Friday Morning Brief May 16, 2025

May 15

Written By Michael Avella

Member Spotlight

Assemblymember

Dr. Anna Kelles

Assemblywoman Dr. Anna Kelles joins us to discuss her Central New York-based district, priorities, and love for public service. Before being elected to the Assembly, she served in the Tompkins County Legislature advocating for the environment, public health, and affordability on behalf of her constituents. Currently, she is the Chair of the Assembly Committee on Rural Resources and on the Subcommittee on Agricultural Production & Technology. She also serves on various Assembly committees, including on Correction, Housing, and Health.

What district do you represent?
I represent the 125th Assembly District. It includes all of Tompkins County and the southwest corner of Cortland County.

Any landmarks or restaurants in your district that you wish to highlight?
We’re known for our nature. For example, in Tompkins County, Taughannock Falls is very popular. It is the tallest waterfall on the East Coast and taller than Niagara Falls. We also have Ithaca Falls, Cascadilla Creek, Six Mile Creek, Buttermilk Falls, and Treman State Park. Being right in the center of the Finger Lakes region means we have so much beautiful nature, and we probably have the most environmentalists and naturalists per capita in the state. Our district is also well-known for its wineries and breweries. Our district also has great restaurants, and Ithaca hosts various great food trucks like Tacos CDMX.

What was your occupation before being elected to the Assembly?
Before being elected to the Assembly, I served on the Tompkins County Legislature. Before public service, I went to undergraduate for environmental studies. I was also an ecological guide in the Amazon jungle for a while and then worked as a professor. I came back and did my PhD in nutritional epidemiology and taught sports nutrition at Ithaca College. Then I was the dean of the School of Clinical Nutrition at New York Chiropractic College. Then I was the executive director of an environmental non-profit and simultaneously a professor at Cornell for public health and nutrition. I have always been focused on public health and the environment. I am happy that I can build upon my prior experience and knowledge of these two subjects in the Legislature. I think encouraging scientists to run for office is important because it helps them talk or debate about an issue.

With so many natural landmarks in your district, is environmental conservation one of your main priorities? Are there any other priorities you want to address this year?
Absolutely. I have always been doing a lot of environmental conservation work. But my priorities are also building up families and making their lives easier. Many folks are struggling due to tremendous inequality and injustice within our system. And philosophically, with everything happening worldwide, we’ve collectively forgotten what a social contract means and have focused on what we can take and get. Part of this is because of our schools' lack of civic education, so many folks growing up might see the world as a zero-sum game when it is not.

Part of the way to address this is by building up and strengthening communities. That’s why education is important. That’s why affordable housing is so important to me. That’s why affordable access to healthy food is healthy to me. My bills also always focus on antitrust and building equity in our tax structures. All the legislation I focused on would create a more equitable society, so folks can have a basic quality of life where they can step back, feel safe, and develop a sense of purpose and peace.

Any local issues that you want to highlight?
Our district is one of the most robust, politically diverse districts. Even though our district has a highly progressive electorate, we have full variance on the political spectrum. So, we have diverse discussions on local issues, including keeping our taxes reasonable and ensuring affordable access to food and gas. Conversations around the environment are a big local issue. Land preservation is a big issue in the context of the environment. Cargill salt mine is a big local issue in our district that many folks care about. They seem to want to sell the mine and leave the area without taking responsibility for any possible environmental and property damages. There’s also a big concern that if the mine experiences a catastrophe in the future, the financial burden will be placed upon the folks in the district. In other instances, and examples, taxpayers usually foot the bill for any negative impacts, while companies do not. There hasn't been an independent environmental assessment of the mine in quite some time, so it is a concern.

Another local issue that concerns the folks in the district and has been extensively worked on is addressing the harmful algal blooms. The growth of toxic algal blooms has become more frequent, leading to the closure of our state parks. It’s toxic for folks visiting the parks and very harmful for our pets and the wildlife. Some of the factors for the growth of the toxic algal blooms are increased amounts of phosphorus and nitrogen loading, increased temperatures, increased salinity, and other toxins like PFAS. It’s a concerning issue not just for our district but also represents one of the many impacts of climate change. But, I am advocating for legislation to help address this and lessen the factors of toxic algal blooms.

What advice would you give young folks wanting to get more involved in politics?
It’s important that you run for office because you want to serve the folks in your community, not because of what being in that position will bring you. Being an elected official is bigger than about yourself; it’s about serving your community with your heart and passion. Recognizing what you don’t know and educating yourself on the issues is important. We also need more passionate young folks in politics to rebuild that trust between the people and the government.

Any last comments?
I do a lot of work on the environment, public safety, financial equity, access to mental health services, and affordable housing. While those issues seem separate, they are all interconnected. Working on one of those issues means bridging the gap and addressing many folks' concerns. It’s about supporting and building healthy families and communities. While the world may be scary to many folks, having humanity and faith in others is important. It’s also important to focus on things that bring you happiness, whether a simple walk in the park, a hug from your dog, or honest conversations with your friends and family.

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

Some Lawmakers Seek to Restrict Governor's Budget Powers

Amidst frustration over how the budget negotiations played out between Hochul and lawmakers, about 30 Senators have signed onto the 2025 version of the state constitutional amendment that would limit a Governor’s power during the budget talks. Specifically, the constitutional amendment would only allow the Governor to include appropriation-related items in the budget bills. During this year’s budget negotiations, lawmakers explained that Hochul’s insistence on including her policy proposals was why the Final Budget was over a month late.

However, both Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins and Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie downplayed the push for a constitutional amendment, with Heastie saying it would be “like putting a family fight out there” and “a high campaign of ‘the Legislature vs. the Governor.’” Heastie did acknowledge that the state constitution should be changed to address the imbalance of power between the Governor and Legislature, and will continue to push for a bill that would ensure lawmakers get paid if the April 1 budget deadline is missed because of the inclusion of a policy proposal in the budget negotiations.

Senator James Skoufis has recently publicly criticized the Governor and introduced a series of legislation that would empower the powers of the Legislature. Notably, Skoufis has been tweeting each day to urge the Legislature to pass a specific bill that was approved unanimously by the Senate but vetoed by Hochul last year. Additionally, he introduced a new bill that would prevent Hochul’s name from being on the recently approved Inflation Rebate Checks, one of Hochul’s budget priorities. However, Hochul’s spokesperson criticized Skoufis as a “backbench legislator” trying to “get attention by attacking the Governor.”

Per Skoufis, on Dan Clark's Cap Con Pod, “The timing is coincidental that we’re introducing these bills right after the budget and our reaction last week but we’ve been working on these bills for many months.”

Darren McGee/Office of Governor Kathy Hochul

EXECUTIVE UPDATES

On Monday, Hochul announced the $10 million expansion of the state Fund for Innovation in Research and Scientific Talent. The program has provided grants to medical schools to attract and retain research scientists in the state and facilitate biotech startups. The expansion also comes with a new round of applications for the program for medical schools to attain funding from the program on a rolling basis until next year. The program supports the state’s commitment to strengthening economic development and the advanced technology industry sector. This $10 million investment reaffirms our dedication to fostering a dynamic life science ecosystem where groundbreaking innovations flourish and create sustainable, high-value jobs throughout our state,” said Hochul

Earlier this week, Hochul announced the start of a $12.9 million lead service line replacement project in Albany. Part of the new $100 million Lead Infrastructure Forgiveness and Transformation Grants, Albany will be fully reimbursed for the citywide project, allowing full lead service line replacement to entire street segments at no cost to residents. The recent funding builds upon the state’s investment in upgrading its water infrastructure, with $6 billion invested since 2017. “Removing lead from our water systems is not just a matter of public health, it's a matter of equity, safety, and affordability for all communities,” said Hochul.

On Tuesday, Hochul announced the disbursement of $5 million each to one project in Central New York and on Long Island for the second round of the state’s Regional School Food Infrastructure Grant Program. The disbursement of funds is expected to help each project provide extra support for storing and processing food from farms to local schools. The latest round of funding builds upon the state’s programs to help support bringing local foods into schools, including the Farm-to-School program and the 30 Percent State Initiative. “Every New Yorker deserves access to fresh, locally grown, nutritious foods to eat,” said Hochul.

On Wednesday, Hochul announced the disbursement of $86 million for 134 projects throughout the state. Funded through the state Council on the Arts, the funding will modernize and implement accessibility improvements for the arts center approved for the funding. The funding for the centers will be disbursed through Small and Midsized Capital Improvement Grants, Large Capital Improvement Grants, or Capital Design Grants. The latest funding supports the state’s commitment to encouraging tourism through investing in the arts. “By investing in our museums, our theaters, and our arts centers, we enrich our communities, strengthen local economies, and improve tourism all over the State,” said Hochul.

Yesterday, Hochul announced that a total of 350,000 housing units have been built, preserved, or are under construction since 2021. The 350,000 housing units are part of Hochul’s $25 billion Housing Plan, which is ahead of schedule with over 60,000 affordable homes already built or preserved. Additionally, Hochul unveiled a new dashboard to allow the public to track the state’s progress in reaching the 100,000 housing units goal. The recently Enacted FY2026 Budget is expected to help the state further with $1.5 billion in new investment for building new housing units. “Solving New York’s housing crisis comes down to one thing: putting every tool at our disposal to work building and preserving homes for New Yorkers,” said Hochul.

LEGISLATIVE UPDATES

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

Senate Passes Domestic Violence Survivors Aid Legislative Package

This week, the Senate passed a legislative package to strengthen survivors of domestic violence. The legislative package builds upon last year’s package, which included the Rape is Rape Act and closing other legal loopholes. This year’s package includes legislation that would increase resources and protections for survivors. “This bill package works to break down barriers and close loopholes in our state laws that prevent New York’s courageous survivors from receiving the justice that they deserve,” said Senate Majority Leader Stewart-Cousins. The bills in the package include:

Statewide Public Housing Waiting List Priorities for Survivors: would require public housing authorities to prioritize survivors of abuse in their waiting lists
Coerced Debt: would establish a right of action for claims coming out of coerced debt
Removing “Voluntary Intoxication” Exclusion: would prohibit the use of the intoxication of victims as a defense in sex crimes
Protection in Shared Contracts: would allow individuals who are under a shared contract to opt out and be released of such a contract without charges for survivors

CMS Moves to Threaten State's MCO Tax

On Tuesday, the Federal CMS announced its intention to close a loophole the state has been using to implement the MCO Tax. The new federal proposed rule would result in the state collecting less than the anticipated $2 billion. With the recently Enacted Budget, the state was expected to use the revenue to increase Medicaid spending and funding for hospitals, nursing homes, physicians, and clinics. CMS also announced that any recently approved MCO Tax will result in withholding matching federal funds for the taxes, which could be as soon as the upcoming summer. While lawmakers understood that the CMS would seek to change the tax code to restrict the loophole making the MCO Tax temporary, the recent announcement may result in lawmakers seeking other means to fund Medicaid and other healthcare expenditures before the summer.

Aung Hset/D&A

Lawmakers Hold Public Hearing on State Correctional Facilities

On Wednesday, lawmakers held a joint hearing on the current conditions of the state correctional facilities. The hearing comes after lawmakers, including leaders of the Legislature, call for holistic changes in the state correctional facilities after the fatal beating of Robert Brooks at Marcy Correctional. The hearing also comes after weeks-long strikes by correctional officers for better working conditions and pay. In addition to the death of Robert Brooks at the hands of Marcy’s correctional staff, DOCCS Commissioner Daniel Martuscello said there have been 46 deaths in state correctional facilities so far this year.

Before the session ends, Senate Crime Victims, Crime & Correction Chair Julia Salazar is urging for the passage of a legislative package that would increase transparency throughout state correctional facilities. Robert Ricks, the father of Robert Brooks, is also offering his preferred set of bills, which includes additional bills on top of Salazar’s package. “Speed is important. But I think moving correctly with the right package of bills to bring the right change is also important,” Assembly Correction Chair Erik Dilan explained.

Senate Republicans Urge State Comptroller to Block Legal Payments to AG James

Earlier this week, Republican Senators sent a letter to the State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli to refuse issuing payments from the recently Enacted Budget appropriation of $10 million for state employees’ legal fees who are under federal investigations. Led by Senate Republican Leader Rob Ortt, Republican Senators called the approved appropriation a “slush fund” and a “gross misuse of taxpayers’ dollars.” While the letter did not mention AG Letitia James’ name, the letter hinted and comes as James is under federal investigation for falsifying financial records. Under the approved appropriation language, DiNapoli must approve any reimbursement or payment, which Senate Republicans urge him to do when the time comes. “Upholding the integrity of our state government and the responsible use of taxpayer dollars demands no less,” the letter states.

Health Chairs Move to Change CDPAP Transition

This week, Senate Health Chair Gustavo Rivera and Assembly Health Chair Amy Paulin introduced their bill that would create new class of DOH-approved fiscal intermediaries for CDPAP. The bills come after Rivera, Paulin, and other lawmakers from both sides of the aisle have criticized the CDPAP transition into a single fiscal intermediary by PPL due to delays and alleged reports of underservices and underpayments to home care workers. While the DOH has defended the transition, many lawmakers have been pushing for legislative fixes to either reform or cancel the transition. “[PPL] is strong-arming providers into inadequate insurance with no warning to legislators – coverage which will likely block access to better plans. Where’s the transparency?” said Paulin.

Lawmakers Push for a AI Regulation Bill

Earlier this week, Senator Andrew Gounardes and Assemblymember Alex Bores published an op-ed urging the Legislature to pass the RAISE Act. Citing concerns of American AI models being used overseas for cyberattacks and surveillance, Gounardes and Bores argue that the RAISE Act would require AI developers to prioritize a public safety plan when creating new AI models. The op-ed comes as opponents of the bill argue that the burden of proactively addressing public safety risks would be put on AI developers, undermining the maturing technology ecosystem in the state. However, Gounardes and Bores defend the bill as a guardrail that would only “[stop] the worst case scenario” and not hinder innovation.

Aung Hset/D&A

Lawmakers Rally for NY For All Act and Dignity Not Detention Act

On Tuesday, lawmakers joined advocates to rally for the NY for All Act and Dignity Not Detention Act with immigration advocates. Sponsored by Assemblymember Karines Reyes and Senator Andrew Gounardes, the bill would prohibit state and local government agencies from working with ICE on immigration documentation. The Dignity Not Detention Act, sponsored by Reyes and Senator Julia Salazar, would prohibit state government entities from working with ICE to detain immigrants in state or local facilities. Lawmakers and advocates pushing for the two bills argue that the bills would help the state defend immigrant communities against President Trump’s push for increased deportations. “The reality is, we are all under attack…We have seen ICE kidnap not just people who are undocumented, but citizens,” explained Reyes.

OTHER UPDATES

NY Congressmembers Push Against $30K Salt Cap

After the House Ways and Means Committee approved a measure to raise the SALT cap to $30,000 in the Republican congressional budget bill, some of the Republican state delegation publicly said they would vote against the bill. “It’s a question of double taxation and fairness. Folks should not be penalized because they live in a high-tax state,” Congressmember Mike Lawler explained. Lawler has previously supported raising the cap to $100,000 for single filers and $200,000 for married couples and warned the Republican House members that they risk losing their House Majority if the $30,000 deduction is approved. House Majority Leader Mike Johnson said the talks over the SALT cap are ongoing.

Court of Appeals to Review Even Election Year Law in September

After an Appellate Court upheld the state’s Even Year Election Law as constitutional, the state Court of Appeals agreed to the Republicans’ request to expedite the appeal case for the week of September 8th. While Democrats and advocates of the move argue that the law will ensure more voter participation, the Republicans argue that the law violates home rule and is a political ploy by the Democrats. If the Court of Appeals upheld the law, it will phase will phase in various local elections to even years but will not impact local elections in NYC and incorporated city or village, as well as for district attorneys, school boards, sheriff, county clerk, town justices, and family court and county court judges.

Firm Spotlight

D&A's Partner Mike Avella (Sr.) was recently named to City & State's 50 Over 50 Alumni list! Mike's excerpt below:

Michael Avella has always been impressed by the workforce in the Capital Region.

After a stint at an accounting firm, he entered his career in politics working for the Rensselaer County district attorney and then as Troy’s deputy corporation counsel. In 1995, he moved across the river to serve as assistant counsel for state Senate Majority Leader Joe Bruno.

“There was always a really good group of strong professional folks in the Legislature,” Avella says. “There was camaraderie even when there was disagreement, which seemed to be unique at the time.”

After the 2008 election cycle, Avella joined Christina Dickinson and Brian Meara to form a lobbying firm, where he has worked on tax issues, voting rights, medical marijuana and gambling matters (the firm was renamed to Dickinson & Avella after Meara left). Avella is also a supporter of the Nonhuman Rights Project, which advocates for animals’ civil rights.

But the most impactful measure he has had a role in was the legalization of same-sex marriage.

“It almost seemed like when it happened in New York, it was a domino effect across the country and expedited the spreading of equal rights,” he recalls. “I felt very strongly that we all deserve to be treated the same way with respect and dignity.”

In Albany, he’s now helping cannabis entrepreneurs, a huge growth area for the firm.

“We went full circle, from being involved in the first medical cannabis businesses and various iterations of adult use, and now we’re helping a small business with Capital District and downstate stores and production facilities,” he says.

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