Member Spotlight

Senator Pete Oberacker

Senator Pete Oberacker joins us to discuss his district, priorities, and how his background shaped his legislative work in the Senate. Before being elected to the Senate, he worked in the private sector as a food scientist and served his community as a town board member, town supervisor, and county legislator. Currently, he is the Ranking Member of Alcoholism & Substance Use Disorders and Transportation. He also serves on various Senate committees, including on Agriculture, Labor, and Finance.

What district do you represent?
I represent the 51st Senate District, which includes much of the Southern Tier, the Mohawk Valley, the Capital Region, and parts of the Hudson Valley. It’s a vast portion of upstate New York and the second-largest Senate district in the state.

Are there any landmarks you’d like to highlight in the district?
You can’t talk about the 51st District without talking about the Catskill Mountains and the Catskill region. Think about the classic landscape paintings of the Catskills, the river valleys, fishing and fly fishing for outdoor enthusiasts, and the entire Woodstock and Bethel Woods area with its deep connection to environmental stewardship and natural spaces. The Catskills are really what I’d most like to highlight.

What are some of your favorite bands or artists?
At my age, I guess it’s officially classic rock now, which I always find interesting. By far, my favorite band is The Doors — much to the chagrin of my wife.

What about New York sports teams?
I’m a baseball guy. In fact, my first piece of legislation was to make baseball the official sport of New York State. So how could you live outside Cooperstown and not be a Yankees fan? I’m a New York Yankees fan, by far.

What was your profession before being elected to the Senate?
I’m the son of a German sausage maker who immigrated here in the early 1950s. I grew up working in my family’s butcher shop, which led to a lifelong love of food. In 2007, I was fortunate enough to start a company focused on research and development and product development for food companies.

I’m a food scientist and research chef by trade, so it all came together naturally. Along the way, I also served my community as a town board member, town supervisor for the Town of Maryland, and a county legislator before being elected to the State Senate in 2020.

How did your experience in the family business and local government help prepare you for the Senate?
It really comes down to work ethic. My father was a fair but stern European parent who taught me that the job doesn’t stop when the clock says it does — it stops when the work is finished. If he caught you watching the clock, you’d hear, “You got someplace to go?”

That lesson stuck with me. Hard work produces results. Just as important is listening —listening to constituents and to the people affected by the decisions you make. That mindset has guided me both in local government and now in the Senate.

What are your key priorities this year?
Affordability is at the top of the list — it’s everyone’s concern. Closely tied to that is economic opportunity. If we increase economic opportunities, that helps address affordability.
People in the 51st District are taxed too much and pay too much for basic necessities, and nowhere is that more evident than with energy costs. Utility and energy bills are simply exorbitant right now.

Are there any district-specific issues you’re focused on?
Energy costs, particularly electric utility rates. Our office has been inundated with concerns from constituents. In response, I’ve introduced a Utility Ratepayers’ Bill of Rights to address the sky-high cost of electricity.

Part of this is making billing clearer and more understandable, but more importantly, it’s about confronting the broader issue of unsustainable electric rates. Our constituents have made it clear: this is a top priority, and they want action.

What advice would you give young people who want to get involved in government or run for office?
First and foremost: get involved. All politics really are local. Serve on a school board, a planning board, a zoning board; those roles matter tremendously. As a former town supervisor, I can tell you how difficult it is to fill those positions and how important they are.

There’s no greater satisfaction, in my view, than public service. And I’d also say: don’t get too upset when disagreements arise. Find common ground. Once you do that, things tend to smooth out. I’d love to see more young people step up and serve.

And honestly, stay off Facebook. You’ll feel better. It’s amazing how much better your mental health can be.

Any final thoughts you’d like to share?
The hardworking taxpayers in my district are stretched incredibly thin. When you look at all the factors affecting household budgets, it’s extremely challenging. The cost of living is simply too high.

I truly believe we can do better. We need to listen, and sometimes that means not worrying about whether there’s an “R” or a “D” after someone’s name, but focusing instead on the people we were elected to serve. I’m committed to pushing that agenda forward and working to make meaningful, positive changes this session—changes that I believe people on both sides of the aisle ultimately want.

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!

Aung Hset/D&A

Trump Administration Takes Center Stage Across First Three Budget Hearings

On Tuesday, the Legislature kicked off the annual slate of Joint Budget Hearings with the first, on Agriculture and Parks & Recreation, followed by Energy/Environment on Wednesday and Elementary & Secondary Education yesterday. One notable theme across the hearings was the potential impacts of the Trump Administration.

At Tuesday’s hearing, Senate Agriculture Chair Michelle Hinchey expressed concerns about the impact of the federal tariffs on the state’s agricultural industry and farmers. State Department of Agriculture and Markets Commissioner Richard Ball explained that Hochul shares similar concerns and thus proposes $30 million in the Executive Budget for a tariff relief program. However, Ball explained that the details remain vague and that the $30 million in direct relief may not be enough. “It’s not going to make up the difference, clearly,” said Ball. Lawmakers also expressed concerns about the impacts of the federal cuts to state programs, including New York Food for New York Families, Nourish NY, and the Supplemental Food Assistance Program (SNAP).

Similarly, during Wednesday’s energy hearing, lawmakers and agency leaders expressed concerns about the impacts of the federal administration on the state’s energy grid and environmental protections. The DEC Commissioner, NYSERDA President, and PSC Commissioner all explained that, due to the hostile federal stance against the state and renewable energy initiatives, Hochul is adopting an “all-of-the-above” approach to energy production. While some lawmakers did not agree with Hochul’s approach, they also recognized the potential impacts of the federal government on the state’s energy system. “I look at what's happening with the federal government and with the data about how fast we are moving down the road of climate crisis, and if anything, we should be speeding up the process,” said Senate Finance Chair Liz Krueger.

At yesterday’s hearing, lawmakers also questioned SED Commissioner Betty Rosa about the possible impacts of changes to federal school funding, with Rosa explaining that SED has concerns and may require a “fundamental” review of the current state funding formula. However, many Republican lawmakers criticized the focus on the Trump Administration during the hearings, with Assemblymember Chris Tague urging lawmakers to "knock off the politics" at the Tuesday hearing.

Mike Groll/Office of Governor Kathy Hochul

EXECUTIVE UPDATES

Earlier this week, Hochul announced that the SUNY system has adopted new instructional guidelines to align with the “Science of Reading” policy. Part of Hochul’s “Back to Basics Reading Plan,” the initiative embeds reading practices, including phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension, into teacher training programs. In addition to complementing Hochul’s “Back to Basics Reading Plan,” the new initiative also supports Hochul's commitment to modernizing the SUNY system and its curriculum for students. “Through our Back to Basics reading plan, SUNY’s educators will be equipped with evidence-based methods grounded in the Science of Reading,” explained Hochul.

On Wednesday, Hochul announced the availability of $43 million in new funding to expand inpatient and emergency psychiatric services across the state. Comprised of $23 million to establish or expand Comprehensive Psychiatric Emergency Programs (CPEPs) and $20 million in capital funding for supporting community-based and psychiatric hospitals. The new funding aims to ensure that community organizations have the resources to address youth mental health, building on the state’s prior efforts, including the creation of 31 CPEPs statewide and the expansion of recovery-oriented and forensic mental health services.

On Tuesday, Hochul announced the launch of the state Health Care Access Student Loan Repayment Program to support healthcare workers. The $48.3 million Medicaid-funded initiative would provide student loan repayment assistance to key providers, including psychiatrists, primary care physicians, dentists, nurse practitioners, and pediatric clinical nurse specialists, if they commit to working for at least four years at organizations serving high proportions of Medicaid and uninsured patients. This builds upon the state’s commitment to address healthcare workforce shortage in underserved areas and support the state’s federal 1115 Medicaid Demonstration Waiver. “This program will expand health care access statewide while strengthening our workforce,” said Hochul.

On Monday, Hochul announced the beginning of the construction of DOH’s new Wadsworth Center Laboratory to expand the state’s capacity for advanced biomedical research, infectious disease testing, and environmental health monitoring. The new Center Laboratory will consolidate five unconnected sites across the Greater Albany area into one single, modern facility with appropriate support for scientists and possible new opportunities for collaboration across the country. “The lab will allow the State to better predict and prepare for emerging threats to public health and will be one of the most authoritative public health laboratories in the country, impacting public health policy and practice at the state, national, and international level,” explained Hochul.

Additionally, Hochul announced a nearly $3 million renovation project to expand SUNY Upstate Medical Center’s CNY Biotech Accelerator in Syracuse. With a $2.25 million investment by the state, the project will modernize the facility, add more than 3,000 square feet of new laboratory and office space, and double the accelerator’s capacity to support additional early- and mid-stage startup companies onsite. With the project planned for completion by summer 2028, it is expected to address the shortage of specialized incubator space to support next-generation medical breakthroughs. “This latest investment in the CNY Biotech Accelerator reaffirms our commitment to leading the future of healthcare, helping to ensure that the next critical medical breakthrough happens here in New York State,” said Hochul.

LEGISLATIVE UPDATES

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

Next week Joint Budget Hearings:
Transportation is scheduled for Tuesday
Mental Hygiene is scheduled for Wednesday
Human Services is scheduled for Thursday

Senate Majority Budget Analysis
Assembly Majority Budget Analysis

Senate Passes Reproductive Health Care Legislative Package

On the would-be 53rd anniversary of Roe v. Wade, the Senate passed a reproductive healthcare legislative package, which includes legislation to strengthen reproductive rights, protect patient privacy, and expand fertility and IVF coverage. “This legislative package strengthens patient privacy, enhances IVF coverage, and reaffirms New York’s role as a firewall against federal overreach,” said Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins. “As we face continued attacks on our freedom from the federal government, New York remains steadfast in our commitment to protecting the fundamental right to abortion access and reproductive healthcare,” explained Chair of Women’s Issues Lea Webb. Some of the bills in the package are:

Assembly Passes Abortion Medication Provider Protection Bill

In conjunction with the Senate’s reproductive healthcare legislative package, Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie and Assemblymember Amy Paulin announced the passage of a bill in the Assembly that would protect health care professionals who legally prescribe and dispense abortion medication. The bill, which was also passed as part of the Senate’s package, would ensure protection for reproductive healthcare providers in the state who provide abortion medication, including mifepristone. The bill comes as lawmakers are looking for ways to respond to recent federal actions against certain abortion medications. “This bill would give doctors peace of mind and help protect access to this essential means of reproductive healthcare,” said Assembly sponsor and Health Chair Amy Paulin.

Ron Kim Introduces Empire State Sports and Entertainment Fund Bil

Late last week, Assembly Tourism, Parks, Arts, and Sports Development Chair Ron Kim introduced a bill that would establish the $25 million Empire State Sports and Entertainment Fund. Under the bill, the Empire State Sports and Entertainment Fund would be given to certain sports and entertainment events that rotate host cities and compete with other states for similar funding. “The goal of this new legislation is to create opportunities for New York to attract sporting and entertainment events that can go anywhere in the world and bring them to our amazing New York venues,” explained Kim. Kim also explained that revenue from events would cover the Fund's costs. “I hope to be joined on this bill by a number of my assembly colleagues, and look forward to the bill’s introduction in the Senate soon,” said Kim.

Senate Majority Leader Express Support for the Passage of NY4All Act

Earlier this week, Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins expressed her support for the passage of the New York for All Act after saying she was committed to “advancing the goals” of the bill in her opening remarks. Adding that she wants to “meet the moment” and that the passage of the bill should happen “sooner rather than later.” Stewart-Cousins’ remarks come as the recent death of another US citizen at the hands of federal immigration agents in Minneapolis has amplified further calls for lawmakers to act on immigration protection. “I think she sees what's happening in Minnesota and across the country, and recognizes we need to take action,” explained Senate sponsor Andrew Gounardes.

Lawmakers Rally Against Recent Federal Immigration Officers' Actions

Additionally, several Democratic lawmakers rallied on Wednesday in a national statement, joined by state lawmakers from 48 states, urging federal immigration agents to leave Minnesota. Senator Pat Fahy, who has led the national effort, said she is working with other lawmakers to work on several bills to strengthen protections for immigrants in the state. “We haven’t addressed the timeline at all, but we are meeting, and everybody is very time sensitive,” explained Fahy. Some lawmakers, including Senator Michelle Hinchey, also highlighted that some may end up in the Final Budget. “If we can get them all done in the budget together as a package, I think we would support that and welcome it,” explained Hinchey.

Hochul Reiterates on Taxes After Mamdani Calls for Tax Increases

Yesterday, NYC Mayor Zohran Mamdani explained in a press conference that the city is in a financial crisis, with an estimated $12 billion budget deficit, and urged the Legislature to increase taxes on the wealthy and corporations. “We need to change our relationship to the state. We also need to change our relationship to the wealthiest residents and most profitable corporations here in New York City,” said Mamdani.

However, Hochul, who must approve any increases in taxes along with the leaders of the Legislature, explained that Mamdani’s press conference would not “affect what [she’s] doing.” “I don't think it's the first time he’s said there should be taxes on the rich. I don't think that's a news flash today,” said Hochul. Hochul also explained that the state recently received $17 billion in unexpected revenues from Wall Street bonuses and that “there’s more money out there.” Senate Deputy Leader Mike Gianaris also hinted at potentially including NYC in the state's AIM funding, explaining, "We have brought back AIM funding for a lot of the localities except for NYC in the last couple of years. So, there's definitely an imbalance there."

Aung Hset/D&A

Senate Republicans Release 2025 Affordability Report

Earlier this week, Senate Republicans released their 2025 Affordability Report. The report, which highlights a series of proposals aimed at addressing the affordability crisis, follows a series of roundtables across the state with constituents, community leaders, and small business owners. “The roundtables highlighted that the state must take a comprehensive approach to affordability as policies in one sector, such as energy or housing, often ripple into others, compounding the burden on everyday New Yorkers,” the report states. Some of the proposals in the report include: No income tax on tips and overtime

Aung Hset/D&A

Lawmakers Rally for "Make Rent Affordable"

This week, lawmakers joined tenant advocates in a rally in support of the “Make Rent Affordable” legislative package. Under the package, lawmakers are urging Hochul and leaders of the Legislature to fully fund HAVP at $250 million in the Final Budget. Lawmakers and advocates argue that the HAVP, which provides housing vouchers to low-income families, is essential to ensuring affordable housing. Additionally, lawmakers urge protecting the current tenant protection statutes and passing the RESTAct, which would provide alternative methods for municipalities outside NYC to adopt rent stabilization and expand the range of rental housing that can be covered. “Tenants make up half our state, and we owe it to them to make rent affordable,” explained Assembly Housing Chair Linda Rosenthal

OTHER UPDATES

New York Projected to Lose Two Congressional Seats

According to recent US Census Bureau data, the state is expected to lose two congressional seats because its population is projected to grow less than that of other states. Lawmakers, including Hochul, have been looking for ways to ensure awareness of the census to combat undercounting. In her Executive Budget, Hochul is proposing to invest $3 million in the Census Planning Commission to raise awareness of the census and to collaborate with local, state, and federal organizations. The projected loss of a congressional seat comes as Hochul and other lawmakers are reportedly reviewing the state’s redistricting process amid a renewed push for mid-decade redistricting across the country.

Nichole Malliotakis and GOP Appeal Staten Island Redistricting Ruling

After a state Supreme Court judge ruled that the current Staten Island-based congressional district held by GOP Nicole Malliotakis was drawn unlawfully, Malliotakis and GOP officials officially appealed the decision and requested a stay. Additionally, they wrote that if the stay is not granted by February 10th, they will “seek emergency relief from the U.S. Supreme Court” to ensure that this year’s election goes on as planned. While the original ruling did not address the specifics of redistricting Malliotakis’ district, the judge ordered the state Independent Redistricting Commission to convene and redraw the maps by February 6th.

Ritchie Torres and Yvette Clark Urge State Department to Reverse Visa Decision

Led by the state’s Ritchie Torres and Yvette Clark, a group of 75 House Democrats wrote a letter to Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem and Secretary of State Marco Rubio urging them to reverse the State Department’s decision to pause processing immigrant visas for 75 countries. It is estimated that hundreds of thousands of people from countries including Albania, Burma, Bhutan, Fiji, and Thailand will be affected by the recent decision. The lawmakers called the decision “outrageous,” affecting nearly 40% of all countries, and “stunning,” noting that the announcement of the pause came first in a tweet, with no clarification of its meaning.

FIRM SPOTLIGHT
D&A's Katie Neer was recently named to City & State's 2026 Trailblazers in Health Care! Katie's excerpt below:

A regulatory lawyer and lobbyist, Katie Neer has become a central defender of New York’s medical cannabis program. Serving as executive director of the New York Medical Cannabis Industry Association for more than five years, she has advanced changes that expanded patient access, reduced fees and taxes, while helping nearly 20 new operators obtain licenses. She guides clients through the labyrinth of state regulations and frameworks while accomplishing such feats as cutting the excise tax in half and increasing patient supplies. Her 2026 agenda includes tax-free medical cannabis.

Friday Morning Brief Jan 30, 2026

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