Friday Morning Brief May 1, 2026
Member Spotlight
Senator Patricia Canzoneri-Fitzpatrick
Senator Patricia Canzoneri-Fitzpatrick joins us to discuss her district, priorities, and her background as a CPA, attorney, and serving in local government. Before her election to the Senate, she served her community as a trustee on the Village Board in Malverne. Currently, she is the Ranker on the Consumer Protection and Mental Health committees. She also serves on the Committees on Environmental Conservation, Judiciary, and Women's Issues, and the Legislative Women's Caucus.
What district do you represent?
I represent the 9th Senate District, which is located in the southwest corner of Nassau County.
If I were visiting your district, what landmarks would you recommend?
The south shore of my district is really the jewel. Long Beach, with its beautiful beachfront boardwalk. It stretches through Lido Beach and Point Lookout, which I would argue are some of the most beautiful beaches not just in New York, but anywhere.
At the north end of the district, we have UBS Arena, home of the New York Islanders. And in between, we’re seeing exciting development with the Tunnel to Towers Foundation building a Veterans Village in the Island Park and Oceanside area. Those are some of the highlights.
What are your favorite New York sports teams?
The Islanders are right in my district, so I’m absolutely a fan. I’m also a Mets fan, even though they’re not in the district. I’m a graduate of St. John’s University, so I follow college basketball as well. Those are definitely my top teams.
What kind of music do you enjoy?
I have a wide range of musical tastes. Billy Joel is someone I’ve listened to for a long time—I’ve been to many of his concerts since high school.
Having young children has also introduced me to newer artists like One Direction, Lewis Capaldi, and 5 Seconds of Summer. I also love The Beatles and Paul McCartney, and classic rock as well. I enjoy going to concerts in general, and we’re lucky in this area to have so many great venues, there’s always something happening.
What was your profession before being elected to the Senate?
I’m both an attorney and a CPA. I started as a CPA before becoming an attorney, and I still practice law today. I’ve been partners with my father for about 25 years. Before being elected to the Senate, I also served as a trustee on the Village Board in Malverne, my hometown.
What inspired you to run for office?
I’ve always been interested in being involved in my community. What really motivated me to run were changes to bail laws and concerns about support for law enforcement after COVID.
My background as a CPA also gave me a strong understanding of fiscal responsibility, and I believe that’s incredibly important in government. I wanted to use my experience to give back and serve my community.
What are your priorities this year?
Mental health is a major priority for me as the ranking member on the Mental Health Committee. I want to continue working to reduce the stigma surrounding mental health and encourage people to seek help when they need it.
Public safety is also critical. If people don’t feel safe, they won’t engage in their communities. I’ve introduced legislation focused on protecting victims of domestic violence, including measures to address traumatic brain injuries and to expand protections where harm to animals is used as a form of coercion.
Affordability is another key issue, particularly through the state Budget. We need to ensure we’re not overburdening taxpayers or small businesses, because that ultimately impacts families and the cost of living.
Energy costs are also a major concern, especially on Long Island. I’ve introduced legislation to remove certain taxes that are driving up water bills in my district, and I continue to advocate for a balanced approach to energy policy that supports both sustainability and affordability.
What advice would you give students who want to get involved in politics or community service?
Get involved. Whether it’s through internships in a legislator’s office or volunteering in your community. There are so many ways to make a difference: helping with food drives, working with local organizations, joining community boards or beautification efforts. Understanding how government works and seeing firsthand what your community needs is incredibly valuable.
And if someone isn’t sure where to start, our office is always happy to help point them in the right direction.
Any final comments?
I’m truly honored to serve as a State Senator. Representing 330,000 people is something I never take for granted. Every day, I focus on advocating for my district and helping the people I serve. It’s one of the most rewarding roles I’ve ever had, and I hope to continue doing this work for years to come.
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.comto set up an interview!
Aung Hset/D&A
Budget Negotiations Approaching the "End of the Middle"
After lawmakers passed the eighth extender on Wednesday (a month after the "deadline") leaders of the Legislature said that an agreement on the budget is getting close. Earlier this week, Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins said, “We are approaching the end of the middle.” Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie remarked that Hochul and the Legislature are “in the same neighborhood but not the same block yet” on the final agreement.
However, Stewart-Cousins said that the Legislature and Hochul “are making good progress on getting close to an agreement on the big policy issues.” While Hochul did not publicly delve into the details, she did confirm that she wants to address how car insurance sets premiums, a concern raised by lawmakers. "Yes, we are looking closely at how insurance companies set their rates and what criteria they use,” said Hochul. Additionally, it was previously reported that Hochul was reconsidering her proposal relating to comparative negligence.
Regarding Hochul’s proposal to amend the CLCPA, it was reported that lawmakers are considering moving the deadline for final regulations to 2028, rather than her original proposal of 2030. With lawmakers initially pushing for 2027, Stewart-Cousins explained that the Legislature was “never comfortable with the governor’s proposal for 2030…So the governor is now saying 2028, so it is certainly better than it was.” However, it was also reported that Hochul’s proposal to loosen the methodology for calculating GHG emissions may be included in the Final Budget.
Notably, it was reported that Hochul and the Legislature are close to an agreement on immigration protections, which is expected to be included in the Final Budget. Reportedly, the Final Budget will not include language that would have explicitly prevented local law enforcement officials from collaborating with federal immigration agents on civil matters, but will allow it for certain criminal matters. This comes after immigration advocates and lawmakers raised concerns about Hochul's reported push to allow municipalities to share information with federal immigration enforcement when probable cause exists.
With policy proposals close to being settled, Heastie said on Wednesday that fiscal talks have started. “We’re talking about money…I think that the end is in sight. I wouldn’t say it’s near, but I think it’s in sight,” said Heastie. Aside from the pied-à-terre tax in NYC, Hochul and the Legislature must also reach an agreement on how to help the city address its $5.4 billion deficit.
Lawmakers will return to Albany on Monday and are expected pass another Budget Extender.
Mike Groll/Office of Governor Kathy Hochul
EXECUTIVE UPDATES
On Wednesday, Hochul announced the launch of a new 10-year initiative to study gaming addiction, better understand current trends, and strengthen prevention and treatment efforts across the state. The study will collect data on gaming habits, their health impacts, and the effectiveness of existing state mitigation programs. The data are expected to help the state identify service gaps and inform future legislative proposals. The initiative builds upon the state’s commitment to combat gaming addiction and ensure necessary resources for those with addiction. “New York State remains committed to helping those impacted by problem gambling, which can affect anyone, regardless of age or where they live,” explained Hochul.
Earlier this week, Hochul announced the completion of a $38 million affordable housing project in the Bronx. The 79-unit affordable housing project would be prioritized for low-income residents and vulnerable populations. The project will also include supportive services, including case management, health care coordination, and employment assistance, to ensure stability for its residents. The development supports the state's $25 billion five-year Housing Plan to create or preserve 100,000 affordable homes, with a priority on supporting vulnerable households. “This development will bring much-needed modern housing to the Bronx while also ensuring vulnerable New Yorkers can find the stability they need to build a stronger future,” said Hochul.
On Tuesday, Hochul held a press conference to tout her Executive Budget proposals while criticizing the Republican-controlled Congress. In the press conference, Hochul explained that her Executive Budget proposals, including changes to auto insurance to combat fraud, SEQRA reforms, expansion of childcare, and tax cuts for the middle class, would help counterbalance federal policies. Additionally, Hochul called on the Trump Administration to return up to $13.5 billion collected through tariffs to residents in the state. “My state budget is about making life more affordable for hardworking New Yorkers. From driving down the cost of auto insurance to demanding that the federal government refund the $13.5 billion illegally taken from New Yorkers, I’ll never stop standing up for New York,” explained Hochul.
Alongside US Senators Chuck Schumer and Kristen Gillibrand and Rep. Paul Tonko, Hochul announced the launch of a public-private investment to expand high-speed broadband access across the state. Partially funded by the federal Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment program and administered through the state’s ConnectALL initiative, the $540 million investment will target over 58,000 underserved households and businesses. The investment builds on the state’s ongoing effort to close the digital divide, particularly in rural and underserved communities. “Closing the digital divide means ensuring that reliable, high-speed access reaches every household in the state,” explained Hochul.
Alongside NYC Mayor Zohran Mamdani and the FIFA World Cup 2026 NYNJ Host Committee, Hochul announced a series of free official World Cup events across NYC. With $20 million in state funding, the events will feature live match viewings, cultural programming, and local business participation in the Bronx. In addition to ensuring affordable World Cup events for everyone regardless of income, the events complement the state’s commitment to boosting local economic development and affordable entertainment options for all residents. “New Yorkers are ready to welcome fans from across the world for the 2026 World Cup, and we’re making sure everyone who calls this city home is part of this historic event,” said Hochul.
LEGISLATIVE UPDATES
Next week, the Legislature is scheduled to be in session Monday to Thursday
Following the Supreme Court’s recent Callais decision, which significantly weakens key protections under the federal Voting Rights Act related to majority-minority congressional districts, New York lawmakers are signaling an intent to respond at the state level. At the same time, officials acknowledge that the full implications of the ruling are still being assessed. As Senator Zellnor Myrie noted, “It’s going to take some time for us to sift through what the implications are.”
With expectations that other states may pursue redistricting strategies favorable to Republicans, pressure is building in New York to act in response. Governor Hochul and legislative leaders are now openly discussing potential changes to the state’s redistricting process. “I’m working with the Legislature to change New York’s redistricting process so we can fight back against Washington’s attempts to rig our democracy,” Hochul said.
Senate Deputy Majority Leader Mike Gianaris and Assemblymember Micah Lasher—sponsors of a proposed constitutional amendment that would allow the state to reopen redistricting if another state does so first—have emphasized the urgency of that approach. “When other states rig congressional representation, our communities lose ground in Washington, our voices are diluted, and our ability to fight for the people we represent is weakened. We must fight back; there’s no time to waste,” Gianaris said.
Susan Watts/Office of Governor Kathy Hochul
Mamdani and Menin Push for PTET Changes
Although the pied-à-terre tax for NYC is considered likely to be included in the Final Budget, Hochul remains opposed to NYC Mayor Zohran Mamdani and NYC Council Member Julie Menin’s renewed push to change the Pass-Through Entity Tax (PTET) credit. “It’s not happening. We’re not changing the PTET,” Hochul said earlier this week. Hochul explained that the city must find savings and that the state is already providing the city with increased aid, including $1.5 billion in direct funding and $1.2 billion in childcare funding. However, Mamdani and Menin noted that the city needs more revenue, even with additional savings, to address its $5.4 billion budget deficit.
Stewart-Cousins and Heastie explained that they are trying to do as much as possible while also ensuring that other municipalities receive sufficient funding. “I still think they need to go over the city council’s checklist and see what else they think they can come up with,” said Heastie. With budget discussions around fiscal issues ongoing, it remains to be seen whether the state will provide more funding for the city, which has extended its own budget deadline. Some lawmakers are also warning that this issue could further extend the budget delay, with Senator James Sanders saying, "Can this hold up the budget? If there’s a serious examination of it, yes.”
SEQRA Reforms Close to an Agreement
In addition to other contentious policy issues that are slowly reaching an agreement, it was reported that Hochul and the Legislature are close to an agreement on SEQRA reforms. The final agreement to be included in the Final Budget would allow certain developments to avoid an extensive assessment of their environmental impacts. Considered the only major housing policy proposal by Hochul, she argues that the current SEQRA law is outdated and results in prolonged and more expensive housing projects. Heastie explained that some details are still under discussion, including developments in areas with historical environmental concerns.“ We still want to make sure that there's no contamination of soil when you build even on a previously disturbed area,” explained Heastie. “It's still under negotiation. Part of it is making sure that everybody understands the intent and what we would be losing with some of the compromises that are on the table,” explained Assemblymember Dr. Anna Kelles.
Senate Passes Domestic Violence Protection Legislative Package
This week, the Senate passed a legislative package to strengthen protections for crime victims and survivors. The package builds on a similar package passed last year and on laws enacted in October during Domestic Violence Awareness Month. This year’s package includes bills that would prevent using the voluntary intoxication of a victim as a defense in sex related crimes, protect the privacy of crime victims and survivors, and expand resources for victims. “The package we are advancing today builds on that progress by raising awareness of available resources, strengthening financial and privacy protections, and closing gaps in our laws that have too often prevented survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault from receiving the justice they deserve,” said Stewart-Cousins. Some of the bills in the package are:
Aung Hset/D&A
Assembly Passes Legislative Disabilities Awareness Day Package
In support of Legislative Disabilities Awareness Day earlier this week, Assembly Chair of People with Disabilities Angelo Santabarbara and Speaker Heastie announced the passage of a legislative package to help support individuals with disabilities throughout the state. “The millions of New Yorkers [who] live with a disability deserve dignity, respect, and a good quality of life, and this legislation ensures that they have the highest standard of services and care they need across the state,” explained Heastie. Santabarbara, who has been involved in advocacy for individuals with disabilities, said, “As we work to support New Yorkers living with intellectual and developmental disabilities, we must take action to eliminate the challenges that persist in our system, and the package of legislation we passed for Legislative Disabilities Awareness Day is another important step in delivering for disabled New Yorkers. The bills in the package are:
Aung Hset/D&A
Lawmakers Push to Make Eid an Official Public Holiday
On Tuesday, lawmakers rallied with advocates, community leaders, and Albany Mayor Dorcey Applyrs to urge the Legislature to pass abill that would make Eid a public holiday. Lawmakers and advocates argue that making Eid a public holiday in the state would recognize Muslim students and families and allow them to miss fewer school days. The push comes after the state made Lunar New Year an official public holiday in 2024. “Our Muslim students should be able to celebrate Eid with their families without missing out on school and impacting their academics,” said Nathalia Fernandez, the Senate sponsor of the bill.
GOP Lawmakers Urge the Passage of the PROTECT Act
Earlier this week, Senate Republican lawmakers held a press conference with two sheriffs to urge passage of the PROTECT Act, which would amend bail laws to restrict repeat offenders from being released on bail. Specifically, the PROTECT Act would base pretrial detention decisions on a defendant’s risk to public safety, include provisions to support mental health interventions, establish a standardized risk assessment tool, and require custody decisions to be made within 48 hours. Advocates argue that the PROTECT Act would balance public safety concerns while still prioritizing criminal justice. “This is a part of our statewide effort to make New York state safer for everyone,” said Pam Helming, the Senate sponsor of the bill.
OTHER UPDATES
Mamdani and Menin Strike Budget Extender Deal to Buy Time for Executive Budget
Earlier this week, NYC Mayor Zohran Mamdani and NYC Council Speaker Julie Menin announced that they had negotiated a budget extender through May 12th to allow Mamdani to release his Executive Budget proposal. Mamdani explained that the extender was necessary to ensure that the Executive Budget incorporates the state’s Final Budget decisions for NYC amidst its $5.4 billion budget deficit. Additionally, Mamdani and Menin jointly called on Hochul and the Legislature to agree to reducing NYC’s PTET credit to 75%, which they said would result in an additional $1 billion in revenue. “New York City is facing a generational fiscal deficit, and it’s going to require serious, good-faith partnership across every level of government to meet this moment,” said Mamdani.
Carl Wilson Defeats Lindsey Boylan for City Council Race
On Tuesday, Carl Wilson, considered an ally of Speaker Menin, declared victory in the NYC Council District 3 special election. Wilson, who previously served as the Chief of Staff to Erik Bottcher, who held the district before resigning to join the Senate and supported Wilson, defeated Lindsey Boylan by up to 17 points. Boylan was endorsed by Mayor Mamdani a day before early voting started and was previously seen by some as the favorite to win the race. Although no candidates won over 50% of the first-choice votes, the race won’t be officially called until all ranked votes are counted on May 5th. However, with Wilson having a 17-pointa 17-point lead, it is expected that he will officially win the race next week.
Other Interesting Friday Reads
Here's which NYC neighborhoods will be hit hardest as key federal rental program ends - Gothamist
South Country district gets state approval to borrow $11M — but can't use it to lower next year's taxes - Newsday
Mamdani Vetoes School Protest 'Buffer Zone' Bill | THE CITY — NYC News
Mamdani administration’s campaign to end street harassment reaches the Bronx – Bronx Times
New York fights Bruce Blakeman matching funds lawsuit - Times Union
Denim Day to support sexual assault survivors – The Legislative Gazette
Two Queens Dem mainstays to run unopposed after challengers booted from ballot — Queens Daily Eagle
Jeffries lays out more targets for gerrymanders in response to GOP’s renewed push - POLITICO
The Supreme Court’s Callais decision sets new framework for racial gerrymandering | Constitution Center
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