighborhoods of Parkchester, Castle Hill, and West Farms.

What are some landmarks that are in your district?
The Bronx Zoo is one of the more popular ones. The Bronx River runs through the district, so the newly developed Bronx River Greenway is another popular landmark. Parkchester, in itself, as a community, is a landmark. It was built in the 1940s by MetLife. It was one of the first fully planned communities of the city, and it's very iconic. If anyone can step into Parkchester, they will automatically know they're there.

Are there any restaurants in your district that you'd like to highlight?
There are several. Taqueria Tlaxcalli on Starling Ave is one of my favorites. They were actually named one of the best burritos in the city before. I also frequent Jimmy’s Grand Café, which is reminiscent of a Latino-influenced diner. And for those who don’t know, I take most of my political meetings at Estrellita Poblana right off of Castle Hill.

Any favorite sports team?
I’m actually not a big sports fan, but I’ve always enjoyed watching soccer. I’m really looking forward to the World Cup next year, and it’s exciting that part of it is going to be in New York. I love watching the Latin American teams. They are all super good, and it is always fun to watch them play.

What about music? Any favorite artists/bands?
I am very Latino in my music taste. I used to listen to reggaeton before it became popular in the mainstream, when it was still considered underground. Right now, of course, I'm a huge Bad Bunny fan. His new album has been a homage to the island of Puerto Rico and the struggles of its people. I also enjoy listening to more classical traditional Latin music, such as Juan Luis Guerra and Shakira’s early albums.

What was your profession before running for office?
I was and still am a registered nurse. When I ran for office, I was a full-time staff nurse in the inpatient oncology unit at Montefiore Einstein. I still practice as a per diem nurse there.

Did your background as a registered nurse inspire you to run for office?
Absolutely. I believe the role of a nurse is to be an advocate for our patients, and that extends to political advocacy. In my community, when we discuss single-payer healthcare or comorbidities and healthcare outcomes for people in the Bronx, and think through what that means and how we can effect change, you can't help but become politically active, right? All of these factors are somehow influenced by government and, by extension, politics. It played a significant role in my involvement in politics.

What are some of the legislative priorities you focused on during this year's legislative session?
I think about it in two buckets. There was advocacy around the budget, along with other colleagues in the Assembly; we were able to secure $30 million for the Latino community, specifically for Latino-led and Latino-serving nonprofits that work across the state.

In the budget, we were also able to get the funding for the next step in the study to cap the Cross-Bronx. The Cross Bronx is a major highway that runs through the district. And we're considered a part of Asthma Alley. Our community has been advocating for years to reimagine how we interact with the highway and its underground components. Our community has proposed capping those parts that happened to sit in the middle of our community. So that we can reclaim that space and either create a green space or build affordable housing on it. Feasibility studies for that are very costly. However, we were able to secure parts of that study for coverage in the state budget, which we’re very proud of.

In terms of legislation, New York for All has been a priority of mine. Enhanced automatic voter registration was something we came very close to securing before the end of the session. It would allow individuals to be automatically registered to vote when they interact with certain state agencies, thereby expanding our voter rolls.

We were able to pass legislation to keep police radios open, allowing the media and journalists to access encrypted police radio transmissions, so that the public can receive real-time information.

Any local-specific issues you worked on this year?
In terms of housing, one of the issues we've been focusing on is the preservation of Mitchell-Lama developments, particularly the one in the district. We've secured funding for them, but we've been examining how state and local policies affect the solvency of Mitchell-Lama developments and the role that state agencies, such as the HCR, play in their oversight and regulation. The development has incurred several increases in carrying charges to the tune of 54%. That is causing displacement in our communities for people who are on fixed incomes and can't afford to shoulder a 54% increase. Focusing on Mitchell-Lama throughout the state has been a priority for us.

In terms of transportation, one of the major projects we have encountered in the district is the Five Bridges program. The project is set to repair five bridges under the Cross-Bronx. It is part of the vision to cap the Cross-Bronx, which means that we also need to fix the physical infrastructure of the highway to be able to withstand the weight of capping certain areas. It’s been a little controversial in the community because part of the project includes a connector for traffic to detour while the bridges are being fixed. It has been framed as an expansion of the Cross-Bronx by many in the community, and it has proven to be very problematic. We’ve been working with community groups, environmental groups, and the state DOT to explore alternative options for repairing the structure without expanding and creating a permanent extension of the Cross-Bronx.

As the Chair of the Puerto Rican/Hispanic Task Force and as a leader in immigration advocacy, what are some of the things you are looking to work for in the upcoming legislative session?
There are two policy proposals that I happen to carry, but also happen to be the priorities of the Puerto Rican Hispanic Task Force in terms of immigration. One is the New York for All legislation, which would limit state agencies from collaborating with ICE and prohibit law enforcement agencies from joining the federal 287(g) program. The federal 287(g) program allows local law enforcement to be deputized for immigrant enforcement.

We have seen more counties recently join the 287(g) program. The first one was Rensselaer County, but more counties have since opted into the program. Under the program, counties that join will receive resources from the federal government if their law enforcement agencies undertake the work typically performed by ICE. There is no reason for us to rely on our state and local law enforcement to perform the work of ICE, and numerous safety and quality of life concerns should be prioritized by local law enforcement. New York for All would ensure that this is the case, allowing our immigrant neighbors to continue participating in our society without having to live in the shadows. They must be able to take their kids to school, report crimes if necessary, and attend court without fear of being picked up or detained. The reality is that our economy is suffering, and undocumented immigrant communities play a big part in our local, state, and national economy. And they cannot take part in our economy if they are afraid to work and be part of society.

Another priority that we have been working on is Dignity Not Detention, which would prohibit the state from entering into ICE detention contracts. We have several carceral facilities in the state that contract with ICE to detain undocumented immigrants. We have seen the federal government expand and ramp up detentions across the country, and New York is no exception. That piece of legislation would ensure that the state’s carceral facilities do not enter into those contracts.

What advice would you give to young folks who want to get more involved in politics?
Sometimes, young people may feel like, 'Why get involved if my voice doesn’t matter?' But the reality is that it does matter. If you are interested in politics, it’s important to get involved and participate in the process. You might be surprised at how seriously their voice is taken. I think it’s undeniable that young people have a political power that parties can’t deny. So it’s best to be and stay informed. Verify your sources and engage with local government. Federal politics is always in the news, but local elections tend to have a greater impact on your everyday life. So get involved in your local committees or community boards. Voicing your opinion in your local community board will go a long way. There are also small nonprofits that are doing incredible organizing work. Besides being able to organize and advocate in your local community, some nonprofits are specific in their interest areas, such as a workers’ rights nonprofit or a nonprofit that focuses on artists.

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!

Mike Groll/Office of Governor Kathy Hochul

Hochul Discusses Redistricting with Leaders of the Legislature

Amidst the escalating nationwide fight over redistricting, Hochul said in a statement that New York will “confront Trump’s legal insurrection head on.” The statement comes after Texas House Republican lawmakers approved a Republican-favored mid-decade congressional map. With the Texas Senate approving the maps yesterday, the new map will take effect for next year’s midterm elections and is expected to gain five new Republican seats. However, the California Legislature also voted yesterday to move forward with its own mid-decade congressional map, which is expected to counter the new seats that Texas Republicans are poised to pick up (if voters approve the new maps in November). This has led Trump to reach out to other Republican-controlled states to move forward with their separate mid-decade redistricting efforts, and the Democratic leaders to do the same.

While a constitutional amendment that would allow the Legislature to change the current congressional maps has been introduced by Senate Deputy Leader Mike Gianaris and Assemblymember Micah Lasher, it would only take effect ahead of the 2028 presidential election. However, it has been reported that Hochul spoke with Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie and Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins about possibly changing the state’s redistricting process, following pressure from House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries. Hochul and many other lawmakers, including Heastie, have so far expressed support for changing the state’s redistricting process.

Republican Congressman Mike Lawler and other state Republican officials have continued to criticize Hochul and Democratic lawmakers pushing to change the redistricting process. Lawler explained that Democratic lawmakers previously attempted to change the state’s congressional map in the Democratic Party’s favor. “So for them to act as though they are holier than thou and that they didn't actually do this first is laughable. And when you look at Texas, you know they legally can do it. New York legally cannot. And that's the difference,” said Lawler. Republican Congresswoman Elise Stefanik, who is rumored to challenge Hochul for Governor, also criticized Hochul and said, “New York was ground zero for illegal gerrymandering led by Kathy Hochul the last two election cycles.”

Aidin BhartiOffice of Governor Kathy Hochul

EXECUTIVE UPDATES

Early last week, Hochul touted the incoming number of adults participating in the state’s free community college program. According to SUNY and CUNY campuses, more than 16,500 individuals have signed up for the CUNY and SUNY Reconnect programs so far. Under the program, up to four million working-age adults without a college degree or credential are eligible to attend community college for free in certain high-demand fields, such as cybersecurity and nursing. The program was established from this year’s Enacted Budget to support the state’s commitment to expanding access to affordable higher education. “The cost of pursuing a degree should never be a barrier for New Yorkers – we are proud to provide an opportunity for millions of CUNY and SUNY students to achieve their dreams,” said Hochul.

Last week, Hochul announced the availability of $153 million for more than two dozen communities across the state for water and sewage upgrades. Through the Environmental Facilities Corporation, eligible communities are eligible to receive low-cost financing and state and federal grants for projects that remove emerging contaminants, replace outdated infrastructure, and enhance resiliency. The funding builds upon the state’s priority to upgrade its water and sewage infrastructure, such as the recent $20 million investment from the Green Innovation and Wastewater Infrastructure Engineering Planning Grants.

Late last week, Hochul joined lawmakers, business leaders, and union leaders in touting the state's payment of nearly $7 billion of federal UI debt. The state’s agreement to pay off the UI debt was approved under this year’s Enacted Budget and is expected to increase the state’s maximum UI benefit rate for unemployed individuals from $504 to $869 in October. Employers are also expected to save an average of $100 per employee in 2026 and $250 per employee in 2027, as well as raise the state’s taxable wage base. “…paying off the Unemployment Insurance Trust Fund loan will give workers and businesses a sense of relief and put real money back into the pockets of employers and workers alike,” explained Hochul.

Last week, Hochul announced the disbursement of $2.2 million to continue the forest management efforts in Napeague and Hither Hills State Parks. The disbursement of the funding is expected to help address the damage caused by the Southern Pine Beetle and explore wildfire mitigation actions. Specifically, the funding will be used to focus on forest health improvements with a priority on areas near homes, trails, and Montauk Highway. This builds upon the state’s earlier work in addressing southern pine beetle damage and fire risks within Napeague and Hither Hills State Parks, with the state investing more than $2 million in fuel management work since 2022

On Tuesday, Hochul announced the disbursement of more than $51 million in Focused Attraction of Shovel-Ready Tracts New York (FAST NY) grants to five locations in Upstate New York. The FAST NY awardees are expected to use the funds to help advance projects that will boost the state’s high-growth industries, including advanced manufacturing and agriculture. Administered by the ESD, FAST NY helps prepare and develop certain locations to be shovel-ready and has awarded more than $283 million to 34 sites located throughout Upstate New York since its inception in 2022. “Through FAST NY, we’re able to promote manufacturing and bring in good-paying jobs to communities throughout New York State,” said Hochul.

Yesterday, Hochul announced the disbursement of $52.6 million to 15 broadband infrastructure projects across the state. Through the state’s Municipal Infrastructure Program, the funding is expected to support the building of 234 Miles of Fiber and 46 Wireless Hubs for more than 24,000 Households in 28 counties. The funding builds upon the previous state’s investment in broadband infrastructure projects to help bridge the state’s digital divide, including a recent $13 million investment by the ConnectALL program and another Municipal Infrastructure Program funding totaling $242.5 million. “New York State is leading the nation in closing the digital divide once and for all… In today's economy, broadband isn't a luxury, it's a necessity for education, healthcare, economic opportunity, and full participation in modern life,” explained Hochul.

LEGISLATIVE UPDATES

Barring special session in the Fall, the Legislature is set to reconvene in January 2026

Delgado and Lawmakers Call for Special Session

In a rally last week with advocates, lawmakers, and Lt. Governor Antonio Delgado urged Hochul to call for a special session to address the incoming federal cuts. Lawmakers explained that, due to Trump enacting the OBBA, the state faces billions less in federal funding for its Medicaid and SNAP programs. Additionally, lawmakers at the rally urged the passage of the New York for All to increase protections for immigrant communities and raise taxes. “The Republicans have made their decisions, and it’s time for us to make some as well,” explained Assemblymember Claire Valdez. Currently, Hochul and the leaders of the Legislature have ruled out the need for a special session later this year. Additionally, Hochul has explained that the state cannot backfill the size of the cuts imposed by the OBBA. Delgado, who is challenging Hochul for the Democratic nomination for Governor, criticized her, calling it a “cop out.”

Hochul Reiterates Her Commitment to Not Raising Taxes

Amidst discussion on how to address the upcoming state budget deficits, Hochul reiterated her commitment to not raise taxes for the state’s high earners. Hochul explained that she is not raising taxes because “a lot of people leave our state because of the taxes” and that she wants to ensure that the state would “have the resources to be able to fund the generous safety net programs” in the future. The push for raising taxes has garnered more support from some lawmakers and Lt. Gov. Delgado, who have been publicly criticizing Hochul for not committing to tax increases. However, Hochul did not commit to not raising taxes in the coming years, explaining, “I don’t know what’s going to happen tomorrow.”

Darren McGee/Office of Governor Kathy Hochul

Assemblyman Angelo Santabarbara to Introduce Bill to Review Rate Hikes

After the Public Service Commission approved an increase in rate hikes earlier last week, Assemblymember Angelo Santabarbara announced that he will introduce a bill that would empower the Legislature to review rate hike approvals. The Utility Rate Hike Legislative Review Act would also apply retroactively, creating a window for the Legislature to review and potentially overturn approved rate hikes from the last 12 months. The bill comes as lawmakers have been criticizing the PSC for approving new rate hikes, with lawmakers proposing to overhaul the PSC earlier this year. “This bill makes sure that when major decisions like this are made, elected representatives have the chance to step in on behalf of the people they serve – even if the PSC has already approved it,” explained Santabarbara.

Assemblyman Al Stirpe to Introduce New Distance Rule Bill for Dispensaries

Amidst the ongoing backlash against OCM after the agency misinterpreted a law that left 152 dispensaries statutorily too close to school grounds, Assemblymember Al Stirpe said he will introduce a bill that would align dispensaries’ distance rules with liquor stores’ rules. “The Legislature should take this opportunity to treat cannabis and alcohol the same,” explained Stirpe. Stirpe also explained that the bill would benefit dispensaries in NYC, as the current 500-foot rule restricts the availability of dispensary locations across the city. “A 500-foot rule, especially in New York City, makes it nearly impossible to site an adult-use cannabis dispensary. By adopting the same standard as alcohol, adult-use cannabis dispensaries will find it much easier to legally locate the businesses,” explained Stirpe. Stirpe’s bill comes after Senator Luis Sepúlveda introduced a bill that would allow affected dispensaries to continue operating.

Lawmakers Criticize Trump's Move to End Mail-In Voting

After President Trump announced his intention to prohibit states from using mail-in voting systems, lawmakers criticized Trump and disagreed with his unproven claims that mail-in voting promotes voter fraud. Some also criticized Trump’s claim that the states are “agents” of the federal government in counting ballots. Senate Elections Chair Kristen Gonzalez explained that the recent announcement by Trump is another attempt…to undermine our democratic process, and that the Constitution is clear: election administration is a responsibility of the states.” Senator James Skoufis says Trump’s announcement is due to his loss in the 2020 presidential election. “He is the biggest sore loser on planet Earth. You should not throw out an entire system and sow distrust and make it more difficult for the 99.99999% of people casting legal ballots,” explained Skoufis.

Lawmakers Hold Public Hearing on CDPAP Transition

Yesterday, joined by both Democratic and Republican Senators, Senate Health Chair Gustavo Rivera and Senate Investigations Chair James Skoufis held a public hearing on the current CDPAP transition. The hearing comes after months of criticism by a bipartisan group of lawmakers against the CDPAP transition into a single fiscal intermediary. In the hearing, lawmakers criticized the transition process, with Skoufis questioning the transparency of the process by which PPL was chosen as the sole fiscal intermediary. Skoufis explained that during the 2024 budget negotiations, Hochul specifically named PPL as the sole fiscal intermediary until lawmakers pushed back for a competitive bidding process. Lawmakers explained that they would continue to fight against the CDPAP transition unless it is overhauled. However, Hochul has defended the transition, with her Budget Director, Blake Washington, explaining that the transition is a “necessary reform.”

Assemblyman John Lemondes Announces Campaign for Congress

This week, Republican Assemblymember John Lemondes announced his campaign to run for Congressman (and former Senator) John Mannion’s Central New York-based congressional seat. Lemondes explained that he is running because Mannion is “coming up short everywhere, experience, temperament, [and] knowledge.” Lemonodes also explained that his constituents will vote against Mannion because Hochul and the Democratic-controlled Legislature will be on the ballot next year. “This is about the people of NY-22,” said Lemondes. In addition to Lemondes, former Assemblymember John Salka is also running for the Republican nomination to challenge Mannion.

OTHER UPDATES

Office of Governor Kathy Hochul

State Financial Control Board Warns NYC About Future State Aid

In a State Financial Control Board meeting last week, State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli and Hochul warned that the state may not be able to aid NYC in future financial distress. “We can’t promise the same level of state aid if Washington pulls funding out from under us,” explained Hochul. DiNapoli recommended to Mayor Adams to plan for possible cuts in areas where spending can be reduced without raising taxes, similar to the plan Hochul and Budget Director Blake Washington laid out for the state after the passage of the OBBA. “These recommendations can and should be extended to the city,” said DiNapoli. “Along with other impacted cities and states, we will keep fighting in the courts for every dollar that has been awarded to the city,” Adams explained.

More Advisors and Associates of Eric Adams Face Corruption Allegations

Yesterday, more former advisors and associates of NYC Mayor Eric Adams were indicted on new corruption charges. Some of the individuals indicted are former Senator and current Deputy Commissioner of the DCAS Jesse Hamilton, and former Adams’ Chief Advisor Ingrid Lewis-Martin (who was indicted earlier this year for unrelated corruption charges). The indictment alleges that Lewis-Martin, along with other individuals, pocketed both monetary and non-monetary bribes tied to various high-profile projects, with one notable bribe allowing Martin-Lewis to have a speaking role in a TV show and made eligible to join an actors' union. The indictment comes one day after Adams’ current campaign advisor attempted to give a reporter money stuffed in a bag of chips. Adams stated that he has no knowledge of the attempt and that the advisor explained that the attempted payment was not nefarious in any way.

Federal Transit Administration Threatens MTA Funding

This week, Federal Transit Administration head Marc Molinaro reiterated that he will withhold federal funding for the MTA if they do not improve safety measures for its maintenance workers. In his final notice to NYC, Molinaro explained that he is “disturbed by MTA’s failure to reinforce safety measures following serious accidents — one resulting in the death of a transit worker.” However, NYC officials and the MTA pushed back on Molinaro’s claims, explaining that the MTA regularly meets with federal regulators and that the MTA was being punished for not dismantling the Congestion Pricing Program. In a statement, the MTA said, “Clearly this was not urgent for Washington until it was decided it was time to fire off yet another letter and press release in what is a pattern of threatening letters and punitive actions by U.S. DOT following New York’s successful implementation of the first in [the] nation Congestion Pricing program.”

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