Friday Morning Brief September 25, 2026

Written By Michael Avella

Member Spotlight

Jon Rivera

Assemblyman Jon Rivera joins us to discuss his district, the issues he advocated on this year, and his priorities for next year. Before being elected to the Assembly, he served as a public servant in the County Department of Public Works, bringing valuable insights to the Assembly. Currently, he chairs both the Commission on Administrative Regulations Review and the Subcommittee on Regional Tourism Development. He also serves on various other committees, including on Election Law, Labor, and Housing. He is currently running for the Senate District 61.


What district do you represent?
I represent the 149th Assembly District, and I am also the Democratic nominee for the 61st Senate District.
 
If I were visiting your district, where would you recommend I go?
If you’re staying in the City of Buffalo, we’ve done some really great things with our waterfront. If you’re visiting with family, I’d definitely recommend spending time there. If you don’t have kids with you, I’d suggest visiting the Albright-Knox Art Gallery or the Darwin Martin House. Those are two really great cultural destinations in the city.
 
What was your profession before being elected to the Assembly?
Right before becoming an Assemblymember, I was an administrator in my county’s Department of Public Works. I worked with the department’s leadership on project management and administrative work. It’s a pretty large department, and its responsibilities ranged from facilities like the botanical gardens, convention center, downtown library, and Bills stadium, to managing hundreds of miles of roads.
 
How has that experience helped you in the Assembly?
Working in local government was incredibly helpful because it gave me realistic expectations about how government works. When you arrive in the Legislature, you quickly realize that things don’t always move as fast as you want them to. If you’ve worked in local government, you already understand that. Working in Public Works also taught me just how expensive infrastructure is. When people complain about roads or facilities, you understand that those problems are real—but also that fixing them requires significant resources. Local governments need revenue to meet those challenges just as much as the state does.
 
What kind of music do you enjoy?
My favorite living artist is Bad Bunny.
 
What’s your favorite New York sports team?
Being from Buffalo, you have to be all in on the Bills — but the Buffalo Sabres are probably actually my favorite team. Growing up in Buffalo, hockey is such a big part of the culture, so the Sabres have always been special to me.
 
What are some of the legislative accomplishments you’re most proud of this year?
The one that stands out most is my judicial redistricting bill. In the Fourth Judicial Department, the internal district lines had not been meaningfully changed in more than a century. We passed legislation to redraw those judicial lines in upstate New York. Over time, I think that will help produce a bench that is more diverse and more reflective of the communities it serves.
 
What local issues have you worked on this year?
We’ve done several local bills, including legislation involving the transfer of former state-owned property to a nonprofit that is working to redevelop the Richardson Complex. We’ve also continued working on lead paint poisoning. Buffalo has a lot of older housing stock, so lead exposure remains a serious problem for families and children. We’ve passed legislation aimed at strengthening what the state and local governments can do to address lead hazards, and that remains a major priority for me.
 
Looking ahead, what issues do you hope to work on in the Senate?
Those lead bills are a big reason I wanted to pursue the Senate seat. They’ve passed the Assembly multiple times, including this year, but we haven’t been able to get them across the finish line in the Senate. I really want to dive into that issue and help get those bills passed so we can make a tangible difference in the lives of children and families.
 
What advice would you give young people who want to get involved in politics?
There is always someone running for office who needs help. It doesn’t matter whether you’re a Democrat or Republican, or whether you live in a big city or a small village. There are candidates at every level who need volunteers.

My advice is to find someone whose values align with yours and jump in. You don’t have to understand every process from day one. You learn by doing. That’s how I got started. I found a county legislator who I thought was a good person with a strong platform, and a group of us helped get her elected. One opportunity led to another. That same network eventually connected me with Sean Ryan, who at the time was simply a community leader active in neighborhood meetings. He went on to serve in the Assembly, the Senate, and then run for mayor. You never know where getting involved will lead.


What advice would you give new members coming into the Legislature next year?
Take it all in. When you’re elected to a two-year term, there’s a tendency to feel like you constantly have to move — do this, do that, go, go, go.

But you also have to give yourself moments to appreciate where you are. Even after five years, I still walk into the chamber and feel humbled by the fact that people trusted me enough to represent them there. It’s a historic place, and you become part of that legacy. Don’t let the long hours rob you of that. Value the relationships you build and the opportunities you have.

Coming from Buffalo, I probably have one of the longest commutes of any Democrat in the Legislature—four hours each way. That means time away from my daughter, family, and friends. You have to make those sacrifices worth it. If you stay humble, appreciate the opportunity, find the issues you truly care about, and invest your energy in them, I think you’ll be happy with the work.
 
Any final comments?
I’m excited about the road ahead. I’m grateful for everyone who has helped me get to this point, and I’m looking forward to what comes next.


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!

Kevin P. Coughlin / Office of the Governor

Two Polls Released on Same Day Diverge on Status of Hochul and Blakeman Campaigns

On Wednesday morning, a Siena poll showed Hochul up by nine points ahead of GOP gubernatorial candidate Bruce Blakeman. Notably, when comparing at this point of the election during Hochul’s last election cycle in 2022, Hochul was up by 17 points but ultimately won the November general by less than 7%. Compared with the previous Siena poll last month, Hochul's overall support remained steady but now leads Blakeman among suburban voters. At the same time, Blakeman gained support from voters ages 35 to 54, as well as voters from NYC.

However, a Quinnipiac poll released hours later showed Hochul with a 19-point lead over Blakeman, with 58% of the total voters versus Blakeman’s 39%. Notably, the Quinnipiac poll shows Hochul leading among voters ages 35-54 and independent voters, while the Siena poll shows Blakeman leading Hochul in those categories. Specifically, the Siena poll suggests Blakeman leads among independent voters with 44%, while the Quinnipiac poll suggests Hochul leads among independent voters with 51%.

Although the Quinnipiac polls show Hochul leading in various categories, 1/3 of voters surveyed in both polls said they didn’t have an opinion of Blakeman, suggesting Blakeman may still gain support by November. Notably, in the Quinnipiac polls, 76% of voters who said they will vote for Hochul said they would not change their vote in November, while 83% of Blakeman voters said the same. With Election Day less than 6 weeks away, it remains to be seen whether Blakeman can catch up to Hochul.

Darren McGee/Office of Governor Kathy Hochul

EXECUTIVE UPDATES

On Wednesday, Hochul announced the disbursement of $42 million for the Youth Employment Program to help reduce youth entry into the criminal justice system. The program helps provide year-round paid work, training, and career exploration opportunities for low-income and at-risk youth in communities outside NYC that are impacted by gun violence. With the $42 million, it is expected to help support 2,500 individuals from September 2026 through June 2027 across regions participating in the state’s GIVE initiative. The funding builds upon the state’s commitment to promote public safety and expand economic opportunities for disadvantaged communities. “The Youth Employment Program is a core part of my administration’s comprehensive approach to reduce gun violence in communities across New York State, while providing at-risk youth with year-round work and training opportunities that will help them build strong futures.” Explained Hochul.
 

Earlier this week, Hochul delivered welcome remarks at the Ceres Climate Week event in NYC, highlighting the progress of the state’s clean energy agenda while touting its commitment to ensuring energy affordability for all ratepayers. Pointing to the state’s ongoing investment in renewable energy, Hochul also touted the importance of expanding nuclear energy and improving transmission infrastructure to support rising energy demand, including from data centers. “But these new investments are really exciting for us…We're doing 95 large-scale solar, wind, hydro and offshore wind projects right now, delivering 10.5 gigawatts of clean power, more than 4.6 million homes. I want clean, affordable power for families, but I'm not going to have an economy that's stuck in the past,” explained Hochul.
 

Additionally, alongside AG Tish James, Hochul announced that they will join seven other state AGs in challenging the Trump Administration’s two offshore wind agreements. Hochul and the AGs allege that the Trump Administration colluded with two energy companies to cancel four offshore wind projects using $1.4 billion in taxpayer dollars, misusing public funds and harming the state’s authority to regulate energy consumption. Hochul explained that if the lawsuit succeeds, it would help power more than 700,000 homes in NYC, create an estimated 1,716 jobs, and generate $25.6 billion in economic benefits, including $10 billion in energy bill savings.  “Working with Attorney General James and the seven other AGs who filed this lawsuit, we will continue to fight back against the unending war against clean energy being waged by this President and his Republican allies to ensure a healthier and cleaner future that allows us to keep the lights on and costs down here in New York,” said Hochul.


To further highlight the state’s progress in promoting climate resiliency and expanding its investment in clean energy for Climate Week, Hochul also announced the availability of $45 million in grants to combat increased adverse weather events, building upon the recent disbursement of $35 million to organizations and municipalities throughout the state through the state Environmental Facilities Corporation. The grants build on the state’s commitment to strengthening climate resilience infrastructure and are expected to support projects such as stormwater management, porous pavement, bioretention systems, water meter upgrades, floodplain restoration, and engineering plans for future wastewater projects in communities across every region of the state. “My administration is strategically investing in improvements that are both environmentally sustainable and fiscally responsible for a cleaner, greener New York,” said Hochul.

Late last week, Hochul announced the groundbreaking of a $2.8 million project to modernize the Village of Mineola Community Center on Long Island. Supported in part by $1.13 million in state investment through the Empire State Development grant, the community center is expected to have a modernized gym, classrooms, heating and cooling systems, and accessibility upgrades. The groundbreaking builds on the state’s community development efforts and supports Hochul’s priority of promoting local economic development. “Our investment in the Mineola Community Center will give residents a modern, welcoming space to come together while strengthening an important community resource for the next generation,” said Hochul.

With the completion of the new Belmont Park on Long Island, Hochul joined lawmakers in cutting the ribbon to officially open the racecourse after a three-year closure and a $555 million reconstruction project. The new Belmont Park, with modernized and expanded amenities, was supported by a $455 million state loan and is expected to generate $155 million in annual economic output, $10 million in new state and local tax revenue each year, and support year-round racing at Belmont for the first time. The opening of the new Belmont Park supports the state’s priority of expanding economic development for local municipalities and promoting tourism. “When the gates open and the starting bell sounds later today, Long Island will officially boast the newest and best racing destination in the world,” explained Hochul.

Last week, Hochul launched a new statewide enrollment push to help 2.5 million additional households sign up for the state’s EAP, a utility discount program for certain households. If eligible households sign up, the program is expected to save them up to hundreds of dollars per year, with discounts designed to keep a typical utility bill below 6 percent of household income. Currently, an estimated million households are already signed up for the program. The launch is expected to support Hochul’s affordability agenda by directly relieving ratepayers of rising energy costs. “Right now, 2.5 million eligible New Yorkers are leaving money on the table and I'm on a mission to help keep the lights on and costs down by launching an all-of-government push to get them enrolled in this money saving program,” explained Hochul. 

Additionally, Hochul announced the start of distributing energy rebate checks to about 8.2 million households. With distribution expected to continue through December, households may receive up to $200 for joint filers and up to $100 for single filers. Approved by lawmakers through this year’s Enacted Budget, the POWER program’s rebate checks are expected to provide some direct relief for rising energy costs and build on more than $7.6 billion in direct utility bill relief provided since 2021. “Too many families are struggling with rising household energy bills and soaring gas prices at the pump — and that's why we're putting money directly back in New Yorkers' pockets by sending energy rebate checks to millions of families as part of our affordability agenda,” explained Hochul. 

LEGISLATIVE UPDATES

Hochul Moves Forward with Implementing the RAISE Act

Amid heightened existential concerns about AI after a social media post by an AI researcher, Hochul announced earlier this week that the state will move forward with implementing the RAISE Act, the state’s landmark AI safety legislation. Comparing herself to President Trump, who called the recent concerns a “hoax” but also proposed creating an AI Force, Hochul said she will find more “actions that we can take at the state level to lead the way in the absence of leadership from Washington.”

However, Hochul explained that she may explore more options, including possible AI “kill switches,” a series of procedures to attempt to suspend or shut down an advanced AI model. Andrew Gournades, who sponsored the RAISE Act in the Senate, said that lawmakers have already started discussing more AI safeguards with urgency, explaining, “Everything should be on the table right now because we're hearing some pretty staggering and sobering, you know, warnings about how, if left unchecked, AI developing at these frontiers can be catastrophic for the future of humanity, and that's an outcome that nobody wants.”

Senator Andrew Gounardes Urges Support for the FOCUS Act

Joined by local lawmakers, including NYC Council Speaker Julie Menin, Senator Andrew Gournades held a press conference supporting the FOCUS Act, which would limit the use of school-issued devices in the classroom. Specifically, most students in pre-K to fifth grade would be allowed only screen-free instruction, while most middle school students would be allowed only internet access through shared computers, and high school students would be allowed to use personal devices only with explicit permission from a parent or guardian. Notably, the bill’s grade-based device restrictions are similar to NYCDOE’s recent guidelines on the use of generative AI and devices.

Hochul and AG Filed Lawsuit Against More Prediction Market Platform

This week, Hochul and AG Tish James announced they filed a lawsuit against Polymarket, alleging it operates an illegal gaming operation in the state. “Polymarket has done more than just knowingly violate state law, they have put New Yorkers at risk, especially those underage who are most vulnerable to problem gaming,” explained Hochul. This comes after separate lawsuits Hochul and James previously filed against other prediction market platforms, including Kalshi, which led the federal CFTC to counter-sue the state. Additionally, some lawmakers have urged the state to better regulate prediction markets, with one proposing to regulate the market through DFS and another to ban certain event contracts. With increased scrutiny of prediction markets, many expect prediction market regulation to be a top issue next year.

Board of Regents Drops Regents Prerequisite to Graduate High School

At a Regent hearing a week after the Board voted to drop the Regents test as a diploma requirement, NYC councilmembers and families warned that dropping the Regents test as a graduation prerequisite would cause the state to lower its educational standards, especially since the Board has not presented a viable alternative. “Schools still do not know how they will measure proficiency for students … who will be affected in less than a year,” Assemblymember Eric Dinowitz explained. While it remains to be seen whether the Legislature would take action to drop the Regents test as a graduation prerequisite, state education officials are expected to present draft regulations to the Board in February of next year, when lawmakers are expected to hold their annual Joint Budget Hearings. 


Counties Warn of Fiscal Cliff Due to SNAP Changes 

With municipalities required to pay new costs for food assistance programs after the passage of HR.1 last year, many advocates and county leaders have warned the state that counties would be unable to pay for SNAP. Currently, counties split the cost of SNAP 50-50 with the federal government, but counties will have to cover 75% of SNAP costs, or at least $168 million annually starting October 1st. Additionally, many food pantries and advocates have also warned that demand for food banks has grown. While Hochul has not said if the state would provide more financial assistance, she explained that her administration has “increased state support to local governments outside of New York City by 64%, a total increase of $4.4 billion over five years” and that she has been sounding “the alarm of the irreparable harm inflicted on New York due to the heartless decisions of the Trump administration.” However, she also explained that the state cannot backfill the federal funding cuts alone. 

State Essential Plan Projected to Lose More Than It Receives in Federal Subsidies in Coming Years

In addition to federal cuts to SNAP, lawmakers have also warned of federal cuts to healthcare, which have resulted in roughly 330,000 individuals losing Essential Plan coverage since July 1st. In total, the state lost $7.5 billion in federal subsidies for Essential Plan, forcing the state to lower the income limit for EP eligibility. However, a recent study found that EP is still projected to lose an estimated $4.3 billion more each year than it receives in federal subsidies, and the state can only pay for it through reserve funding until 2029. If lawmakers can't agree on additional funding by then, EP would be forced to shut down, eliminating coverage for the remaining 1.3 million enrollees. Additionally, counties would have to cover some of the increased cost of Medicaid, and coupled with SNAP changes, the state would lose roughly $12 billion in federal funding by 2029 across SNAP and healthcare subsidies.

State Comptroller Warns of Increased Impacts of Future Federal Cuts on NYC's Budget

Earlier this week, state Comptroller Tom DiNapoli released a report highlighting NYC’s need for continued state funding, with 17% of the city’s budget, or roughly $21 billion, coming from state funds. While DiNapoli noted that state help lets NYC fund major education and social service programs, including Foundation Aid, universal pre-K, and Medicaid administration, DiNapoli warned that those funds are subject to federal funding. “Both the city and state would be forced to make tough choices about paying for important programs should federal funding cuts occur,” explained DiNapoli. This comes as the state and NYC continue to implement universal childcare, while NYC Mayor Zohran Mamdani and many lawmakers urge Hochul to raise taxes to continue funding and expanding social programs.

ELECTION UPDATES

The following debates will occur on Spectrum One News:
For State Comptroller: October 1st at 7PM 
For State AG: October 8th at 7PM 
For Governor: October 13th at 7PM

Hochul to Campaign with AOC Before the November General 

During an interview earlier this week, Hochul said she will campaign throughout the state this year with Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, who is on a statewide tour supporting Democratic candidates and lawmakers. “ I think she brings a lot of energy to the process, engages young people in particular. I’ve encouraged this. I have asked her and others to go statewide to build the momentum we need and the energy around this next election. So I think she'll be very well-received,” explained Hochul. In response, GOP gubernatorial candidate and Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman remarked, “The more [Ocasio-Cortez] campaigns for Kathy Hochul, the greater chance of my election.” 

Correctional Officers Union Endorses Bruce Blakeman for Governor

In an unprecedented move, the state Correctional Officers and Police Benevolent Association (NYSCOPBA) publicly endorsed Blakeman for Governor. The union, which has historically not endorsed a candidate for Governor, said it endorsed Blakeman because they were concerned about the Hochul Administration's management of the state prison system and her support for the HALT Act, which restricts the use of solitary confinement. Blakeman said that if he is elected, he would push to repeal the HALT Act, explaining that correctional officers face a higher risk of assault due to the HALT Act. The endorsement comes days after the family of Robert Brooks, who was murdered by state prison staff, reached a settlement agreement and more than a year after a 22-day CO strike. 

Hochul Endorses Jay Jacobs for State Dem Chair

Last week, amidst a leadership challenge by Otsego County Democratic Party Chair Caitlin Ogden against state Party Chair Jay Jacobs, Hochul endorsed Jacobs over Ogden. “It is time for Jay Jacobs to show that he is going to continue being the leader. As I’m the head of the state party, he is my chairman. He’ll be reelected, no problem,” said Hochul. Jacobs, who’s running on experience, called for unity and criticized some progressive policies as not viable in parts of the state. However, Ogden explained that she’s also running on ensuring that the party remains a big tent, saying, “We have to hold up every corner of the big tent if we want to be successful.” Additionally, Ogden said she’s challenging Jacobs because he lacks a unified plan to address the Trump Administration. “I have been waiting to see someone step up to lead our committee that actually has a vision for delivering for what voters are asking for,” explained Ogden. The election for the Chair will take place on October 1st.

OTHER UPDATES

Mamdani Announces $131.5 Million Settlement for Delivery Workers

In the largest labor settlement in NYC history, Mayor Zohran Mamdani announced a $131.5 million settlement with DoorDash for violations of city laws. Of the $131.5 million settlement, $115 million will be allocated to 260,000 delivery drivers. The settlement comes after a NYCDCWP investigation into DoorDash after its delivery workers filed complaints with the Administration. "This is what it looks like when City government stands with working people: We find the violations, we enforce the law, and we make sure workers get what they’re owed," said Mamdani. 

Councilmembers Questions Mamdani Administration's Use of Signal

In a hearing held by the NYC Council Committee on Governmental Operations, State and Federal Legislation earlier this week, Councilmembers questioned the Mamdani Administration about its official communication history with social media influencers. Specifically, the Councilmembers raised concerns that the new Mayor's Office of New Media was using the Signal app for official purposes, possibly violating the NYC’s document retention policy. Additionally, Emilia Rowland, the director of the new office, declined to testify at the hearing, drawing criticism from both parties. “As everyone knows, I have a great respect for this Administration, so it upsets me that they have me agreeing with [GOP Council Leader David] Carr,” remarked Public Advocate Jumaane Williams. 

NYC Speaker Julie Menin Invites Additional Tech Companies for AI Hearing

After announcing a full-Council hearing to question the CEOs of OpenAI and Anthropic, NYC Council Speaker Julie Menin also said the Council is asking Meta, Google, and Twitter to participate in the hearing. Menin warned that if the companies do not participate, the Council may issue subpoenas, explaining, "We have subpoena power…We will if we need to.” This comes as the state AG Tish James urged employees at AI companies to provide any information about unsafe or potentially illegal conduct. With the hearing set for October 5th, Menin explained that the “Committee of the Whole” hearing will examine AI risks, the safeguards companies use, and what additional policies NYC can pursue. 

Councilmembers Proposes to Revamp Specialized High School Process

Last week, it was reported that Councilmembers Nantasha Williams and Lincoln Restler unveiled a plan in a letter to Mayor Mamdani and NYC Schools Chancellor Kamar Samuels to remove the Specialized High School Admissions Test (SHSAT) as the sole determinant for specialized high school admission. Some NYC lawmakers, including Williams and Restler, have been raising concerns about the lack of Black and Latino students, blaming the SHSAT as the main reason and pointing to the recent data showing that only three Black students out of an incoming first-year class of 777 were admitted into Stuyvesant, which has been generally considered the top specialized high school by most parents.

While state law makes the SHSAT the sole determinant for Stuyvesant, Bronx Science, and Brooklyn Tech, Williams and Restler urged Mamdani and Kamars to change admission policies for the remaining 5 specialized high schools. Mamdani, a Bronx Science alum, said he believes “a single test does not reflect the aptitude of students across the city” and that “We have to ensure that we're doing everything we can to deliver for those students at the earliest ages.”

SCOTUS Denies Trump's Emergency Request for Mail-in Ballot Rule Changes

Last week, the US Supreme Court denied the Trump Administration’s emergency request to let the new US Postal Service rule on mail-in ballots take effect before the upcoming November Midterm general election. With the denial, the lower courts’ orders to continue processing mail ballots under existing procedures remained in place, and Justice Brett Kavanaugh concurred that while the USPS may have the power to issue the rule, election officials would “not have sufficient time to implement the rule before” November reasonably. The ruling comes after President Trump issued an EO in March directing federal agencies to take a series of steps on mail-in voting procedures, prompting states including New York to file lawsuits against the EO. With the ruling, state AG Tish James remarked, “Voters should never have to wonder whether a ballot they legally cast will be counted because the federal government suddenly changed the rules.”

Other Interesting Friday Reads

Chaos reigns at Brooklyn Dems organizational meeting - City & State New York
 
In Suffolk, Schaffer keeps control of the county Democratic Party - City & State New York
 
Dem. Senate Campaign Committee chair discusses races in play – Spectrum One News
 
Will AI ban for NYC students exacerbate the city’s digital divide? - Route Fifty
 
New York Congressional Races to Watch, with Jeff Coltin & Sophie Krichevsky by Max Politics
 
Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez to visit Buffalo, huddle with Ryan – Buffalo News
 
Can a Republican Become Governor of New York? Blakeman Makes His Case. - The New York Times
 
Mamdani allies arrested blocking traffic ahead of Netanyahu's UN speech - Gothamist
 
NY Gov. Hochul: Benjamin Netanyahu 'not telling the truth' about Zohran Mamdani - Gothamist
 
Mamdani Invites World Leaders Over for Coalition-Building, Quiche – Hell Gate
 
NYS Health Department bars 21 providers from vaccinating kids amid fraud crackdown - Newsday

Tweet of the Week

 

Read Past Issues of the Brief

Featured
Friday Morning Brief September 25, 2026
Friday Morning Brief September 25, 2026
Read more →
Friday Morning Brief September 4, 2026
Friday Morning Brief September 4, 2026
Read more →
Friday Morning Brief August 21, 2026
Friday Morning Brief August 21, 2026
Read more →

Subscribe to the D&A Friday Morning Brief

* indicates required

here is another blog

Michael Avella
Next

Friday Morning Brief September 4, 2026