Member Spotlight

Senator Joe Griffo

Senator Joe Griffo joins us to discuss his district, his experience in local government, and his priorities for 2026. Before being elected to the Senate, he served as a mayor and County Executive, working to advance priorities important to his community. Currently, he is the Assistant Minority Leader for the Senate Republican Conference and the Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Higher Education. He also serves on various Senate committees, including on Cities 2, Transportation, and Rules.

What district do you represent?
I represent the 53rd Senate District. It was formerly the 47th and has gone through several variations over time. Previously, I represented much of the North Country. Today, the district largely covers Central New York and the Mohawk Valley. It includes all of Oneida County, all of Madison County, the northern half of Chenango County, and three towns in Herkimer County.

What are some notable landmarks in your district?
This is a very historic region. The Erie Canal was first dug here, and the area recently celebrated the canal’s bicentennial. We are also home to Fort Stanwix National Monument, a Revolutionary War–era fort located in the City of Rome.

In Utica, we have cultural landmarks like the Stanley Theatre and the Adirondack Bank Center, home to a professional hockey team. Chenango County is home to Chobani, which has become a major presence in Central New York. In fact, yogurt is New York’s official state snack, and Chobani is a point of pride for our region.

We also have Turning Stone Resort Casino, operated by Oneida Indian Nation Enterprises, and a strong higher-education presence, including Colgate University, Hamilton College, Utica University, SUNY Polytechnic Institute, and Mohawk Valley Community College.

The district features beautiful natural resources as well. We sit at the foothills of the Adirondacks and include lakes such as Oneida Lake, Hinckley Lake, and Delta Lake. Woods Valley Ski Resort provides year-round recreational opportunities.

Historically, this region has been home to nationally significant figures such as Roscoe Conkling and members of the Sherman family. We also have a strong industrial and military history, including former manufacturing centers like Oneida Silver and Revere Copper, as well as the Eastern Air Defense Sector of NORAD and the Air Force Research Laboratory in Rome. Technologies developed there—such as latex paint and the compact disc—later found civilian applications.

What is your favorite New York sports team?
The New York Yankees—without question. They’ve won 27 World Series championships, and I’ve been fortunate to attend many games over the years. I’m hoping they bring home number 28 soon.
Interestingly, the current Commissioner of Major League Baseball, Rob Manfred, is from my Senate district. He graduated from Rome Free Academy and was an underclassman of mine in high school. We’re very proud of him.

Baseball is also the official sport of New York State, which makes sense given that the Baseball Hall of Fame is just a short drive away in Cooperstown.

Who are some of your favorite musicians or bands?
My musical taste is very eclectic. I enjoy pop, rock, classical, country—just about everything. I was actually the mayor who helped bring Woodstock ’99 to Rome for the festival’s 30th anniversary.
I listen to artists ranging from the Eagles, Jimmy Buffett, Bob Marley, and the Counting Crows to U2, Jay-Z, and the Zac Brown Band. I also enjoy newer artists and can even appreciate some Taylor Swift—though I wouldn’t call myself a Swiftie.

Music has always been important to me, even though I don’t play an instrument myself. At one point, I was even called “the Rock and Roll Mayor” because of my enthusiasm for music and live events.

What inspired you to run for public office?
A lot of it comes from how I was raised. I was taught to help others, to give back, and to try to make a difference. That led me to study political science at SUNY, where I began to see how public service could be a vehicle for positive change.

I enjoy challenges and variety, and public service offers both. Every day is different, and the opportunity to serve and improve people’s lives was—and still is—a powerful motivation.

What experience from local office did you bring with you to the State Senate?
Serving at the local level is invaluable. As mayor and county executive, you’re essentially running a public corporation—you have to deliver services, manage budgets, build consensus, and respond directly to residents’ needs.

That executive experience has helped me immensely in the legislative branch. It gave me a practical understanding of how state policies affect local governments. I remember a conversation with former San Francisco Mayor Willie Brown, who said he wished he had served as mayor before becoming Speaker of the California Assembly because it gave him a better grasp of how state decisions impact cities and counties.

Early in my Senate career, former Majority Leader Joe Bruno once told me, “You think like an executive.” I took that as a compliment. That perspective has helped me be a stronger advocate for my region and my constituents.

What are your priorities heading into 2026?
Affordability and cost of living are major concerns. Families and businesses are struggling, and government needs to do more to ease that burden, particularly through tax policy.
Public safety is another priority. People need to feel safe in their communities, and the state must continue to partner with local governments to ensure that happens.

Economic opportunity is also critical. A great example is Chobani’s planned $1 billion investment in the City of Rome, which will create jobs and long-term growth. I strongly believe in diversification—whether in energy policy or economic development. Relying on one industry or one solution is risky.

A diversified approach creates resilience and opportunity.
Ultimately, we need common-sense policies that encourage growth, keep young people in New York, and reverse the brain drain we’ve seen over the years.

What advice would you give to young people who want to get involved in politics?
First, be informed. Second, stay interested. Third, get involved.

I do have concerns about the current political climate—the rancor, the misuse of social media, and now AI—but that makes thoughtful, informed participation even more important.

I also encourage young people to start at the community level. There are many ways to serve, and those experiences matter. You don’t become a general without first serving in the ranks.

Any final thoughts you’d like to share with readers?
I appreciate the opportunity to have this conversation. If I had to describe my vision for New York in one word, it would be vibrancy. I want a state that is economically strong, culturally rich, and full of opportunity.

Despite the challenges we face, New York has incredible assets, and that’s why we continue to fight to make it a place where people can live, work, and prosper.

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!

Darren McGee/Office of Governor Kathy Hochul

2026 State of the State

On Tuesday, Hochul gave her fourth State of the State Address, outlining her policy agenda for this year’s legislative session. Hochul, like other lawmakers, promises to tackle the state’s affordability crisis on multiple fronts, including auto insurance and childcare. Hochul also touts that she will continue prioritizing public safety and protecting the state from President Trump and the Republican-controlled Congress. “Washington Republicans are waging an all-out war on the middle class: Driving up costs and leaving states to pick up the pieces,” remarked Hochul. All of her State of the State proposals are available in the 2026 State of the State book. Some of her proposals are below:

Affordability

In addition to proposing to make universal statewide childcare free, as announced before the address, Hochul also proposes expanding the state’s child and dependent care tax credit by decoupling it from the federal tax code. According to Hochul, it would increase the average benefit by $575 for 230,000 families. Notably, framing it as an affordability initiative, Hochul is also proposing to remove state taxes on tips for income up to $25,000, a proposal championed by President Trump during his recent presidential campaign. To address rising auto insurance costs, Hochul proposes to combat organized auto insurance fraud schemes through a multi-agency effort, as well as to change how damages are calculated against those who commit fraud. While also framed as an affordability initiative to lower insurance costs, Hochul also framed it as a public safety issue.

Public Safety

On top of the already-announced public safety proposals, including a buffer zone around houses of worship for protests and new regulations to address 3D-printed firearms, Hochul proposes two new road safety initiatives, a speeders pilot program and expanding speed cameras in work zones, as well as launching an autonomous vehicle pilot program outside of NYC. Notably, Hochul also proposes new immigration protections, including prohibiting federal ICE agents from making arrests around schools, childcare facilities, hospitals and clinics, and houses of worship

Technology

On her technology policy agenda, Hochul expanded on her already-announced proposal to further strengthen children's online data privacy by restricting the deceptive use of generative AI during election campaigns. Under her proposal, the “nonconsensual” use of deepfakes within 90 days of an election would be prohibited. However, Hochul also proposes initiatives to expand the state’s microchip manufacturing capabilities and expand upon the existing Empire AI for increased AI and technology research. To support anticipated energy demand, Hochul proposes expanding the state’s nuclear energy by announcing plans to build 4 gigawatts of new reactors.

Let Them Build Agenda

To help build new critical infrastructure, Hochul is proposing a new Let Them Build agenda, with reforming the SEQRA process as a central framework. While Hochul touts SEQRA as an environmental achievement, she explained that “recent decades of halting growth in housing and infrastructure expansion have demonstrated the urgent need for thoughtful modernization…while still protecting the environment.” However, Hochul’s proposal would ensure that the reformed process would not override local zoning if approved by lawmakers.

Nothing on Taxes for Now

Amid various proposals touted in the address and the book, Hochul did not propose raising any new taxes, remarking, “We can make transformative investments in our future without raising taxes, without saddling the next generation with mountains of debt.” Budget Director Blake Washington also said, “Raising taxes is something that is far from her mind when you have enough to pay for the things in the current moment.” However, it is estimated that her universal childcare plan would require about $1.7 billion in additional state spending as well as another $1.2 billion for her proposal to expand the child and dependent care tax credit. Lawmakers are also concerned about further federal cuts in addition to the already-expected cumulative $26.8 billion gap over four years and an additional $3.4 billion in costs for safety net programs due to last year’s federal cuts.

Susan Watts/Office of Governor Kathy Hochul

EXECUTIVE UPDATES

On Wednesday, announced a new pilot partnership with Dutchess, Monroe, and Broome Counties as a pathway to achieve her State of the State proposalto expand universal childcare. Under the partnership, the state will invest $60 million, in addition to funding from the counties, to help the participating counties develop and expand child care options. If lawmakers approve Hochul’s universal childcare proposal in the Final Budget, the state is expected to invest a total of $4.5 billion in childcare. “As part of my plan to support every county statewide, this new pilot program will help counties develop and expand new models for providing child care for families, regardless of their income status,” said Hochul.

Earlier this week, Hochul announced the availability of $36 million in state funding through the expansion of the state ConnectALL Municipal Infrastructure Program. The available funding is expected to fund broadband infrastructure projects that expand high-speed internet access in unserved and underserved communities across the state, with a focus on open-access, publicly controlled broadband projects. The funding builds on a previous $268 million investment that has enabled the construction of over 2,300 miles of fiber and 68 wireless hubs serving more than 96,000 homes and businesses, highlighting the state’s commitment to expanding broadband access in underserved areas and closing the digital divide.

On Monday, Hochul announced the on-time and on-budget completion of two major infrastructure projects in Central New York totaling $5 million. The completed projects are expected to improve safety, mobility, and connectivity for local and visiting motorists. Additionally, the projects aim to ease congestion by enhancing traffic flow and modernizing aging infrastructure. This supports the state’s commitment to support ongoing regional economic growth in Central New York by focusing on improving the local infrastructure. “These two projects in Cicero and West Monroe will reduce congestion, enhance safety, and improve resiliency along two crucial travel routes. This ensures the movement of people and goods will keep pace with the growth we are already seeing in the economic powerhouse of Central New York,” explained Hochul.

Late last week, Hochul announced the state investment of more than $68 million to assist nearly 1,300 low- to moderate-income households. Administered by the state Homes and Community Renewal, the funds are expected to support homeowners, seniors, veterans, and families with accessibility upgrades, emergency home repairs, manufactured home replacements, rental assistance, and down payment help for first-time homebuyers. Local governments and nonprofit organizations will disperse the funding to eligible households. The funding complements Hochul’s $25 billion Housing Plan to create or preserve 100,000 affordable homes statewide, including 10,000 with support services for vulnerable populations. “With this more than $68 million investment, we can help nearly 1,300 individuals and families make the repairs and upgrades that are necessary for them to remain safely and securely housed today and into the future,” explained Hochul.

At the Long Island Association event late last week, Hochul touted the continuing partnership between her Office and local political and business leaders on Long Island. Additionally, Hochul reiterated her commitment to continue investing in Long Island’s local economy, building on previous state investments, including $1 billion in state funds to fix potholes and a $10 million investment to upgrade the Long Island Rail Road. At the end of her remarks, Hochul expressed openness to working with every political and business leader on Long Island, regardless of political affiliation. “I'm grateful to every one of you. You are what makes this state, this beautiful part of our state, Long Island, so exceptional… I need to make sure you are wildly successful because your success will help drive the success of the entire state,” said Hochul.

LEGISLATIVE UPDATES

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

The Executive Budget is due on Tuesday, January 20th

Mike Groll/Office of Governor Kathy Hochul

Senate Majority Leader Praises Hochul's SotS Address

After Hochul’s State of the State address, Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins praised several of Hochul’s proposals. “There were so many things in there that our conference has always championed, so I’m looking forward to getting all these things done,” explained Stewart-Cousins. Stewart-Cousins further explained that Hochul and the Senate Democrats are aligned “between affordability, the childcare, the standing up for the people of New York in every way, including the ICE resistance.” While Hochul did not outright support New York for All, which Stewart-Cousins publicly supported, she remains optimistic and said, “We are at a moment now where we really have to address this and put some reasonable guards in place.”

Republican Leaders React to State of the State

Although Republican lawmakers were receptive to Hochul’s focus on addressing affordability, many criticized Hochul for blaming the federal government for exacerbating the crisis. “The Democrats have had one-party rule here for seven years. So, I think when you talk about affordability, some of the blame has to be laid at the feet of the governor and the Democrats,” explained Republican Assembly Leader Will Barclay. Senate Republican Leader Rob Ortt agreed and blame Hochul and other Democratic lawmakers, “Current affordability crisis and deterioration of safety in our communities is the direct result of years of bad policies coming from Democrats in Albany.” Additionally, Ortt said, “We need more than Band-Aid solutions, we need to truly address the underlying factors that have led us to where we are today.”

Bruce Blakeman Criticizes Hochul's SotS Address

This week, Nassau County Executive and presumptive Republican nominee for governor Bruce Blakeman criticized and rebuked Hochul’s State of the State address as being “devoid of any solutions to any problems that everyday New Yorkers have.” Additionally, Blakeman remarked that the address “seemed like a Saturday Night Live skit.” Blakeman also criticized Hochul’s proposals on combating ICE and other federal immigration officers. While describing himself as “pro-immigration,” he explained, “You want to be a sanctuary city? You want to violate federal law? There are consequences.”

Senate Democrats Pass Election Reform Package

On Monday, the Senate passed its annual election reform package, with this year’s focusing on supporting election workers and modernizing the state’s election system. “Each legislative session, we begin by paying homage to the voters of this state and reaffirming our responsibility to protect the integrity of our elections,” explained Senate Majority Leader Stewart-Cousins. “As Chair of the Elections Committee, I’m proud that this legislative package strengthens election integrity by expanding accessibility, protecting voters and election workers, and confronting the growing threats of political violence and foreign influence,” touted Senate Election Chair Kristen Gonzalez. Some of the bills in the package are:

Aung Hset/D&A

Senate Republicans Unveil "Save New York" Legislative Agenda

Early this week, the Senate Republicans released their “Save New York” legislative agenda, outlining their priorities as a conference for this year’s legislative session. Senate Republicans explained that their agenda offers a “common sense alternative” and a “plan based in reality that will deliver a better New York for its hardworking citizens.” Senate Republican Leader Rob Ortt said, “People are leaving thanks to dangerous and out-of-touch policies championed by far-left lawmakers that have turned our state into a dystopian nightmare. The Republican conference stands ready to Save New York and restore sanity through common-sense policies.” Under the agenda, Senate Republicans propose to:

Address affordability
Prioritizes public safety
Support parents’ choices
Increasing government accountability

Hochul's 2026 Health Insurance Coverage Plan

During her address, Hochul criticized President Trump and the Republican-controlled Congress for cutting federal funding for Medicaid and the ACA and pledged to “protect affordable health care for more than 1.3 million New Yorkers” by restructuring the Essential Plan to the previously used Basic Health Program. Although Hochul did not outline any specific proposals for the 450,000 enrollees in limbo due to the federal cuts, she explained that she would direct the state DOH to explore new coverage options through negotiations with the federal government.

Budget Director Blake Washington also explained that if the federal government does not approve the restructuring, “Plan B is we're taking a conservative approach to budgeting, where we're able to manage some of the things in the near term.” It is estimated that the state would have to spend about $3 billion per year on new Medicaid costs. Senate Health Chair Gustavo Rivera criticized the move, explaining, “Relying on federal action as a sign of what the federal government will do going forward is not the best approach.”

Lawmakers Hold a Public Hearing on High-Risk AI

This week, Senate Technology Chair Kristen Gonzalez held a public hearing on the risks, solutions, and use of AI in high-risk contexts. While the hearing specifically related to the NY AI Act, which would increase restrictions on the use of high-risk AI and require independent audits, the hearing also touched on AI displacement and the benefits and drawbacks of private businesses using AI. While lawmakers were adamant about ensuring that businesses, including small businesses, could effectively use AI systems, they also expressed concerns that high-risk AI systems could negatively impact workers and critical infrastructure. Lawmakers, including Gonzalez, said they would continue working on the bill to ensure its passage this year.

Luis Sepúlveda Appointed as New Chair of Senate Judiciary

On Monday, Senator Luis Sepúlveda was appointed as the Chair of the Judiciary Committee, making him the first Latino lawmaker to serve in that role. Sepúlveda succeeds Brad Hoylman-Sigal who recently left the Legislature after his election as the Manhattan Borough President. Senate Majority Leader Stewart-Cousins explained that Sepúlveda was appointed due to his “steady hand, deep legal understanding” and “strong commitment to transparency.” “Throughout my career as both a practicing attorney and legislator, I have worked tirelessly to make the courts accessible and equitable for everyone. In this new capacity, I will continue carrying that mission forward,” said Sepúlveda.

April Baskin Appointed as New Chair of Senate Economic Development Committee

Additionally, Senator April Baskin was appointed as the new Chair of the Economic Development Committee, taking over former Senator and now-Buffalo Mayor Sean Ryan. Even before taking over as chair, Baskin was active in focusing on legislation relating to economic development. “Grateful to Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins for entrusting me to lead this prominent committee. I shall remain focused, assertive, and attentive to advancing economic development and small business reform across NYS,” said Baskin.

Mike Groll/Office of Governor Kathy Hochul

WNY Leaders and Lawmakers Endorse Hochul

Earlier this week, a slate of 40 state and local Western New York lawmakers endorsed Hochul for governor, including former Senator and now-Buffalo Mayor Sean Ryan and Erie County Democratic Chair Jeremy Zellner (who is now the Democratic nominee to run for Ryan’s former Senate seat). Five of the six Democratic members of the Western New York state delegation, including Assembly Majority Leader Crystal Peoples-Stokes, also endorsed Hochul. However, Assemblymember Jon D. Rivera, who was seeking the Democratic nomination to run for Ryan’s seat, did not endorse Hochul. "Buffalo grit runs through everything Governor Kathy Hochul does… We’re proud to stand behind her for re-election as she leads the fight for a more affordable New York,” lawmakers said in a joint statement. Notably, the endorsement comes as Lt. Gov and Hochul’s primary challenger, Antonio Delgado, was in Buffalo for his “State of the People Tour.”

More Lawmakers Announce Plans to Retire at the End of the Year

This week, several lawmakers announced their intentions not to run for reelection, including Assemblymembers Marianne Buttenschon and Angelo Morinello, who announced on Wednesday. Other members include Assemblymembers Nader Sayegh, Brian Manktelow, Donna Lupardo, Deborah Glick, and Stacey Pheffer Amato. Notably, some of the districts the retiring lawmakers represent were won narrowly, including those represented by Buttenschon and Pheffer Amato. While Buttenschon has not endorsed any candidate, Pheffer Amato recently endorsed Pesach Osina, who launched his campaign this week.

Long Island Association’s Annual State of the Region Breakfast

Mike joined the Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory team (a D&A client) — Charles Prizzi, Caroline Cosgrove, and Dominique Stanley — at the Long Island Association’s annual State of the Region Breakfast, where Governor Kathy Hochul, Senator Chuck Schumer, Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli, Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman, and Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine shared their visions and priorities for the year ahead and the future of Long Island.

OTHER UPDATES

Julie Menin Announces Council's Leadership Team

Yesterday, NYC Council Speaker Julie Menin announced the Council’s chair and leadership positions. Councilmembers Dr. Nantasha Williams, Shaun Abreu, Kamillah Hanks, Linda Lee, and Eric Dinowitz were appointed as Deputy Speaker, Majority Leader, Majority Whip, Finance Chair, and Education Chair, respectively. While it has been reported that Menin picked her political allies to the important chair positions, Menin also tapped Councilmember Crystal Hudson, who challenged Menin for Speaker, as the Chair of General Welfare. Additionally, other Councilmembers who sought the Speaker role, including Amanda Farías and Chris Marte, were given chair positions. Notably, Republican Councilmember Vickie Paladino was appointed to serve on only two committees: Fire/Emergency Management and Veterans. Menin explained that Paladino was limited to only two committees due to her recent remarks that were criticized by many as Islamophobic.

NYC Nurses on Strikes

Starting Monday morning, unionized nurses from Mount Sinai Health System, Montefiore Medical Center, and New York-Presbyterian went on one of the largest nurses' strikes in NYC history. The strikes began after the state Nurse Association and the hospitals were unable to reach a deal after nurses’ contracts expired at the end of December. While lawmakers, including Hochul and Mayor Zohran Mamdani, support the strikes, they also expressed concern that they could put patients at risk and urged both parties to reach an agreement as soon as possible. Mamdani, who joined the picket line, had said, “All parties must return immediately to the negotiating table and not leave. They must bargain in good faith.” However, lawmakers also criticized the hospitals’ executives. “There is no shortage of wealth in the health care industry, especially so at the three privately operated hospital groups at which nurses are striking,” Mamdani said at the picket line.

ICE Arrest of a NYC Council Employee

Earlier this week, an ICE arrest of a NYC Council employee resulted in outcry from state and local lawmakers, as well as various immigration advocacy groups. According to ICE, the arrested NYC Council employee overstayed a tourist visa, had once been arrested for assault, and “had no legal right to be in the United States.” However, Speaker Menin disputed the official federal statement, explaining that the employee is legally authorized to work in the US until October. Mayor Mamdani called the arrest “an assault on our democracy, on our city, and our values.” Hochul, like Mamdani, says that the arrest erodes trust, spreads fear, and violates basic principles of fairness.”

House Passes Two Spending Bills

On Wednesday night, the House passed two government spending bills as congressional lawmakers race to pass as many funding bills as possible before the January 30th deadline. The funding bills that were passed would fund the State and Treasury departments until the end of September, as well as the IRS, federal courts, and the FTC until the end of the current fiscal year. The bills will now head to the Senate for approval. However, congressional lawmakers must also pass spending bills to fund the Pentagon, HHS, and the departments of Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Homeland Security.

Friday Morning Brief January 16, 2026

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Friday Morning Brief January 16, 2026

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