Assisted by Shawn Ness
THE SENATE’S JUICY SECRET: Despite being in existence for decades, some lawmakers were unaware of its existence.
The secretive nature of the state Senate’s Working Rules group was detailed in a New York Focus story released today.
While the group, known as WRG, has been mentioned in previous news articles, the Focus story sheds new light on how Albany operates, often away from the public eye.
“There is no transparency in the legislative process,” remarked Democratic state Sen. Leroy Comrie of Eastern Queens. “Working rules have been around for decades, and those concerned about transparency are not focusing on what truly matters.”
Comrie’s candid comments may be surprising to government watchdogs, but they provide insight into the legislative process in both the Senate and the Assembly.
Lawmakers in the Assembly noted that crucial decisions are also made behind closed doors, with limited explanation to members and the public.
“How does the bill get on the Rules Committee agenda? It’s called Carl Heastie’s head,” said Upper West Side Democrat Daniel O’Donnell, referring to the Assembly speaker.
The Senate’s Working Rules Group consists of about 10 members, high-ranking legislators who meet in secret to determine which bills advance to the floor and which do not during the final week of the session. This group is seen as a necessary tool to sift through the numerous bills remaining at the end of the session.
“You’re taking a group of legislators — diverse by race, gender, geography, and political opinion — and you’re putting them in a room together to work things out in the best interests of everyone,” explained Senate Finance Chair Liz Krueger, a Manhattan Democrat.
Senate Majority Spokesman Mike Murphy clarified that any bill can be discussed by the full conference at any time, regardless of the WRG’s decisions. The group typically only convenes for about a week at the end of the session.
Lawmakers revealed that bills can sometimes end up in the WRG — and even be killed there — without the lead sponsors being aware.
While the Focus story painted a mysterious picture of the group, most lawmakers were willing to discuss the topic on the record.
However, Orange County’s state Senator James Skoufis declined to comment on the Working Rules group. State Sen. Jamaal Bailey also preferred not to delve into the inner workings of the group.
NEW YORK ROLLS OUT ENERGY ASSISTANCE: New York is the first state to go live with federal funds from the Inflation Reduction Act for energy efficiency projects for low-income residents. U.S. Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm joined Gov. Kathy Hochul and Sen. Chuck Schumer to highlight the new program in New York City on Thursday.
“We’re making real progress, something that’s tangible,” Hochul said. “We’re going to affect people’s ability to adjust, adapt, and lower their energy bills.”
The Energy Department announced last month that the state was the first to get its application approved under the $8.8 billion federal program meant to help homeowners cut their energy costs and make their properties more energy efficient.
New York is now launching the first phase of its $158 million home electrification and appliance rebates program through the state’s EmPower+ program, which serves homeowners and renters with incomes below 80 percent of their area median. Homes up to four units are eligible under the first phase, which will support the installation of air sealing, insulation, ventilation, heat pumps, and other electric upgrades. Up to $14,000 is available in rebates per household, Granholm said.
Hochul repeatedly praised President Joe Biden for supporting the program.
She mentioned, “This president is accomplishing the task at hand.” A prior version of EmPower had restrictions on eligibility up to 60 percent of the state median income, leading to criticism for excluding many low-income residents of New York City.
Today, officials announced that Massachusetts, Michigan, and Rhode Island have applied to initiate their own programs, making the total number of states applying for at least one of the home energy rebate programs funded by the law to 17.
The Trucking Association of New York is taking legal action against the MTA over congestion pricing, arguing that it unfairly targets trucking and logistic companies with higher rates compared to passenger vehicles. The lawsuit highlights the ongoing opposition as the policy is set to take effect in a month.
State lawmakers and Hochul’s office have been in talks about establishing a commission to investigate Covid-19 pandemic policies. The commission under consideration would have subpoena power and include public health experts appointed by top leaders in the Legislature and the governor.
Amy Paulin, a Westchester Democrat, engaged in a heated exchange with Assemblymember Latrice Walker over a sex crimes bill drafted in response to Harvey Weinstein’s overturned conviction. The State Common Retirement Fund is expected to surpass its long-term revenue forecast. Can you please rewrite this sentence?
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