Member Spotlight

Assemblywoman Amanda Septimo

Assemblywoman Amanda Septimo joins us to discuss her district, priorities, and passion for community service and advocating for justice and equitable policies. Before being elected to the Assembly, she served her community in various public service roles, including advocating for social and environmental justice as a teenager. Currently, she serves on various committees, including on Banks, Education, and Ways & Means.

What district do you represent?
I represent the 84th Assembly District in the South Bronx.

If I were visiting your district, where should I go?
Some of the most well-known landmarks include Yankee Stadium, of course. But I’m especially proud to represent Hunts Point—particularly the waterfront area, which includes Barretto Point Park. It’s one of the most beautiful parks in the city, in my opinion.

That park really tells the story of environmental justice in our community — how residents fought for cleaner, healthier spaces and made real progress. It’s a powerful example of community-driven change.

We also have great local businesses like the Bronx Drafthouse, which recently celebrated its 10th anniversary. And culturally, the district is incredibly rich—Bad Bunny filmed in the area, including along the Grand Concourse, and we’re home to artists like Fat Joe. The Bronx has such a deep musical and cultural history, and my district is right in the middle of that.

What kind of music do you enjoy?
I’m all over the place musically. A lot of my favorite songs are in Spanish — everything from bachata and merengue to Bad Bunny. I kind of grew up during that era, so it’s close to me.

At the same time, I’ll go from Taylor Swift to Lil Wayne. I usually listen to my music on shuffle and let the playlist take me wherever it goes.

Favorite New York sports team?
I’m actually a Mets fan. I also root for the Knicks. I generally root for whoever is representing New York, and lately, that’s been the Knicks.

What was your profession before being elected to the Assembly?
Before politics, I did more politics. My first job out of college was working for Congressman José Serrano, who represented the district I now serve. I had actually interned for him in high school, so coming back to work for him full-time was really special. I worked there for about four years. After that, I worked for a labor union, ran for office in 2018 and lost, then worked for another union before running again and winning.

What inspired you to get into politics?
When I was a teenager, I got involved with an organization called The Point CDC, which focuses on social and environmental justice. That experience really opened my eyes to why the Bronx looks so different from nearby communities that are doing better economically.

Once you start to see the world through that lens — understanding how policy decisions shape outcomes — it’s hard to unsee it. Working in government reinforced that even more. I saw firsthand how decisions made at that level have wide-ranging impacts. That’s what drew me in, the ability to create real, systemic change and improve people’s lives at scale.

What are your priorities now that you’re in office?
My main focus is changing the story of the Bronx, especially the South Bronx, and more broadly, low-income communities across New York.
I want to ensure that policy is used as a tool for justice, not something that reinforces systemic inequality. Issues like generational poverty, poor health outcomes, and economic disparities don’t happen by accident. They’re the result of policy decisions. My goal is to help dismantle those systems and turn government into an engine for opportunity.

Are there specific local issues you’re working on?
Environmental justice is one of the biggest. My district has one of the highest asthma rates in the country, largely due to heavy truck traffic and industrial activity. We’re working to transition more trucks to electric fleets and build the infrastructure to support that. I’m proud that we secured $10 million from NYSERDA to build an electric truck charging station in Hunts Point. We’re also fighting to shut down a highly polluting peaker power plant in the district, which runs far more often than it should. At the same time, we’re focused on expanding access to green space and improving the overall quality of life.

On the economic side, we’re working to create real pathways to opportunity—especially through workforce development programs that connect people directly to jobs, particularly in sectors like tech. The goal is to ensure that even those without traditional educational backgrounds have access to stable, well-paying careers.

What advice would you give students who want to get involved in politics?
Just get involved. Walk into a nonprofit or a political office and offer to help — that’s what I did as a teenager. Be willing to do anything at first. That’s how you learn, and those early experiences can lead directly to bigger opportunities down the line.

Any final comments?
The Bronx is an incredible place with even more incredible people. We are a community of strong, resilient people who keep joy and caring for one another at the center of it all.

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!

Mike Groll/Office of Governor Kathy Hochul

Budget Still at an Impasse After "General Agreement" Budget Announcement

A week after Hochul announced her “general agreement” on the Final Budget, lawmakers passed the 12th Extender yesterday and continue to grind away on the budget. On the floor, Senator Serrano explained that although Hochul announced the deal, he doesn't "have a concrete idea of where we are with the Final Budget.” However, Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie told reporters that negotiations have “picked up a bit” since last week. “'I’m hoping that we can get this wrapped up," explained Heastie, and predicted that lawmakers may vote on the budget bills in the middle to late next week. Heastie’s comments echoed Senate Majority Leader Andea Stewart-Cousins’ comments earlier this week, where she told reporters that she “believe[s] we will be entering the beginning of the end over the next few days, with the hope reaching an end sometime next week.” However, Senate Deputy Leader Mike Gianaris told reporters yesterday that it is “very slim” that the Final Budget will be finalized before Memorial Day.

Stewart-Cousins also mentioned that this year’s budget process has been “extremely difficult,” with lawmakers solely blaming Hochul for insisting on including policy items in the Budget. Some, including Assemblymember Deborah Glick, suggested that Hochul is specifically dragging the budget process to delay the passage of certain controversial bills. “I’m not sure pressing the timeframe isn’t a strategic move, so we don’t have a lot of time to do bills that perhaps the governor would rather not deal with this year,” said Glick.

Currently, Hochul may include policy proposals in the budget process under the precedent set by S ilver v . Pataki, which many legal scholars interpret as empowering the governor during negotiations. However, lawmakers have raised the idea of amending the state constitution to limit the governor from including non-fiscal policy proposals in the Budget. However, while Heastie has openly criticized the process, he remains skeptical of passing a constitutional amendment, as it requires the Legislature to pass it twice and voter approval, which would require a campaign against Hochul. “The Governor is abusing the budget process, which desperately needs to change, but that takes a constitutional amendment, which means the legislature needs to pass a law twice and the voters need to approve it on the ballot,” explained Assemblymember Sarahana Shrestha.

Hochul has continuously defended her move to include policy items, explaining that she is “using the procedure which has been in place for many years.” Hochul also explained that she wants to ensure the current process allows her to prioritize policies she believes would benefit the state but would otherwise be challenging to move through the traditional process through the Legislature. “We can be talking about dollars perhaps earlier. But I need commitments that what is important in the policy part— I mean New Yorkers are excited about the policies probably more than they are to know exactly how many dollars are going to ‘x’ program,” explained Hochul.

Susan Watts/Office of Governor Kathy Hochul

EXECUTIVE UPDATES

On Wednesday, Hochul announced the disbursement of $14.5 million to two municipalities on Long Island as part of the latest round of awardees for the Downtown Revitalization Initiative (DRI) and NY Forward. Under the disbursement, the Village of Valley Stream will receive up to $10 million through DRI, and the Village of Patchogue will receive $4.5 million through NY Forward. With the funding, the municipalities are expected to use it to support projects focused on housing, infrastructure improvements, walkability, public spaces, and business development. The latest round of funding builds on the state’s commitment to facilitating local economic development and encouraging long-term revitalization across Long Island. “These transformational projects in Valley Stream and Patchogue are a commitment to Long Island’s future, where we will secure walkable downtowns, affordable housing, support for the arts, and so much more. I’ll always keep fighting for Long Island,” explained Hochul

Additionally, Hochul announced up to $20 million in state investment for ten projects in the Bronx as part of DRI and NY Forward awards. The funded projects are all focused on strengthening neighborhoods, expanding economic opportunity, and improving public spaces, as well as ensuring affordable housing, streetscape improvements, and commercial corridor redevelopment. Similar to the Long Island awards, the funding supports the state’s commitment to boosting local economic development but also facilitating urban and cultural development throughout NYC. “These funds will support their existing resources and allow residents and business owners to thrive through enhanced community partnerships and continued economic development projects.”

Fast, affordable bus rides to the World Cup for New Yorkers?

Game on. pic.twitter.com/E98Js3nWnN
— Governor Kathy Hochul (@GovKathyHochul) May 13, 2026

Earlier this week, Hochul joined the FIFA World Cup 2026 NYNJ Host Committee to announce the expansion of the official stadium shuttle service for World Cup matches. Additionally, Hochul announced that shuttle fares will be reduced from $80 to $20 round-trip, with up to 18,000 bus tickets available per game, and 20% reserved for residents of the state. This builds on Hochul's latest announcements regarding the World Cup, which prioritize making sure the matches remain as equitable as possible and ensuring the event stimulates local businesses across NYC and the state. “This is your World Cup, and from Buffalo to Brooklyn, New Yorkers should be able to enjoy every moment of it,” said Hochul.

On Tuesday, Hochul announced the expansion of Saratoga Spa Park, adding about 79 acres of new wetlands, forest, and open space for wildlife and future park uses. The newly acquired land near the park’s previous southeastern boundary is expected to preserve wildlife habitat, support flood mitigation, and create new recreation and environmental education opportunities. The expansion will support the state’s commitment to conserving 30% of its lands and water by 2030, as well as expanding public access to the state’s wildlife. “New York State is focused on conserving open space and providing first-class recreational opportunities. Protecting this natural space will ensure the area continues to serve as habitat for various waterfowl and wildlife in perpetuity by protecting forests and wetlands,” said Hochul.

LEGISLATIVE UPDATES

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

Senate Passes Consumer Protection & Mitigating Unfair Pricing Legislative Package

This week, the Senate passed a legislative package to strengthen consumer protections and mitigate unfair pricing practices. The package also centers on increasing transparency in pricing and promoting the affordability of various consumer goods by holding manufacturers and service providers accountable for their consumer impact. “At a time when many New Yorkers are still struggling to make ends meet and keep food on the table, we are advancing a package of practical, consumer-focused reforms designed to put money back in people’s pockets and crack down on unfair business practices,” said Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins. Some of the bills in the package are:

Aung Hset/D&A

Hochul Unveils Pied-à-Terre Language

Yesterday, it was reported that Hochul unveiled her language for the pied-à-terre tax to lawmakers, proposing that a tax rate between 0.8% and 1.05% would apply to one- to three-family homes with a market value of at least $5 million as assessed by the city. For condos and co-ops, the tax rate is between 4% and 6.5%. would apply to units with an assessed market value of at least $1 million for the first two years. Additionally, NYC would be required to implement a new method for valuing condos and co-ops that estimates what they would sell for in the open market, which would then result in the tax for condos and co-ops being the same as for standalone homes. This comes as crafting the language for the pied-à-terre tax has proven to be difficult for Hochul and the Legislature due to NYC’s current property tax system.

We got it done 💪 https://t.co/vlvpTF7LB2
— Governor Hochul Press Office (@NYGovPress) May 12, 2026

State Aid to NYC in the Final Budget Being Finalized

In addition to the pied-à-terre tax, Hochul, alongside NYC Mayor Zohran Mamdani, announced that the Final Budget will include a new $4 billion in “gap-closing support.” Specifically, NYC will get $500 million through the new pied-à-terre tax, $202 million in "actions to offset recurring spending obligations,” $150 million in school aid, and $3.163 billion through state-authorized savings measures, including the delaying of the implementation of the classroom reduction mandate and pension amortization. Although Hochul did not specifically raise income taxes, Mamdani explained that the pied-à-terre tax supports his tax-the-rich campaign promise. “This is what a results-driven, responsible partnership looks like, and I’m proud to work with Mayor Mamdani to deliver for working New Yorkers,” Hochul said in a statement. Additionally, it was also reported that lawmakers are discussing a new tax on NYC homes purchased in cash for at least $1 million. Heastie explained that the proposal would raise an estimated $160 million and is being discussed as “part of the plan to help close the city’s deficit.”

Final Budget Expected to Delay Implementation of NYC Classroom Size Reduction Mandate

While Hochul announced that the implementation of the classroom-size mandate has been delayed to save up to $500 million for NYC, Senate NYC Education Chair John Liu explained that the number of years for the delay is still being negotiated. With lawmakers considering two or three years, Liu explained, “Mayor Mamdani clearly supports getting the city to 100 percent compliance, and we've been working on a clear and realistic plan to get to that, which means more time.” Mamdani has also reiterated his commitment to complying with the mandate, explaining, “Make no mistake: we are fully committed to fulfilling the state mandate in a meaningful way on a realistic timeline that New Yorkers can actually trust.” This comes as it has been reported that the Final Budget would extend NYC mayoral control by two years.

Darren McGee/Office of Governor Kathy Hochul

Details Emerge Over Tier 6 Changes

This week, it was reported that Hochul and the Legislature are nearly in agreement on Tier 6 reforms, which were not included in Hochul’s “general agreement” Budget announcement last week. Under the reported proposed $500 million reform, it would now allow teachers to retire at 58 years of age and with 30 years of service, lower contribution rates for public workers except teachers by 0.75%, with 3% being the lowest rate, and boost the cap on overtime pay counted toward pension benefits to 20%. Although Stewart-Cousins did not explicitly say how Tier 6 would be reformed, she explained that “we will land some place that will benefit members." While unions have been advocating for reforms to Tier 6, some have criticized the cost to municipalities, especially when several are in budget deficits.

Aung Hset/D&A

Final Budget Expected to Include Delay to Zero-Emission School Buses

In a press gaggle yesterday, Heastie confirmed that the Final Budget would include language delaying school districts’ transition to emission-free school buses. The original 2022 law set a requirement for school districts to transition to emission-free school buses by 2027 and for all buses on the road to be emission-free by 2035, but many school districts have raised concerns that they are unable to meet the deadlines. Reportedly, school districts would be allowed to use traditional buses through 2032 and delay the transition deadline to 2040. "We all want to make sure that our kids have access to clean air, especially when riding a bus ... but because of factors outside of our control ... many members want to see a postponement of the deadline," Assemblymember Michaelle Solages explained. However, some lawmakers are also urging the state to provide more resources to school districts to ensure they can meet future deadlines.

I joined @AmyPaulin & more than 75 legislators to send a letter to the Governor urging action to fund access to affordable health coverage in this year’s budget. Our bill, S9589/A10926, would address this looming crisis. Madam Governor, the time is now to protect NYers’ health. pic.twitter.com/gCBzaV4fco
— Gustavo Rivera (@NYSenatorRivera) May 13, 2026

Lawmakers Urge for Funding for Ensuring Coverage with Essential Plan Transition to Basic Health Plan

With discussions around the Essential Plan transition to the Basic Health Plan and its projected number of about 450,000 individuals losing coverage as a result, lawmakers led by Senate Health Chair Gustavo Rivera and Assembly Health Chair Amy Paulin sent a letter to Hochul to fully fund the plan to ensure access to affordable healthcare and the inclusion of their plan in the Final Budget. While it is unclear whether their proposal will be included in the Final Budget, the letter was signed by more than 75 lawmakers, underscoring the importance of preserving as much coverage as possible. “With the Trump Administration and Congressional Republicans choosing to abandon New Yorkers, it is critical that we step up as state leaders to ensure access to these critical health services,” the letter states.

However, Heastie told reporters “I’m not sure the money is there under our current tax structure. So we talk about it, we care about it, but I don’t know if we’re going to be able to solve that.” However, Paulin has said that she remains optimistic, saying, “We’re still hoping that we can address them.” It was also reported that Hochul is pushing back against proposals from the Legislature, insisting that the issue must be resolved by the federal government.

Assembly to Conference PRRIA Before Session Adjourns

Yesterday, Heastie told reporters that the Assembly will conference the Packaging Reduction and Recycling Infrastructure Act as time runs out for non-budget bills to pass. This comes as the bill’s sponsors, Senate Environmental Conservation Chair Pete Harckham and Assembly Environmental Conservation Chair Deborah Glick, recently amended the bill to address concerns raised by opponents and to extend the deadline for mandating that 75% of packaging be reusable or recyclable from 2052 to 2055. Glick explained that the Assembly leadership has acknowledged the bill amendments as a “signal that they understand we have gone as far as we possibly can to address the industry’s concerns.” The bill has passed in the Senate since 2024, but has not in the Assembly. However, while it seemed likely to pass in the Assembly last year, it was ultimately not put on the floor for debate and a vote due to time running out before lawmakers adjourned for the year.

Client Spotlight: New Yorkers for Mental Health Alternatives Brings Psilocybin Advocates to Albany

On Tuesday, D&A client New Yorkers for Mental Health Alternatives (NYMHA) held a lobby day in Albany, bringing advocates from across the state to meet with legislators and advance a package of psilocybin reform bills. The package reflects a range of approaches to expanding access to psilocybin, from decriminalization to regulated therapeutic frameworks.

The bills NYMHA is advocating for include S495/A3775 (Fernandez/Burke), which would create a therapeutic access program allowing New Yorkers to use psilocybin for a broad range of conditions under the supervision of trained facilitators; S1801A/A3845A (Fernandez/Burke), which would establish a psilocybin-assisted therapy pilot program specifically for 10,000 veterans and first responders from western New York; the recently amended A2142A/S5303A (Salazar/Paulin), which would allow the growth, cultivation, and adult use of psilocybin for the treatment of certain health conditions and establish a licensed cultivator structure and facilitator certification program and A628 (Rosenthal), which would decriminalize the possession, use, cultivation, and gifting of naturally occurring psychedelics;

With a growing body of clinical research supporting psilocybin's efficacy in treating depression, PTSD, addiction, and other conditions — and momentum building at both the state and federal level — NYMHA and its advocates made the case that New York should be a leader in expanding safe and equitable access to these emerging therapies.

OTHER UPDATES

Mamdani Unveils His NYC Executive Budget

Earlier this week, NYC Mayor Zohran Mamdani unveiled his $124.7 billion Executive Budget, which was $3 billion less than his Preliminary Budget that he unveiled in February. In the Executive Budget, Mamdani proposes to close the $5.4 billion budget deficit through various state aid measures and by implementing savings measures, including $1.77 billion across agencies. One measure that was included in the Executive Budget and approved by Hochul is to delay payments to NYC’s pension fund. While Mamdani explained that this would have “no impact on retirees and their benefits,” it was reported that many unions are opposed to the proposal. Additionally, Mamdani’s proposal would include up to $1 billion in cuts to education and housing, which has drawn criticism. With Mamdani releasing his Executive Budget, NYC Council Speaker Julie Menin announced that the Council will start holding its budget hearings on May 26th.

LIRR Strike Looms as MTA and Unions Have Failed to Reach a Deal

On Wednesday, Hochul warned that Long Island Rail Road could be shut down due to a possible strike after five unions representing LIRR workers and the MTA failed to reach a new contract. While the MTA plans to run shuttle buses to help LIRR commuters, Hochul explained that the shuttle cannot accommodate the usual 270,000 LIRR commuters each weekday. Unions have requested that the MTA agree to pay higher wages to address rising inflation and the rising cost of living. But the MTA has explained that agreeing to the demands would result in increased LIRR fares by 8%, job losses, and reduced services. Currently, Hochul said she is not going to intervene in the negotiations but said that she is not “willing to ask Long Islanders to pay unnecessary rate hikes or higher taxes.” If an agreement isn’t reached by the end of today, the strike will officially commence.

State Supreme Court Judge Rules in Favor of Blakeman in Lawsuit Against State Finance Board

This week, GOP gubernatorial candidate Bruce Blakeman won his lawsuit against the state Campaign Finance Board in the state Supreme Court. In the ruling, a state supreme court judge ruled that the Board never contacted Blakeman or his running mate, Todd Hood, to notify them of their defective application. The judge also ruled that the Board must give Blakeman and Hood a chance to correct their application. The lawsuit followed the Board's vote to remove Blakeman and Hood from the matching fund program after they did not jointly file the application. However, Blakeman and Hood have pointed out that the Board never releases the form required for the program. In response to the ruling, State GOP Chair Ed Cox said that the ruling was the “right decision, it’s a just decision.” The Board has already filed an appeal, with the Board’s Democratic Co-Chair explaining that the ruling “allows this campaign to address their missed filing months after the deadline.”

Friday Morning Brief May 15, 2026

EXECUTIVE UPDATES

LEGISLATIVE UPDATES

OTHER UPDATES

Other Interesting Friday Reads

Friday Morning Brief May 15, 2026

EXECUTIVE UPDATES

LEGISLATIVE UPDATES

OTHER UPDATES

Other Interesting Friday Reads

Subscribe to the D&A Friday Morning Brief

Friday Morning Brief May 8, 2026