New York failed to adopt its budget by the April 1 deadline imposed by the state constitution. As of the time of writing, the legislature has passed six short-term budget “extenders” to keep state government operating as three-way negotiations between the executive, senate, and assembly continue. Ironically, negotiations did not stall over the financials of the budget (which will clock in at over $252 billion). Rather, the focus of negotiations was on several of the Governor’s policy proposals – discovery reform, banning cellphones in schools, involuntary commitment, and criminal penalty enhancements when wearing a mask in public. In addition, it remains possible the legislature is compelled to return to session this fall to address anticipated cuts in the federal spending plan. NYECA continues to keep apprised of the status of budget negotiations, and we will continue to update you as the process proceeds.
TDI: NYECA, along with our coalition partners, continues to advocate against any inclusion of an increase in Temporary Disability Insurance (TDI) benefits within the context of the state budget, where we would likely have less control over its outcome. We are succeeding so far, as it looks like we will be successful in our efforts to keep this out of the final budget.
Post Budget Priorities: Given the now inevitable late budget adoption, there will be precious little time for Albany to consider the (literally) thousands upon thousands of other bills before them (the legislature is schedule to recess on June 12). This means a very condensed period for NYECA to try and support/pass beneficial legislation or oppose/stop bad bills. TDI will certainly be one of those post-budget priorities. It will be chaotic for sure, but sadly the NYECA government affairs team has become all too accustomed to the dysfunction of Albany. In the next issue of PowerOn, we will describe in more detail NYECA’s post budget legislative priorities.
As we wait for the budget, we continue to monitor and advocate on the relevant budget proposals previously mentioned in the last issue of Power On. In addition to that, please find an updated status report on new legislation relevant to NYECA, introduced over the past month.
A.4727 Bronson/S.50 – Relates to paid family leave benefits.
S.413 Gounardes/A.293 Cruz – Relates to the resolution of certain claims by certain employees.
S.2482 Parker/A.3561 Santabarbara – Enacts the “go green schools act” to assist school districts in converting to renewable energy systems.
A5491-A Bichotte – Prompt payment by contractors receiving public funds of amounts owed to small businesses and minority-owned business enterprises.
A.7098 Bichotte – Payments by public owners to contractors and subcontractors.
A7235 Bichotte/S.6315 Sanders – Establishes expanded construction mentorship opportunities for small and minority and women-owned business enterprises.
A.7379 Vanel/S.4591 Cooney – Prohibits broad indemnification by a design professional of a state or local agency or political subdivision involving public work for contracts.
A.7405 Gonzalez-Rojas/S.2078 Mayer – Requires or allows licensing entities to suspend business licenses for certain businesses that are charged or convicted of wage theft.
A.7866 Taylor/S.5979 Sanders – Enacts the “New York Slavery Era Business and State Procurement Disclosure Act.”
If you have any questions or would like additional information on any New York State or New York City legislative matter, including copies of any legislation or regulations mentioned in this article, please contact Peter Rescigno or NYECA lobbyist Perry Ochacher at (914) 319-9173.