Member Spotlight

Assemblyman Tony Simone

Assemblyman Tony Simone joins us to discuss his background, some priorities for this year, and his district, which is full of quintessential New York landmarks. Before being elected to the Assembly, he served in various roles throughout local and state government, advocating for his community. Currently, he serves on various committees, including Labor, Social Services, and Government Operations.

What district do you represent?
I represent the west side of Manhattan, the 75th Assembly District, which includes Chelsea, Hell’s Kitchen, the Upper West Side, Times Square, Flatiron, and Hudson Yard.

What are some of the landmarks in your district?
We have a lot of iconic landmarks. We have the Empire State Building, Hudson River Park, Madison Square Garden, Central Park, Radio City Music Hall, Bryant Park and more.

Any bagel or pizza spots you’d recommend?
That’s a tough one, because we have so many. Joe’s Pizza by Times Square is great. There are tons of bagel shops to choose from too. Brooklyn Bagel in Chelsea is a favorite, even though it’s called Brooklyn Bagel. Russ & Daughters also came to our neighborhood, and we love their bagels. And there’s another corner bagel place on 34th Street that we go to all the time.

What was your background before becoming a legislator?
I was a longtime staffer in New York City government, both at the city and state level. Early on, I worked as a legislative aide for the late State Senator Catherine Abate.

I also worked for Speaker Christine Quinn, first as a community liaison, and later in her office as a senior aide and bodyguard. One of the greatest jobs I ever had was serving as Director of Community Engagement and Member Services, managing a staff of 12.

I was also an advocate with People for the American Way, focused on immigrant rights and voting rights, where I served as the Northeast Regional Director.

Later, I worked briefly at a media company doing political mail, and I worked on numerous campaigns, including Hillary Clinton’s campaign for the U.S. Senate.

What first got you involved in politics?
My grandfather was a union Teamsters delegate, so I was always an organizer at heart. In college, I worked on the Clinton-Gore campaign doing outreach to college students in Nassau and Suffolk counties. I’ve been involved in politics since before college.

What are some of your favorite bands or artists?
I’m a big fan of Rufus Wainwright, but I really like most genres. I love dance music and pop—Madonna, Lady Gaga, Dua Lipa—along with some classic rock like Tom Petty. I don’t love country, but I do love some country songs. I also like dance music that has vocals.

What about favorite New York sports teams?
I’m a Yankees fan. I also enjoy going to Knicks games.

As an Assemblymember, what priorities are you working on this year?
Affordable housing is my number one priority — pushing legislation and an overall plan to make it easier and cheaper to build so we can increase the housing supply. I believe we need to continue protecting tenants, but as a party, we have not delivered enough housing for constituents across the state.People are leaving New York, and I honestly think one of the biggest reasons isn’t even taxes. It’s that no one can afford to rent or buy a home. Even my own parents were priced out.

I’m also fighting to tackle the mental health crisis we see playing out in our streets, especially in Times Square, around Port Authority, and in Chelsea. We haven’t done enough to help those living with serious mental illness.

We have supportive housing coming to Chelsea at the old Bayview Women’s Prison site, but every district should be doing its part. Housing and mental health are deeply connected, and New York City can’t be the only place building housing. My colleagues in the suburbs and upstate need to understand we have to build higher, build near trains, and update outdated zoning rules if we want to keep New York affordable.

Any local issues you’re especially focused on?
Making the city safer and more affordable. It’s expensive everywhere in the U.S., but especially in New York City and on the west side of Manhattan. Beyond rent, we have to make food more affordable and continue improving street safety. I’ve seen improvements in the last few years, but we still have a long way to go.

What advice would you give young people who want to get involved in politics?
Network as much as you can. Volunteer on campaigns—issue-based campaigns or electoral campaigns. Find three to five policy issues that really matter to you and become an expert.

Show respect to everyone, from staff to elected officials. Lower your ego. In the age of social media, people think they should be president tomorrow, but posting isn’t getting involved.

Do your homework. Learn your issues. Remember where you came from. Be positive. Try to help others, even if you’re not sure how—it comes back to you later.

And be strategic about what you get involved in. Those are lessons I learned both as a staffer and now as a legislator.

You mentioned you’ve worked on campaigns, what do you enjoy about campaigning?
I actually love campaigning because I love people. I love knocking on doors. It’s tiring, but you connect with real opinions and real lives. I was taught by my grandfather and my mom—she’s a strong, disciplined Latina—not to make it all about yourself. When you’re campaigning, you see what everyone is going through. Every person has some pain or struggle, and most people just want to be heard. Sometimes novice candidates get worked up trying to prove they’re right, instead of listening. But I love the retail element of campaigning—talking directly with people.

Any final comments?
Politics and government get a bad rap, especially in this moment. I think Democrats need to deliver more. You should always put your constituents first. It’s important to listen to advocates, but you have to tend to the voters and residents who elected you. The best ideas for legislation come from constituents — from block associations, community boards, or even someone you meet on the street handing out a flyer. We need to stay grounded in the people we serve.

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!

Kevin P. Coughlin/Office of Governor Kathy Hochul

Governor Hochul Announces Adrienne Adams as Running Mate

This week, after much anticipation, Governor Hochul tapped former NYC Council Speaker Adrienne Adams as her running mate. While Adams was considered a potential pick last year, many expected the gov to choose one of the other candidates, including Assemblymember Brian Cunningham, Brooklyn DA Eric Gonzalez, Secretary of State Walter Mosley and DASNY chief Robert Rodriguez. Hochul touted Adams’ tenure as NYC Council Speaker, where she “led the charge to protect families, make housing more affordable, invest in our children, and stand up to anyone who seeks to harm our City.” “Together, we’re going to continue investing in public safety, bringing costs down, and making this state a place where all families can thrive,” Hochul explained.

However, just hours after the announcement, the Brooklyn Democratic Party - led by Brooklyn Assemblymember Rodneyse Bichotte-Hermelyn - rescinded the endorsement of Hochul that they had given just days earlier. In a statement, twenty-five Brooklyn district leaders and Bichotte Hermelyn explained that there “is no longer a majority of votes from Brooklyn State Committee members/district leaders in the Executive Committee to support the governor’s reelection.” Many Brooklyn lawmakers criticized the statement, with Brooklyn Senator Andrew Gounardes calling it “embarrassing,” reiterating his support for Hochul. Cunningham also explained that he was not rescinding his endorsement of Hochul, calling the Hochul-Adams ticket “historic.”

Hochul's primary challenger Antonio Delgado announced India Walton to be his running mate just days before Hochul’s announcement. Walton, a member of the DSA, who previously won the Democratic primary for Buffalo but ultimately lost in the general, is expected to bolster support for Delgado from the left. "She has never been afraid to challenge the status quo, stand up to powerful interests, and put working families first,” touted Delgado.

While Delgado and Hochul have announced their running mates, GOP front-runner and Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman has not announced his. It is expected that Blakeman will announce his choice for Lt. Gov in the coming weeks.

Mike Groll/Office of Governor Kathy Hochul

EXECUTIVE UPDATES

On Wednesday, Hochul touted her State of the State proposal to partner with Broome, Dutchess, and Monroe counties for a new state universal childcare pilot program. The pilot programs would be part of her broader $4.5 billion universal statewide childcare proposal. For the pilot program proposal, the state would invest $60 million, with additional funding from local municipalities. It is expected that the pilot program would expand or support facilities, including the SUNY Broome childcare center, expand subsidies, and strengthen early education infrastructure. Aiming to address affordability, Hochul explained that expanding universal childcare statewide would alleviate the current affordability burden families face. “Making New York the best place to raise a family begins with fulfilling my promise to deliver universal child care for all New Yorkers,” explained Hochul.

On Tuesday, Hochul announced the disbursement of $4 million in funding to support seven clean energy workforce development programs statewide. Administered through NYPA, the funding is expected to help train more than 750 individuals for careers in the clean energy economy. The recent funding builds on previous approved funding, including December’s $40 million in workforce development funding over the next four years, to help train the next generation of workers for the state’s planned nuclear energy projects. “By supporting workforce development programs across the state, this funding will open doors to good-paying careers while strengthening one of the state’s fastest-growing industries,” explained Hochul.

In another press conference, Hochul touted her State of the State proposal to address fraudulent auto insurance claims across the state. Part of her affordability agenda, the set of proposals would strengthen anti-fraud enforcement, expand insurers’ ability to pursue fraudulent claims, cap certain non-economic damages, tighten the definition of “serious injury,” require clearer explanations of rate changes, and ensure that any savings are given back to consumers. With the crackdown on fraud, it is expected to lower car insurance costs, which currently average over $4,000 annually and are nearly $1,500 above the national average. “These common-sense proposals will not only crack down on fraudulent claims that drive up the cost of car insurance, they’ll put money back into the pockets of hardworking New Yorkers,” explained Hochul.

On Monday, Hochul announced the availability of $121 million in state funding for counties, local municipalities, and regional authorities to upgrade, enhance, and modernize public transportation services. Administered through the Transit Ready NY program, non-MTA transit providers would be eligible to apply for support to fund capital projects that improve transit facilities, regional coordination, access, and technology. The funding builds on the state’s commitment to expand access to public transit and to help local public transit providers modernize for the next generation. “Helping public transit providers modernize their services means faster, more efficient, and less stressful commutes, and that means better access to jobs, services, and key destinations for New Yorkers across the state,” explained Hochul.

LEGISLATIVE UPDATES

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

Next week Joint Budget Hearings:
Health/Medicaid is scheduled for Tuesday
Local Gov is scheduled for Wednesday
Public Protection is scheduled for Thursday

Susan Watts/Office of Governor Kathy Hochul

Hochul Announces Proposal to Prohibit 287(g) Agreements

After Hochul announced her bill to prohibit local law enforcement agencies from working with federal law enforcement agencies through 287(g) agreements, Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins and Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie applauded the proposal. “We will review these most recent proposals, but these sound like meaningful steps forward,” said Stewart-Cousins, who had previously expressed support for New York for All, which includes a provision that would ban 287(g) agreements. However, she indicated that she wants to expand upon Hochul’s proposals. “I have made it clear that we must enact policies and legislation that will protect our brothers and sisters of the immigrant community, including the goals and principles of New York For All,” said Stewart-Cousins.

New York for All sponsors, Assemblymember Karines Reyes and Senator Andrew Gounardes, explained that they support Hochul’s proposal but urge the Legislature to do more. “Under our bill, New Yorkers can attend parent-teacher conferences, visit public hospitals, and report labor violations without fearing they’ll be ripped apart from their families for doing so,” explained Reyes and Gounardes. Currently, Democratic lawmakers have formed working groups to identify which immigration bills will be advanced this year, with many hoping to pass them before the Final Budget. “Recent events have exacerbated an already tense situation in communities across the country and have further heightened the sense of urgency to take action…We will be discussing these proposals and hope to take action in the very near future,” explained Heastie.

Senator Jake Ashby Introduces Bill to Limit Cooperation with ICE

Earlier this week, Capital Region-based Republican Senator Jake Ashby introduced a bill that would limit cooperation between local law enforcement and federal immigration agents in the state. Under Ashby’s bill, county jails would be prohibited from being used as mass housing for people waiting to be deported and would empower DAs to pursue criminal cases against undocumented immigrants. Ashby’s bill would also prohibit federal immigration officers from entering “sensitive locations,” including schools, childcare facilities, hospitals, and places of worship. While Ashby agrees with parts of Hochul’s proposal, he explained that cooperation with federal immigration agents is necessary in certain cases. However, Ashby explained, “I think everybody can agree that what we're witnessing throughout the country, especially Minneapolis, is horrible, and it indicates a need for leadership, and we wanted to take that opportunity.”

Lawmakers Pass Medical Aid in Dying Amendments

On Wednesday, lawmakers in the Assembly and Senate passed amendments to the Medical Aid in Dying bill, allowing Hochul to sign it before midnight on Friday. The Assembly passed it by 85 votes, while the Senate passed it by 34 votes. The new amendments came after Hochul and the Legislature reached an agreement to add additional limits on access, restrictions, a six-month implementation period, and a five-day waiting period. Senate Health Chair sponsored the amendments, picking up the bill from the previous sponsor, Brad Hoylman-Sigal. With Hochul expected to sign the bill before midnight on Friday, the state DOH will start drafting rules and regulations for the bill.

Lawmakers Criticize Hochul's Handling of Mental Health Policies

In the Budget Hearing on Mental Health this week, lawmakers criticized the Hochul administration on the state’s handling of mental illness and substance use disorders. Assembly Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Committee Chair Phil Steck explained that the state is lagging in data on the spending of settlement funds and urged the Legislature to invest more in additional treatment. “They're very reliant on the opioid settlement funding for what they're doing, but I haven't seen that it is enabling them to really expand services much,” said Steck. Senate Alcoholism and Substance Use Disorders Chair Nathalia Fernandez also agreed and explained that she plans to include additional funding for additional treatment.

Four New Members of the Legislature Swore In

After Tuesday’s special election, four new Democratic legislators were sworn in. In the Senate, Jeremy Zellner, who leads the Erie County Democratic Party, became the new Senator to succeed Sean Ryan, who is now the new Mayor of Buffalo. Erik Bottcher, a former NYC Councilmember, also joined the Senate, succeeding now-Manhattan Borough President Brad Hoylman-Sigal. In the Assembly, Diana Moreno became the new Assemblymember, succeeding now-Mayor Zohran Mamdani, and Keith Powers now represents now-Councilmember Harvey Epstein’s district.

Vivian Cook Announces Retirement by End of the Year

This week, Southeast Queens-based Assemblymember Vivian Cook announced her retirement by the end of the year, potentially setting up a primary between her former staffer and a current staffer for Queens Democratic Chair and Congressmember Greg Meeks. Cook has served in the Assembly for about 35 years and was the first Black woman to represent her district. “It has been my privilege to represent the people of my district in Albany. I thank the residents, faith and civic leaders for their support throughout the years,” Cook said in a statement. Nathaniel Hezekiah, deputy chief of staff to Meeks, has the support of the Queens Democratic Party leadership to succeed Cooks, but Latoya LeGrand, former staffer to Cooks, has also filed to run.

Senator Brian Kavanagh Announces Decision Not to Run for Reelection

In another retirement announcement, Queens-based Senator Brian Kavanagh announced his decision to retire by the end of the year. Touting his work on affordable housing, Kavanagh explained that after serving for 20 years in the Legislature, it was time for him to give up the seat for an open contest. “After 20 years in the legislature – and in a window when this decision can allow for an open contest for my seat – for me, that point is now,” explained Kavanagh. Kavanagh first served in the Assembly from 2006 until he was elected to the Senate in 2017.

With his announcement, former Assemblymember Yuh-Line Niou announced her campaign to run for Kavanagh’s seat, explaining, “Democrats can't keep compromising in the face of government-sponsored violence and creeping totalitarianism.” Assemblymember Grace Lee, who represents an overlapping district with Kavanagh, said she is “exploring a campaign.” Previously, Lee unsuccessfully challengedchallenged Niou in 2020 but won the seat in 2022, when Niou ran unsuccessfully for Congress.

Assembly Republican Leader Will Barclay to Retire

Additionally, Assembly Republican Leader Will Barclay announced he would not run for reelection. “This is the right time for me to move on,” explained Barclay. Barclay, first elected to the Assembly in 2003, has been serving as the Republican Assembly Leader since 2020. With his decision not to retire, Barclay also announced that he will be stepping down as Leader in the “coming days” to allow a “smooth transition.” “I’m confident the next leader will continue the incredible work of our Republican Conference,” said Barclay. Speaker Carl Heastie called Barclay “a good friend and partner in government” and said that they “could always work together with respect and collegiality” even amidst policy disagreement.

OTHER UPDATES

Hochul and Sherrill Reaches Agreement Over Port Authority

This week, Hochul and New Jersey Governor Mikie Sherrill reached an agreement over the structure of the new leadership at Port Authority. Under the agreement, former top aide to Hochul, Kathryn Garcia, will lead the Authority as Executive Director, while Jean Roehrenbeck, former top aide to Sherrill, will be the Deputy Executive Director. Historically, the Executive Director is appointed by the Governor of New York, while the Governor of New Jersey appoints the Board Chair. Notably, the title of Deputy Executive Director was eliminated after a 2013 scandal.

Gateway Sues Trump Over Federal Funding Hold

On Monday, the Gateway Development Commission filed a lawsuit against Trump for withholding $205 million in payments for work on the $16 billion rail tunnel under the Hudson River. The Commission, overseen by Amtrak and the Governors of New York and New Jersey, publicly warned last week that work on the tunnel would be shut down by today if the Trump Administration doesn’t lift the hold, which was first halted in October. The funds were first withheld due to the federal DOT’s concerns about compliance, but the White House later said they were withheld because “Chuck Schumer and Democrats [] standing in the way of a deal for the Gateway tunnel project by refusing to negotiate with the Trump administration.”

Mamdani Endorses Hochul

Yesterday, NYC Mayor Zohran Mamdani endorsed Hochul for Governor, calling their partnership “a model” on how Democrats can work together to address affordability. “The governor and I do not agree on everything. Mamdani wrote that although he and Hochul “do not agree on everything,” he explained that “New Yorkers deserve leaders who believe in transformation…[and] understand that hope is inspired by a vision, and sustained by change. Governor Kathy Hochul has earned my endorsement because she has chosen to govern in that spirit. And in this moment, that choice matters.” Additionally, AG Tish James also endorsed Hochul, calling her and Adrienne Adams “dedicated public servants” and “thanks to them, our state is safer, and costs are coming down for working people.”

Friday Morning Brief February 6, 2026

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Friday Morning Brief February 6, 2026

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OTHER UPDATES

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