Member Spotlight

Assemblyman Chris Tague

Assemblyman Chris Tague joins us to discuss his district, background, and priorities for this year's legislative session. Before his election to the Assembly, he started a dairy business and worked as a laborer. He also served his community as a Schoharie Town Supervisor, advocating to address the social issues his community cared about. Currently, he serves on various Assembly committees, including Agriculture, Election Law, and Environmental Conservation.

What district do you represent?
I represent the most beautiful district in the state of New York—the 102nd Assembly District.

If I were visiting your district, where should I go? Any landmarks you’d recommend?
It’s a long list. Schoharie County is known as the breadbasket of the Revolution. Howe Caverns is there, and in Otsego County we have the Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown and the Farmers’ Museum. We also have the Old Stone Fort, the Blenheim Covered Bridge, and of course Cooperstown again with the Field of Dreams.

Schoharie County is also the home of Timothy Murphy, a Revolutionary War hero at the Battle of Saratoga. We have the New York State Power Authority and Lansing Manor. In Greene County, we have Windham and Hunter ski mountains. In Albany County, there are the Helderberg Hilltowns, and in Delaware County, we host major reservoirs for New York City’s drinking water supply.

And in Catskill, there’s the Catskill Boxing Club, which made Cus D’Amato and Mike Tyson famous. We even have Bouck Island in Middleburgh, named after Governor Bouck, the first governor from Schoharie County. I’m sure I’ve missed a few and I’ll probably hear about it later, but across Otsego, Delaware, Schoharie, Greene, and Albany counties, we really do have a lot of great places.

Are you a history fan?
I sure am.

What’s your favorite period to study?
When I was a kid, I did a third-grade report on George Armstrong Custer. I don’t know why—I was just fascinated by that period. But as I got older, my interests shifted. My grandfather was a World War II veteran. He was at Pearl Harbor when it was attacked, stationed at Schofield Barracks, and participated in D-Day and the Battle of the Bulge.

He passed away when I was 15, and I never asked him enough questions. As I got into my late 20s and early 30s, I became a big World War II and world history buff. History fascinates me—especially how decisions made back then shaped everything that followed. History may not repeat itself, but there are definitely patterns. Some people think it’s strange that I stay up until two or three in the morning watching the History Channel, but I love it.

What kind of music do you enjoy?
My tastes are a bit all over the place. Lynyrd Skynyrd, the Charlie Daniels Band, Kiss, Led Zeppelin, and Rush are big favorites. Believe it or not, I also love Snoop Dogg and Biggie Smalls. Some people say that’s unusual for a conservative Republican, but my kids listened to it when they were younger and it stuck.

I’m also a huge Pittsburgh Steelers fan, so Snoop Dogg fits right in. Rush, especially, amazes me—a three-man band doing what they did is incredible. I also enjoy country music. I listen to just about anything.

What about New York sports teams?
I’m a huge Steelers fan, but I do root for the Buffalo Bills, the Jets, and the Giants—unless they’re playing Pittsburgh. I’d love to see Buffalo win a Super Bowl. Josh Allen is an incredible player.

I’m also a New York Knicks fan, and when it comes to hockey, I root for both the Islanders and the Rangers. My grandparents lived on Long Island, and everyone there was an Islanders fan—you didn’t wear anything else. In baseball, I’m a diehard Mets fan. My father’s godfather was a trainer for the Mets for many years, so it runs in the family. The Yankees are actually my second-favorite team.

What was your profession before being elected to the Assembly?
I started as a self-employed dairy farmer at age 16. After I sold the farm, I went to work for a heavy highway construction company that produced construction materials and did paving, concrete, and site work.

I worked my way up from a laborer in a stone quarry to general manager of the company. I retired from that role when I ran for the Assembly.

How did that experience shape your work as a legislator?
It gave me common sense and a real understanding of how people live. I worked closely with people from many different backgrounds and saw firsthand how hard they worked and how much they struggled. I’ve always tried to remember that if you haven’t walked in someone else’s shoes, you don’t know what they’re dealing with. That perspective has stayed with me throughout my political career.

What are your priorities looking ahead?
Affordability is the biggest issue. Many of the current policies just aren’t workable, especially for rural New York. You can’t tell people making $30,000 or $40,000 a year that they can’t use a wood stove or that their energy bills will jump by hundreds of dollars a month. It’s just not realistic.

Public safety is another major concern. We need to invest in law enforcement and emergency services, especially volunteer fire and EMS companies. When someone calls 911 in rural New York, they expect help to arrive. If departments don’t have the resources or personnel, that becomes a serious problem.

Broadband access is also critical. Schoharie County is making a $30 million investment to expand broadband access countywide, which is a huge step forward.

Are there any specific local issues you’re focused on?
Agriculture is a major priority. As ranking member on agriculture, I’ve worked in a bipartisan way with colleagues to strengthen food processing capacity across the state. New York should be agriculturally self-sufficient. We have incredible farmers, educators, and institutions like Cornell, SUNY Cobleskill, SUNY Morrisville and SUNY Delhi. We should be leading the way I’ve also been a strong supporter of the Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act. With recent federal action, the door is now open to bring whole and 2% milk back to schools in New York. It’s good for kids and good for dairy farmers.

Beyond that, my staff and I work closely with local governments whenever they need help navigating state processes or passing local legislation. I was recently ranked the most effective Republican in the state legislature, which wasn’t something I sought—it’s just how I approach the job.

What advice would you give young people who want to get involved in politics?
Get involved. It drives me crazy when only 45% of registered voters turn out. We need to inspire young people to care, to learn the issues, and to vote.

Do your due diligence. Figure out where you stand. Get involved seriously and work to make real change. Learn about many issues—not just one or two—especially those that affect affordability, safety, and quality of life. Young people are the future of this country, and their involvement is critical.

Any last comments?
I have twin eight-month-old grandsons, and they inspire me to do the best job I possibly can. I want them to grow up with the same opportunities I had.

I started a farm at 16, never went to college, and worked my way up through hard work and common sense. I do wish I had gone to college, but I’ve been fortunate. I have a wonderful family, successful children, and a life I’m grateful for.

What matters most is doing better for New York—fixing affordability, keeping our communities safe, and ensuring every child has the opportunity to build a future here. If I can help achieve that, I’ll consider my career a success.

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 Unveils FY2027 Executive Budget Proposal

On Tuesday, Hochul unveiled her $260 billion FY2027 Executive Budget, an increase from last year’s $252 billion Executive Budget proposal. The gov proposes to spend $6 billion more than the current $256 billion Budget, due to rising Medicaid and school costs, alongside her commitment to expand childcare. However, with total spending for this fiscal year projected to increase to $258 billion, Tuesday’s proposal would only amount to a $1.6 billion increase.

Under her Budget, the state would spend $4.5 billion on childcare, including a new 2-Care program in NYC and $210 million to expand pre-K statewide. However, Hochul reiterated her commitment to not raise taxes. “It’s a last resort to raise taxes on anybody at any time,” explained Budget Director Blake Washington.

However, Hochul is proposing an extension of the top corporate tax rate of 7.25% for three additional years, alongside smaller taxes, such as a 75% tax on the sale of nicotine pouches. The push to increase taxes for childcare and other initiatives gained traction after Zohran Mamdani won the NYC mayoral election in November. “Thanks to the Governor’s fiscal stewardship and the strength of New York City’s tax base, the State is on solid financial footing,” said Mamdani in a statement.

Hochul and Washington also pointed to better-than-expected revenue, with the state expecting $11.7 billion more in revenue in the next fiscal year than had been projected, and $5.3 billion in the current fiscal year. While the better-than-expected revenue will close the previously anticipated $4.2 billion budget gap, Hochul, Washington and lawmakers noted that the state will receive $10.3 billion less from the federal government than last year. Some are expecting even further cuts as President Trump recently said his administration would cut funding from any state that contained a sanctuary city.

“This budget reflects two realities at one time. We do have real momentum here in New York… But we have volatility ahead, because of the uncertainty out of Washington,” explained Hochul. Lawmakers have until April 1st to finalize the Budget.

Susan Watts/Office of Governor Kathy Hochul

EXECUTIVE UPDATES

Yesterday, Hochul touted the importance of her Executive Budget proposals to address fraudulent claims to tackle rising auto insurance costs. As part of her affordability package, Hochul's proposals would invest more in the state’s insurance fraud prevention efforts, expand the timeframe and tools for insurers and prosecutors to pursue fraud, tighten the definition of “serious injury,” limit payouts to bad actors or drivers mostly at fault, and modernize liability rules. Hochul’s proposals also include ensuring that any savings incurred from cracking down on fraud would benefit consumers. This proposal builds upon Hochul’s public safety and affordability agenda to ensure motorists can drive safely and that auto insurance premium costs decrease. “Car insurance rates are driven up by a combination of fraud, litigation, legal loopholes, and enforcement gaps, with staged crashes and associated insurance fraud inflating everyone’s premiums by as much as $300 per year on average, according to some estimates,” explained Hochul.

On Wednesday, Hochul announced the launch of a new independent AI research center at SUNY Binghamton. A first-in-the-nation project, the $55 million Center for AI Responsibility and Research is expected to advance publicly beneficial research on artificial intelligence. The Center, backed by a state investment of $25 million, builds upon Hochul’s broader Empire AI initiative to help the state lead the nation in AI research and other emerging advanced technology. “The Center for AI Responsibility and Research will be an independent arm of research that gives New Yorkers transparency and confidence that AI is being developed and deployed in ways that serve the public good, particularly in public sector applications,” explained Hochul.

On Tuesday, Hochul announced the establishment of a textile-to-textile regeneration facility in Rochester. The facility follows a French company's agreement to invest $390 million in the state to establish its first North American facility. The facility is expected to repurpose approximately 300 million garments annually that would otherwise become waste, creating about 70 new jobs in engineering, production, and technical roles. The project is expected to be complete by the end of 2029. This builds upon the state’s commitment to advancing its emerging advanced technology economy and manufacturing. “New York State is committed to creating good-paying jobs, and supporting innovative projects and companies that are working to keep materials out of landfills and protecting our planet,” explained Hochul.

On Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, Hochul delivered remarks at the National Action Network Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Public Policy Forum. Hochul honored Dr. King’s legacy as a champion of justice and community and reiterated that the state will continue honoring its legacy by fighting for civil rights amidst the Trump Administration’s immigration policies. Hochul also reiterated her commitment to addressing affordability and urged New Yorkers to mobilize. “Dr. King should be proud of New Yorkers because this is the state where we mobilize, we take to the streets, and we fight back every single day,” said Hochul.

Late last week, Hochul touted the groundbreaking of Micron’s first semiconductor facility in Onondaga County. The project is privately funded with more than $100 billion and is expected to establish Central New York as a new advanced manufacturing hub in the nation, creating tens of thousands of new jobs. The project builds upon Hochul’s commitment to uplifting regional upstate economies and projecting the state as a national leader in advanced technology. “More than just constructing a state-of-the-art chip fab and the nation’s largest clean room — we are building opportunity for generations of New Yorkers,” said Hochul.

LEGISLATIVE UPDATES

Next week, the Legislature is scheduled to be in session Tuesday to Thursday (due to the expected snowstorm, Monday was canceled and Thursday was added)

2026 Budget Hearings to Commence

Next week, lawmakers will kick off the Budget Hearings with the first, on Agriculture, followed by Parks & Recreation. The last Budget Hearing will be on Thursday, February 26th, with the topic being on Taxes. The hearings will be led by Senate Finance Chair Liz Krueger and Assembly Ways and Means Chair J. Gary Pretlow, along with the Chairs and Ranking Members of relevant committees.

Republican Leaders React to Hochul's Executive Budget Proposal

After the unveiling of Hochul’s Executive Budget, Assembly Republican Leader Will Barclay criticized the budget for increased spending, calling it “unsustainable.” Additionally, Barclay pointed out that the better-than-expected revenue should be “given back to taxpayers already burdened by high taxes, soaring energy costs, and making ends meet.” Senate Republican Leader Rob Ortt agreed and also criticized Hochul for blaming President Trump. “It’s hard to criticize the President for his economic policies when it’s clearly working, the economy is stronger than before, and the Governor has nothing to do with that,” said Ortt.

Mike Groll/Office of Governor Kathy Hochul

Lawmakers to Consider State Budget Gaps After FY2027

Although the state expects enough revenue to cover the $4.2 billion budget gap for the next fiscal year and to fund Hochul’s $1.7 billion proposal to expand access to the state’s childcare system, it still anticipates out-year budget gaps. While significantly reduced from previous projections, the state is expecting a $6 billion out-year gap in FY2028, $9 billion in FY2029, and $12.5 billion in FY2030. While some lawmakers are calling for increasing taxes to cover any potential future federal cuts, leaders of the Legislature have not committed to the policy. However, Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins said, “We always have progressive taxes on the table,” and that “We, too, want to anticipate the future.”

Speaker Heastie Appoints Alana Sivin as New Counsel

As budget negotiations begin, Speaker Carl Heastie announced the appointment of Alana Sivin as his new counsel, succeeding Miguelina Camilo, who is now the new Chief of Staff to NYC Speaker Julie Menin. Sivin is widely known in the criminal justice reform space and previously ran for a Lower Manhattan Senate seat. “Alana is a talented individual who joins the Assembly with vast experience addressing some of our state’s most challenging and complex criminal justice issues…she will be a vital asset to our team,” said Heastie.

Mike Groll/Office of Governor Kathy Hochul

Lawmakers Question Hochul's CDPAP Savings Data

After Hochul and Budget Director Blake Washington explained that the CDPAP transition is expected to save the state $1.2 billion, rather than the previously projected $500 million, lawmakers who have been opposed to the transition are demanding more data on the savings. “I look forward to actually seeing the justification that demonstrates that that number is real and the savings are even higher than expected…I look forward to seeing those numbers,” said Senator James Skoufis. “They're generating savings because they're ripping people off,” remarked Senator Leroy Comrie. However, lawmakers also explained that they will be advancing legislation to reform the transition regardless of the savings.

Susan Watts/Office of Governor Kathy Hochul

Hochul Proposes Extension of NYC Mayoral Control

Along with overhauling the math curriculum and investing in teacher training, Hochul also proposes extending NYC mayoral control by 4 years. In 2024, Hochul and lawmakers agreed to extend mayoral control by two years. The proposal comes after NYC Mayor Zohran Mamdani reversed his previous opposition to mayoral control. However, although NYC schools would get more state funding, Hochul did not propose giving more money to reduce classroom size, which has been an issue among NYC-based lawmakers. Reducing classroom sizes is estimated to cost billions, leading some to suggest amending the law requiring NYC classroom sizes to be reduced. “If the city would like to finally reduce class sizes down to state and national norms, we are more than willing to work with them,” explained Senate NYC Education Chair John Liu.

Assemblymember Linda Rosenthal Urges the Passage of Bodega Cats Bill

With support from advocates, Assemblymember Linda Rosenthal is urging passage of a bill that would legalize and establish an official statewide care standard for cats living in corner stores. Under the bill, shop owners would be required to create a “cat zone” separate from food preparation and storage areas, and to provide regular veterinary care. Commonly seen and beloved by many across NYC, advocates and city lawmakers have been pushing to legalize “bodega cats” and ensure humane standards for the cats and customers. “Cats living in bodegas should enjoy the same protections as those who live with people and their families, and this bill aims to do just that,” explained Rosenthal.

Amanda Septimo Withdraws from Congressional Campaign

Assemblymember Amanda Septimo announced late last week that she would drop her congressional primary challenge against Congressmember Ritchie Torres. Septimo explained that she was recently diagnosed with Lupus, causing her to withdraw from her campaign. “Obviously, I’m in a place now where I need to focus on prioritizing my health, and that means I’ve had to make the really difficult decision to pull back from the Congressional race and suspend the campaign,” explained Septimo. She said she intends to stay in the Legislature and run for reelection.

Republican David Knapp Withdraws from Republican Primary Against John Lemondes

This week, Republican Onondaga County Legislator David Knapp announced his decision to withdraw from his Assembly campaign to avoid a Republican primary against incumbent John Lemondes. The decision comes after Lemondes decided to drop his campaign to challenge Democratic Congressmember John Mannion and instead will run for reelection. “While I’m disappointed – and was genuinely excited about our fight for safety and affordability – I believe a costly and bruising primary would have pitted Republicans against one another, weakened our eventual nominee, and risked handing the seat to a Democrat in the fall,” explained Knapp.

OTHER UPDATES

Mayor Sean Ryan Clarifies Buffalo's Budget Deficit

Earlier this week, Buffalo Mayor Sean Ryan clarified that Buffalo is expected to be approximately $24 million in debt. The latest estimation comes after a back-and-forth between the Buffalo Mayoral Office and the Buffalo Comptroller last year over the actual size of the city’s budget deficit. Deputy Mayor Benjamin Swanekamp explained that while they don’t have “anything official until our Q2 report comes out…we are trending above over $20 million for ’25-’26 at the high end.” Ryan has explained that all options, including borrowing or using the city’s rainy-day fund for a second year in a row, are on the table.

NYC Now Projected to Face $12 Billion Budget Deficit

Additionally, NYC Comptroller Mark Levine warned that the NYC is facing a cumulative $12 billion budget gap, which is higher than what was projected in former Mayor Eric Adams previous budget update and other fiscal monitors. For the current fiscal year, Levine explained that the city will end with a $2 billion deficit and will face a $10 billion deficit. With the new projected deficit and NYC Mayor Zohran Mamdani’s pledge to free universal childcare, Mamdani indicated that he will continue pushing Hochul to raise taxes on high-earners and corporations. “Our administration is preparing to make the case that it is the time for New York’s most profitable corporations and wealthiest residents to pay their fair share,” said Mamdani.

State Judge Rules Nicole Malliotakis's Congressional Seat as Unconstitutional

Late Wednesday night, a state judge ruled that the NY-11, currently held by GOP Nicole Malliotakis, is unconstitutional and must be redrawn by February 6th. With the new deadline, the state Independent Redistricting Commission must approve new maps. However, state Republicans said they will appeal the decision and seek a stay of the recent ruling, which would prevent the IRC from convening. If Republicans fail, the IRC would be required to work on the new map, but with the IRC evenly split between Republicans and Democrats, some expect the IRC to be unable to approve the new map. This will result in the Democrat-majority Legislature intervening and approving the new maps. “We’ll await IRC maps by the 6th of February, then go from there,” explained Senate Deputy Majority Leader Mike Gianaris.

FIRM SPOTLIGHT

D&A's Partners Michael Avella and Chrissy Dickinson were recently named to City & State's 2026 Albany Power 100 List! Mike & Chrissy's excerpt below:

Michael Avella and Christina Dickinson are keeping their lobbying firm humming while helping to achieve some of the biggest legislative victories in Albany. Avella, a former chief counsel to two state Senate majority leaders and a top Senate adviser on budget, tax and gambling issues, not only helped to legalize casino gambling but supported Mets owner Steve Cohen in the process to win a casino license for Metropolitan Park in Queens. Avella will continue to be involved in the Metropolitan Park project as it advances. Dickinson is a veteran of the state Senate Democratic conference, where she rose to be deputy counsel, a position that had her functioning as the conference’s floor counsel during numerous debates. She has been involved in the firm’s work to make voting easier in New York.

Friday Morning Brief Jan 23, 2026

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Friday Morning Brief Jan 23, 2026

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