Friday Morning Brief Dec. 5, 2025
Member Spotlight
Assemblywoman Donna Lupardo
Assemblymember Donna Lupardo joins us to discuss her district, priorities, and some of the legislative work she has done throughout her time in the Assembly. Before being elected to the Assembly, she served her community as a Broome County Legislator and prioritized access to mental health care. Currently, she is the Chair of Agriculture and serves on various committees, including on Rules, Transportation, and Higher Education.
What district do you represent?
I represent the123rd Assembly District in NY’s Southern Tier. My district includes the City of Binghamton and the Towns of Vestal and Union.
What are some of the landmarks that are in your district?
We are the home of top-ranked Binghamton University, one of SUNY’s four University Centers. The statue of Rod Serling in Recreation Park is another popular destination. We are very proud that the creator of “The Twilight Zone” grew up in Binghamton and frequented the park and its carousel. In fact, the Binghamton area is considered the Carousel Capitol because of the 6 original wooden carousels that are still in operation. Our Double A Mets affiliate are called the “Rumble Ponies” to honor that legacy as well.
What are some of your hobbies? Any activities you like to do when you have free time?
I enjoy gardening, traveling, dancing, and tinkering with old cars and other hands-on projects.
What was your profession before being elected to the Assembly?
I was a Lecturer at Binghamton University for 10 years, and then spent 15 years working in community mental health. Before being elected to the Assembly, I was the Director of Education for the Mental Health Association of the Southern Tier. I also served on the Broome County Legislature for one term.
As the Chair of the Assembly Committee on Agriculture, what are some of the issues you focused on this year?
A big focus was on delivering a strong state budget for NY agriculture, one that supported vital research and development, agricultural education and promotion, worker protection, capital investments, and more. Ongoing issues include: farm labor, young and emerging farmers, solar development on prime farmland, and the numerous challenges facing NY’s cannabis growers.
Any other issues you worked on this year?
For the last few years, I helped coordinate a bipartisan effort to #RescueEMS. This includes a package of bills designed to help stabilize struggling Emergency Management Services across the state. Several bills have already been signed into law and we are now awaiting the Governor’s signature on two more. One bill would exclude EMS costs from the property tax cap, giving municipalities the flexibility to adequately fund these services. The other directs counties to develop and maintain comprehensive County EMS plans.
Any specific local issues you worked on this year?
Once again, funding for 2-1-1 services was not included in the Governor’s proposed budget. Originally funded as a legislative add, 2-1-1 has emerged as an essential part of the state’s disaster response, and a vital source of local resource and referral services. We restored the funding this year and are now advocating for the Governor to put 2-1-1 “on budget” where it belongs.
Any legislative achievements you like to share?
I have spent many years working on the development of NY’s craft beverage industry. I’ve introduced or supported numerous changes that have helped the industry grow. Last year, I passed a bill with Sen. Skoufis that now allows NY spirits, cider and mead to be shipped directly (in-state and to states with reciprocal laws) helping to rescue many distilleries at risk of closure.
What advice would you give to young folks who want to get more involved in politics?
Find role models.
Work on your communication and time management skills.
Learn how to “read the room.”
Maintain a healthy sense of humor and try not to take criticism personally.
Any last comment?
Because we’re living in “interesting times,” take care of yourself and one another, and find a way to make a positive difference, however small.
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 on Taxes for 2026
This week, Hochul clarified that while she remains opposed to raising personal income taxes, she is looking at “other revenue sources” for the upcoming budget negotiations. The comment comes after it was reported that Hochul has been discussing the prospect of raising corporate taxes. While not outright expressing that she intends to raise corporate taxes, she explained, “The budget process is unfolding. We’ll be working with the legislators over the next couple months, and we’ll find out how we can take off a bite of what we need to do.”
Currently, corporations in the state have a top tax rate of 7.25% but calls to raise taxes on both high earners and corporations have seemingly gained political traction after Assemblymember Zohran Mamdani won the NYC mayoral election and proposed raising the corporate tax to 11.25% to match New Jersey’s. However, opponents of raising corporate taxes argue that the proposal neglects NYC-based taxes, which would increase the effective rate above New Jersey’s. Advocates pushing for the higher tax rate explain that it is necessary in order to implement statewide universal childcare, which the Division of Budget estimates would cost more than $10 billion.
Hochul explained that her decision on whether to raise corporate taxes would depend on future congressional actions. “When it comes to the taxes question, which I know is the burning question on all your minds, I have to keep an eye on what is happening in Washington,” Hochul previously said. Hochul’s primary challenger, Lt. Gov Antonio Delgado, who supports raising both personal and corporate taxes, criticized her for not previously supporting an increase in taxes. "New Yorkers deserve leadership guided by conviction and courage — not by whatever is politically easiest at the moment," said Delgado. Observers note that Hochul’s decision to raise taxes or not would have an impact on her reelection and every down-ballot Democrats in next year’s election.
For now, Hochul has said the state can consider other taxes, including taxes on stock market bonuses. “We have other taxes as well… We’re even going to look at how well we’re doing with the end-of-year stock market bonuses, the bonuses, we get tax revenues from those,” said Hochul. Hochul also explained yesterday that the state "have enough revenues coming in" but cautioned that she doesn't have the “clarity of seeing what is happening next year with the Trump Administration.”
Susan Watts/Office of Governor Kathy Hochul
EXECUTIVE UPDATES
Late last month, Hochul announced the disbursement of $66 million in grants to various municipalities for replacing lead service lines in drinking-water systems. Funded through the state’s Lead Infrastructure Forgiveness and Transformation Grants, the municipalities are expected to modernize drinking-water systems in historically underserved communities while reducing the financial burden on local ratepayers. This builds upon the state’s commitment to continuously improve and modernize the water infrastructure across the state, with the state investing a total of $6 billion since 2017. “Protecting the health and safety of New Yorkers is my number one priority — that’s why we’re investing in grants across the state so that communities can make the critical improvements they need,” said Hochul.
With reports of rising food insecurity, Hochul announced an emergency expansion of the state’s FreshConnect program for families facing food insecurity for the upcoming holiday season. Funded through $2 million in emergency relief, eligible families can receive $20 in FreshConnect Checks each week at participating farmers’ markets until December 31, 2025, or while supplies last. With the checks, families will be able to buy SNAP-eligible items without the standard dollar‐for‐dollar SNAP match. The expansion builds on the recent emergency support to address food insecurity, with the state providing a total of $106 million in recent weeks.
On Thanksgiving week, Hochul touted the recent expansion of the state’s child tax credit and the launching of the state’s new “Birth Allowance for Beginning Year” (BABY) Benefit. Under the recent expansion, up to 1.6 million families across the state will be eligible to file for up to $1,000 per child under age four and to continue receiving up to $330 per child ages 4-16 in 2026. In 2027, families with a child ages 4-16 will see their child tax credit increased to $500. Under the BABY Benefits, families receiving public assistance will receive a one-time $1,800 payment when they have a new baby. The expansion of the child tax credit and the new BABY Benefits build upon Hochul’s commitment to addressing affordability and ensuring that new families can financially support their children.
Hochul announced the opening of a new state-funded 21-bed inpatient psychiatric facility at the New York City Children’s Center campus in the Bronx. The new 18,300-square-foot Inpatient psychiatric facility is expected to serve children between the ages of 5 and 17 who are experiencing serious behavioral health conditions, including severe depression, anxiety, trauma, suicidal thoughts, psychosis, and other acute psychiatric conditions. With the new facility, Hochul has now overseen the opening of over 1,000 psychiatric inpatient beds statewide and supports her commitment to improve the state’s youth mental health system, including a $1 billion mental health initiative. “We are committed to increasing options for families that need access to intensive behavioral health services and, more importantly, to providing top-notch care to all children who experience serious mental illness,” said Hochul.
Last week, Hochul announced a $50 million investment for a new bio-fabrication research and imaging facility at SUNY Buffalo. The new facility is expected to bring researchers from engineering, medicine, pharmacy, dentistry, life sciences, and the arts disciplines to support research in regenerative medicine, advanced therapeutics, drug discovery, medical devices, and neurological conditions. With state investment, SUNY Buffalo is also committing $16.7 million to support the facility. This builds upon Hochul’s commitment to enhancing the state's biomedical industry and growing SUNY’s research capabilities.
Earlier last week, Hochul announced the disbursement of more than $125 million to 13 projects to create 645 units and 1,000 beds of permanent supportive housing for unhoused individuals and families. Provided through grants by OTDA’s HHAP, the supportive housing units will be established in the Capital District, Central New York, Finger Lakes, Long Island, Mohawk Valley, New York City, Southern Tier, and Western New York. The new housing units support Hochul’s $25 billion Housing Plan to create or preserve 100,000 affordable homes across the state, with 10,000 of those units offering support services for vulnerable populations. “Creating new supportive housing, which combines affordable housing and services, is a fundamental part of our work to address the housing and homelessness crisis in our state,” explained Hochul.
Earlier this week, Hochul touted the success of the state’s implementation of the bell-to-bell statewide classroom phone ban, citing a recent survey of 350 schools. The survey highlights that 92% of respondents reported a smooth transition, 83% reported better student engagement, and 75% reported an improvement in teaching ability. The state’s bell-to-bell statewide classroom phone ban was implemented as part of the FY2026 Enacted Budget, which includes the state providing $13.5 million to schools and enabling them to create their own independent plans to ban phones in classrooms. The initiative is part of Hochul’s agenda to promote youth mental health and academic success. “Our kids are finding greater success in the classroom when they’re focused on learning, not scrolling,” said Hochul.
Yesterday, Hochul announced the launch of an RFP for the first phase of the Creedmoor Mixed-Use development project in Queens. Released by the Empire State Development, the RFP seeks developers to build affordable rental apartments, homeownership units, supportive housing, and amenities requested by the neighborhood, including a grocery store, an urgent care center, an early childhood center, and an older adult center. Developers are also required to hire local workers and engage with certified MBE, WBE, and SDVOB entities. The RFP is part of Hochul’s agenda to address the state’s housing shortage crisis and support her five-year $25 billion Housing Plan to create or preserve 100,000 affordable homes statewide. “My administration remains committed to working hand-in-hand with local residents and leaders as this project moves forward,” said Hochul.
State of the State Announced
Governor Hochul officially announced that her State of the State will be given from the Hart Theater at the Egg at 1 pm on Tuesday, January 12.
LEGISLATIVE UPDATES
There are currently 250 bills awaiting action by Hochul
2026 Legislative Session Calendar
This week, the Legislature released the calendar for the 2026 legislative session, with January 7th being the first day of session. With 2026 being an election year, the last day of session is scheduled for June 4th. Lawmakers are scheduled to get a two-week break after April 1st, the due date of the Final Budget (though recent years lead us to doubt the liklihood of that “break”). The deadline for Hochul’s Executive Budget is January 20th.
Assemblymember Robert Smullen Announces Campaign for Elise Stefanik's Seat
With North Country-based Congressmember Elise Stefanik running for Governor, Assemblymember Robert Smullen announced his candidacy for Stefanik’s seat. Smullen explained that he is running to “lower our cost of living, defend our freedoms, grow our economy, and put Upstate first.” With Smullen already raising $500,000 less than a week after his official announcement, Smullen explained that voters “know I have the experience, record, and conviction to fight for them every single day – and to always put upstate first.” However, Smullen would be facing Anthony Constantino, an Amsterdam-based businessman, who officially launched his campaign Monday night. Constantino explained that he is self-funding his campaign and expects to position himself as a close ally to President Trump.
Local Democrats to Run for Senator Rob Rolison's Seat
Late last month, Emma Arnoff announced her candidacy to challenge Senator Rob Rolison next year. “From raising my children here to running a business that serves families in need, I’ve built my life here in the Hudson Valley. Now, I’m running to ensure that those same families won’t get left behind,” explained Arnoff. Arnoff, who was able to flip a red district in the Dutchess County Legislature, will be facing Evan Menist, a member of the Poughkeepsie City Council, for the Democratic nomination. Lisa Kaul, a member of the Dutchess County Legislature, is reportedly considering running. Local and state Democratic lawmakers are reportedly considering that Rolison’s seat could be flipped in next year's election.
Assemblymember Chris Tague Announces Campaign to Succeed Senator Peter Oberacker
With Senator Peter Oberacker running to challenge Josh Riley for his congressional seat, Assemblymember Chris Tague announced his campaign to run for Oberacker’s Senate seat. In addition to carrying on Oberacker’s work in the Senate, Tague explained that he will be bringing a “no-nonsense, results-driven approach” to the Senate. “I didn’t go to Albany to make friends. I went to fight for the people I represent,” said Tague. If elected, Tague said he will focus on pubic safety, affordability, small businesses, and fighting the Democrats’ “radical agenda.”
Assembly Energy Chair Urges Hochul to Provide State Funding for HEAP
Late last week, Assembly Energy Chair Didi Barrett urged Hochul to use the state reserve funds to temporarily fund the state’s Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP). Currently, HEAP provides up to $900 a year to heat homes for 2.2 million eligible low-income families, but this year’s application window was delayed due to the recent prolonged government shutdown. While Hochul urged the federal government to release HEAP funding earlier last week, Barrett explained that Hochul must act soon to ensure eligible families can use it to heat their homes. “We simply cannot wait for the federal government to release New York’s allocated funding,” explained Barrett.
Lawmakers Consider Changes to State Raise the Age Law
In preparation for the upcoming legislative session, it was reported that lawmakers are discussing possible changes to the state’s Raise the Age Law. This comes as NYC Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani announced he will keep Jessica Tisch as NYPD Commissioner, even after Tisch expressed support for changing the law. The law, which increased the minimum age for adult criminal responsibility to 18-year-olds, has been criticized by Tisch and local District Attorney offices for leading to increased crime rates by teenagers. However, Tisch has explained that she doesn’t want the law repealed but rather “make adjustments to those laws based on the realities we are seeing on the ground.” Assemblymember Latrice Walker, a proponent of the law, explained that “we will keep having meetings — we will continue to sit down” on the law.
Senator Brisport Joins Advocates Urging Hochul for Statewide Universal Childcare
With a renewed push for a statewide universal free childcare program, Senator Jabari Brisport joined advocates and NYC lawmakers at City Hall to rally, urging Hochul to include the proposal in the upcoming Budget negotiations. With Mamdani promising to implement a citywide universal childcare program, Brisport and other advocates believe Hochul must also commit to universal childcare at the state level. While Hochul expressed support for Mamdani’s plan, she has not outright supported a statewide version due to its estimated cost of up to $15 billion. However, Brisport expressed optimism and said at the rally, “Everything you have been fighting for years has brought us to this moment where we now have a mayor entering office who is saying one of his top three things is universal childcare.”
Hochul Considers Medical Aid in Dying Act
Amid negotiations between Hochul and stakeholders on the Medical Aid in Dying Act, Hochul reportedly proposed several amendments to lawmakers in exchange for her signing the bill. One of the proposed amendments is to require individuals to videotape their request for physician-assisted deaths, and another is to create a seven-day waiting period. Hochul explained that she is “conscious” of “strong views on both sides of the spectrum” and thus trying to balance. However, opponents of the bill argue that Hochul should veto it outright, while supporters say that it already has several strong safeguards. If the bill is passed as it is, two physicians must certify that the patient requesting the life-ending medication has an irreversible, incurable illness or condition with a prognosis of six months or less to live, is mentally capable, and two unrelated witnesses must sign the request.
Lawmakers Set to Introduce Bill to Move State's Presidential Primary to Super Tuesday
On Wednesday, Senator James Skoufis announced that he and Assemblymember Landon Dais will introduce a bill to move the state’s presidential primary date to Super Tuesday starting in 2028. Currently, the state’s presidential primary is held in April, except for 2020, when it was held in June alongside the rest of the state’s regular primaries. Skoufis explained that the state’s usual April presidential primary undermines the importance of state voters, as presidential nominees usually secure enough delegates before then. “New York’s role in picking our nation’s presidential nominees has been relegated to the sidelines by a primary date that arrives too late to matter,” explained Skoufis.
OTHER UPDATES
Julie Menin to be Next NYC Council Speaker
Last week, NYC Councilmember Julie Menin announced that she has enough votes in the Council to become the next Speaker. Menin’s list of 35 Councilmembers who will pledge to vote for her on January 7th includes members outside of the Council’s Progressive Caucus and Republican members, while members of the Progressive Caucus largely supported Councilmember Crystal Hudson. Although observers have noted that Menin’s victory could be an obstacle for some of Mamdani’s proposals, Mamdani has not openly declared support for any candidate. Menin also said in a statement that she stands "ready to partner with mayor-elect Mamdani’s administration and deliver on a shared agenda.”
NYC-DSA Declines to Endorse Chi Ossé for Primary Challenge Against Hakeem Jeffries
After a heavily publicized endorsement process within the NYC-DSA, the Citywide Electoral Working Group declined to endorse Councilmember Chi Ossé for his primary challenge against House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries. With 52% or 626 members voting against recommending Chi Ossé for endorsement, Ossé said he will not run as a primary against Hakeem, as he had planned to do so only if the NYC-DSA endorsed him. This comes as Mamdani and Congressmember Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez argued against endorsing Ossé, with Mamdani saying that he does "not believe it’s the right time.” Notably, NYC-DSA has already endorsed Councilmember Alexa Avilés’ primary challenge to Congressmember Dan Goldman, even though Mamdani is looking to back City Comptroller Brad Lander if he runs.
Nydia Velázquez Announces Retirement After 2026
After serving in Congress for about 32 years, Nydia Velázquez recently announced she will not run for reelection. Velázquez, whose district includes parts of Queens and Brooklyn, explained, “This was not an easy decision, but I believe that the time is right for me to move on and for a new generation of leaders to step forward.” Notably, Velázquez is the first Puerto Rican woman to serve in Congress.
While it is expected that NYC-DSA will endorse a candidate given its significant influence in local races in Velázquez’s district, Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso announced his campaign to run for Velázquez's seat. Although Reynoso didn't criticize the NYC-DSA, he explained that he is running to counter President Trump's actions and "decorporatize the Democratic Party." Reynoso also added, "I have been doing this work as a reformer, as a progressive, for a long time before the DSA had a single candidate they were supporting." Senator Julia Salazar, who was considered a favorite to win the DSA endorsement, explained that she is not considering running. Recently, DSA Assemblymember Claire Valdez was also named as a potential candidate to run for Velázquezs' seat and is currently beginning the NYC-DSA endorsement process.
Trump and Mamdani Meeting at the White House
President Trump hosted NYC Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani in a heavily publicized meeting, during which he praised Mamdani and said he wants to be “helping him, not hurting him.” “It was a great meeting…I think [NYC is] going to have, hopefully, a really great mayor,” Trump remarked about Mamdani. “It was a productive meeting focused on a place of shared admiration and love, which is New York City, and the need to deliver affordability to New Yorkers,” Mamdani said about the meeting. Notably, when Trump was asked about Congressmember Elise Stefanik’s negative remarks about Mamdani, Trump disagreed and explained, “No, I don’t. But she’s out there campaigning, and you say things sometimes in a campaign. I met with a man who’s a very rational person.”
Susan Watts/Office of Governor Kathy Hochul
Federal Judge Dismisses Indictments Against AG Tish James
Last week, a federal judge dismissed the indictment against AG Tish James. The judge held that, after the previous US Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, who was in charge of prosecuting James, resigned, his replacement should have been appointed by the district judges. Specifically, the judge believes that US AG Pam Bondi’s 120-day window to appoint a replacement had passed by the time Halligan was appointed through the Justice Department order. As a result, Halligan’s appointment was invalid, and any actions taken afterward by Halligan were also invalid. However, the judge dismissed the indictments “without prejudice,” allowing the Trump Administration to reopen the indictments for the same conduct if it can secure a legal appointment for the prosecution.
In response to the dismissal, the Trump Administration said it would appeal the rulings. “We’ll be taking all available legal action, including an immediate appeal,” explained Bondi. According to the indictments, the federal government alleges that James falsely claimed a property in Virginia as a second home to obtain a better interest rate and faces one count of making false statements to a financial institution and one count of bank fraud. The Trump Administration also attempted to secure a new indictment but was dismissed yesterday by a grand jury. James' attorney, in response to the recent grand jury dismissal, said, "This should be the end of this case." It remains to be seen if the Trump Administration will try to resurrect the indictment.
State Court of Appeals Upholds State Voting Rights Act
Last week, the state Court of Appeals upheld the state Voting Rights Act, rejecting the Town of Newburgh’s bid to mount a constitutional challenge against the law. The Court of Appeals unanimously held that there was no standing to challenge the vote-dilution provisions in the state VRA, including one that allows residents to force their municipality to modify its voting system for equitable minority representation. The lawsuit was first filed against Newburgh last year by the town’s six residents, alleging that their Town Board never included a Black or Hispanic member even though the town was 15% Black and 25% Hispanic as of 2022. With the lawsuit, Newburgh instead filed to challenge the state VRA, arguing that compliance would force the town to violate the equal protection clauses of the U.S. and state constitutions. With the recent ruling and given that the residents’ lawsuit has not gone to trial, it’s unknown whether the town will be found liable.
FIRM SPOTLIGHT
D&A's Partner Chrissy Dickinson was recently named to City & State 2025 Women Power 100 List! Chrissy's excerpt below:
Christina Dickinson co-founded lobbying and government relations firm Dickinson & Avella in 2009 after years of service in the state Senate, where she rose to become deputy counsel for the Senate Democratic conference after starting out as an aide. One of her recent successes was working with governmental and entertainment leaders to expand the state’s Film Tax Credit Program to further incentivize the state’s movie and TV industry. Another was her work supporting the passage of a bill that would allow more New York City firefighters to access retirement benefits after 20 years of service.
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