Friday Morning Brief June 13, 2025

Jun 12

Written By Michael Avella

Member Spotlight:

Assemblyman Tommy John Schiavoni

Assemblyman Tommy John Schiavoni joins us to discuss his Suffolk County-based district, priorities, and extensive prior experience in local government. He served in various local government positions before being elected to the Assembly, including on a school board, zoning board of appeals, and town council. He was also a social studies teacher for a local high school. Currently, he serves on various committees, including on Agriculture, Local Governments, and Alcoholism & Drug Abuse.

What district do you represent?
I represent the First District of the New York State Assembly, which is located on eastern Long Island, including Shelter Island, Southold, the Hamptons, Fishers Island, Gardiners Island, and Plum Island. Geographically, it's a large coastal district.

Are there any landmarks you want to highlight?
The Montauk Lighthouse and our beaches are very popular landmarks. We also have wonderful restaurants, farms, and wineries. Eastern Long Island is an agricultural area comprising a diverse farming community. Also, the three largest fishing ports in the State of New York are on Eastern Long Island — Montauk, Hampton Bays (Shinnecock Dock), and Greenport.

What’s your favorite music? Favorite bands/artists?
Billy Joel is a Long Island guy and a great artist, and he appreciates history.

What about sports? Any favorite NY sports team?
New York Giants. My family has been a proud supporter for generations.

What was your profession before being elected to the Assembly?
I was a high school teacher in a public school on Long Island. For thirty years, I enjoyed teaching social studies, government, and economics. Originally, I come from a family of plumbers. My father ran the family business that my brother runs now, and I am also a plumbing mechanic raised in construction, became a teacher, and am now serving in the New York State Assembly.
I also participated in local government in various capacities. I served on a village board, a school board, numerous land use boards, and the Southampton Town Board. I believe that serving in local government is crucial as they are the basis of our form of democracy in the United States.

What experience from your extensive time serving in local government do you hope to bring to the Assembly?
My experiences in serving at various levels and in various types of local government have prepared me well for this position. In the Assembly, we deal with various pieces of legislation that impact localities, and bringing my past experiences and knowledge has been useful as a legislator. The first assembly district includes ten incorporated villages, twenty-six fire districts, twenty-five school districts, and a federally recognized indigenous nation. My experience and time in local government have helped me understand the various communities and jurisdictions.

Any other local issues that you are working to address?
The South Fork of Long Island is faced with significant traffic problems. Thousands of commuters come out east to work each morning, creating heavy traffic on our roads. One of the solutions I am working on to address traffic is increasing the train service on the Long Island Railroad branch from Speonk to Montauk. Our goal is to establish regular train service across the South Fork on this line. The five-year MTA capital plan includes significant upgrades to the railway, which would positively affect the traffic problem we face. My district is an important economic engine of Suffolk County; consequently, getting our workers out to the South Fork is imperative, and we're looking to the MTA and the Long Island Railroad to help us in that regard.

What about statewide issues?
Water quality, emerging contaminants, and PFAs/PFOs are important challenges statewide, and I am working with my colleagues to help address these. Additionally, education is a priority that is personal to me as a former teacher and a parent. New York State is a leader in education, so being sure that our schools have adequate resources is a priority for me.

What advice would you give young folks wanting to get more involved in politics?
It is imperative that the next generation be involved so that our government functions properly. If more young people are involved, they can influence how our government can better serve them and their families. I urge them to be a part of the process.

Have you had any memorable moments in your first year in the Assembly?
When I put on the Assembly pin every morning, it reminds me of my responsibility to my district and the people of the state. To legislate in the chamber of the New York State Assembly, a place where Teddy Roosevelt, Al Smith, and my predecessor Fred Thiele worked is an honor and an important commitment.

Any last comments you want to mention?
The best part of the job is meeting with people in the district and learning more about their needs and concerns.

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!

Stefanik Visits Albany Amidst Last Week of Session

On Monday, Congressmember Elise Stefanik joined GOP lawmakers at the Capital to criticize the state’s “single party Democratic rule.” Stefanik recently started a new PAC for local GOP candidates in the state and said she is “taking a very strong look” at challenging Hochul for Governor. “New Yorkers deserve better. They deserve leaders who care more about actually cutting your taxes rather than desperately lie about it and increase spending,” said Stefanik.

LIVE NOW🔴: At the State Capitol with Congresswoman @EliseStefanik and @NYS_AM @WillABarclay to call out Kathy Hochul and Albany Democrats failure to deliver relief for hardworking New Yorkers. https://t.co/450JiNvU9n
— Rob Ortt (@SenatorOrtt) June 9, 2025

Stefanik said she would use President Trump’s strategy of using executive orders to cut the state budget and reevaluate the size of the state government. “There is so much action that can be taken on Day One in executive orders,” explained Stefanik. Additionally, she said she would reevaluate the size of the government to “find significant, significant savings.” “First, you need to look at everything. You need to look for opportunities for savings in every program, waste, fraud, and abuse,” explained Stefanik.

Stefanik has ramped up her attacks against Hochul and the Democratic-controlled Legislature after Lt. Governor Antonio Delago announced his primary challenge against Hochul. However, Hudson Valley-based Congressmember Mike Lawler and Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman are other potential GOP nominees to challenge Hochul. Unlike Blakeman and Stefanik, who are allies of Trump, Lawler has been positioning himself as a moderate. “You can’t win a statewide election in New York just by pounding your chest and saying that you’re the most MAGA candidate,” Lawler said last week.

Stefanik did not officially announce her candidacy on Monday but instead said, “Stay tuned. I’ll be making a decision in the coming months.” Lawler is expected to officially announce his intention to run later this month. The last Republican Governor to ever be elected was Governor George Pataki in 1994, who served until 2006.

Darren McGee/Office of Governor Kathy Hochul

EXECUTIVE UPDATES

On Monday, Hochul announced the start of construction of the $36.9 million rehabilitation project for a bridge in Brooklyn. The bridge carrying the Fort Hamilton Parkway over the Gowanus Expressway project will replace the bridge deck and implement several safety and resiliency features. Originally built in 1964, the project, which will be completed by the summer of 2027, is expected to extend the service life of the bridge by at least 40 more years. The project builds upon various recent infrastructure modernization projects across the state. “New York State continues to make historic investments that will create safer, more resilient roads and bridges that will help keep our communities connected and our economy growing,” said Hochul.

On Tuesday, Hochul announced a state’s directive for all state-based Medicaid managed care plans to have improved compliance with rules for fair access to mental health and substance use disorder services. The announcement comes after the DOH announced a total of 95 citations between 2019 and 2021 and total fines of $1 million. The funds from the fines were given to the state’s Community Health Access to Addiction and Mental Healthcare Project. “While the Trump Administration sleeps on regulations aimed at ensuring access to critical behavioral health services, New York State has achieved landmark reforms and is holding insurance companies accountable so that all New Yorkers can get coverage for this critical care,” said Hochul.

On Wednesday, Hochul announced the complete rehabilitation of Ellicott Town Center in Buffalo’s East Side. The $71 million rehabilitation of the 281-unit housing development will be reserved for families at or below 90% area median income and additionally set aside 24 units for individuals age 55 and older. The rehabilitation project builds upon the state’s $50 million investment in Buffalo’s East Side and supports Hochul’s $25 billion five-year housing plan to build or preserve 100,000 affordable homes. “The $71 million rehabilitation of Ellicott Town Center demonstrates our commitment to revitalizing the East Side and working with faith-based organizations like the First Shiloh Baptist Church to ensure more individuals and families have access to safe, affordable housing,” explained Hochul.

Earlier this week, Hochul announced the availability of $325 million in the next round of the Water Infrastructure Improvement and Intermunicipal Water Infrastructure Grants program. The next round of funding will specifically focus on municipalities’ projects addressing PFAS treatment, rural sewer projects, upgrading wastewater projects, and upgrading drinking water treatment centers. The availability of funds builds upon the state’s ongoing investment in modernizing the state’s water infrastructure through supporting local municipal projects. To date, the state has invested a total of $6 million in water infrastructure since 2017.

Yesterday, Hochul announced the groundbreaking of a $29.9 million broadband infrastructure project in Sullivan County. Funded through the state Municipal Infrastructure Program, the project is expected to bring high-speed internet access to more than 22,000 homes and businesses and bridge the digital divide gap. The construction of the infrastructure project, which includes constructing 253 miles of fiber optic cable and an expansion on an existing tower, is expected to be finished in about 18 months. The project builds upon the state’s commitment to bridging the digital divide and previous projects funded through the state Municipal Infrastructure Program. “This publicly-owned infrastructure isn't just about faster internet — it's about opening doors to better healthcare, education, and economic opportunities that access to high-speed internet brings to the table,” said Hochul.

LEGISLATIVE UPDATES

Yesterday was the last scheduled day of session for the Senate, who just wrapped up their business for the year (besides the likely special session in the fall).

Next week, the Assembly is expected to be in session Monday to Tuesday (and potentially into Wednesday morning).

Aung Hset/D&A

Democrat Lawmakers Urge Congress Not to Pass Congressional Budget Bill

On the same day Congressmember Elise Stefanik visited Albany, Democrat lawmakers from both chambers held a rare joint press conference to criticizethe proposed congressional budget bill. Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins, Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie, and rank-and-file Democrat lawmakers warned that the spending bill would cut roughly 1.5 million people from Medicaid in the state and cost the state about $13.5 billion. “I don’t want to have to come back to cut people’s health care and cut jobs and things people rely on,” Heastie explained, referring to a possible special session this fall if the spending bill passes the US Senate. Stefanik hit back at the Democrat lawmakers, explaining, “We are not taking away Medicaid benefits. We are getting rid of Medicaid benefits for illegals specifically to improve them for New Yorkers who qualify.”

Courtesy of Corrine Carey

Senate Passes Medical Aid in Dying Act

On Monday, the Senate passed the Medical Aid in Dying Act, and delivery to the governor is next. "The fight is not over," said sponsor and Assembly Health Chair Amy Paulin. While unsure if Hochul will veto or sign the bill, Senate sponsor Brad Hoylman-Sigal said he “had informal conversations” with Hochul “but nothing I’m prepared to share now.” Opponents of the bill are arguing for Hochul to veto the bill, with Democrat Senator Monica Martinez, who voted against the bill, explaining, "I don’t think the guardrails are fully in place. Plus, I heard a lot from my community, and they weren’t supportive either." However, many lawmakers who voted for the bill argue that the bill would give back control to those who are terminally ill. "It's about having control of the end of your life,” explained Senator Rachel May, who voted for the bill and gave a personal speech about her husband.

Legislature Passes State Correctional Facilities Omnibus Bill

Late Monday night, Democrat lawmakers introduced an omnibus bill that would address inmate deaths in state correctional facilities and increase accountability. The omnibus bill comes after weeks of negotiations between lawmakers and the release of the BPHA Caucus’ Robert Brooks Blueprint for Justice & Reform legislative agenda. While the omnibus bill includes various parts of the BPHA’s agenda, some of the bills were not included, including the Fair and Timely Parole Act, the Elder Parole Act, the Second Look Act, and the Earned Time Act. Senator Jeremy Cooney, who sponsors the Earned Time Act, explained that some bills were not included in the omnibus bill due to insufficient support in the Democratic Conferences. “We continue to seek support for the Earned Time Act,” said Cooney. While the omnibus bill would address Democrat lawmakers’ push for reforming the state correctional facilities for this year's session, many lawmakers say they would continue pushing for further reforms in the coming years.

Aung Hset/D&A

Lawmakers Urge the Passage of Short-Term Disability Bill in the Assembly

Earlier this week, lawmakers held a rally in support of a bill that would increase the short-term disability benefit. The current benefit is capped at $170 per week, which many lawmakers and advocates argue is outdated since it hasn’t increased in 35 years. "We know that $170 is not a realistic amount to live on a week," said Assemblymember Michaelle Solages. Supported by a bipartisan group of lawmakers, the bill would give 67% of their income, or about $1,170 per week, to workers on paid medical leave. However, advocates explain that increasing the benefit by the amount the bill proposed would increase the insurance premium employers pay by about 600%. While the bill passed in the Senate, it has been stalled in the Assembly without any movement since its introduction in January. Assembly Labor Chair Harry Bronson remains optimistic, saying, “We're still working on it,” but acknowledges that “there is a hesitancy to push it forward because it is a cost to the workers and the employers."

Aung Hset/D&A

Assembly May Vote on the Packaging Reduction and Recycling Infrastructure Act

On Wednesday, Assembly Environmental Conservation Chair and sponsor of the Packaging Reduction and Recycling Infrastructure Act said that the long-advocated bill would have enough support for a vote on the Assembly floor. “Having talked to my colleagues, I feel I’ve got the votes,” said Glick. However, she explained that it is now a “question of getting the leadership to give me time to do it.” While advocates of the bill urged the bill to pass to reduce waste and improve public health, opponents of the bill explain that it would increase costs for manufacturers and consumers and lead to shortages of certain products. However, the recent last-minute push for the bill in the Assembly comes as organizations of local municipalities urge the passage in the Assembly.

Lawmakers and Advocates' Last-Minute Push for NY For All Act

Earlier this week, advocates and lawmakers made a last-minute push to pass the New York for All Act with rallies and protests in front of and inside the Capital. The last-minute push comes in part due to a recently reported local arrest of an undocumented immigrant and referral to ICE in Schenectady. While many lawmakers and advocates support the bill, there are also concerns about passing an anti-ICE bill due to limited time in session. Additionally, Speaker Heastie explained the effectiveness of addressing a federal immigration issue in the Legislature. "I don't know how much that we could possibly do on an immigration issue,” explained Heastie. With the Senate adjourning earlier this morning without passing the bill, advocates warn of its impact on immigrant communities but would continue advocating for the bill. "History will look back at this time, and people will find themselves either on the right side or wrong side of the issue," Assembly sponsor Karines Reyes said.

Lawmakers Introduce Amended Heat Act Bill

Earlier this week, Senator Liz Krueger and Assemblymember Jo Anne Simon introduced the amended version of the Heat Act as the Customer Savings and Reliability Act. The new version would shift from a statewide approach to a regional approach for transitioning away from gas and protect ratepayers from the additional costs of transitioning away from gas. However, the bill would still include eliminating the 100-foot rule, which requires gas companies to install free gas hookups for new customers who request it. Krueger explained that the bill was amended to “reflect what we believed were the concerns of the Assembly” but said, “We don’t know if the Assembly will take it up.” As a backup, Krueger and Simon also introduced a bill that would only eliminate the 100 feet rule. While the bill passed the Senate, it remains to be seen if the Assembly will pass it before adjourning early next week.

Lawmakers Pass the RAISE Act

Before the Senate adjourned earlier this morning, lawmakers in both chambers passed the RAISE Act. The RAISE Act, one of the AI bills lawmakers were heavily pushing for, would impose various regulations on using advanced AI models or AI systems that meet certain computational thresholds and cost $100 million or more. While opponents of the bill argue that the RAISE Act would be unattainable without first implementing a single AI regulatory framework, the bill sponsors, Senator Andrew Gounardes and Assemblymember Alex Bores, explain that the RAISE Act would ensure new guardrails are implemented to ensure public safety is prioritized. “It is time to pass guardrails on AI that protect New Yorkers while encouraging innovation,” said Bores. With the bill passing in both chambers, it will be delivered to Hochul for a signature or veto.

OTHER UPDATES

Darren McGee/Office of Governor Kathy Hochul

Hochul Testifies on Capitol Hill

Yesterday, Hochul, alongside Minnesota Governor Tim Walz and Governor JB Pritzker, testified in front of the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform over their state’s immigration policies. In her opening remarks, Hochul criticized President Trump’s recent actions of deploying troops in LA and Republican lawmakers’ support for increased deportations. “The America I believe in is a nation of laws and a nation of immigrants — abandoning either threatens the very foundation on which our great country was built,” said Hochul. Notably, Hochul also dared President Trump to arrest her. “If Tom Homan comes to Albany to arrest me, I’ll say go for it,” said Hochul. Lastly, Hochul reiterated that existing state laws already dictate her to collaborate with ICE in criminal cases.

The America I believe in is a nation of laws and a nation of immigrants — abandoning either threatens the very foundation on which our great country was built.

Watch my full remarks to the House Oversight Committee: pic.twitter.com/eH0wQR6vnS
— Governor Kathy Hochul (@GovKathyHochul) June 12, 2025

However, Stefanik heavily criticized Hochul over how she handled violent crimes allegedly committed by undocumented immigrants. “You are not advocating on behalf of these victims. You are shielding illegals,” said Stefanik. Hochul explained that while the state must work with ICE in criminal cases involving undocumented immigrants, she cannot interfere in “civil immigration enforcement – that’s the federal government’s job.” Lawler also joined the hearing alongside Stefanik to question and criticize Hochul over her handling of undocumented immigrants in the state.