Member Spotlight

Senator Sam Sutton

This week, Senator Sam Sutton joins us to discuss his district, background, and some of the priorities he is working on. Before being elected to the Senate, he served his community through social services and advocacy on issues that mattered most to his neighbors. Currently, he is the Chair of the Administrative Regulations Review Commission and serves on various committees, including the Health, Education, and Social Services Committee.

What district do you represent?
Brooklyn’s 22nd State Senate district.

What are some of landmarks that are in your district?
A district highlight is definitely Marine Park - Brooklyn’s largest park, with great sports facilities and nature trails

What is your favorite NY sports team?
The New York Mets!

What was your previous profession before being elected to the Senate?
Before being elected to the Senate, I was in the retail business, but I always made time for community service. I served for over 30 years on the board of Sephardic Bikur Holim, a multidivisional social-service center in Southern Brooklyn, including five as president.

How did your previous profession impact or help you serve your constituents in the Senate?
Working in both social service and advocacy, I gained a clear view of how people on the ground are directly affected by decisions that politicians make. It’s easy to get lost in the numbers and acronyms that dominate so many conversations at the Capitol, but my background helps keep me focused on the real-world impact those decisions have on each person in the district.

What are some of the priorities you are working on this year?
My priorities include public safety, quality of life, and supporting families and seniors. I am focused on ensuring our neighborhoods are safe, and residents have access to the services and resources they need.

Any specific issues that are impacting your district?
Like most of New York City, Southern Brooklyn is facing rising costs, especially on the cost of utilities and housing. We’re also seeing the very real impact of antisemitism and other forms of hate, which must be confronted head-on to ensure everyone feels safe in their neighborhoods, schools, and houses of worship.

What advice would you give to young folks who want to get more involved in politics?
Politics starts on the community level. Volunteer at local non-profits, attend community meetings, and find out what’s happening in your neighborhood. There’s more than one way to support a cause you believe in.

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!

Susan Watts/Office of Governor Kathy Hochul

Hochul Reiterates Position On Taxes After Mamdani's Preliminary Budget

Before the release of the 30-day Executive Budget amendments, Hochul announced that the state would provide $1.5 billion in state aid to NYC to help NYC Mayor Zohran Mamdani and the City Council close their multibillion-dollar budget deficit. With the $1.5 billion in state aid, Mamdani’s proposed preliminary budget would face a $5.4 billion two-year gap. With NYC still facing a multibillion-dollar deficit, Mamdani reiterated his priority of securing legislative approval to increase taxes on the wealthiest taxpayers and corporations. Alternatively, Mamdani said he would have to increase property taxes without those options.

Specifically, Mamdani said he preferred to raise income taxes on those making over $1 million annually by 2 percentage points, or by 52% from current levels. If the Legislature does not approve, Mamdani said he would have to increase property taxes by about 1 percentage point, or a 9.5% increase from current levels. Mamdani explained that NYC may also have to tap into the city’s reserves.

In response to Mamdani’s proposals, Hochul reiterated her position on not raising taxes and explained that she does not support raising property taxes either. “I don’t support a property tax increase on New Yorkers, and I’m not wavering on my position that I don’t want to drive more people out of our state by increasing taxes in what is already a high-tax state,” Hochul explained. Hochul’s Budget Director, Blake Washington, further explained that Hochul does not want to raise taxes because the state’s economic competitiveness is at stake. “We need to have a serious policy debate about our relative position in the Northeast, our economic competitiveness, and sort of divorce it from the politics of the day and how it feels good to sock it to somebody,” said Washington

Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins also expressed her opposition to raising property taxes, saying, “We’ve always been very clear that we’re not trying to raise taxes on working-class families. That would not, I think, be a winning strategy.” Additionally, Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie also raised property taxes as a “non-starter.” However, Stewart-Cousins and Heastie expressed optimism that the outcome of the Final Budget would require NYC to property taxes. In addition to a rally on Wednesday in support of raising income taxes on the wealthiest in Albany, the Assembly and Senate’s respective One-House Budgets have historically included proposals to raise taxes.

Darren McGee/Office of Governor Kathy Hochul

EXECUTIVE UPDATES

On Monday, Hochul announced $21 million in grant funding to support SNUG Street Outreach programs. With the funding, it is expected that community-based organizations and hospitals participating in the SNUG Street Outreach programs will employ outreach workers, hospital responders, social workers, and case managers to work with individuals at the highest risk of gun violence. The funding comes after a recent report highlighting record-low levels of gun violence across the state due to the SNUG Street Outreach and Gun Involved Violence Elimination (GIVE) initiative. “SNUG is helping keep neighborhoods safer, supporting families in the aftermath of violence and creating real opportunities for young people to thrive,” explained Hochul.

After the recent SCOTUS decision overturned the Trump Administration’s tariffs, Hochul called on President Trump to refund an estimated total of $13.5 billion in tariff payments to every individual in the state. Specifically, Hochul is asking the Trump Administration to refund about $1,751 for every household in the state. “These senseless and illegal tariffs were just a tax on New York consumers, small businesses, and farmers — and that’s why I’m demanding a full refund,” explained Hochul. The call for a tariff refund comes after several Democratic Governors and some businesses across the country called on Trump to issue a tariff refund.

On Tuesday, Hochul announced the disbursement of $5 million in technical assistance grants to certified Pro-Housing Communities across the state to advance local housing development. With $250,000 available to each Community, it is expected to help them with planning, zoning analysis, streamlining building permits, and addressing other housing barriers. The grants complement Hochul’s recent Executive Budget proposal to reform the SEQRA process and support the state's priority to address housing shortages. “The Pro-Housing Communities Program is a true partnership between the State and localities that tackles the housing shortage, makes it possible for people to live in the communities of their choice, and serves as an effective vehicle for aligning housing and local economic development,” explained Hochul.

Additionally, on Wednesday, Hochul announced that construction has begun on Harbor House, part of the YWCA's affordable and supportive housing development in Schenectady. Financed through state tax credits, subsidies, and local contributions, the $50.6 million housing development is expected to preserve 42 existing units in the historic YWCA building and add a new all-electric structure with 54 modern apartments. When completed, the development will be reserved for households earning up to 50% of Area Median Income, and will provide on-site support services for residents. The development supports Hochul’s five-year, $25 billion Housing Plan to create or preserve 100,000 affordable homes statewide, including 10,000 with support services for vulnerable populations, as well as the electrification of an additional 50,000 homes.

In anticipation of the upcoming World Cup in the summer, Hochul announced two free, large-scale community World Cup viewing events at Stony Brook University on Long Island and Kensico Dam Plaza in Westchester. Led by ESD, the free events will also feature community-developed programming designed to reflect each region and support local businesses. The free events complement the recently launched New York State Community World Cup Grant Program and support recent investments in youth soccer infrastructure and community spaces. “New York is proud to play a leading role in hosting the 2026 World Cup, a once-in-a-generation global event that will showcase our state on the world stage and generate economic activity in communities across New York,” said Hochul.

LEGISLATIVE UPDATES

Next week, the Legislature is scheduled to be in session Wednesday & Thursday

Hochul Releases 30-Day Executive Budget Amendment

In her 30-day amendments to her Executive Budget, Hochul proposes to increase spending by more than $2 billion from the original proposal, including $1.5 billion in additional state aid for NYC. The increased spending comes as the Division of Budget now projects $600 million in additional investment income for the next fiscal year and $450 million each year thereafter. However, it was also reported that tax receipts for January were $732 million below the original projection.

Additionally, Hochul notably removed her proposal to allow autonomous vehicles to be operated and tested outside of NYC. Currently, autonomous vehicles are allowed to be operated and tested only in NYC, but Hochul originally proposed expanding that to the rest of the state. While Hochul previously supported the move in her State of the State, she explained that there is not enough support in the Legislature for the proposal due to lawmakers’ concerns about job loss, in addition to safety issues. “Based on conversations with stakeholders, including in the Legislature, it was clear that the support was not there to advance this proposal,” a spokesperson for Hochul explained.

Aung Hset/D&A

Final Budget Hearings Conclude

This week, the Legislature wrapped up this year's Budget Hearings, with yesterday’s hearing on Taxes representing the final budget hearing of the year. Before taxes, lawmakers held a hearing on Economic Development & Arts, where they heard testimony on how Hochul’s proposal to address auto insurance fraud would result in lower premiums, the importance of funding art programs, and further steps to ensure the success of the state’s cannabis industry. Other hearings this week were on Higher Education, Housing, and Labor/Workforce Development. With the Budget Hearings finished, the Assembly and Senate are expected to release their respective One-House Budget bills in early March (March 12ish).

Mike Groll/Office of Governor Kathy Hochul

Budget Director Hints at CLCPA Changes in the Final Budget

On Wednesday morning, Hochul’s Budget Director Blake Washington discussed a possible proposal to roll back the state’s CLCPA goals during budget negotiations with the leaders of the Legislature. While calling the CLCPA “well-intentioned,” Washington explained that the state’s current energy transition is costing every individual about $3,000. “[Hochul] sees problems on any number of issues, but here she sees an affordability issue that's right before her eyes that must be addressed,” explained. Additionally, NYSERDA recently sent a memo to Hochul noting that the CLCPA will cost up to $4,000 for Upstate households and $2,300 for NYC residents. While Hochul has been hinting at possibly rolling back the state’s climate goals, many lawmakers have criticized her, including her decision to adopt an “all of the above” approach to meet the state’s energy needs. “I think our conference has been really deliberative in how to make sure that we protect our climate and we make things more affordable,” Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins said earlier this week.

Assembly Republicans Unveil Energy Legislative Package

Assembly Republican lawmakers unveiled their energy and climate legislative package to lower energy costs. Under the “Lights On With Energy Relief (LOWER) Plan,” the state would address affordability through a rebate check program, utility bill credits, and reinvestment into natural gas plants. Additionally, the LOWER Plan would eliminate certain energy mandates, expedite nuclear power plant projects, and conduct a feasibility study on the use of small modular reactors. “Our LOWER Plan looks to tackle the current crisis head-on, by getting immediate relief into the hands of New Yorkers and facilitating improved power generation to meet growing demand,” explained Assembly Republican Leader Ed Ra.

Upstate Lawmakers Express Concerns About Insufficient Aid for Upstate Cities

This week, various Upstate lawmakers expressed concerns about Hochul’s recent proposal for a $1.5 billion in funding for NYC, explaining that it disproportionately dwarfs the proposal for an additional $150 million for Upstate cities. Upstate lawmakers and mayors argue that the proposal would deepen regional disparities and result in inadequate state support. Assemblymember John McDonald, who represents Troy, Cohoes, and parts of Albany, explained, “Let’s try to move these numbers around so everyone feels like they’re being treated fairly.” “Here in upstate, just as with public transit, just as with our housing investments, we’re always looking for some proportionality,” explained Senator Pat Fahy, who represents Albany and its surrounding areas. Senate Cities 2 Chair Chris Ryan agrees and said, “the state must place a greater emphasis on sustained investments in upstate communities that do not have access to the same level of resources or tax revenue as New York City.”

Lawmakers to Introduce Bills to Increase Oversight of CDPAP Transition

Amid criticisms from lawmakers and an investigation into the state’s ongoing CDPAP transition to a single fiscal intermediary, Senate Investigation Chair James Skoufis said he is working on a constitutional amendment to require the State Comptroller to approve state contracts above a price set by lawmakers. Additionally, Senate Health Chair Gustavo Rivera said he is working on a bill that would clarify the Legislature’s oversight authority over private companies. The bills come as lawmakers criticized the transition for hurting CDPAP users and workers, and expressed skepticism over Hochul’s claim that the CDPAP transition saved the state over $1 billion. “Saying that we save $1.2 billion from the changes to CDPAP is like me saying Salma Hayek is my girlfriend. I’d like it to be true, but until I show up somewhere with her on my arm, it’s not,” remarked Rivera.

Darren McGee/Office of Governor Kathy Hochul

Senate Democrats to Introduce Immigration Protection Legislative Package

After Senate Democrats formed a working group weeks ago to create a package of immigrant protection bills, it was reported that the package is nearly complete. “I believe that we will be able to have something that we can have something that we can put forward in the next few weeks,” Senate Majority Leader Stewart-Cousins said. While the final list of bills is not public, it is expected that bills prohibiting ICE agents from using face coverings and providing a new right of action to sue ICE agents will be included. While Hochul’s proposal to restrict 287(g) agreements is likely to be included in the final list, it is unclear what form of New York for All would be included.

Lawmakers Rally for New York for All Act

Amidst the Senate’s work on a package of immigrant protection bills, lawmakers held a rally for the New York for All Act. While advocates and lawmakers agree with Hochul’s proposal to restrict 287(g) agreements, they argue that her proposal does not adequately ensure enough protection for all immigrant communities. Additionally, advocates and lawmakers criticized the increased federal immigration crackdown and argued that the state has been built upon immigrant communities throughout its history. “We eat arroz con pollo, pikliz and oxtails. We eat dates on Ramadan and hamentashen on Purim. We come from everywhere and speak every language under the sun. That's always been New York's superpower,” explained Senator Zellnor Myrie.

Lawmakers Rally for Youth Innovative Justice Fund

Earlier this week, Assemblymember Gabriella Romero and Senator Cordell Cleare joined advocates to urge Hochul and legislative leaders to include $50 million in funding for the Youth Innovative Justice Fund. The lawmakers, who sponsor a standalone bill to establish the Youth Innovative Justice Fund, and advocates explain that the Fund would ensure that organizations offering mentoring, job training, and mental healthcare to teenagers at risk of entering the criminal justice system. Additionally, lawmakers argue that it would complement the state's Raise the Age law, which shifted most 16 and 17-year-olds away from adult criminal court to a family court. Romero, a former public defender, explained, “What we’re trying to do with the Youth Justice Innovation Fund is make sure that recidivism is decreasing, and that children have the opportunity to truly thrive.”

Marc Molinaro Announces Campaign for Assembly

After 15 years, Marc Molinaro officially announced his campaign to run for the Assembly seat currently held by Chris Tague, who is running for Senate. “I’m confident there is no one better suited to represent this district with the same passion and commitment as I have,” Tague said of Molinaro’s announcement. Molinaro previously served in the Assembly from 2007 to 2011 and was most recently the head of the Federal Transit Administration before resigning last week to run for Assembly. Molinaro explained that he “[misses] having the real roll-up your sleeves and hands-on involvement” and that he wants to address affordability in the state. Molinaro previously ran against former Governor Andrew Cuomo in 2018, served one term in Congress, and served as a Dutchess County Executive for over a decade.

OTHER UPDATES

Appellate Court Reject GOP's Appeal Over Malliotakis' Redistricting Case

In an ongoing redistricting challenge against GOP Rep. Nicole Malliotakis, the First Judicial Department’s appellate division rejected the state GOP’s efforts to stop the redistricting efforts. This comes after a State Supreme Court judge ruled that the current Malliotakis district, based on Staten Island and parts of Southern Brooklyn, is unconstitutional and ordered the state’s redistricting commission to draw new lines. However, the GOP won a stay against the decision, which the appellate court lifted, and the court also rejected their request for an appeal. With the decision being unanimous, the state GOP must ask the US Supreme Court to intervene. Currently, Solicitor General John Sauer has filed a brief before the ruling, asking the US Supreme Court to intervene. It remains to be seen if the US Supreme Court will intervene.

Kevin P. Coughlin / Office of Governor Kathy Hochul

MTA Threaten to Sue Trump Over 2nd Avenue Station Project Funding

On Wednesday, the head of the MTA, Janno Lieber, announced that he had sent a letter to the Trump Administration, threatening a lawsuit if the Administration does not unfreeze $60 million in reimbursements for the Second Avenue Station project by March 6th. “D.O.T.’s refusal to comply with its payment obligations has jeopardized the project and placed the M.T.A. in an impossible position, requiring it to plug the gap by diverting critical transportation infrastructure funding from other priorities,” the MTA said in the letter. “It’s time for us to get this back on track, so we’re letting them know: Time’s up,” explained Lieber. This comes after a federal judge forced the Trump Administration to disburse up to $16 billion for the Gateway Tunnel project, after the Administration had been withholding the funding.

Mamdani's Unannounced Trip to Meet with Trump

Yesterday, Mamdani made an unannounced trip to DC for a meeting with President Trump. While Mamdani tweeted that he had expressed his concerns about a Columbia student being detained by ICE and had helped get the student released, he also posted another tweet about building more housing in NYC. While Mamdani and Trump have previously criticized one another, they have both publicly expressed a willingness to work together on a variety of issues, including housing.

Friday Morning Brief Feb 27, 2026

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Friday Morning Brief Feb 27, 2026

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