Friday Morning Brief August 8, 2025

Aug 7

Written By Michael Avella

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

Member Spotlight

Assemblyman Joe Angelino

Assemblyman Joe Angelino joins us to discuss his priorities, policies he worked on during this year's legislative session, and his district, which encompasses three state regions. Before being elected to the Assembly, he served in the Marine Corps and as a police chief for his community. Currently, he serves on various committees, including on Codes, Veterans' Affairs, and Oversight, Analysis & Investigation.

What district do you represent?
I represent the 121st Assembly District. It encompasses five counties: Madison, Chenango, Otsego, Delaware, and a substantial portion of Broome County, excluding the City of Binghamton. So when people ask me if I represent Binghamton, I can honestly say yes because I represent the town, but not the city.

What are some of the landmarks that are in your district?
The Northeast Classic Car Museum is a phenomenal place to visit. Many people also enjoy visiting Rexford Falls and other gorges in the area. The village of Sherburne has one that is over 100 feet deep, and it is more beautiful when the water is flowing. I have Animal Adventure Park, where April the Giraffe and her baby giraffe were trending on social media. We also have beautiful state parks throughout the district. Other attractions in the district include Bouckville Antique Week on Route 20 and the Spiedie and Balloon festivals.

What is your favorite NY sports team?
Buffalo Bills and the Yankees.

What about music? Any favorite bands/artists?
I like all kinds of music, and XM radio is great because I have such an eclectic button press. I listen to everything from classical to jazz. But if I had to pick only one channel, I would go to Tom Petty.

What was your profession before becoming an Assemblyman?
I was a police officer and retired as a police chief for the city of Norwich. It's a moderately sized department. I also spent 23 years in the Marine Corps. I spent just over four years on active duty and then retired from the reserves with 23 years, eight months, and two days of service. I went to combat three times. I was a tank commander in Desert Storm, and then I served as an infantryman in 2003 during the initial invasion of Iraq. And I went back again in 2005. However, throughout my Marine Corps career, I've traveled extensively all over the world, from the Arctic Circle in Norway to the Pacific Islands, including Okinawa, Japan, Thailand, and Hong Kong.

Did your service in the military shape your work in the Legislature?
Yes, the short answer is, yes, it did. Because it's an all-volunteer force and the Marine Corps is tiny. And everybody knows somebody who knows somebody else. So you can't get away with anything, like trying to embellish anything, because it's just a small branch of the service. However, because it's an all-volunteer force, people came from all walks of life, including inner cities, rural Texas, and Alaska. I met people from all over. And the mission of the Marine Corps was more important than individual personalities. And everybody knew that. So, everybody had to work together towards a successful mission outcome. And meeting people from all parts of life is very similar to what I do in the Legislature. I also understand that being in the Legislature is very similar to being in an exclusive club, with 19 million people in the state and only about 150 Assemblymembers. I understand that we may not have similar living or life experiences, and it’s essential to acknowledge that. Recently, I was on a farm tour and visited a Chobani factory in my district with legislators and a Senator from one of the Five Boroughs, who commented that there is nothing man-made except for the factory.

What are some of the local specific issues you are working on?
My district is agricultural-based. We have some heavy industries, such as Chobani, which employs about 2,000 people. Another heavy industry is the Raymond Corporation, which manufactures forklifts in the Binghamton area, and Dick’s Warehouse. So, it’s an agricultural-based district, but it also has a lot of industry and warehousing. Our district also has three long-haul interstates – 81,86, and 88. The district is also a hub for both highway transportation and railroads. So I always want to ensure that my district continues to benefit from it. I’m also always trying to balance our agriculture industry and the amount of solar arrays that are taking up tillable farmland, which is a big concern.

What about statewide issues?
I’ve been trying to help our volunteer emergency services. We rely heavily on volunteer fire departments. I believe that, based on last year’s count, we had 61 volunteer fire departments and one paid department. Currently, we have 59 fire departments, as two of my volunteer departments have ceased operations. Population loss is a big problem for my district and the entire state. Currently, volunteer fire departments are losing members or seeing them age out, as I am. I'm a volunteer fireman, and even though I'm 65 years old, I'm not the oldest. So when folks call 911 to help resolve their issues, it could be me and just four other people showing up.

Additionally, we are all part-time volunteers, which adds to the problem. So I've been trying to designate volunteer EMS as an essential service. Currently, when an emergency call is made in my area, we have a paid ambulance service through the City of Norwich. They are often dispatched to very rural parts of the county, which can be far away, because there's no one to answer the call. And that happens throughout my district. This year, I worked on a bill that would allow municipalities to exceed the 2% tax cap for EMS services, which passed both houses of the Legislature.
I’ve also been trying to preserve hunting as a way of life. I bet you a huge percentage of the homes in my district have a firearm. So, I'm always looking to protect the rights and culture that we have. We have high school trap teams, youth rifle clubs, and a lot of pistol permit holders. There is not a lot of crime here, and there is very little violent crime. And I can say that pretty, pretty confidently because I spent 20 years as a police chief. What happened recently in New York City was very tragic, but it shows that even in places with one of the strictest gun laws in the country, those tragic events can happen. However, from my 20 years as a police chief here, it doesn’t happen in our district.

You mentioned the state’s population loss. What are some of the steps you think NYS should take to address that issue?
I already mentioned the volunteer fire departments, but it also impacts further than that. It affects our public education system, the loss of workforce for both private and public sectors, and local revenue. NYS could be more business-friendly because it always ranks so low on business friendliness, and it is harmful for our small business owners. I always support any new local businesses that pop up in our district, as they are the largest source of employment here. However, small businesses must navigate the state’s bureaucracy, rules, and regulations, which affect them more significantly than large businesses. The state should come in and help those small businesses. Lowering taxes is also important for families and small business owners.

What advice would you give to young people who want to get involved more in politics but don't know how?
I would say start with choosing your friends wisely. Think of it as if you're not comfortable with bringing a friend into your home in front of your parents, there's probably a reason. So, choose your friends wisely, because that's generally how your reputation is earned. Secondly, I would say don’t be late but be early. I say these because I never considered running for office but was asked by my local officials and party leadership. And I consider it a public service because I, alongside all of my colleagues in the Assembly chamber, was chosen by our communities. Every two years, we have a job interview with the people who are my bosses. If they decide I am not doing a good job, they can hire another person to send to Albany instead of me. And lastly, one piece of advice for anyone entering public service for the first time: choose your staff wisely! I am lucky that I retained my predecessor’s staff, and they are amazing. I can provide for my community thanks to the hard work of my staff.

Any last comments?
We are busy every day because there are 135,000 people who have my phone number. I attend public events, such as county fairs, and talk to people. We also offer a range of personalized constituent services. Some folks may think I’m just out all the time, petting cows or ribbon-cutting. Still, we strive to help anyone who needs our assistance, whether that involves navigating problems with a state agency for a local municipality or ensuring a family has enough fuel for their home. I’m also grateful for the communities that have placed their trust in me, and I’m honored to represent everyone in our district.

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!

Aidin Bharti/Office of Governor Kathy Hochul

Democratic Lawmakers Look to Redraw Congressional Districts

With Texas Republicans moving forward with redistricting their congressional districts to gain five more Republican-leaning districts, and Texas Democrats fleeing the state to deny a quorum in the Texas Legislature, Hochul said she would support an amendment to the NYS constitution to disband the Independent Redistricting Commission. “I’m tired of fighting this fight with my hand tied behind my back,” said Hochul.

While hosting five Texas Democratic lawmakers, Hochul and Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie explained that with Republicans attempting to modify their lines outside of the normal cycle in order to make it easier for Republicans to maintain control of Congress, Democratic lawmakers in New York should follow suit. “It’s very difficult to say play fair when your opponents are playing dirty and using every toolbox to undermine democracy,” explained Heastie. “We’re sick and tired of being pushed around when other states don’t have the same aspirations that we always have,” added Hochul.

Republican lawmakers criticized Hochul, saying she is using Texas as an excuse to redraw the state’s congressional districts. “No one should be foolish enough to believe Democrats in New York need a Texas special session as a reason to rig elections in their favor,” explained Assembly Republican Leader Will Barclay. “It’s time to put politics and fear-mongering aside and refocus efforts on the real issues facing our state,” said Senate Republican Leader Rob Ortt.

Currently, Senate Majority Deputy Leader Mike Gianaris and Assemblymember Micah Lasher have introduced a constitutional amendment that would allow the state to redraw its congressional districts mid-decade if another state also redraws its districts. However, the constitutional amendment would not take effect in time for next year’s midterm elections, even if it is approved by the legislature (twice) and subsequently, by voters. Additionally, it is expected that state Republicans would file a lawsuit against the constitutional amendment. Besides changing the state constitution, Hochul said she is exploring other options, including litigation in federal or state court (which is required to redraw the current congressional map without changing the state constitution).

Darren McGee/Office of Governor Kathy Hochul

EXECUTIVE UPDATES

Early last week, Hochul announced the disbursement of $25 million to 16 public-use airports throughout the state. Disbursed through the AIR NY Aviation Capital Grant Program, the funding will enable airports to support their capital improvement projects, enhancing safety, modernizing operations, boosting environmental resilience, and strengthening regional economic competitiveness. The funding builds upon the state’s strategy to promote local economic growth through expanding local infrastructure. “Thanks to our historic investments, New York’s airports are soaring to new heights and invigorating their local communities with new opportunities for economic growth and tourism,” said Hochul.

Late last week, Hochul announced the launch of the first AI supercomputer-powered research projects at SUNY Albany. The projects will enable researchers from the University of Rochester and SUNY Albany to collaborate with researchers and an AI supercomputer from SUNY Buffalo in developing treatments for neurodegenerative diseases. The projects are funded through Muscular Dystrophy Association matching grants and over $2 million in funding from the NIH and the DOD. The projects will complement Hochul’s Empire AI Consortium and support the state’s commitment to expanding the public use of AI for advanced research. “By bringing together researchers from UAlbany and the University of Rochester and the power of Empire AI, we are paving the way to unlocking treatments for devastating diseases,” said Hochul.

On Monday, Hochul announced a $46.1 million investment for a 200,000-square-foot manufacturing facility in Orange County by Garonit Pharmaceutical. The state will also invest up to $3.8 million through the Excelsior Jobs Program and the Mid-Hudson Regional Economic Development Council. The facility is expected to become the world’s largest producer of chlorhexidine gluconate, an antiseptic used in surgical disinfection and infection control. Construction of the facility is expected to begin in January 2027, creating 100 to 150 construction jobs and approximately 100 permanent pharmaceutical jobs upon completion. The project builds upon the state’s goal to expand its life sciences sector and domestic pharmaceutical manufacturing. “With this investment, we are not only creating good-paying jobs but also reaffirming that New York is where innovation and opportunity meet,” said Hochul.

Earlier this week, Hochul announced the completion of Parliament-Fairfield, a $54 million public housing project in Rochester. The project renovated 88 existing apartments and added 15 new units, with 99 units being reserved for households earning up to 80% of the Area Median Income and all units backed by Section 8 vouchers. Funded by federal tax credits, state subsidies, NYSERDA's Clean Energy Initiative, and Rochester, the project builds upon Hochul’s $25 billion Housing Plan to build or preserve 100,000 affordable homes across the state. “This project preserves vital public housing and creates new opportunities for residents to thrive. Together, we are building a more affordable and sustainable future for all New Yorkers,” said Hochul.

On Wednesday, Hochul touted the recent changes to the state discovery lawsas part of the FY2026 Enacted Budget. The changes took effect yesterday, and it will require the courts to consider the prosecutor’s evidence as a whole and whether any missing evidence prejudiced the defense, scope of evidence that must be disclosed will be narrowed, discoverable evidence can be given to prosecutors if they exercise good faith and due diligence, and put restrictions on speedy trial clock. Hochul touts the changes as common-sense reform to ensure cases will not be thrown out based on technicalities and to maintain due process for defendants. “Our Discovery Laws — some of the strongest for defendants in the country — ensure that our justice system works for both victims and public safety officers,” said Hochul.

For National Water Quality Month, Hochul announced the availability of $20 million in grants for water infrastructure projects. The grants will be disbursed to critical water infrastructure repairs and upgrade projects through the Green Innovation Grant Program and Wastewater Infrastructure Engineering Planning Grants. The Green Innovation Grant Program will disburse $17 million, and the Wastewater Infrastructure Engineering Planning Grants will disburse $3 million. The funds build upon the state’s commitment to upgrading the existing water infrastructure in communities statewide, with the state investing up to $6 billion since 2017.

LEGISLATIVE UPDATES

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

Billy Jones to Retire at the End of August

Last week, Assemblymember Billy Jones announced that he will be stepping down at the end of this month. "The time has come for me to pursue an opportunity that will allow me more time with my daughter and family,” explained Jones. Jones said he will be leading the Institute for Advanced Manufacturing at Clinton Community College. A special election for the remaining year of his term is expected to coincide with the November general election. Neither the Democratic nor the Republican Party has announced any candidates yet. Of note, Jones is the only state Democratic lawmaker based in the North Country.

200 Schools Miss Deadline for Classroom Phone Ban Plans

Following the deadline for schools to submit their classroom phone ban plans last week, it is estimated that approximately 200 schools have yet to submit their plans. According to SED, the state has received 900 out of a total of 1,100 plans. While Hochul has explained that SED will not penalize schools for submitting their plans late, Assembly Education Chair Michael Benedetto explained that the “timetable could have been done maybe a little bit better.” Benedetto also explained that SED may not have enough resources to enforce the statewide policy. “I don't want to put any more work on the Department of Education. They certainly have enough work already coping with what they have to put up with,” said Benedetto. Senate Education Chair Shelley Mayer explained that she is not concerned about the schools not following the policy, saying, “I think the understanding of school districts, and with the full support of teachers, wants to move in this direction.” State and school officials are expecting that all school districts will comply with the new policy.

Don Pollard/Office of Governor Kathy Hochul

Continuous Medicaid and Child Health Plus Coverage to End in 2027

Last week, DOH received a letter from the federal government stating that the state’s proposal for continuous Medicaid and Child Health Plus coverage for children up to the age of 6 will not be renewed in 2027. While the DOH Commissioner James McDonald said that the state plans to continue the coverage, he did not outline how. “We will use every tool at our disposal to protect access to Medicaid and Child Health Plus for the more than 750,000 young children,” said Hochul. The recent federal policy change builds upon the upcoming changes in the state’s health insurance coverage and how the state plans to pay health providers and hospitals. While Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins and Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie continue to criticize Congressional Republicans for their recent approval of the OBBA spending plan, they have not laid out whether the Legislature can address the upcoming loss of continuous Medicaid and Child Health Plus coverage.

Assemblymember Claire Valdez Arrested at a Protest

At a pro-Palestinian protest at the Manhattan offices of US Senators Chuck Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand, Assemblymember Claire Valdez was arrested alongside NYC Councilmember Claire Valdez. The protest was held last week after Schumer and Gillibrand voted against a measure in the US Senate that would halt arms shipments to Israel. “Any politician who’s not doing something about it is failing New Yorkers,” Valdez said. The protest comes as more Democratic officials and lawmakers began questioning the Israeli government's handling of the hunger crisis in Gaza, with Hochul saying, “Allowing innocent children to starve to death is simply unconscionable, and as a mother, my heart is broken by these images of famine.” Attorney General Letitia James also recently organized a joint statement with federal, state, and local lawmakers urging immediate access to humanitarian aid in Gaza.

152 Dispensaries in Limbo After OCM's Misinterpretation

After a recent misinterpretation of the law by the Office of Cannabis Management, Senator Luis Sepúlveda introduced a bill that would allow impacted dispensaries to continue operating. The law requires that a dispensary cannot be within 500 feet of a school’s nearest property line, but OCM interpreted it as 500 feet from the entrance of a school to a dispensary. The misinterpretation resulted in 152 shops being deemed too close to a school and facing possible mandatory closure. However, OCM and Hochul assured that any dispensary found in violation of the law wouldn’t be penalized and would not impact any applications. Sepúlveda’s bill would ensure that dispensaries found to be in violation due to OCM’s misinterpretation would be allowed to continue operating at their current locations. However, Hochul has not committed to any formal proposal or changes to the law.

Susan Watts/Office of Governor Kathy Hochul

Lawmakers and MTA Tout Development of the Interborough Express

Earlier this week, Hochul, MTA Chair Janno Lieber, and lawmakers announced the active development of the Interborough Express in Queens and Brooklyn. Proposed for three decades and first announced in 2022, the Interborough Express would be the first light rail system in NYC, creating 17 subway lines, 50 bus routes, and two Long Island Railroad hubs. The new light rail would be built upon an existing rail that has been disused for decades and is expected to take only about 30 minutes for an end-to-end trip. Commuters and lawmakers in Queens and Brooklyn have long asked for the Interborough Express. “New Yorkers have long desired better ways to get between Queens and Brooklyn, and the [Interborough Express] offers an innovative solution to this age-old problem,” explained Senator John Liu. The project is expected to be finished in the 2030s.

OTHER UPDATES

Judge Questions State's Delay on Cap-and-Invest

Last week, an Ulster County Supreme Court judge told DEC lawyers in court that he is “almost [compelled]” to rule that the state is violating its climate law for not moving forward with the Cap-and-Invest program. In court, the lawyers for the DEC explained that the state needs some “leeway” because “we’re living in the time of change and uncertainty.” “I don’t know that I’ve ever lived in a time that wasn’t one of change and uncertainty, so I don’t know how that is a governable standard,” the judge said. The court case, brought upon by four environmental groups, alleges that the state is “stonewalling necessary climate action in outright violation” and “defying the Legislature’s clear directive” by not moving forward with Cap-and-Invest. Hochul recently explained that she still believes Cap-and-Invest is the “right way to go,” but said she “can not ignore the fact that the disruptions in our economy that have occurred since the laws went into place.”

Hochul Urges the Release of DHS' Urban Area Security Initiative Funds

After the mass shooting at 345 Park Avenue in Midtown Manhattan, Hochul urged the DHS to release funding for the Urban Area Security Initiative. Hochul explained in the letter that the NYPD heavily relies on the Urban Area Security Initiative for intelligence gathering and provides support to collaborate with federal law enforcement officials. Additionally, the state received more than $156 million in 2024. “Further delays in the release of UASI will degrade our nation’s ability to protect our urban centers, including our ability to keep New Yorkers safe. I urge you to fulfill your duty to protect all Americans and to release UASI funding immediately,” the letter states.

State Republican Delegation Urges Transition Period in Closing the MCO Tax

Last week, state House Republican Delegation led by Congressmember Nick Langworthy sent a letter to DHHS and CMS to grant the state a three-year transition period in anticipation of closing the MCO tax loophole. The letter comes as the DHHS and CMS is looking to adopt a new federal rule that would immediately disallow states from implementing or operating a MCO tax. Additionally, last month’s passage of the OBBA by Congressional Republicans includes a provision that can allow states to have a three-year transition period away from a MCO tax. “Implementing the full transition period would provide a fair and balanced path forward, allowing providers to adapt while upholding the policy’s long-term goals,” the letter states. While the state’s MCO tax remains uncertain in the coming months and year, the tax was expected to generate $3.7 billion in two year for the state.

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