DAYS THE BUDGET IS LATE: 38
VOTING RIGHTS DILEMMA: Democrats are facing a challenge with their national redistricting strategy following a court order halting new maps in Virginia. As a result, New York has emerged as a key battleground for Democrats seeking to counter Republican gains.
Despite the push to redraw district boundaries in New York by 2028, Democrats in the state are likely to adopt a more cautious approach in the ongoing redistricting battles.
The Supreme Court’s recent decision to eliminate a crucial part of the Voting Rights Act now permits states to alter districts previously drawn to support minority voters. Republican-controlled states like Alabama and Tennessee are quickly moving to dismantle majority Black districts. In New York, however, where Democrats stand to benefit the most from redrawing lines, there is little interest in following suit, highlighting a significant challenge for blue states in the redistricting fight.
New York Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins emphasized the importance of protecting voting rights, recalling the sacrifices made during the civil rights movement. “These laws are there because there has been a real effort to disenfranchise certain people, certainly Black people, from being able to vote. So we want to protect that,” she stated.
In the coming weeks, New York lawmakers plan to start the complex process of passing a constitutional amendment to allow redrawing congressional lines in 2028. If successful, the amendment could shift the balance from 19 Democrats and seven Republicans to a potential 22-4 or 23-3 advantage.
This shift resembles the changes Republicans implemented in Texas last summer, though it is less extreme than the complete Republican control achieved by Tennessee lawmakers after eliminating a Black majority district in Memphis.
While a completely Democratic map in New York is unlikely, the state’s strong Democratic base—where they regularly receive around 60% of the statewide vote—means that creatively drawn districts extending from the Bronx and Brooklyn to upstate and Long Island could significantly increase Democratic representation compared to previous proposals.
Achieving such reconfigurations would necessitate removing districts once protected by the Voting Rights Act, including the Brooklyn district represented by House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries.
Senate Deputy Leader Mike Gianaris, who has overseen redistricting efforts since 2012, expressed caution, saying, “I don’t think we want to roll back protections for minority communities in New York.”
Preserving these districts remains a fundamental political principle for leaders like Stewart-Cousins and a sensitive issue for the entire state’s Democratic Party, likely tempering the aggressiveness of their redistricting approach.
For instance, on Long Island, Democrats could potentially redraw lines to increase their delegation from an unstable 2-2 to a more secure 3-1. However, aiming for a 4-0 map would require dismantling districts in Brooklyn and Queens.
Read more from Bill Mahoney in POLITICO Pro here.
From the Capitol
CASE CLOSED: State investigators have concluded two inquiries into potential conflicts of interest involving David Berger, the former CEO of SUNY Downstate Medical Center, as per records obtained by POLITICO.
The New York State Office of the Inspector General and the state’s Commission on Ethics and Lobbying in Government launched investigations into Berger after a referral from SUNY.
Investigators verified that Berger had professional ties with several companies holding contracts with SUNY Downstate, which he initially failed to disclose. They also found that Berger and potentially hundreds of other SUNY Downstate employees were not on the institution’s list of those required to file financial disclosures.
Berger’s attorney, Richard Friedman, stated that Berger promptly submitted the necessary forms once he was informed of his responsibilities. Friedman also said Berger does not believe his business affiliations created any conflicts of interest.
During his tenure as CEO of the Brooklyn teaching hospital from 2020, Berger reported advising several digital health startups and had a consulting agreement with a company that sells remote patient monitoring technology, according to 2022 and 2023 financial disclosures.
SUNY’s spokesperson, Holly Liapis, emphasized the institution’s commitment to high ethical standards for its senior officials, stating, “We will always uphold that value.” — Maya Kaufman
HOCHUL VERSUS TEACHERS UNIONS: The state and city teachers unions are urging Gov. Kathy Hochul to reject a Republican-supported federal tax credit program, following her indication of support for the initiative.
The program allows states to opt in, letting taxpayers deduct contributions to charities that provide scholarships for private school tuition and other expenses. Hochul’s office confirmed her support but noted she wants to ensure there are no hidden drawbacks that could negatively affect New York’s education system.
The unions argue that the program will divert billions from public schools to private schools without oversight.
New York State United Teachers President Melinda Person criticized the program, saying it takes funds from neighborhood schools and gives them to unaccountable private institutions. Michael Mulgrew, president of the United Federation of Teachers, also expressed strong opposition to the program.
If the program gains support, it could lead to a confrontation between Hochul and the Democrat-led state Legislature, which maintains strong ties with the teachers unions.
State Sen. John Liu, chair of the Senate’s New York City Education Committee, warned of the program’s potential long-term harm to public education, stating that many states have already opted out of the program. — Madina TourĂ©
CARL CLARIFIES: Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie is softening his criticism of Hochul after previously denying a state budget deal in a press conference.
Heastie told NY1 that he had a positive discussion with the governor, emphasizing that his issue was with the process, not with her personally. He expressed confidence that the budget would be finalized soon.
For weeks, Heastie has criticized the inclusion of non-fiscal matters in budget talks. Hochul announced a general agreement on the spending plan but left many details, such as pension, education, and health care specifics, unresolved. — Nick Reisman
FROM CITY HALL
BOYLAN BACKS OUT: Lindsey Boylan, an activist known for being the first woman to accuse former Gov. Andrew Cuomo of sexual misconduct, has decided to end her campaign for a Manhattan-based City Council seat.
Although Boylan lost last month’s special election for the open seat to Council staffer Carl Wilson, she initially did not confirm whether she would continue her candidacy in the upcoming Democratic primary for the 3rd Council District, which covers part of Manhattan’s West Side.
Boylan announced this morning that she would not participate in the June primary, paving the way for Wilson to secure a full term.
In her statement, Boylan expressed pride in the campaign efforts despite not continuing in the race.
Boylan’s defeat was a setback for Mayor Zohran Mamdani, who had endorsed her. On the other hand, Council Speaker Julie Menin, who supported Wilson along with other moderate Democrats, benefited from the outcome. — Chris Sommerfeldt
MAKING THE PITCH: Airbnb, largely restricted in New York City, is attempting to re-enter the market amidst the World Cup.
Today, the company held an event at a Bronx public school to celebrate its funding of mini soccer pitches at several schools in the area, aiming to create a lasting positive impact on local communities in New York and New Jersey.
Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie and city Schools Chancellor Kamar Samuels attended the event.
Last week, Airbnb was at the Jamaica YMCA, offering 1,000 World Cup tickets to children.
These goodwill gestures come as Airbnb and its allies seek changes to a City Council bill that would permit short-term rentals in single-family and two-family homes. A similar effort last year under former Council Speaker Adrienne Adams did not succeed.
Nathan Rotman, an Airbnb spokesperson, stated the company is committed to ensuring the World Cup leaves a lasting legacy that benefits local communities beyond just hotels in Midtown Manhattan.
The company’s activities have drawn attention from its main adversary, the Hotel and Gaming Trades Council, which recently launched the “GOALS Coalition” to enforce existing restrictions on Airbnb during the World Cup.
Whitney Hu, a spokesperson for the coalition, criticized corporate efforts to exploit major events for profit at the community’s expense. — Ry Rivard
SECOND SUIT: The Police Benevolent Association has filed a second lawsuit in two weeks against the city’s police oversight board.
The union’s lawsuit in state Supreme Court alleges that the Civilian Complaint Review Board, which investigates police misconduct and suggests disciplinary actions to the NYPD commissioner, is mishandling officer records.
The union claims the board is not following a state law requiring notification to officers when their disciplinary records are requested under the Freedom of Information Law.
PBA President Patrick Hendry accused the board of being biased against the police and neglecting legal fairness and due process.
The city’s Law Department declined to comment, and the CCRB defended its practices, emphasizing the impartiality of its investigations and adherence to applicable laws regarding public records.
The legal action is part of a broader effort by the PBA to challenge the CCRB through the courts, as the two organizations frequently clash.
Two weeks earlier, the union filed a federal lawsuit alleging that the CCRB released unverified complaints against officers without removing sensitive information. — Joe Anuta
FROM THE CAMPAIGN TRAIL
LOYALTY: Antonio Reynoso shares his views on Mamdani.
Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso is one of three Democrats vying in a competitive primary to succeed retiring Rep. Nydia Velázquez, who has endorsed him. In contrast, Mamdani supports Assemblymember Claire Valdez, a fellow member of the Democratic Socialists of America.
In a comprehensive interview with The New York Editorial Board, Reynoso recounted that the mayor advised against his congressional bid. When asked about his feelings, Reynoso, who backed Mamdani in the mayoral primary, said Mamdani does not truly know him or his history.
Reynoso elaborated on his past support for Mamdani, highlighting his involvement in citywide media and campaign efforts, yet noting that Mamdani is unaware of his background.
Despite this, Reynoso remains unfazed.
When questioned about Mamdani’s loyalty, Reynoso described Mamdani as disloyal, primarily due to the tension with Velázquez. He acknowledged Mamdani’s allegiance to the DSA and expressed understanding, stating it did not personally bother him. He also noted Velázquez attempted to reach a consensus with Mamdani.
Mamdani’s spokesperson did not respond to a request for comment.
Mamdani’s strong performance in the district previously makes his endorsement crucial for Valdez, potentially influencing primary voters.
City Council member Julie Won, another Democrat in the race, has also opposed Mamdani on at least one issue: Sunnyside Yard, a housing redevelopment project. — Madison Fernandez
IN OTHER NEWS
— SLICE OF TROUBLE: New York officials are facing challenges in finalizing Hochul’s proposed pied-à -terre tax on luxury second homes due to legal issues and budget conflicts. (Bloomberg)
— KNOCK KNOCK: New York’s top utility regulator has initiated an investigation into debt-collection practices at major utilities, including PSEG Long Island and Con Edison, following reports of controversial remarks at a Florida conference. (Newsday)
— OFF THE RAILS: Five unions representing 3,500 Long Island Rail Road workers claim contract talks with the MTA have stalled, accusing the agency of insincere bargaining as a potential May 16 strike looms. (New York Daily News)
Missed this morning’s New York Playbook? We forgive you. Read it here.
Correction: An item in Friday’s Playbook PM misspelled the name of Airbnb spokesperson Nathan Rotman.
