NYECA to Have Presence at Annual SOMOS Political Conference in Puerto Rico
From November 5 to November 8, SOMOS is the can’t-miss annual New York political conference in San Juan, Puerto Rico, where all of New York’s power players meet for four days after the general election. It is also where some of the most consequential policy and political decisions in New York are made for the upcoming year. This year, NYECA lobbyist Perry Ochacher will be attending the conference on our behalf, networking, listening, and scoping out opportunities to advance our legislative and policy agenda in 2026.
NYECA Hosts Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins at Monthly Westchester/Fairfield Dinner
On October 15, NYECA hosted Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins at its regular Westchester/Fairfield dinner in Irvington. Earlier that day, County Executive Jenkins released the proposed 2026 Capital Budget for the county. The proposed budget includes major commitments in infrastructure, affordable housing, transit (e.g., funds for buses, EV chargers), and flood mitigation, along with ideas for new apprenticeship programs, which the County Executive detailed for those in attendance. The County Executive’s attendance was coordinated by our lobbying firm, Willett Public Affairs, and is part of our ongoing effort to build solid political relationships with important elected officials who drive public policy that is crucial to NYECA’s interests.
NYECA Takes Action on SCA Payment Delays
NYECA is taking action regarding continued, inexcusable payment delays at the School Construction Authority (SCA). Theses payment delays, based on the inefficient processing of change orders, cost NYECA members millions of dollars, not to mention the lost time in pursuing payment. It is beyond frustrating.
To bring further attention to this issue and step up the political pressure, NYECA was successful in recently requesting the following legislators to write SCA and demand some answers: Senators Leroy Comrie and John Liu (chairs of the Senate Corporations and Education-NYC Committees) and Assemblymembers Ed Braunstein and Mike Benedetto (chairs of the Assembly Corporations and Education Committees). These four important committees have oversight authority over SCA.
In their letters the legislators request “that the SCA provide data on: a) the current number of open change orders; b) the average and median length of time that change orders have remained open; c) the number of open projects for which the SCA has taken beneficial occupancy and their aging; and d) the average and median duration between substantial completion and project closeout. This information is critical to facilitate a constructive dialogue on how the SCA, and its contracting partners can work together to improve the timely administration and closeout of projects.” As part of their request, the legislators have also asked for an in-person meeting with SCA to discuss continued payment delays to contractors. We will keep you posted.
NYECA Priority Bill Status Update
With the legislature in summer recess, there has been no change in status for the high priority bills we are working on since last month, but we continue to carefully monitor the following, and are advocating accordingly:
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.