“Say Their Name” Reform Agenda

In response to the climate in New York State and the nation following the death of George Floyd, Governor Cuomo today announced the “Say Their Name” Reform Agenda.  This agenda includes:

  • Allowing for transparency of prior disciplinary records of law enforcement officers by reforming 50-a of the Civil Rights Law;
  • Banning chokeholds by law enforcement officers;
  • Prohibiting false race-based 911 reports and making them a crime; and
  • Designating the NYS Attorney General as an independent prosecutor for matters relating to the deaths of unarmed civilians caused by law enforcement.

The Governor said he will work with the NYS Legislature to finalize these policies next week, when the NYS Senate and Assembly are expected to reconvene in session.  Neither house has released any details on this potential session, but we will keep you apprised of any information we learn.

Federal Paycheck Protection Program Flexibility Act Enacted

The Federal Paycheck Protection Program Flexibility Act (PPPFA) has been signed into law by the President.  This new law modifies the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP), which was intended to provide COVID-19 relief to small business.  The provisions of the new PPPFA include:

  • Giving small businesses more time to use emergency PPP loans by extending the period in which they must use the money to qualify for loan forgiveness – from eight weeks to the earlier of 24 weeks or December 31, 2020.
  • Reducing the amount of a PPP loan required to be spent on payroll from 75 percent to 60 percent.

Full text of the legislation can be found here.  Media coverage can be found here and here.

New York City

New York City will begin Phase 1 of the NY Forward reopening on Monday, June 8th, assuming the metrics required remain intact and under the required thresholds.  Phase 1 in New York State encompasses the following industries:

  • Construction
  • Agriculture, Forestry, Fishing and Hunting
  • Retail – (Limited to curbside or in-store pickup or drop off)
  • Manufacturing
  • Wholesale Trade

New York City is expected to approach Phase 2 in early July. 

COVID 19 Mobile Testing

Mayor de Blasio today announced the City will implement mobile testing throughout the 5 boroughs beginning in Soundview in the Bronx and Kew Gardens in Queens.  The testing will begin with 2 trucks next week and grow to 10 trucks in the coming weeks. The Mayor urged all New Yorkers to get tested, noting the tests are readily available and free.