Friday Morning Brief Sept. 19, 2025

Sep 18

Written By Michael Avella

Please note the brief will be sent on a bi-weekly basis for the summer/early fall.

Member Spotlight

Senator Kristen Gonzalez

Senator Kristen Gonzalez joins us to discuss her tri-borough district, priorities, and some of her legislative achievements this year. Before being elected to the Senate, she was a community activist and organizer advocating on behalf of her community on various issues including workers' rights and tenant protections. Currently, she is the Chair of two committees - Elections and Internet & Technology. She also serves on various other committees, including Health, Consumer Protection and Energy & Telecommunications. She is also the youngest woman ever elected to the Senate.

What district do you represent? Can you describe it for those that have never been to our district?
I’m the State Senator of District 59, representing Manhattan, Brooklyn, and Queens. To be specific, I cover the East side of Manhattan, Western Queens including Long Island City and Astoria, and Northern Brooklyn including Greenpoint and Williamsburg. One of my favorite things about this district, and what makes it really unique is that it's a waterfront district on both sides of the East river, and is connected by both the Queens Midtown Tunnel and the Queensboro Bridge. I represent 5 NYCHAs, 1 PACT development, and Stuytown/Peter Cooper Village, as well as various communities that are climate-focused, transit-oriented, and united in diversity.

Any landmarks in your district that you want to highlight?
Despite parts of my district being some of the most green space-deprived neighborhoods, we’re making the most of what we have and I’m fighting for more. I have a deep appreciation for the community spaces we have to offer including the Long Island City waterfront, Gantry, St. Vartan’s, and McCarren park, and so many historic institutions like the NY Irish Center and the Greek Cultural Center that allow us to celebrate history, diversity, and tradition.

Favorite NY sports team?
As a Queens native–born and raised– I’m a Mets fan through and through. I love attending community events in my district alongside Mrs. Met, and I’m also really excited to see our WNBA champions, the NY Liberty, at their planned practice facility along the Greenpoint waterfront of my district!

What inspired you to run for office?
Growing up in Queens, I was surrounded by working-class New Yorkers struggling to make ends meet. I grew up surrounded by immigrant families working endlessly to keep their lights on and put food on the table. I commuted alongside so many neighbors to Manhattan for better job and education opportunities, and when given the chance, I knew I had to fight for them – for a better New York.

Before being elected to the State Senate, I was a community activist and I was a part of multiple organizing efforts in my community. I advocated on issues like the lack of Greenspace in Western Queens, Astoria’s asthma alley, and the need for more public land. I was encouraged by my fellow organizers to run for public office on the very issues I saw prominent in the communities I grew up in to make a difference for my neighbors.

You have been a leader in technology and AI space. What issues or concerns do you feel that NYS needs to address?
As artificial intelligence technology development and deployment continues, we’re seeing more and more risky technology that disregards its shortcomings and consequences. AI deep fakes continue to spread misinformation on social media, and in our elections. We’re seeing accelerating worker displacement amidst AI application in the workplace, as well as generative AI systems at the root of tragic deaths.

Amidst all of this, Federal Republicans recently attempted to ban the enforcement of city and state AI legislation for the next decade. I’m proud to have successfully pushed back against this effort with my colleagues in New York and nationwide, but I expect this challenge to return in one form or another.

As Chair of the Senate’s Internet and Technology Committee, I’ve introduced and passed bills addressing the risks of AI. We started with protecting our democracy and elections with the FAIR Act, which protects people from materially deceptive media in political communications. Then earlier this year, my LOADinG Act bill passed with chapter amendments to take an inventory of our own government’s use of automated decision-making systems, while also instilling the first of its kind labor protections against AI displacement. I carry and will continue to advance bills that protect consumers from the harms of AI while preserving the ability to use the technology safely in low-risk contexts.

While I believe that technological innovation is important to our development as a society and to our state’s position as a leader in the AI space, I recognize that there is an ongoing need for safe technological advancement. New technology must account for and address its known and likely risks. This past legislative session, I introduced bills that I believe are pertinent to today’s issues. We looked at requiring chatbot systems to provide clear warnings for their potential to produce inaccurate and/or inappropriate material and hold them liable for information that leads to loss and/or harm, a problem we saw the worst of when a Florida teen committed suicide after a conversation with a chatbot. I carry and will continue to advance bills that protect consumers from the harms of AI while preserving the ability to use the technology safely in low-risk contexts.

As the recently appointed Senate Chair of Elections, what issues or concerns do you wish to address?
Our democracy is under attack. As the Chair of the Senate Elections Committee, and as a New Yorker who’s seeing firsthand the impact that the Trump Administration is having on the policies of our city and state, my goal has been to increase education and accessibility within our elections system. This includes expanding early and mail-in voting policies, encouraging transparency by requiring websites to disclose when they’re funded by a political action committee (PAC), and changing the board of elections filing deadline to accommodate religious holidays.

Any local issues that you want to address?
We are living in unsettling times. New Yorkers are amidst an affordability, a climate, and a housing crisis. Working-class families and immigrant communities are struggling to keep their footing in NYC, and while the cost of living is going up, our quality of life is going down. I’m prioritizing affordable housing solutions that prevent further displacement from homes and allow all New Yorkers the privilege to not have to decide between paying rent or putting food on the table. I’m also actively working on protecting consumers from utility rate hikes, and the rising cost of living through supporting electrification programs and community organizations that help with food assistance, and fighting against utility providers rate proposals.

I’m always looking to balance district-focused legislation with broader policy focus that will enable New York to be a leader in spaces like AI and sustainability. I’m also prioritizing bills that reflect the needs for our district, like reproductive and gender-affirming care protections, environmental protections, and expanding both my chaired committee agendas to include issues that everyday New Yorkers are facing online, like the rise and implications of chatbots and voter rights.

What advice(s) would you give to young folks that want to get involved in politics?
With the state of the world and the sentiments around the current federal government, I understand that many young people may be discouraged from getting involved, or are maybe intimidated by the state of the world. But another reason I got involved in politics at a young age was the understanding that all politics is local, and that change starts with a single voice.

Disillusionment is one of the best motivations for action. The current state of politics is the exact reason I think it’s important for young people to stand up, speak out, and get organized. We have the collective power to demand that our rights and our futures are protected, but it's only by working together that we can win.

A quote I like to go back to often when speaking with young people and encouraging them to get involved is, “you are the leaders of tomorrow, and the changemakers of today.” We’re living in a time where technology and increasing gaps between social groups and economic classes are circumventing people’s rights and identities. But we’re also in yet another era where young people have the power to make the biggest difference in their jobs, in their communities, in elections, and ultimately in the world.

Young people make up one of the largest voting blocks in this country, and yet their involvement remains low. That’s a missed opportunity, and an ironic one because it’s their futures that are being shaped the most by the decisions being made today. Young people have the numbers, the energy, and the vision to lead real change. All that’s left is not underestimating the impact they have by just showing up.

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!

Hochul and Heastie Endorse Mamdani for NYC Mayor

This week, Governor Hochul wrote an op-ed endorsing Assemblymember Zohran Mamdani for NYC mayor. “We’ve had our disagreements. But in our conversations, I heard a leader who shares my commitment to a New York where children can grow up safe in their neighborhoods and where opportunity is within reach for every family. I heard a leader who is focused on making New York City affordable — a goal I enthusiastically support,” Hochul wrote, explaining her reasoning for endorsing Mamdani. Hochul also explained that ensuring a working relationship between the state and city is important for addressing President Trump’s policies. “Mr. Mamdani and I will both be fearless in confronting the president’s extreme agenda — with urgency, conviction, and the defiance that defines New Yor,.” said Hochul.

Days after Hochul endorsed Mamdani, Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie also announced his endorsement of Mamdani. “I do think this city is clamoring for something new and different. He has a romantic view of what this city can be and should be. And sometimes people want to be romanced,” explained Heastie. Heastie also endorsed some of Mamdani’s proposals and argued that Mamdani will be important for addressing some of President Trump’s policies. “They just voted for him because of his message that their material circumstances would be improved if housing and childcare were made available to all, rather than treated as market products,” said Heastie.

Hochul and Heastie’s endorsement comes after Hudson Valley-based Rep. Pat Ryan endorsed Mamdani late last week. Considered a moderate Democratic lawmaker, Ryan praised Mamdani and said, “I know whose side I’m on. I’m with the people. I’m with Zohran.” Additionally, it was reported that Rep. Yvette Clarke is set to endorse Mamdani on Monday after meeting with Mamdani, House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries, and faith leaders. With recent endorsements from various high-profile Democrats, Mamdani called for unity. “This is a time for unity. It is a time for strength, and it is a time to speak in one voice,” said Mamdani.

Darren McGee/Office of Governor Kathy Hochul

EXECUTIVE UPDATES

On 9/11 Memorial Day, Hochul highlighted the state’s scholarships, grants, and financial aid for families and survivors of the September 11 attacks. The education support for households impacted by the September 11 attacks reaffirmed the state’s commitment to ongoing support for first responders, children, spouses, and dependents of victims who died or were severely disabled in relation to the September 11 attacks. “Education is a powerful tool for healing, growth, and transformation … We’ll continue to stand beside those impacted by 9/11 … ensuring they have the opportunities and support they deserve,” explained Hochul.

On Monday, Hochul announced a $6.7 million state investment to upgrade law enforcement technology across Central New York. Part of the broader $127 million funding program for local police and sheriff’s offices statewide, the funding will be used by local law enforcement departments for modernization and new equipment to improve public safety and strengthen operations. The investment builds upon the state’s commitment to modernize law enforcement departments and support Hochul’s priority to improve public safety, including the GIVE Initiative. “I remain committed to supporting local police departments, sheriffs’ offices, and their law enforcement partners to keep New Yorkers protected,” said Hochul.

In another public safety-related press conference on Tuesday, Hochul touted a 14 percent year-to-date drop in shooting incidents with injury across 21 upstate & suburban counties. Hochul credited the state’s GIVE Initiative and explained that the data highlights shootings with injury have fallen 59% and 60% for gun-related deaths since 2021. Currently, the GIVE Initiative provides $36 million in state funding to participating police departments and their county law enforcement partners. Hochul reiterated her commitment to invest in the initiative for new equipment, personnel, and technical assistance, explaining, “Across the state, we are taking an aggressive approach to reduce and eliminate gun violence … and our investments are working.”

This week, Hochul announced a $300 million state investment to establish a Quantum Research and Innovation Hub at SUNY Stony Brook for advancing research and education in quantum communication and networking. The new hub will expand SUNY’s role as a leader in quantum science, promote an advanced research workforce in the state, and enhance U.S. competitiveness in emerging technologies. The initiative is part of a broader $1.34 billion state commitment to strengthen SUNY’s research capacity under her leadership. “This historic investment will ensure New York is at the forefront of the quantum revolution,” said Hochul.

Earlier this week, Hochul announced the completion of a $72 million development in downtown Rochester, which provides 164 affordable housing units for households earning at or below 80% of the AMI. The Center City Courtyard will also provide 95 units with on-site supportive services for veterans and those at risk of being unhoused. The completion of the development support Hochul’s $25 billion Housing Plan to create or preserve 100,000 affordable homes statewide. “Center City Courtyard is a shining example of how we can transform underutilized spaces into vibrant, sustainable developments,” said Hochul.

On Wednesday, Hochul announced the planned disbursement of $391 million to 11 internet service providers under the ConnectALL Deployment Program. The 11 ISPs were awarded due to their commitment to investing a total of $245 million in matching funds to address nearly 54,000 locations in the state. While the disbursement of the funding is pending approval from the National Telecommunications and Information Administration, the public can submit comments on the planned disbursements. The plan builds upon the state’s commitment to expanding broadband access and bridging the digital divide, including a $1 billion state investment in the state's digital infrastructure.

LEGISLATIVE UPDATES

Barring special session in the Fall, the Legislature is set to reconvene in January 2026

Don Pollard/Office of Governor Kathy Hochul

Lawmakers Warn About Escalating Political Violence

After the recent killing of popular conservative media figure Charlie Kirk, both Democratic and GOP lawmakers warned about the rising instances of political violence. On Monday, Hochul convened a public meeting with a bipartisan group of local and state lawmakers, urging the necessity of “reducing the temperature of inflammatory rhetoric that leads to violence.” Senate Republican Leader Rob Ortt also warned of how political violence can lead democracies down to a “dark place” and cited recent incidents of political violence, including the killings of Minnesota lawmakers earlier this year. "People are being killed simply for their positions," explained Ortt. Hochul also urged lawmakers and people aspiring to run for office not to “be silenced in any form by the acts of others.” “That's what they want. They would probably like for people not to run for office or engage in political discourse. We are not going to shut down our democracy over these threats,” added Hochul.

Special Election to Replace Assemblymember Billy Jones

Earlier this week, Hochul announced that a special election to replace former Assemblymember Billy Jones will take place on November 4th to coincide with the general election. The chairs of Clinton, Essex, and Franklin County Democratic committees have nominated Plattsburgh Town Supervisor Michael Cashman to run, while the Republican committees have formally nominated retired State Police Commander Brent Davison. Both Davison and Cashman said they are running on public safety and “common sense.” “As long as the people want common sense change and reform, I'm their candidate. I look forward to being that voice for everybody that's up there,” said Davison. "We don't need more partisan politics. What we need is people [who] are willing to work with anyone to get results,” explained Cashman.

Senator Gonzalez Testifies Before NYC Council on OneLIC

On Wednesday, Senator Kristen Gonzalez testified before the NYC Council on the OneLIC Rezoning Plan. The OneLIC Rezoning Plan would introduce new zoning regulations for allowing 14,700 housing units, new commercial space, schools, expanded waterfront access, and increased open space. However, many critics of the plan warn that it could displace lower-income residents currently living in the neighborhood. In her testimony, Gonzalez explained that the approval of the plan should be based on a binding investment agreement for affordable housing, more school seats, open art spaces, and increased transit capacity. Gonzalez also wrote an op-ed explaining the necessity of a binding investment agreement. “While building housing is necessary…new development should be affordable and intentionally benefit our communities to support working New Yorkers,” explained Gonzalez

Susan Watts/Office of Governor Kathy Hochul

Attorney General James Releases Proposed Social Media Rules

Early this week, AG Letitia James released proposed rules for social media companies to verify users’ ages. The proposed rules were released to ensure that social media companies comply with a state law that was signed last year to require social media platforms to ban algorithms and nighttime notifications for anyone under the age of 18. Under the proposed rules, social media companies would be required to corroborate a user’s age through an uploaded image or video of the user and by verifying their email address and phone number. “The proposed rules released by my office today will help us tackle the youth mental health crisis and make social media safer for kids and families,” said James. “These regulations bring this historic law closer to reality,” said Senator Andrew Gounardes, who sponsored the legislation.

CDPAP October 1st Deadline Extended

This week, the deadline requiring New York's at-home care workers under CDPAP to complete a mandated health assessment has been extended. Under the current extension, PAs are now only required to schedule their health assessment by October 1st instead of completing it. The extension comes as PAs are reportedly struggling to meet the original October 1st deadline. The transition of CDPAP into a single fiscal intermediary has been criticized by a bipartisan group of lawmakers, healthcare workers, and beneficiaries. Late last month, lawmakers led by Senate Investigation Chair James Skoufis and Health Chair Gustavo Rivera held a hearing on the CDPAP Transition. In a statement on the extension, DOH said, “The Department remains committed to protecting CDPAP workers and consumers, and we are monitoring this process closely to ensure continuity of care for New Yorkers who rely on this program.”

State Court of Appeals Hears Arguments on Even-Numbered Years Local Election Law

Last week, the State Court of Appeals heard arguments on the constitutionality of the state law requiring the move of most local elections to even-numbered years. Democratic lawmakers explained that moving local elections to even-numbered years to align with state and federal elections will boost voter turnout, while Republican lawmakers argue that the law conflicts with most individual county charters, undermining home rule sections of the state Constitution. Republican Assembly Leader Will Barclay criticized the intent of the law, previously explaining, “The Democrats in some areas have had trouble getting their voters out for local elections, so they think they are not as in tune with local issues as national, so let's put it with national elections." Senator James Skoufis, who sponsored the legislation, criticized Republican’s arguments as “baseless,” and explained, “There are both red and blue states that have moved to even-numbered election years or have proposed doing so.”

Democratic Lawmakers Arrested at 26 Federal Plaza

Yesterday, 11 Democratic lawmakers, including NYC Comptroller Brad Lander and NYC Public Advocate Jumaane Williams, were arrested after a sit-in protest at the 10th floor of 26 Federal Plaza in Manhattan. The Democratic lawmakers were asking to observe conditions for migrant detainees, but were denied by federal officials. Hochul quickly criticized the arrests, saying, “I’ll say it again: This is b******t. Locking up lawmakers for demanding dignity won’t make America safer.” Federal authorities also arrested a large group of protestors outside 26 Federal Plaza. All lawmakers who were arrested have been released. The arrests come after federal lawmakers have been denied access to 26 Federal Plaza, and ICE implemented a new guidance requiring at least 72-hour notice for such visits. There is currently a lawsuit against the policy alleging that it violates federal law.

OTHER UPDATES

Rep. Elise Stefanik to Announce Run for Governor in Novembe

On Wednesday, it was reported that North Country-based Rep. Elise Stefanik will declare her bid to run for Governor after this year’s November general elections. State GOP Chair Ed Cox explained that Stefanik wants to help local GOP candidates before officially running for Governor. “She just doesn’t want to, in fact sort of get mixed up in the local elections. Let those happen, let the candidates carry that, let them be highlighted, and then after that she will declare,” explained Cox. Cox also explained that Stefanik will have a clear path to the GOP nomination without any primary challenges. In a radio interview, Stefanik confirmed that she will announce her candidacy after the November elections. “We’ve made those investments in each of the 62 counties. We have key races. And after this November I look forward to making my announcement. And we’re getting an outpouring of support all across the state,” said Stefanik

Planned LIRR Strikes Postponed

After a federal mediation agency overseeing negotiations between the unions and the MTA allowed the unions representing Long Island Railroad workers to strike, the unions announced that they had asked President Trump to form a presidential emergency board, postponing the strike. The unions are asking for a pay raise that exceeds the raise negotiated by other MTA workers. The MTA alleges that the involved unions “never had a plan to resolve this at the bargaining table,” and says that LIRR workers were already among the highest paid in the nation, with engineers earning, on average, more than $160,000 per year. With the emergency board, the strikes could occur in mid-January or until May if further federal intervention occurs.

Susan Watts/Office of Governor Kathy Hochul

Trump Reportedly Pressuring Prosecutors to Bring Charges Against AG James

Earlier this week, it was reported that top Trump officials are pressuring federal prosecutors in Virginia to bring charges against AG Letitia James for alleged mortgage fraud. The pressure comes as federal prosecutors have reportedly not found any evidence of James knowingly making false financial statements on her mortgage for her Virginia home. James has denied any wrongdoing and criticized Trump. “As we have repeatedly said, any impartial and non-political inquiry would conclude Attorney General James did not violate any laws managing her properties,” James’ lawyer explained. James and Democratic lawmakers allege that Trump is seeking to bring charges against James as retaliation for her civil lawsuit case against Trump for business fraud.

Congressional Democrats Preparing to Reject GOP-Led Spending Plan

With the October 1st deadline for the federal government grows closer, Democratic lawmakers are preparing reject the Republican spending plan for a government shutdown if Republican lawmakers do not negotiate with them on various issues, including healthcare. Democratic lawmakers released their alternative spending plan which would fund the government through the end of October with various policy demands, including an extension of health care subsidies and the repeal of the recent Medicaid cuts. However, Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer and House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries explained that they are just asking for any negotiations with Republican lawmakers. “They should sit down and talk to us and we maybe can get to a good proposal. Let’s see. But when they don’t talk to us, there’s no hope of getting to a good proposal,” explained Schumer.

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