Friday Morning Brief July 25, 2025

Written By Michael Avella

Please note the brief will be sent on a bi-weekly basis for the summer.

Member Spotlight

Assemblymember Michael Benedetto


Assemblyman Mchael Benedetto joins us to discuss his district in the Bronx, his priorities, and his dedication to public service. Prior to being elected to the Assembly, he taught for 35 years in the Bronx at the elementary and secondary school levels, also serving as a mentor teacher. Now, he brings his passion for education to the Assembly, where he currently serves as the Chair of the Assembly Committee on Education. He is also a member of various Assembly committees, including on Rules, Labor, and Ways and Means.


What district do you represent?
I represent the 82nd Assembly District in the Bronx. The district is located in Throggs Neck, Pelham Bay, City Island, and Co-Op City.

Any landmarks in your district that you wish to highlight?
There is an abundance of wonderment in the district. Co-Op City itself is a wonderment to behold. It’s a mini-city within a city, with some 50,000 people living in a small area. It is one of the largest co-op developments. Pelham Bay Park is the largest park in the City of New York. There are also two golf courses. We also have Orchard Beach, which is a wonderful place to visit. City Island is also another landmark in the district. SUNY Maritime College is also in the district, a true gem of the SUNY system. There are just so many unique places in the district.

Any favorite music? Favorite bands or artists?
I am a product of the '60s and '70s. I enjoy listening to the Beach Boys, the Beatles, Frank Sinatra, and Tony Bennett.

What about favorite NY sports team?
I am a Yankees fan through and through. When they lose, I do not have a good day. I also enjoy watching the Giants, even though they now reside in New Jersey.

What was your profession before becoming an Assemblymember?
I was a teacher. I always wanted to be a teacher. Being a teacher was one of my greatest accomplishments, and I am proud to have taught for 35 years.

What inspired you to run for office?
I always wanted to be in politics. Being a teacher and working in public service are the two things in my life that I have always wanted to do. I am fortunate to have been in public service for over 20 years. The 1960s elections were the first to be widely televised, and I was able to watch the primaries and conventions. Following the election of John Kennedy, I became interested in politics. A couple of friends of mine were also involved in politics when it first piqued my interest, and I got involved in the Reform Democratic Club in the Bronx. From there, I became increasingly involved in politics.

As an Assemblymember, what are some of the issues you worked on this year?
As the Chair of the Education Committee, I worked heavily on improving our education system. Every student in the City and State of New York deserves a well-rounded education that enables them to become leaders of tomorrow. It’s challenging at times, and the hours are long, but everybody on both sides of the aisle agrees that we need to work on ensuring that our education system is the best in the country. Being a teacher and then being given the Chair of the Education Committee is one of the greatest honors bestowed upon me. I am proud to lead the Education Committee in the Assembly and work with everyone to ensure our leaders of tomorrow receive the best education.

What are some of the local specific issues you wish to highlight?
If you're talking about my district, you always have to talk about Co-Op City. Although two-thirds of the district is outside of Co-Op City, one-third of the district is in Co-Op City, and it is the largest voting district in my district. Residents of Co-Op City are consistently politically engaged. They are very focused on maintenance fee increases as a cooperative, so I always try to help address that. But the people in and outside of Co-Op City also have similar issues – they care about being able to live a comfortable and safe life. Besides affordability and public safety, we also have a unique issue related to downstate casinos. One of the bidders for new downstate casinos is located in our district. My district also represents a large number of homeowners in Throggs Neck, Pelham Bay, and City Island. A large number of people in Throggs Neck are concerned about the casino proposal in our district due to its potential impact on our traffic, environment, waterways, and crime. So, we are trying to determine the best course of action regarding this casino proposal. Hopefully, at least, the Bronx will be given an opportunity to participate in that bidding procedure. So we are watching it closely.

What advice would you give to students who want to get more involved in politics?
The best advice I can offer to any young person who wants to get involved is just to get involved. It may sound cliché, but getting involved is the first step. You can join any political club, regardless of your party affiliation. Reach out to your local political clubs, the Board of Elections, or the office of a local elected official. No matter what political ideology you think you are part of, it’s important that you reach out and be active in any form. Once you make that call, it is very easy to get more involved. And I know I am not the only elected official who likes to get more young people involved in our political process. So don’t be shy about reaching out to any elected official or political club.

Any last comments?
I’m very fortunate to have been able to do the two things I wanted to do in life: being a teacher and serving my community through public service. I don’t know if I am the best Assemblymember in the world or the worst, but I know I am lucky and honored to represent the community I grew up in. Everyone in the Legislature generally tries to do their best to work for our community, and I think that’s so important today. I grew up and came of age during the 60s, and it was a time of great political change and turmoil. Everyone was also very politically active, and it was great to see everyone working towards their political goals. Currently, we are having great conversations about the rights of our country, which is getting everybody more attuned to politics. I think that’s great. It’s essential to become engaged and involved in our political process. It’s even more important to fight for a cause you believe in.

 
Are you a public official or staffer that would like to be featured in our spotlight? If so, reach out to your favorite D&A team member or contact us at team@dickinsonavella.com to set up an interview!

Mike Lawler Decides Not to Run for Governor

On Wednesday, Hudson Valley-based Congressmember Mike Lawler announced his intention to run for reelection instead of running for Governor. Although Lawler publicly teased his intention to run for Governor, Lawler explained, “While I fundamentally believe I am best positioned to take on Kathy Hochul… I have made the decision to run for reelection to the House and continue the important work I’ve been doing over the past two and a half years.” Many observers believe that the self-described moderate Republican was the best candidate to challenge Hochul in the 2026 November general election.

Lawler’s announcement comes after House GOP Speaker Mike Johnson pressured Lawler to run for reelection in his competitive Hudson Valley-based congressional seat. Lawler also explained that he met with President Trump “for almost an hour,” where Trump “expressed his view [] about how important, obviously, maintaining the House majority is.” Democrat officials and lawmakers taunted Lawler’s decision not to run, saying he “caved” to Trump, with Hochul saying, “Of course he doesn’t have the spine to face me.” With Lawler running for reelection, North Country-based Congressmember Elise Stefanik will be able to run for Governor without a Republican primary. However, Republican Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman is also allegedly considering running for Governor if he wins reelection in this year's November general election.

Stefanik explained that she will not announce her decision until after this year's November general election to focus on “supporting strong Republican local and county candidates on the ballot.” However, many Republican officials and lawmakers have been urging Stefanik to announce sooner, with Lawler saying she is doing the GOP “a disservice” by waiting.

Susan Watts/Office of Governor Kathy Hochul

EXECUTIVE UPDATES 

Earlier last week, Hochul announced the disbursement of $1 million to 16 veterans’ organizations statewide. Disbursed through the third round of the Veterans’ Nonprofit Capital Program, the awarded veterans’ organizations will receive reimbursements of $25,000 to $75,000 for essential facility upgrades. To date, the state has disbursed $4.6 million since the program began to support and modernize existing veterans’ organizations. The latest disbursement builds upon the state’s commitment to support veterans and their families, including ensuring easier access to veterans’ support services. “This investment will not only allow for critical infrastructure upgrades, but it will also allow veterans to come together and bond with their community and families,” said Hochul.


Last week, Hochul announced a $20 million new semiconductor research and development facility at SUNY Stony Brook. Through a public-private partnership, SUNY Stony Brook will invest $10 million, a US-based silicon‑carbide power semiconductor manufacturer will invest $8 million, and the state ESD will invest $2 million. The new R&D facility is expected to reduce costs and improve the quality of silicon‑carbide power semiconductors, provide workforce training, and offer specialized academic programming for SUNY students. The new R&D facility builds upon the state’s commitment to support advanced manufacturing and the semiconductor industry. “By investing in cutting-edge technology and world-class talent, we’re building a stronger, more resilient future for Long Island, and New York,” said Hochul.  


On Monday, Hochul joined NYSUT, Capital Region-based lawmakers, and local schools in highlighting the state’s guidelines and the schools’ plans for implementing the bell-to-bell classroom phone restrictions as enacted by the FY2026 Budget. Under the state’s guidelines, schools must ensure that parents have a contact method available during the school day in their final plans, which are due on August 1st. The state will also provide $13.5 million to support schools in implementing their policies. “As Governor, my priority is ensuring every New York student receives a high-quality education, free from constant clicking and scrolling,” said Hochul.


On Tuesday, Hochul announced an additional $200 million in Environmental Bond Act funding for school districts transitioning to zero-emission school buses. Administered by NYSERDA, the funds are expected to cover the full cost of new or repowered electric buses, charging infrastructure, and fleet electrification planning with prioritization for disadvantaged communities. The additional funding supports the state’s Climate Agenda, which includes the implementation of 100% zero‑emission light‑duty vehicle sales by 2035. “We are leaving no school behind as we reduce pollution from vehicles so every student can benefit from clean air while building healthier, more sustainable communities for New Yorkers across the state,” said Hochul.


On Wednesday at the Suffolk County Police Academy, Hochul announced the disbursement of  $36 million to 28 law enforcement agencies statewide. Disbursed through the GIVE Initiative, the state funding will be used to support law enforcement in addressing and reducing incidents involving firearms. Touting recent data, Hochul explained that the GIVE Initiative has helped the state reach the lowest number of shooting incidents last year. “That’s why we are doubling down and reinvesting $36 million to ensure that law enforcement agencies across the state have the tools they need to stop shootings and proactively prevent gun violence,” said Hochul.


Earlier this week, Hochul announced the availability of $5 million for broadband access projects through the re-release of the ConnectALL Digital Equity Program Capacity Grant RFA. The RFA will consider projects that expand internet use by providing devices, digital training, and enrollment assistance while prioritizing low-income and disadvantaged communities. In conjunction with the announcement of the RFA, Hochul also announced a new outreach campaign to promote low-cost internet service options available under the state's Affordable Broadband Act. The RFA and the outreach campaign build upon the state’s prioritization of closing the digital divide and upgrading the state’s broadband infrastructure.

LEGISLATIVE UPDATES

Barring special session in the Fall, the Legislature is set to reconvene in January 2026

Office of Governor Kathy Hochul

Hochul Directs State Agencies to Prepare for Funding Cuts 

With the state facing a $750 million budget deficit in Q4 of this fiscal year (January to March 2026) and $3 billion for the next fiscal year due to the recent passage of the federal OBBA spending bill, Hochul officially directed state agencies “to prepare comprehensive strategies to help limit the long-term damage to vital programs.” According to Hochul, the recent spending bill is expected to cut $13 billion from the state's healthcare system, remove health insurance coverage from 1.5 million individuals, and threaten 300,000 SNAP recipients.

Although the state agencies' plans to “prepare comprehensive strategies” to limit the incoming budget deficit have not been made public, Hochul and leaders of the Legislature have not committed to reconvening for a special session later this year. Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins explained, “We are obviously ready to come back should we have to come back… at this moment, that is not what we know right now.” Senate Finance Chair further explained, “money can be taken from the reserve fund without legislative action” to fill the immediate $750 million budget deficit. Hochul also has the recently approved authority to adjust the state spending if state revenue drops by up to $2 billion. Lawmakers are now eyeing another federal spending bill, expected to be approved sometime in late fall, which may further impact state finances.

State Republican Leaders Criticize Democrats for Budget Deficits

In response to the upcoming $750 million budget deficit for Q4 of the current fiscal year and $3 billion budget deficit for the next fiscal year, state Republicans blame Hochul and Democratic lawmakers. "They fail to mention that under this governor's mismanagement, Medicaid costs have ballooned a whopping 62% and fraud continues to run rampant by the billions," said Senate Republican Leader Rob Ortt. “Endless, undisciplined spending for the good part of the last decade by New York Democrats is the main reason for the state’s budget gap,” said Assembly Republican Leader Will Barclay. Ortt also said that Hochul and Democrat lawmakers are conducting “political fear mongering over a $750M Medicaid gap (0.3% of the budget) while ignoring $773M spent on illegal migrants & $1.5B in fraud.” 

Senate Republicans Urge Hochul to Declare Energy State of Emergency 

After Hochul acknowledged that the state will be “slowing down” on its goals set by the CLCPA, Senate Republicans sent a letter to Hochul to declare an energy state of emergency due to “escalating reliability concerns surrounding our electric grid and the rapidly rising energy costs.” While Hochul and NYSERDA state that the state will continue to achieve its goals set by the CLCPA, the recently released draft of the state’s energy plan seeks to address utility costs and potential federal cuts in renewable energy support. “We need to stop the insanity of the CLCPA and revisit smart and diverse energy policies that will meet the unique needs of our state and ensure accessible and affordable energy options for all New Yorkers,” explained Ortt. This comes after environmental groups filed a lawsuit against NYSERDA for “stonewalling necessary climate action in outright violation” of the CLCPA and criticized Hochul for backtracking some of the state’s CLCPA goals.

Lt. Gov Delgado Criticizes CDPAP Transition

Earlier this week, Lt. Gov. Antonio Delgado, who is primarying Hochul in the 2026 Democratic primary for Governor, rallied with advocates and users of CDPAP to criticize Hochul over the CDPAP transition, calling it a “failure of leadership.” Delgado also pointed out that he had no part in the discussion around the CDPAP transition. “It became clear to me that I had to do what was right for New York, leverage the position that I am in as lieutenant governor, to elevate these voices,” said Delgado. Delgado’s criticism of the transition is the latest rebuke of the transition, with a bipartisan group of lawmakers rallying against it during this year’s legislative session. Senate Health Chair Gustavo Rivera and Senate Investigations Chair James Skoufis will be holding a Joint Public Hearing on the transition on August 21st.

Assemblymember JGR Officially Announces Primary Challenge Against Senator Jessica Ramos

Earlier this week, Assemblymember Jessica González-Rojas officially launched her primary challenge against Senator Jessica Ramos. González-Rojas’ official announcement comes with endorsements from the Queens Borough President Donovan Richards, NYC Comptroller Brad Lander, and NYC Councilmembers Tiffany Cabán and Shekar Krishnan.

The official announcement comes after many progressive lawmakers and groups criticized Ramos for endorsing former Governor Andrew Cuomo for mayor in the Democratic primary. While not mentioning Ramos, González-Rojas explained that she is running because “Too often, politics gets stuck in ego and gridlock… We need a state senator that’s going to bring people together across city, state and federal government in order to fight for Queens and deliver for our communities.”

Lawmakers Tour Long Island ICE Detention Facility 

On Wednesday, Senate Crime Victims, Crime & Corrections Chair Julia Salazar and Assemblymember Michaelle Solages toured an East Meadow jail used by ICE. After initially being denied access by jail officials multiple times, Salazar and Solages were able to enter the jail only after members of the Nassau County Executive team arrived to give a guided tour. After the tour, both Solages and Salazar stated that the living conditions in the jail were not “egregious,” but not ideal, due to several detainees being denied access to showers. Salazar also explained that some detainees may be in detention for more than the legal 72 hours. “I spoke to a man…he was arrested on Sunday, and now it’s Wednesday,” said Salazar.

The visit and heightened scrutiny of detention facilities used by ICE come after state and federal lawmakers were repeatedly denied access to the facilities by ICE and a publicized video of detainees in a Manhattan federal building allegedly used as a detention facility. Under state law, elected officials can visit any state and local correctional facilities at “their pleasure.” Members of Congress are also legally permitted to visit any federal correctional facilities used by ICE without approval or prior notice, as outlined in DHS guidelines and federal law (Division D, Title V, §532).

OTHER UPDATES

NYC Mayor Eric Adams Urge Inspection of an Alleged Manhattan Federal Detention Facility

Amidst outcries by Democrat lawmakers of a video allegedly showing detainees being held in a Manhattan federal building by ICE, NYC Mayor Eric Adams sent a letter to the Trump Administration to conduct an “immediate inspection…to ensure the facility is being used in compliance with federal law and applicable leasing agreements.” While federal officials explain that the 26 Federal Plaza is “not a detention center” but instead a “processing center where illegal aliens are briefly processed to be transferred to an ICE detention facility.” However, the letter stated that the video “shows conditions that appear inconsistent with a brief processing stop” and pointed out the presence of blankets and sleeping pads.

Andrew Cuomo to Run for NYC Mayor as an Independent 

Last week, Andrew Cuomo officially announced his decision to run for NYC mayor in the November general election as an independent. However, his campaign reiterated that he will drop out of the general election if the polls show that he is not the highest-ranked challenger to Assemblymember and Democratic nominee Zohran Mamdani by mid-September.

Cuomo has also reached out to other candidates to do the same, with Jim Walden proposing a similar plan. However, Adams criticized Cuomo's proposal, and Republican nominee Curtis Silwa did not agree to Cuomo’s proposal. Currently, Mamdani has garnered endorsements from lawmakers and labor unions that previously endorsed Cuomo. He has also met with various state lawmakers in the Legislature and Congress.

Trump Administration Sues NYC Over Sanctuary City Status


Yesterday, the Trump Administration filed a lawsuit against Eric Adams, the NYC Council, and the NYPD, NYCDOC, and the DOP, alleging that NYC government and agencies are not cooperating with Trump’s immigration enforcement policies and pointing out NYC as a sanctuary city. “Its history as a sanctuary city dates back to 1989, and its efforts to thwart federal immigration enforcement have only intensified since,” the lawsuit stated. The lawsuit comes after a shooting of two off-duty customs officers in Manhattan, which the lawsuit highlighted as a result of NYC’s sanctuary city status. “The Department of Justice is suing New York City and Mayor Eric Adams for continuing to obstruct law enforcement with sanctuary city policies. If New York’s leaders won’t step up to protect their citizens, we will,” the US Attorney General Pam Bondi said.

Hochul Considers Redrawing State Congressional District Map

Yesterday, Hochul said she is “going to look at it closely” with House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries on redistricting the state’s congressional district maps. The comments come after Texas Governor Greg Abbott announced a special session to redraw Texas’s congressional district map in favor of the Republican Party. Senate Deputy Leader Mike Gianaris stated that Democratic lawmakers are open to redistricting but acknowledged that the courts would have to initiate the process. “As we look at the constitution, it seems to require a court order to reopen the process,” said Gianaris.

The current state congressional district map, which the Legislature drew last year after two years of lawsuits between the state's Democrats and Republicans because the state redistricting panel was unable to reach a consensus in 2022. Currently, it is uncertain if plans to redistrict congressional seats can move forward. “All is fair in love and war,” remarked Hochul.

Congressional Republicans Look to Pass Another Spending Bill in the Fall 

On Wednesday, House GOP Speaker Mike Johnson said that the House Republicans are starting to work on another spending bill for a vote “in the late fall.” Johnson explained that the spending bill would pass provisions that were removed from the recently enacted spending bill, including language to bar states from using their own funds to provide Medicaid to undocumented immigrants. “There are some priorities that did not make it into ‘reconciliation one’ that are still priorities for people — a couple of things that didn’t survive the Byrd test, and we’re looking at other ways, other angles maybe to try to include that,” explained Johnson. However, House Budget Chair Jodey Arrington acknowledged that “It doesn’t mean there’s a guarantee that we’ll get it in there.”

Additionally, Senate Majority Leader John Thune categorized a second spending bill as a “big undertaking” and said that he “[doesn't] know” if it can pass the Senate. “We’ll see. I mean, I’m not, certainly not ruling it out,” added Thune. House Republicans are currently in their earlier-than-expected August recess amidst the controversy surrounding Jeffrey Epstein but must approve appropriation bills to fund the government before the September 30th government shutdown deadline.

 

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