Member Spotlight

Assemblywoman Angelo Santabarbara

Assemblyman Angelo Santabarbara joins us to discuss his district, priorities, and his longstanding advocacy for disability rights on behalf of his community. Before being elected to the Assembly, he entered the Army Reserves and later became a civil engineer. Currently, he is the Chair of the Committee on People with Disabilities and serves on various committees, including Energy, Mental Health, and Racing & Wagering.

What district do you represent?
I represent the 111th Assembly District, which includes parts of Schenectady County and Montgomery County, specifically the City of Schenectady, where I grew up, and the City of Amsterdam.

If I were visiting your district, what would you recommend I see?
There are many great places to visit. In Schenectady, we have Union College and Mohawk Harbor, which is a newer development along the Mohawk River with beautiful views. You’ll also see the historic General Electric site — the building with the big GE sign is a local landmark.

In Amsterdam, the Mohawk Valley Gateway Overlook Bridge is a standout attraction, along with Riverlink Park, which offers a great waterfront experience. I’d also recommend visiting Little Italy in Schenectady—there are some fantastic restaurants there—and the south side of Amsterdam, where places like Lorenzo’s are local favorites.

We also have Proctors Theatre, a major cultural destination, and a recently renovated Amtrak station. Across the district, many historic sites are listed on the National Register, and the Mohawk River ties everything together beautifully, especially in the warmer months when there are plenty of outdoor activities.

Our downtowns have seen a lot of revitalization over the years, and it’s been great to see that history brought back to life. And of course, the restaurants — many of them have been around for generations. The food scene is one of the things people really enjoy when they visit.

What are your favorite sports teams?
My daughter went to school at Geneseo and is a big Buffalo Bills fan—so I’ve become one too. Growing up, I was a big Michael Jordan fan, so I’ve always liked the Chicago Bulls.

What kind of music do you enjoy?
I’m a big fan of ’80s music. That’s where my heart is. Artists like Michael Jackson, Queen, Mötley Crüe, Poison, and Van Halen are all favorites.

It’s funny, though; my daughter listens to a lot of that same music now, so it’s definitely making a comeback. I do enjoy newer music as well, but those classic ’80s rock bands are still my go-to.

What was your profession before being elected to the Assembly?
I studied civil engineering and served in the Army Reserves for eight years after high school. I then worked in civil engineering for quite some time and really enjoyed the career. My life changed when my son was born with autism. He’s 24 now, and our journey together led me in a different direction. I wanted to advocate for individuals with disabilities — to make sure they have a voice and are not left behind. That ultimately brought me to the State Assembly. Today, I serve as Chair of the Committee on People with Disabilities, and it’s been incredibly rewarding work.

How has that experience shaped your priorities?
It’s become my passion. My son changed my life—he taught me more than I could ever teach him. Now, I focus on making sure individuals with disabilities have opportunities, independence, and a voice. We’ve made progress, but there’s still a lot more to do. I’m committed to continuing that work and pushing for more awareness, more inclusion, and more support.

What are some of your key priorities right now?
Housing is a major priority — making sure people have choices and opportunities to live independently in settings that meet their needs.

Another major initiative is my Communication Bill of Rights, which would guarantee individuals the right to communicate using their preferred method, whether that’s a device, a spelling board, or another form. That’s critical for participation in everyday life, and it needs to be protected by law.

We’re also focused on workforce development: creating more employment opportunities for people with disabilities, supporting providers, and direct care workers.

Accessibility is another big focus. Whether it’s playgrounds, housing developments, or public infrastructure, we need to ensure everything is inclusive from the start. That includes training first responders and law enforcement to recognize and appropriately respond to individuals with autism or other hidden disabilities.

Are there other issues you’re working on?
We’re working on strengthening rural ambulance services through a task force that recently completed its report, along with a package of legislation to support those services statewide.

Infrastructure is another major focus, especially in older communities. We’ve been working to replace aging water and sewer systems and address issues like lead pipes.

I’m also focused on expanding support for college students with disabilities and providing tools like tablets and assistive technology to help them succeed.

We’ve made investments in arts and culture, including museums, and continue to support nonprofits that serve our communities.

Mental health is another priority, particularly for first responders. We’re working to make it easier for them to access services without stigma or unnecessary barriers.

And supporting veterans is very important to me as well, whether through programs like the Joseph P. Dwyer peer-to-peer initiative or advocating to protect services like our local VA clinic.

You seem very hands-on in your approach. How important is that to your work?

It’s everything. You can’t just sit in an office. You have to be out in the community. I show up, I listen, I participate. Whether it’s visiting a school, helping serve lunch, joining a gym class, or even picking up a shovel to understand an infrastructure issue, I want to see things firsthand. That’s how you learn what people actually need. Some of the best conversations I’ve had have been in grocery stores or out in the community, and those conversations often turn into legislation.

What advice would you give young people who want to get involved in politics, especially those with disabilities?
Get involved. Speak up. Advocate for yourself. Sharing your story is powerful. It helps others understand what you’re going through and why change is needed. Not everyone has a direct connection to these issues, so those personal stories really matter.

There are many ways to get involved: visiting your legislators, participating in advocacy days, or volunteering in your community. Everyone has something to contribute. And don’t be afraid to start a conversation. We’re here to listen.

Any final thoughts?
I think I’ve shared my story, and that’s what matters most. One thing I always tell people is that even a small act of kindness can change someone’s life. It certainly changed mine. We all can make a difference.

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

Lawmakers Start Voting on Two Budget Bills

Nearly seven weeks past the April 1st Final Budget deadline, lawmakers passed two of nine budget bills this week (excluding the debt appropriations bill). “We’re in the first inning. This is a nine-inning game,” Assembly Ways and Means Chair Gary Pretlow remarked. On Wednesday, lawmakers passed the Education, Labor, and Family Assistance (ELFA) and the Public Protection and General Government (PPGG) bills. Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie explained that while lawmakers have begun voting on the Final Budget, controversial policies and appropriation items will be voted on next week. “We haven’t closed [that part of the budget] yet,” said Heastie.

In the ELFA bill, lawmakers approved tweaks to the state’s Foundation Aid for schools and pre-K that will send an extra $143 million to NYC schools for unhoused students and those in foster care. While most lawmakers voted on party lines, with Republican lawmakers voting against it due to not increasing school aid for districts outside of NYC, some Democratic lawmakers, such as Assemblymember Phil Steck, voted against it, explaining that he had made a promise “to never vote for prekindergarten programs in other parts of the state” that weren't also offered to his district. Additionally, the ELFA bill includes a two-year extension of NYC mayoral control, even though he previously advocated for a four-year extension. “It lets the mayor come back, and if people want to talk about different issues, it’s a renewal discussion. There’s nothing behind it,” Heastie explained. Other notable provisions in the ELFA bill include:

Changes to the state’s math curriculum
Delay of renewable and electric school buses
Scholarships for master’s degrees in education
New criminal charge for harassing rent-regulated tenants

In the PPGG bill, lawmakers approved various car insurance provisions advocated by Hochul but opposed by other lawmakers. One provision will now ensure that those who encourage or orchestrate staged or fake car accidents will be deemed to have committed insurance fraud and thus be fully responsible for the losses to victims. Another provision will restrict car insurers from using certain data for setting rates, such as employment or zip codes. Notably, PPGG also included a package of immigration protections, including restricting federal immigration enforcement from entering certain locations and covering their faces. Other notable provisions in the PPGG bill include:

Extending the independent monitor of Orange County IDA
Extending the reporting deadline for the state Reparations Committee
State liquor license reforms
Statewide drone usage restrictions

Although two budget bills have been approved, Heastie told reporters on Wednesday that the total expected revenue hasn’t been finalized. However, he did confirm that the Final Budget would not include additional appropriations for the childcare workforce, as it will include up to $1.7 billion to expand pre-k and free childcare for 2-year-olds in NYC. Heastie said everything should be finalized by next week.

Susan Watts/Office of Governor Kathy Hochul

EXECUTIVE UPDATES

At Dutchess Community College earlier this week, Hochul announced the groundbreaking of the $15 million Center of Excellence for Business, Industry and Innovation. Supported through a $5 million state investment, the workforce development project is expected to convert 75,500 square feet of vacant former Dutchess Mall space into a training hub for advanced manufacturing, clean technology, cybersecurity, AI, HVAC, construction, automotive technology, and entrepreneurship. The project builds on the state’s commitment to supporting the next generation of the workforce for advanced and emerging industries. “By transforming vacant space into a cutting-edge workforce training center, Dutchess Community College is helping create new opportunities for students, strengthen regional industries, and prepare workers for careers in rapidly growing sectors,” said Hochul.

Alongside NYC Mayor Zohran Mamdani and NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch, Hochul announced that the NYPD command in the Bronx will be split into two to match the structures in Brooklyn, Manhattan, and Queens, and that nearly 200 police officers will be added and specialized units will be expanded in the Bronx. The announcement comes as Tisch has previously announced her proposal to overhaul the NYPD back in November, and as Hochul announced that gun-involved shootings have fallen by 64% since 2021, which has been facilitated by continued progress when comparing the first four months of this year to last year’s. In total, Shooting incidents with injury dropped 17 percent, the number of shooting victims declined 19 percent, and the number of individuals killed by a firearm decreased 43 percent.

Additionally, Hochul and Mamdani jointly announced that NYC has extended 99,921 offers for 3-K and Pre-K for the upcoming school year, including 2,000 additional 3-K seats to ensure closer childcare options for certain families. With the expansion, it is expected to reduce the average travel distance for childcare by 6 blocks and increase the number of families receiving offers to preferred programs. The announcement builds upon Hochul’s commitment to increase state investment in childcare and is expected to be supported by $4.5 billion in the upcoming Final Budget. “Every child deserves a strong start, and every parent deserves to know their child has a safe, high-quality place to learn and grow,” said Hochul.

On Tuesday, Hochul announced the grand opening of the newly expanded Troy Savings Bank Music Hall’s new Capital Region Music Hub. The $15 million Hub, supported by a combined $8 million state investment, will now feature flexible-use, rehearsal, event, and education space, along with updated HVAC systems and accessibility upgrades. The expansion is the first significant interior renovation to the property in more than 20 years. In addition to supporting local economic growth, the Hub builds upon the state’s commitment to invest in local, regional, and statewide arts and cultural landmarks. “Through our investments in capital projects like these, we are promoting cultural and economic growth in communities across New York,” explained Hochul.

On Monday, Hochul announced the membership of the 20-member FutureWorks commission, tasked with developing recommendations on how the state should respond to the impacts of AI on the economy. The commission, co-Chaired by former US Labor Secretary Tom Perez, will include business, labor, academic, technology, and economic leaders to ensure recommendations reflect viewpoints from various industries and relevant stakeholders. The commission is expected to provide its recommendations by the end of the year formally. The new commission supports Hochul’s priority of harnessing emerging advanced technologies while balancing their potential impacts on the existing state workforce infrastructure. “I’m grateful that business and labor leaders, researchers, and industry experts are stepping up to help New York achieve a future where everyone can share in the prosperity promised by the innovation economy,” said Hochul.

LEGISLATIVE UPDATES

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

Aung Hset/D&A

Final Budget Includes Authorization for Mamdani to Dissolve Eric Adams' Charter Revision Commission

As part of the PPGG bill, lawmakers approved authorizing NYC Mayor Zohran Mamdani to dissolve a Charter Revision Commission established by former Mayor Eric Adams. On Wednesday, Heastie told reporters, “Imposing new things on the new mayor, we just didn't think that was fair. Now, if the new mayor likes it, they can keep it, but if they don't...don't try to stick a new man with something.” However, the Commission rebuked the language, with Kayla Mamelak, former Adams’ press secretary and member of the Commission, saying, “Any attempt to retroactively dismantle a legally constituted Charter Revision Commission in the middle of its work would be blatantly illegal,” and that the Commission will “have to pursue all appropriate legal remedies.” Under the language, Mamdani has until June 1st to dissolve the Commission.

Heastie Doubts Essential Plan Coverage Language or Appropriation in the Final Budget

Earlier this week, Heastie told reporters that he believes it is unlikely that the Final Budget will include language or appropriations for ensuring coverage for about 450,000 individuals set to be removed from Essential Plan. Heastie explained that with the Final Budget expected to give additional funding for hospitals, the state would not have necessary resources to cover the 450,000 individuals. “We care about everybody, and hospitals will get additional funding to help deal with this,” said Heastie. Similar to Hochul, Heastie explained that this is all due to federal government gutting the ACA tax credits, explaining, “This wasn’t state action, and I’ve always said it’s nearly impossible for the state to pick up every dollar that the federal government has put upon us.” This comes as lawmakers have been urging Hochul and leaders of the Legislature to consider a proposal that would retain coverage for those currently in the Essential Plan, which is set to transition into the Basic Health Plan in June.

Lawmakers Approve Electric School Bus Mandate

As part of the PPGG bill, lawmakers approved a delay of mandates for renewable and electric school buses. Originally implemented four years ago to reduce emissions from buses, Senate Deputy Leader Mike Gianaris explained that a “number of school districts have expressed concern they were having difficulty implementing it” and have been a “significant cost for them that they cannot absorb right now.” Under the approved language, school districts would be required to purchase renewable or electric school buses by the start of July 2032 and to operate only renewable or electric school buses by 2040. However, some districts have raised concerns about the lack of additional resources and the potential impact on local electric grids. “We still want to make sure there’s acknowledgment and cooperation and a plan from NYSERDA on how to get this done, particularly in some of the more rural parts of the state,” explained Heastie.

Aung Hset/D&A

Final Budget Increases 2% Foundation Aid for Most School Districts

In addition to an extra $143 million for NYC schools for unhoused students and those in foster care, Foundation Aid has been tweaked to allow an increase of at least 2% in state aid for most districts, with the new baseline funding floor to be at least 102% of what districts got the year before. Originally, Hochul proposed a 1% increase, which lawmakers criticized as inadequate. However, some lawmakers, especially those from NYC, want to adjust the Regional Cost Index. Lawmakers argue that because the state adjusted it for Westchester last year, it would only be appropriate for the state to adjust it for school districts throughout the state. In total, excluding the appropriation bills, the ELFA bill authorized about $40 billion in education funding.

Tax On Certain All-Cash Real Estate Transactions Reported to be Dead in the Final Budget

Yesterday, it was reported that a proposal to tax all-cash real estate transactions over $1 million is likely to be dropped from the Final Budget. While originally proposed to help NYC cover its $5.4 billion budget deficit, the pied-à-terre tax on properties worth more than $5 million would still be part of the Final Budget. It was reported that the tax on all-cash real estate transactions was dropped due to a high number of potential workarounds that would severely limit revenue.

Legislature Looking to Pass Redistricting Bills

This week, Assembly Speaker Heastie told reporters that the Legislature will review redistricting proposals as Budget negotiations are expected to wrap up soon. Specifically, Heastie told reporters that lawmakers are considering two proposals. “One that I think would allow for [mid-decade] redistricting and the other one to change the composition of the IRC with the way it was done…We don’t want to see a 5-5 deadlock,” said Heastie. This comes as several states throughout the country are proposing to redistrict their congressional lines through gerrymandering, facilitated by the recent Callais decision, which significantly weakened minority-majority districts. Heastie explained that the Legislature will not be “guided by gerrymandering” and that “We like to go by keeping communities of interest together.” With session scheduled to adjourn on June 4th, lawmakers now have limited time to pass any constitutional amendment.

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

Earlier this week, Senate Judiciary Chair Luis Sepúlveda indicated that a constitutional amendment to expand the judicial cap would not move forward this year. Although the constitutional amendment passed in 2024 and sponsored by previous Judiciary Chair Brad Hoylman-Sigal, who is now the Manhattan Borough President, Sepúlveda is not the sponsor. Sepúlveda explained that, while he is not opposed to the bill, the issue “requires additional time for review and evaluation.” The bill has previously received support from various lawmakers, Hochul, and AG Tish James, as many have called for a path to reduce delays and the number of pre-trial detainments.

Client Spotlight: Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory

On Wednesday, D&A client Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory participated in a press conference in Albany with Senator Monica Martinez, Assemblymember Rebecca Kassay, and advocates for the passage of a bill that would require classrooms to teach students about menstrual disorders, including endometriosis, so that early symptoms can be recognized. Currently, the average diagnosis for endometriosis can take up to 7-10 years, resulting in some individuals to miss important treatments possibly. According to US HHS’s Office on Women’s Health, it is estimated that 11% of all women between 15 and 44 years old in the US are affected from endometriosis.

OTHER UPDATES

Aung Hset/D&A

NYC Council Speaker Julie Menin to Reintroduce Buffer Zone Bill

After Mayor Mamdani vetoed a bill that would establish buffer zones around schools, campuses, museums, and other educational settings, NYC Council Speaker Julie Menin is expected to introduce a new buffer zones bill that would only focus on K-12 schools. Menin explained that although the Council had enough members to override the veto, she chose to take “steps that will result in a greater consensus among Council members” because there was a "considerable number of members who wholly support the intent of the legislation, but who had concerns about which educational facilities are included.” While the Mamdani Administration has not yet commented on the bill, opponents of the previous bill also criticized the current bill as possibly unconstitutional.

Mamdani Announces $50 World Cup Tickets for 1,000 NYC Residents

Yesterday, Mamdani announced that his administration has successfully negotiated with FIFA to secure 1,000 World Cup tickets priced at $50 for local residents. This comes as World Cup ticket prices has increased and Mamdani has said he have been prioritizing to lowering the ticket prices as much as possible. Under the agreement, tickets will be distributed by ballot and split across five group stage fixtures, a round of 32 game, and a round of 16 game at MetLife Stadium. “There are countless New Yorkers who are desperate to attend the World Cup matches but who simply cannot afford to go,” said Mamdani.

Artificial intelligence is already reshaping how we live and work, but what does this technology mean for New York City’s economy today, and in the years ahead? Our economists modeled five possible AI scenarios from 2026 to 2030. Comptroller Levine breaks down what each could… pic.twitter.com/G0nXpKTYOE
— Office of New York City Comptroller Mark Levine (@NYCComptroller) May 21, 2026

NYC Comptroller Releases Study on Impact of AI On NYC

In a stu dy released by NYC Comptroller Mark Levine, Levine warned that there is a 25% probability that the AI industry will underperform and cause a temporary economic shock akin to a recession in NYC. The study found five probable scenarios, with the highest probability at 35% for AI replacing some jobs and restructuring the economy in a way that would increase job growth without major disruption. The study also found that there is a 15% probability that AI will boost economic productivity akin to that of the digital boom of the 1990s. Nevertheless, Levine warned that “AI is already having an impact on our economy, and we cannot afford to sleepwalk into this new age.”

LIRR Strike Ends After Three Days

After a three-day strike, the MTA and LIRR labor unions agreed to a new labor agreement officially ending the strike at midnight Tuesday, with services gradually resuming afterward. While the agreement must still be voted on by the five LIRR unions and the MTA, the MTA and the unions agreed to a 4.5% pay raise in the fourth year and to extend contracts by six weeks. Previously, while the MTA and unions agreed to annual pay raises of 3%, 3%, and 3.5% in each consecutive year, the MTA did not agree to the unions’ proposal for a 6.5% or 5% increase in the fourth year. Additionally, it was also reported that the MTA proposed that new LIRR workers must pay higher contributions to their medical benefits, which directly led to a breakdown in talks before the strike officially began. With the agreement, Hochul said that it was a “fair deal” that “delivers raises for workers while protecting riders and taxpayers.”

Friday Morning Brief May 22, 2026

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Friday Morning Brief May 22, 2026

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