Friday Morning Brief June 6, 2025

Jun 5

Written By Michael Avella

Member Spotlight

Senator Pat Fahy

Senator Pat Fahy joins us to discuss her Capital Region-based district, her priorities, and some of her work in the Senate so far. Prior to being elected to the Senate, she served as an Assemblymember for twelve years and held various positions in state and federal government. Currently, she is the Chair of the Senate Committee on Disabilities. She also serves on various other committees, including on Higher Education, Racing, Gaming & Wagering, and Environmental Conservation.

What district do you represent?
I represent the 46th Senate District, which is parts of Albany County, Schenectady County, and all of Montgomery County.

Are there any landmarks you would recommend to your colleagues?
My colleagues already know one of our major landmarks – the State Capital. We have various other amazing landmarks in the Capital Region. I was recently at the Ten Broeck Mansion, a stunningly beautiful historical mansion that helped grow the Arbor Hill community in Albany. We also have the Schuyler Mansion and the historic Cherry Hill. There are also various landmarks in Schenectady. Proctor’s and Rivers Casino in Schenectady are very popular and have led to economic development in the region. A General Electric center is also located in Schenectady as well. For Montgomery County, it is well known for its agriculture and its beauty. It’s a beautiful place for hiking or biking.

You were an Assemblymember before being elected as a Senator. How has the transition been?
I was in the Assembly for 12 years, and I loved it. The hardest part of leaving was giving up the Higher Education Chair. I now proudly serve as the Disabilities Chair in the Senate, and there is so much I want to advocate for in that capacity. As Higher Education Chair, I was proud to push for increased TAP funding – the largest increase in 25 years. We helped defy the national trend of decreasing enrollment in higher education, but SUNYs and CUNYs continue to inch upwards. When students know we have their back, they will enroll in our colleges. This helps educate the next generation and improve our economy. I will continue working with my colleagues in the Assembly and new colleagues in the Senate. I’m excited about what is to come in the Senate, and the change, in some ways, has reinvigorated me.

You have recently been highlighted in legislation targeting the federal administration. Can you describe some of the work you have been doing regarding that?
Yes, so I recently introduced the bill that targets Elon Musk and Tesla. The reasoning behind the bill is that he has been a wrecking ball to our economy with many dangerous budget cuts. We all want efficiency in our government, and part of my job is to cut through the red tape. But instead of looking for efficiencies, he cut USAID, harmed our farmers, and fueled the refugee crisis. He also poorly targeted our veterans. Now, we are expecting an unprecedented amount of cuts to our Medicaid, which would deeply hurt our disability community and hospitals. At the same time, NYS has given a monopoly to Musk for direct sales with Tesla. So, with everything he is doing, why should we give a monopoly to Elon Musk when he led the undermining of our energy market and EV infrastructure and brought us backward on energy investments? So, the bill I introduced would end his direct sales monopoly for Tesla.

My other bill, the SAFE AIR Act, would hold commercial airlines accountable if they contract with the federal administration for deportation flights. Avelo Airlines is the first to be commercially contracted for federal deportation flights. Those deportations have not been out of NYS but are contracted for commercial business in three airports in the state. They also get a state fuel tax exemption, meaning taxpayers subsidize them. We spend millions of dollars each year on tax credits, so we're helping to subsidize them while they are violating the residents' constitutional rights. This bill would remove any future contracts for them and end their state fuel tax exemption.

Are there any local issues that you are working on as a Senator?
I have 140 bills, and a lot of them are local-based. As the new Disabilities Chair, one of the bills I hope to move this year is a right to repair for wheelchairs. Right now, there are only two manufacturers of wheelchairs. Wheelchairs are sophisticated equipment for people with disabilities and very specialized – often for those with some serious physical disabilities. I did the right-to-repair bill for electronics several years ago. And it has changed the industry. It's one of the proudest bills I've ever worked on. The bill ensures that you won’t lose your warranty on a phone or other tablets or laptops or other electronics when you get it repaired at an independent dealer. It forces large manufacturers such as Apple, Samsung, and others to release their diagnostics. We're doing the same with wheelchairs. When an individual has a wheelchair problem, they void the warranty of the wheelchair if they try to make even simple changes. And they can often wait months to have that wheelchair repaired. So it's a very serious issue. We also have a whole host of other bills that we are working on. Ultimately, we will continue to champion employment for people with disabilities. We will continue to work on wage increases and housing.

What about any statewide issues?
The big win for the Capital Region was the $400 million we got in the Final Budget. I have spent almost ten years trying to talk about the need to revitalize our State Museum because it’s important. With investment in our State Museum, I think the State Museum will be a regional attraction similar to other museums in New York City. We will continue to grow our artificial intelligence and semiconduction at UAlbany and other SUNY campuses. It’s an investment on multiple levels, and we need to continue to advocate for future investment in the education of our future workforce.

Any advice for young folks who want to be more involved in politics?
Politics can be discouraging, but it’s always important to fight and advocate for issues that you believe in. It’s also important to do it civilly and work with all stakeholders. So it’s very important not to get discouraged. Instead, stay active. My advice would be to volunteer in your community. It’s a good way to learn about your community, learn from others, and meet your neighbors.

Any last comments?
I will continue advocating and championing our community, even with the elephant in the room at all times. We just passed a $253 billion state budget. And 40% of it relies on the federal dollars coming to us. So there is a dark cloud hanging over us, and we will be back to try to handle those federal cuts. Even if folks don’t see a direct impact, it might impact your neighbors, your hospital down the street, or the urgent care near you. We are coming to a point in our history where it’s vital to pay attention and come together. We have a lot of issues to fight for, and I’ll continue doing my part in that fight.

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!

Delgado Officially Announces Primary Challenge Against Hochul

Earlier this week, Lt. Governor Antonio Delgado announced his intention to challenge Hochul for Governor in the June 2026 Democratic primary. In his announcement video, Delgado explained his reasoning, “The powerful and well-connected have their champions. I’m running for governor to be yours.”

New York, I’m not here to play the game. I’m here to change it.

I’m running to be your next Governor. pic.twitter.com/09WnqPEX48
— Antonio Delgado (@DelgadoforNY) June 2, 2025

The announcement comes after reports of a deteriorating relationship between Delgado and Hochul that first started with Delgado breaking away from Hochul to call for former President Joe Biden to drop his reelection bid last year and then announcing his intention not to run for reelection with Hochul earlier this year. He also broke away with Hochul on NYC Mayor Eric Adams earlier this year by calling for his resignation. Additionally, Delgado has been hosting town halls and other events throughout the year since his announcement that he would not run for reelection with Hochul.

However, his announcement to challenge Hochul assembled lawmakers in the Legislature and Congress to defend Hochul. In addition to Congressmembers Pat Ryan, Tom Suozzi, and Adriano Espaillat defending Hochul, Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie said in a statement that Hochul “has been a strong partner.” Assemblymember Yudelka Tapia even criticized Delgado and called him to resign. Delgado's spokesperson responded, “When someone challenges the status quo, the establishment pushes back — we expected that.” Delgado also tweeted a video of messages of support for his primary announcement in response to criticisms.

Delgado’s announcement comes as Congressmember Ritchie Torres is rumored to challenge Hochul as well. Additionally, Republican Congressmembers Elise Stefanik and Mike Lawler are also positioning to run for the Republican ticket to challenge Hochul in November 2026.

Mike Groll/Office of Governor Kathy Hochul

EXECUTIVE UPDATES

On Monday, Hochul announced the disbursement of $21.6 million to 103 farms through the Dairy Modernization Grant Program. The awards are expected to help support the state’s dairy industry and will support farmers buying new equipment, expanding storage capacity, and ensuring protection from future extreme weather events. The recent disbursement of awards builds upon the Hochul’s commitment to supporting the state’s agricultural industry and investing in farmers. “With this $21.6 million investment through the Dairy Modernization Grant Program, we're giving hardworking dairy farmers and cooperatives the tools they need to grow, innovate, and lead in a changing market,” said Hochul.

On Tuesday, Hochul announced the $12 million expansion of SUNY ASAP|ACE from 4,270 students at 25 SUNY campuses in Fall 2024 to 7,050 students at 34 SUNY campuses in Fall 2025. The expansion will include nine new SUNY campuses, and 14 current campuses will add new student spots. The program will provide financial resources and wraparound support for eligible students. The program supports the state’s commitment to supporting SUNY’s enrollment rate and financially supporting prospective students. “ASAP|ACE has already assisted thousands of New Yorkers in their higher education journey, and I am proud that more students will benefit from its expansion,” said Hochul.

On Wednesday, Hochul announced the completion of a $25 million 67-unit affordable housing development in Albany. Thirty-five units in the development would be reserved for unhoused veterans, and the rest would be reserved for families earning up to 60% of the area median income. Support services, including medical care coordination and mental health services, would be provided for the veterans on-site. The development supports Hochul’s $25 billion five-year housing plan and commitment to providing supportive housing for veterans.

Additionally, Hochul announced the availability of $45.9 million through the state’s Empire State Supportive Housing Initiative. The program helps fund supportive services for unhoused individuals in the state. Eligible projects in the NY Metro Area can get $34,000 annually per unit or qualifying individual. The program has been funded since 2016, with the recent Enacted Budget increasing its funding. The recent funding of the program supports the state’s commitment to ensuring supportive housing for unhoused individuals and at-risk families. “By expanding the funding available through the Empire State

Yesterday, Hochul announced the launch of the State of the Arts Fellowship to hire artists for residencies at OGS, OMH, and OVS. The fellowship will allow artists embedded at the agency to help address and implement various projects. The State Council of the Artists administers the fellowship to enhance community work, public space, and public service initiatives. The launch of the fellowship builds upon the state’s commitment to ensuring opportunities for young students and supporting the state’s arts industry in collaboration with the State Council of the Arts. “By combining our renowned creative talent with our hard-working State agencies, we will discover new solutions to important state initiatives,” said Hochul.

LEGISLATIVE UPDATES

Next week, the Legislature is scheduled to be in session Monday to Thursday, and potentially into Friday morning (more likely for the Senate)

Aung Hset/D&A

Senate Confirms They'll End Session as Scheduled

Earlier this week, Senate Deputy Leader Mike Gianaris confirmed that the Senate will not extend their session and will “conclude as scheduled.” In the Assembly, session has been extended from June 12th to June 17th(ish). With session concluding next week for the Senate, lawmakers have limited time to pass a series of controversial bills in both chambers before heading to Hochul’s desk for a signature or veto. “It’s a sticky wicket, as we like to say, and with a week and a half left, we have our work cut out for us on that,” said Gianaris. The limited time is partly due to the latest state budget in 15 years, leading to some lawmakers criticizing the Governor’s budget powers. Even with the limited time, Assemblymember Michaelle Solages explained, “In Albany, a few days could be a short amount of time, and a few days could be a long amount of time.”

Assembly Public Hearing on Synthetic Opioid Abuse

On Tuesday, the Assembly Alcoholism and Drug Abuse Committee held a public hearing on synthetic opioid abuse in the state. Led by Assembly Alcoholism and Drug Abuse Chair Phil Steck and joined by Assemblymembers John McDonald, Scott Gray, and Brian Maher, panelists discussed how the state should change strategies on how to deal with new synthetic opioids effectively. In the hearing, Steck and McDonald criticized the DOH’s current open bid for 4-mg doses of Narcan nasal spray since bidders must have at least two years of experience providing and manufacturing opioid antagonists. "It doesn't make any sense from an economic standpoint because competition will lead to better products and lower costs," explained Steck. Steck also acknowledged that opioid-related bills are unlikely to pass both chambers this year, saying, "There will be other things, but not this year.”

Aung Hset/D&A

Advocates and Lawmakers Urge for State Prison Reform Legislative Package Before Session Concludes

With session ending in one week in the Senate and two in the Assembly, lawmakers and advocates are raising the alarm to pass a legislative package that would increase transparency in the state’s correctional facilities. While it was reported that the Senate is close to moving forward with the package, it has been held up in the Assembly. However, Assemblymember Brian Cunningham remains cautiously optimistic, saying, “There are two more weeks in Albany session – in two weeks, a lot can get done. I think we’ve seen historically that a lot of the bills [] get passed [] in the last two weeks.” Senate Correction Chair Julia Salazar has been leading the effort for state prison reforms with advocates including Robert Ricks, the father of Robert Brooks who correctional facility staffers fatally beat at Marcy Correctional.

Assembly Passes COs' PTSD Service Bill

To address concerns of correctional officers experiencing PTSD, one of the concerns raised during the CO strike earlier this year, the Assembly passed a bill that would match PTSD-related services to what is currently being offered to first responders. The Assembly bill sponsor, Assemblymember Angelo Santabarbara, and advocates explain COs experience PTSD at higher rates than first responders and veterans. Advocates also point to understaffing and mandatory overtime at state correctional facilities, leading to higher rates of PTSD amongst COs. “These are high-stress, high-risk roles that take a serious toll on mental health, yet these professionals have been left behind when it comes to access to PTSD care. This bill finally brings long-overdue fairness,” said Santabarbara. The Senate bill is currently in the Senate Rules Committee.

Bill to Disclose Gubernatorial Nominee Lobbying Advances in Assembly

This week, a bill that would require disclosures of lobbying of gubernatorial nominees passed the Assembly Codes Committee, paving the way for a possible vote on the floor. The bill was first introduced in 2023 after the Senate rejected Hochul’s nominee, Hector LaSalle, for the Chief Judge of the state Court of Appeals. Although passed by both chambers last year, it was vetoed by Hochul. With the bill already passed in the Senate earlier last month, the bill would head back to Hochul’s desk for a veto or signature if the Assembly passes the bill before session concludes.

Sen. Harckham and Asm. Burdick Stand with First Responders and Mental Health Advocates in Support of the First Responder Peer Support Program Act https://t.co/CA07QiQZc0
— Senator Pete Harckham (@SenatorHarckham) June 4, 2025

Lawmakers Urge the Passage of the First Responder Peer Support Program Act

On Wednesday, Senator Pete Harckham and Assemblymember Chris Burdick held a rally in support of the First Responder Peer Support Program Act. If enacted, the bill would establish a statewide mental health and peer support training program for first responders. The bill sponsors and advocates explain that the bill would properly address the unique mental health needs first responders need. “The First Responder Peer Support Act will help address the deep emotional toll experienced by first responders by providing accessible statewide resources for help,” said Harckham. The bill was passed in the Senate on Wednesday with bipartisan support, but the Assembly must pass it before it reaches Hochul’s desk for signature or veto.

Senate Likely to Vote on Medical Aid in Dying

In a press conference yesterday, Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins confirmed that the Medical Aid in Dying Act will likely be on the Senate floor for a vote before the session concludes. “I do believe there are the votes, and it is likely it will come to the floor,” explained Stewart-Cousins. The bill would allow terminally ill individuals to request drugs for assisted suicide in certain conditions. Earlier last month, the Assembly was the first chamber to pass the vote in years of advocacy. In support of the bill, Assemblymember Gabriella Romero published an op-ed yesterday urging the Senate to pass the bill.

OTHER UPDATES

Stefanik and Lawler Positioning to Run for Governor

A day after Delgado announced his primary challenge against Hochul, North Country-based GOP Congressmember Elise Stefanik touted that she is “taking a very strong look” at running for Governor. She also noted that she has “the strongest relationship with President Trump” and explained that the state Republicans “need those Trump voters, and it needs to be a candidate who excites those voters and is a close ally of President Trump.” She also reportedly launched a new PAC in support of local GOP candidates. Hudson Valley-based GOP Congressmember Mike Lawler, who may also announce his intention to run for Governor, shot back and said on Wednesday, “You can’t win a statewide election in New York just by pounding your chest and saying that you’re the most MAGA candidate.” In addition to Stefanik and Lawler, GOP Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman is a potential Republican nominee.

NYC Mayoral Debate

On Wednesday night, NYC had its first mayoral debate for the nine Democratic nominees. Former Governor Andrew Cuomo, the frontrunner, faced the most criticism and attacks from the other nominees, while he largely criticized Assemblymember Zohran Mamdani, who is in second place in most polls. President Trump was at the center of most debate issues, with his name being mentioned more than 80 times. All the candidates outlined that they would seek to protect immigrants in the city against a federal push for deportations and fight against the federal budget cuts. Voting for the Democratic nominee will start on June 24th, with early voting on June 14th.

Federal Investigators Probing CDPAP Transition

Earlier this week, it was reported that federal investigators are actively looking into the state’s CDPAP transition, with the investigators “devoting significant resources to the investigation with an eye towards potential criminal or civil actions at the conclusion of the investigation.” This comes as a bipartisan group of lawmakers have criticized the transition throughout the year, two court actions against the transition, and an introduction of a bill that would alter the transition. Hochul’s spokesperson defended the transition, saying it is “proceeding effectively, and the Department of Health will continue working with all stakeholders to ensure that consumers and workers receive the care and support they need.”

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