AT A GLANCE
- Senator Gillibrand, Representatives Espaillat, Goldman, and Velázquez, and Mayor Adams secure millions in infrastructure improvements for NYC’s roads to address traffic fatalities.
- Governor Hochul announced upstate NY’s economic development awards to strengthen the semiconductor manufacturing industry. New York Power Authority approves awards for Edwards, world leader in vacuum and abatement equipment in semiconductor industry, spurring $212 million in capital investments and creating more than 340 jobs.
- Governor Hochul outlined the FY 2024 budget on February 1st, read the full outline here.
- Governor follows through on pledge not to raise income taxes for FY 2024 budget
- New York Housing Compact will build 800,000 new homes, address statewide housing shortage
- $337 million investment aimed at reducing and preventing gun violence
- Addresses MTA ‘Fiscal Cliff’ while investing in public transit statewide
- Investing $5.5 Billion to promote energy affordability, reduce emissions, and clean our air and water, building on more than $30 billion committed to climate action
- $7.6 Billion, four-year child care investment continues, eligibility increased to include an additional 113,000 children
- $1 Billion health care investments for capital projects at hospitals and other facilities
- $1.3 Billion economic development investments will create jobs of the future across the Empire State
- $1 Billion investment will provide health care, shelter, and other critical services to asylum seekers
- Fully phases in foundation id, a $24 Billion commitment to education that includes $125 million for pre-K, and $250 Million for learning loss tutoring
- President Biden gave his State of the Union address on Tuesday, outlining historic progress, as well as giving the American people his agenda for the next two years.
- Governor Hochul announces $3 Million for small business grants in Buffalo. Applications will be available for the East Buffalo Small Business Working Capital Grant Program from February 3 to February 17.
- Mayor Adams announces COVID-19 vaccination will become optional for New York City workers. Statistics show that over 96% of city workers are vaccinated.
- Attorney General James successfully defends New York’s rent stabilization laws. This builds on Attorney General James’ long record of protecting tenants.
- Attorney General James attends State Senator Iwen Chu’s Inauguration.
- Read Comptroller DiNapoli’s Op-Ed on State Debt Reform in the Times Union.
- Rep. Espaillat hosts 5th annual Dominicans on the Hill.
- Rep. Goldman joins the new “Dad Caucus” advocating for policies including paid family and medical leave and an expanded child tax credit.
- Assembly Speaker Carl Haestie drops the puck at the Ranger’s game to celebrate Black History Month.
DELIVERING FOR YOU
Governor Hochul Announces Details of $1 Billion Plan to Overhaul New York State’s Continuum of Mental Health Care: Governor Kathy Hochul announced details of her comprehensive $1 billion multi-year plan to overhaul the continuum of mental health care and drastically reduce the number of individuals with unmet mental health needs throughout the state. First outlined during the 2023 State of the State last month, the plan aims to dramatically expand access to mental health care, reduce wait times and ensure appropriate levels of care to correct a mental health care system that has suffered from chronic underinvestment.
The plan includes $890 million in capital and $120 million in operating funding to establish and operate 3,500 new residential units for New Yorkers with mental illness. These units include 500 community residence-single room occupancy units, which provide housing and intensive services to individuals with serious mental illness who are at the highest risk of homelessness; 900 transitional step-down units; 600 licensed apartment units serving individuals who require an intermediate level of services.
Also funded through this allocation are 1,500 supportive housing units, which serve individuals with a serious mental illness who have less acute needs but still require support to live in the community. In addition, the plan includes $25 million in capital and $7.3 million in operating costs for 60 community step-down housing units in New York City to serve formerly unhoused individuals who are transitioning from inpatient care.
Senator Gillibrand, Representatives Espaillat, Goldman, And Velázquez, Mayor Adams, NYS And NYC Officials, And Local Advocates Announce Over $37 Million In Funds For New York To Improve Roads And Address Traffic Fatalities: U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand joined Representative Adriano Espaillat, Representative Dan Goldman, Representative Nydia Velázquez, New York City Department of Transportation Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez, New York City Council Member Chris Marte, New York City Council Member Carlina Rivera, New York City Council Majority Whip Selvena N. Brooks-Powers, Assemblymember Grace Lee, and local advocates to announce over $37 million in grant awards through the Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A) program, which will help improve road safety and address traffic fatalities throughout New York. This includes more than $21 million for projects in New York City.
The SS4A grant program, established by the historic Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, will provide $5 billion in grants over the next five years to prevent roadway deaths and serious injuries. New York City will receive a total of $21,481,306 through the program this funding cycle, with roughly $18 million going toward improving a segment of Delancey Street.
The funds are part of Senator Gillibrand’s continuous efforts to work with officials at all levels to upgrade infrastructure and lower pedestrian fatalities. Senator Gillibrand and Representative Adriano Espaillat are also calling on the Office of Management and Budget to include funding for the Stopping Threats on Pedestrians (STOP) Act in the President’s budget for Fiscal Year 2024. Passed in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, the STOP Act authorizes $5 million in annual grants for bollards and barricades to protect pedestrian spaces from large vehicles but has not yet been funded.
Governor Hochul Announces Economic Development Awards to Strengthen Upstate NY’s Semiconductor Manufacturing Industry: Governor Kathy Hochul announced that the New York Power Authority Board of Trustees approved economic development awards to Edwards—a British-based world leader in vacuum and abatement equipment in the semiconductor industry and part of the Atlas Copco Group—that will spur more than $212 million in capital investments, as the first phase of a $319 million overall project, and create 343 jobs. Governor Hochul first announced the firm’s decision to build a new facility at the Western New York Science & Technology Advanced Manufacturing Park in Genesee County in November 2022.
“Upstate New York’s emergence as a global hub for advanced manufacturing is stimulating unprecedented, transformative investments that will deliver the jobs of tomorrow to New York’s talented workforce,” Governor Hochul said. “By providing these firms with the tools and support they need to thrive, New York is furthering its legacy of innovation and cementing itself as a leader in the semiconductor industry.”
New York Power Authority Acting President and CEO Justin E. Driscoll said, “Securing key supply chain partners for New York’s growing semiconductor industry helps ensure that cutting-edge technologies will be developed right here in New York. NYPA hydropower plays a critical role in attracting leading manufacturers to our state and helps secure large-scale investments while creating well-paying jobs.”
(Source: Governor Kathy Hochul’s Pressroom)
IN THE WORKS
Governor Hochul Announces More Than $8.6 Million for Innovative Programs to Treat Opioid Addiction: Governor Kathy Hochul announced the availability of more than $8.6 million to develop comprehensive integrated outpatient treatment programs to address opioid use disorder across New York State. Administered by the State Office of Addiction Services and Supports, the funding will support up to 18 providers in their efforts to establish these innovative programs and is the latest award through the New York State Opioid Settlement Fund.
“Like too many New Yorkers, I know what it’s like to lose a family member to the disease of opioid addiction,” Governor Hochul
Comprehensive integrated outpatient treatment programs provide more opportunities to access person-centered comprehensive services – including medication treatment for opioid use disorder – and are a new initiative to address the ongoing need for integrated treatment in New York State. These programs are designed to make it easier for New Yorkers seeking treatment for a substance use disorder to access multiple services in one location.
(Source: Governor Kathy Hochul’s Pressroom)
NATIONAL
President Joe Biden delivers his State of the Union address Tuesday, February 7, 2023, on the House floor of the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C. (Official White House Photo by Adam Schultz)
President Biden gave State of the Union Address: During his first State of the Union address, President Biden announced a four-part Unity Agenda focused on areas where members of both parties can come together and make additional progress for the American people: ending cancer as we know it; delivering on the sacred obligation to veterans; tackling the mental health crisis; and beating the opioid and overdose epidemic.
Over the last year, the President was proud to work with Democrats and Republicans to enact major legislation that delivers on all aspects of this four-part agenda. In his State of the Union , the President announced a new set of policies to continue to make progress advancing his Unity Agenda and deliver results for families across the country.
President Biden outlined how he is delivering on his economic plan, growing the economy from the bottom up and middle out, not the top down. He shared his economic agenda which is generating a manufacturing boom in clean energy, semi-conductors, and infrastructure.
Alongside Brandon Tsay, a survivor of gun violence in Monterey Park, CA and Tyre Nichols’ mother and stepfather joining the First Lady, the President talked about our obligation to do more to combat gun violence and take action on police reform, while making our communities safer.
The President reminded the country that America is a story of progress and resilience, that strong democracy makes this possible, and that together we can deliver for the American people – as his administration did in the last two years.
Read the details of the SOTU here.
(Source The White House Fact Sheet)
Following his SOTU address, on Thursday President Biden visited Tampa, Florida to talk about his plan to protect Social Security and Medicare as Republicans threaten to cut these programs.
Democrats to start 2024 presidential cycle in South Carolina: The Democratic Party on Saturday approved the reordering of its 2024 presidential primary, replacing Iowa with South Carolina in the leadoff spot as part of a major shake-up meant to empower Black and other minority voters critical to its base of support.
Although changes are still possible throughout the summer and beyond, the formal endorsement by the Democratic National Committee during its meeting in Philadelphia is an acknowledgement that the start of the 2024 primary will look very different from the one in 2020.
Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries highlights how House Democrats have continued to commit to securing lower costs, better-paying jobs and safer communities for everyday Americans while House Republicans have done nothing to make life better for the American people. Watch the full press conference here.
EVENTS
February 16th, 7:00pm: Albany County Democratic Committee Meeting
Capital District Celtic Hall, 430 New Karner Road, Albany, New York 12205
February 23rd, 5:30pm: ECDC’s Annual Chairman’s Council Reception
Eckl’s at Larkin, 703 Seneca St., Buffalo NY 14210
If you would like to share your event with us, email us at info@nydems.org