NYS Legislature in Session Tomorrow, June 8th

The NYS Senate is expected to gavel into remote session tomorrow, June 8th at 4:00 p.m.  The Assembly is expected to gavel in tomorrow at 12:00 p.m.  We expect session to address elements of the “Say Their Name” Reform Agenda, including 50-a police disciplinary records, banning the use of chokeholds by law enforcement officers, and codifying the NYS Attorney General as special prosecutor for matters relating to the deaths of unarmed civilians caused by law enforcement.  Click on the following links to find the committee agendas for the Senate and Assembly as they stand currently.

Status of Reopening

New York City will begin Phase 1 of New York State’s reopening process tomorrow, June 8th.  The Hudson Valley region is on track to begin Phase 2 on Tuesday, June 9th, and Long Island is on track to begin Phase 2 on Wednesday, June 10th.

As New York City begins Phase 1, the State and City will collaborate to conduct up to 35,000 COVID-19 diagnostic tests per day in the City.  All participants in recent protests are eligible for testing at any testing site.  Additionally, the State will prioritize 15 testing sites across the City for individuals who have participated in recent protests.

Changes to Voting Procedures

The Governor today signed legislation (S.8130-D/A.10516-A) extending the deadline to submit absentee ballots until the day of the election. To be counted, primary ballots must be postmarked by June 23rd. 

The Governor also announced he will issue an Executive Order extending the deadline for school districts to receive school budget ballots. To be counted, school budget ballots can be accepted by hand delivery through 5pm on June 9th and received by mail through June 16th by the school district. 

Limited Graduations Can Begin on June 26th

Governor Cuomo today announced that outdoor, socially-distanced graduations of up 150 people will be allowed beginning on June 26th, subject to any outbreaks or significant developments in COVID-19 data.

New York State COVID-19 Numbers

Thankfully, we are now firmly on the far side of the COVID-19 plateau in New York State.  That said, the number of deaths in the State increased by 45 since yesterday.