Member Spotlight Assemblyman Al Taylor

Assemblyman Al Taylor joins us to discuss his district, background, and love for community service. Prior to being elected to the Assembly, he was already dedicated to serving his community through various advocacy initiatives and famously walked 780 miles to Chicago in the “It’s A Love Thing Always” event to inspire communities to work toward peace. Currently, he is a member of various committees, including on Banks, Education, Rules, Labor, Codes, and Election Law.

What district do you represent?
I represent the 71st District.

What are some of the landmarks in your district?
One of the biggest landmarks is the George Washington Bridge. We also have the Cloisters and Fort Tryon Park. It’s a beautiful area with incredible landmarks.

There’s also Riverside Drive, which runs along the Hudson. For context, my district on the west side stretches along the Hudson River from 125th Street all the way up to 218th Street. That entire stretch along the river is part of the district.

What kind of music do you enjoy? Favorite artists or genres?
My taste is pretty eclectic. Just recently, I was reciting some lyrics from James Brown. I like Santana, some good R&B like Al Green, and I love contemporary gospel. Every now and then I slow it down and just relax with some jazz.

What’s your favorite New York sports team?
I’ll say the Knicks. But I’m not the type who’s out buying gear for one team or another. You won’t see me getting upset if the Yankees win and the Mets lose — or if those New York football teams that play in New Jersey lose either. I’m just saying.

What are some of the priorities you’ve been working on this year?
Housing, transportation, public safety, and education. No matter where you are in the district, those issues matter.

My district is very diverse, Harlem, Hamilton Heights, Washington Heights, and Inwood, and people across all those neighborhoods are concerned about affordable housing, transportation access, and public safety.

Public safety means getting guns off the streets, creating opportunities for young people, and helping them learn conflict resolution skills so disagreements don’t escalate into violence. I work closely with credible messengers and violence interrupters: organizations like Harlem Mothers SAVE, Dr. Iesha Sekou’s Street Corner Resources, and Living Redemption.

These groups engage young people early and give them positive outlets. When young people have something meaningful to get involved in, they’re far less likely to become another statistic.

You also led a march against gun violence, correct?
Yes. I walked from New York City to Chicago — 780 miles — to raise awareness about gun violence. This August will mark the 10th anniversary of that walk.

We started with a prayer service at a church on 42nd Street, then walked to the United Nations. From there we began the journey. Senator Robert Jackson, who wasn’t a Senator at the time, walked with me from the East Side up to the foot of the George Washington Bridge.

The whole walk took 30 days. That’s 780 miles, and that doesn’t even include the extra steps from turning around or making wrong turns along the way.

What was your profession before becoming an Assemblymember?
I served as Chief of Staff for Herman “Denny” Farrell. I worked for the previous legislator for about 30 years. I actually started here as an intern in 1984 while I was in college.
Before that, I also interned in New York City government. Over time, it just grew into a career in public service.

Along the way, I also spent some time in the music industry. I worked with several R&B artists—you might recognize names like Mary J. Blige. A close friend of mine and I worked in music together before our paths diverged. He later introduced the world to artists like Alicia Keys and H.E.R. We were all Lehman College colleagues back then.

What advice would you give young people who want to get involved in politics?
I wouldn’t necessarily call it advice, but I would strongly encourage them to get involved in something. Doing nothing isn’t an option.

From the moment you’re born until the day you die, your life is governed by laws created by legislators. If decisions made in government affect your life that much, why not be part of the process?

Civic engagement helps you understand how your community works and how your tax dollars are used. Being involved, whether in politics, advocacy, or public service, just makes sense.

Any last comments?
Nobody can beat you but you. Don’t let anyone stop you from chasing your dreams. The only person who can truly stop your dreams is yourself.

Sometimes people, even people who love you, may tell you that something can’t be done. When I was preparing for the walk to Chicago, people told me I couldn’t do it because I wasn’t an athlete. I even struggled to raise money for the effort. But it was something that spoke to my heart and spirit, so I did it anyway.

Know who you are. Believe in yourself. And understand that sometimes the strength you need is already inside of you, even when the odds are against you.

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

Legislature Releases One-House Budget Proposals

This week, the Assembly and the Senate released their respective One-House Budget proposals. While Hochul’s Executive Budget proposes spending of $262.7 billion, the Assembly proposes a spending plan of $272 billion, while the Senate proposes a spending plan of $269.8 billion. With the release of the One-House Budget proposals, Hochul, leaders of the Legislature, and lawmakers face a deadline of April 1st to reach a final budget agreement.

As in previous years, both the Assembly and the Senate propose increasing taxes on corporations and high-income earners. The Assembly proposes to increase personal income taxes by 0.2 percentage points, or up to 10% from the current levels, for the highest earners. Meanwhile, the Senate is proposing a 0.5 percentage point surcharge on the top two income tax brackets. On corporate tax increases, the Assembly proposes raising it from 9% to 10.8% for financial firms and from 8.85% to 10.62% for other businesses. In comparison, the Senate proposes raising the top corporate tax rate from 7.25% to 9% on business income over $5 million. Other proposed tax changes include reducing the pass-through entity tax credit and imposing a mansion tax on properties assessed at over $500,000. While Hochul reiterated her position against increasing taxes, the Senate Majority Leader, Andrea Stewart-Cousins, explained that the Senate will “earnestly and honestly push” for the tax hikes. Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie pointed out that the Legislature has “pushed for things that the Governor wasn't there [on, but] eventually, when she recognized there was a necessity, that we did it.”

Additionally, the Legislature reiterated its commitment not to roll back the CLCPA by proposing increased funding up to $1 billion for initiatives and programs that would help the state reach its CLCPA goals. Additionally, while the Assembly did not mention the Cap-and-Invest program, which Hochul has delayed, the Senate explained in its resolution that it supports implementing a cap-and-invest program under the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act to meet the greenhouse gas emission reduction requirements. Notably, the Assembly proposes a $2.6 billion program to provide utility bill rebates to low-income households.

One notable proposal approved by both chambers of the Legislature is a 75% tax on smoke-free nicotine pouches to mirror the current tax on tobacco products. While advocates and some lawmakers support the proposal, others have raised concerns about potential discriminatory outcomes.

In response to the One-House Budget proposals, Hochul’s spokesperson said that she is looking “forward to working with the Legislature to pass a budget that makes New York safer and more affordable for working families.” Other issues that lawmakers must agree on for the final budget agreement include:

Combating Auto Insurance Fraud to Lower Premiums
SHBC Carveout from MMC
Healthcare Insurance Coverage
Immigration Protection
Aid and Incentives to Municipalities Funding

Mike Groll/Office of Governor Kathy Hochul

EXECUTIVE UPDATES

On Monday, Hochul announced the launch of a PFAS testing and mitigation rebate program for residents in Dutchess and Putnam Counties, and the opening of applications for residents in Orange, Suffolk, Ulster, and Westchester counties in the coming months. Under the program, eligible residents can receive rebates of up to $5,000 for water treatment systems or $10,000 to connect to a public water supply. The program builds on the state’s commitment to modernizing its water infrastructure and removing emerging contaminants from drinking water. “As we continue to learn more about the adverse health effects of PFAS, New York State is taking unprecedented steps to protect our communities,” explained Hochul.

On Tuesday, Hochul announced $1.8 million in new public safety investment for the construction of a childcare center in the city of Ogdensburg. The 15,000-square-foot facility is expected to provide up to 125 children and offer programs such as universal pre-K, Head Start, developmental screenings, and other family support services. The new facility builds upon Hochul’s Executive Budget goal to provide universal childcare over several years. In conjunction, Hochul also announced plans to restation New York Army National Guard soldiers at the historic Ogdensburg Armory, which is expected to improve emergency response capacity and support previous state investments in the area.

Additionally, Hochul announced a $10 million in funding for the city of Ogdensburg through the ninth round of the Downtown Revitalization Initiative. Additionally, the Town of Moriah and Village of Heuvelton were awarded $4.5 million each as the North Country winners of the fourth round of NY Forward. The funding is expected to help awarded communities develop strategic plans and invest in projects to revitalize downtown areas, expand housing opportunities, improve public spaces, and attract new businesses and visitors. The funding builds on Hochul’s commitment to supporting the growth of local economies and economic development. “Our North Country communities are vital to the fabric of New York State, and we are committed to providing them with the resources they need to thrive,” explained Hochul.

Earlier this week, Hochul announced the first-in-the-nation cybersecurity regulations and a new grant program to help protect the state’s water and wastewater infrastructure from cybersecurity threats. Under the proposed rules, water utilities would be required to establish cybersecurity standards, including assessing vulnerabilities, implementing security controls, monitoring networks, and developing incident response plans. With the proposed rules, the state is expected to provide grants and technical assistance to help systems strengthen their defenses. The proposed rules and grant programs build upon Hochul’s State of the State commitment to strengthen the resilience and reliability of the water and wastewater systems. “My administration is protecting New Yorkers by modernizing regulations and providing resources to adopt these important safeguards,” said Hochul.

On Wednesday, Hochul announced the completion of an $86 million affordable and supportive housing development in the Bronx. The $86 million affordable housing development is expected to deliver 154 high-quality apartments, including a community greenhouse, along with on-site supportive services to help residents maintain stable housing, including individuals who have experienced homelessness or require additional assistance. The development supports Hochul’s $25 billion five-year Housing Plan, which is on track to create or preserve 100,000 affordable homes statewide. “Homes with services, amenities, and opportunities to build community can help the most vulnerable New Yorkers live independently and achieve a sense of wellbeing and belonging,” explained Hochul.

LEGISLATIVE UPDATES

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

The Budget is due by Wednesday, April 1st

Legislature Propose to Increase Funding for Immigration Services

In their respective One-House Budget proposals, the Assembly and Senate propose increasing state funding for immigration services by up to $183 million, an increase of $110.8 million. In her Executive Budget, Hochul proposes to provide $72.4 million, the same amount approved in last year's Enacted Budget, for immigration services, including legal services, case management, and job-readiness programs for immigrants. The Legislature’s proposal would provide the bulk of the funding towards legal assistance. Although the New York for All Act was not included in either One-House Budget proposal, Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins explained that the discussions are ongoing and “We are really trying to get as close as possible to New York for All.” Additionally, the One-House Budget proposals intentionally omitted Hochul’s immigration proposals, with the Senate’s resolution explaining that the Legislature is prepared to “advance comprehensive solutions outside of the budget process.”

Legislature Proposes Renewal of NYC Fare-Free Bus Program

In both the Assembly and the Senate One-House Budget proposals, Democratic lawmakers propose renewing a fare-free bus program piloted in NYC. Previously pushed by then-Assemblymember Zohran Mamdani and Senate Deputy Leader Mike Gianaris, the fare-free bus pilot program ran from 2023 to 2024 before ending in September 2024. In addition to renewing the program, the Senate proposes expanding it. The push comes as Mayor Mamdani has been advocating for the renewal of the program and has proposed temporarily renewing it for five weeks during the FIFA World Cup this summer.

Mike Groll/Office of Governor Kathy Hochul

Hochul Urges to Change CLCPA Target Dates in the Final Budget

On Wednesday morning at the New York Agenda Summit hosted by Politico, Hochul explained that she is looking to extend the goals set by the CLCPA. Hochul explained that she will see the change as part of this year's budget negotiations. “I think that’s probably the best vehicle given that that’s where all the focus is,” said Hochul. With the release of a recent NYSERDA memo outlining potential costs and a current lawsuit by environmental justice advocates against the state for failing to meet the CLCPA goals, Hochul said the state “needs more time” to reach the CLCPA goals without impacting ratepayers. Many lawmakers, including Senate Energy & Telecommunications Chair Kevin Parker, Senate Environmental Conservation Chair Pete Harckham, and Senate Finance Chair Liz Krueger, disagreed and said they opposed any changes to the CLCPA. However, labor unions, including the AFL-CIO and the Construction and Trades Council, said in a joint statement that they support changing the CLCPA.

Senate Republicans Invite Dr. Oz to Albany

On Wednesday, Senate Republican lawmakers sent a letter to federal CMS Administrator Dr. Mehmet Oz inviting him to Albany to discuss exploring "the ways the state can partner with the federal government to rid the Medicaid” program of waste, fraud, and abuse to ensure only eligible New Yorkers receive benefits and services.” The invitation comes after Dr. Oz sent a letter to Hochul asking about the state’s “elevated cost” of Medicaid spending and alleging fraud. “We welcome the opportunity to meet with you to discuss these issues further and explore ways the state and federal government can work together to restore accountability to New York’s Medicaid program,” the letter states.

Don Pollard/Office of Governor Kathy Hochul

DOH Starting to Get Federal Approval for Essential Plan Transitio

Earlier this week, the state DOH announced that it has received the first of two required federal sign-offs to preserve Essential Plan coverage for 1.3 million New Yorkers, giving an early green light to Hochul’s plan to transition the previous basic health plan for low-income and immigrant households. However, lawmakers have acknowledged that the state will still seek an alternative for an estimated 450,000 individuals who will be kicked off the current Essential Plan because they earn too much to qualify for the basic health plan. “Here in New York, we try to do as best as we can, but unfortunately, the state will never be able to replace what the federal government takes away,” Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie explained. The Senate, in its One-House Budget Resolution, included a statement requiring the state to protect as much coverage as possible. “We certainly have made a statement in our resolution language that we fully intend to work to make sure that those folks are covered,” explained Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins

Lawmakers Urge a Gas Tax Holiday

In response to global uncertainty of gas prices, Assemblymember Landon Dais announced that he is advocating for the suspension of the state’s gas tax to protect drivers and businesses from sudden oil price shocks. “We are now going to be dealing with the Trump Iran war energy tax,” Dais explained for the reasoning of a gas tax holiday. A gas tax holiday has been advocated before, with Republican lawmakers calling for one for the summer. "The fastest way to put the brakes on rising fuel, food, and other commodity costs is by instituting a much-needed holiday from state fuel taxes for motorists and small businesses,” explained Senator James Tedisco

Aung Hset/D&A

Lawmakers Rally for House of Worship Buffer Zone in the Final Budget

On Wednesday, lawmakers joined faith leaders and advocates in support of Hochul’s budget proposal to establish a buffer zone around houses of worship. In the One-House Budget proposals, the Assembly rejected Hochul’s proposal while the Senate replaced it with a proposal to make it a misdemeanor to obstruct the entrance to a house of worship. Advocates and some lawmakers have criticized Hochul’s proposals as unnecessary and as encroaching on the right to engage in protest in public. Assemblymember Micah Lasher, who supports Hochul’s proposal and said he will introduce a similar standalone bill, explained that “There is long-standing jurisprudence that says government can pass reasonable restrictions as long as they are narrowly tailored on the time, place, and matter of protest.”

Mike Avella/D&A

Republican Lawmakers Accuses State Chief Judge of Violating Judicial Conduct

Earlier this week, Republican lawmakers held a press conference in the Capitol, accusing state Chief Judge Rowan Wilson of violating judicial ethics for advocating for bills and encouraging campaigns against judges who promise harsh sentences. The accusation comes after Wilson openly supported the passage of the Second Looks Act and said, “Don’t vote for them and get other people not to vote for them. That’s something you can do for me,” on judges who advocate for harsh sentencing. “We cannot sit idly by as we have a chief judge who goes to symposiums, pushes legislation, tells the general public, as the chief judge of New York state, to vote out judges, do him a favor,” said Assemblymember Michael Tannousis. However, Office of Court Administration spokesperson Al Baker said it's "appropriate for the Chief Judge to express his views on pending legislation that affects the court system,” and “also appropriate for him to speak publicly about proper judicial temperament and values.”

OTHER UPDATES

Office of City of New York Comptroller

City Comptroller Warns of Budget Gaps After Moody's Credit Downgrade

With NYC Council Budget Hearings on Mayor Mamdani’s preliminary budget underway, City Comptroller Mark Levine warned city lawmakers that the city faces at least $7.3 billion in budget deficit over this fiscal year and the next. This comes after Moody’s revised NYC's fiscal outlook from stable to negative, citing “sizable and persistent projected budget gaps.” City Comptroller Levine explained that the recent rating was a “sobering wake-up call” and that it was the first time NYC received a negative financial outlook since COVID-19. While Mamdani called the rating “premature” due to ongoing state and city budget negotiations, the credit rating is important for any future loans that NYC may take to fund capital projects.

State Appellate Court Allows NYC Ban on Foie Gras

Yesterday, a state appellate court rul ed that NYC do have the jurisdiction to ban foie gras, which was first passed by NYC Council in 2019 but the state has attempted to block its implementation ever since. While originally an animal rights issue, it gradually evolved into an issue over jurisdiction between the state and city as the state argue that the city’s ban on foie gras would have a negative impact on Upstate farms. While the recent ruling allows NYC to move forward with the ban, some do expect the ruling to be appealed.

Federal Courts Rule Against Trump in Gateway Tunnel

This week, a federal appeals court ruled against the federal DOT’s decision to halt the federal funding for the $16 billion Gateway Tunnel Project between New York and New Jersey. The freezing of federal funds, which has been criticized by city, state, and federal lawmakers in both states, was due to a government shutdown last year and later led to the project being characterized as "terminated." In a unanimous decision, the court ruled that the federal government failed to demonstrate that continuing payments would cause irreparable harm, upholding a lower court's order requiring the administration to release previously withheld funds. With the ruling, the federal DOT must continue disbursing the payment. However, a spokesperson for the federal DOT is "committed to ensuring hardworking taxpayer dollars are being spent responsibly" and is "considering all legal avenues on their behalf.

Friday Morning Brief March 13, 2026

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Friday Morning Brief March 13, 2026

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