New York State Assembly

Statement from Speaker Carl Heastie

Aug 3, 2021

After our conference this afternoon to discuss the Attorney General's report concerning sexual harassment allegations against Governor Cuomo, it is abundantly clear to me that the Governor has lost the confidence of the Assembly Democratic majority and...

Statement from Speaker Carl Heastie on Attorney General's Report

Aug 3, 2021

We have received the Attorney General's 168 page report containing findings of sexual harassment and misconduct committed by Governor Cuomo. The findings contained in the report are disturbing. The details provided by the victims are gut-wrenching....

Notice of Public Hearing - Emergency Rental Assistance Program

Jul 30, 2021

Statement from Speaker Carl Heastie

Jul 28, 2021

The recent spike in the COVID-19 pandemic shows that we still have more work to do in order to overcome this terrible health crisis. In order to ensure the safety of the public and our employees, and consistent with CDC and state guidance, the Assembly...

Notice of Public Hearing - The Provision of Electric Service on Long Island

Jul 27, 2021

Assembly to Hold Hearing on the Emergency Rental Assistance Program

Jul 22, 2021

Speaker Carl Heastie, Ways and Means Committee Chair Helene E. Weinstein, Housing Committee Chair Steven Cymbrowitz and Social Services Committee Chair Linda B. Rosenthal today announced the Assembly will hold a hearing on Tuesday, August 10, 2021 to...

Federal Government Began Disbursement of Monthly Child Tax Credits This Week

Jul 16, 2021

This week, the federal government began the disbursement of monthly Child Tax Credit payments that were included in the American Rescue Plan Act passed by Congress earlier this year. Speaker Carl Heastie and Ways and Means Committee Chair Helene Weinstein...

Statement from Speaker Carl Heastie

Jul 14, 2021

In its never ending quest to degrade public discourse, the New York Post's editorial board today reached a new low, if that is even possible. Using racist dog whistle language to make an inaccurate point about an issue which I am not even involved with...

Assembly Continues Working to Ensure Small Businesses Keep Critical Grant Funding to Aid in COVID-19 Recovery

Jul 13, 2021

Speaker Carl Heastie, Small Business Committee Chair Al Stirpe and Assemblymember Erik Dilan today announced that the Assembly has passed legislation to help small businesses across New York by ensuring that grants from the COVID-19 Pandemic Small Business...

Assembly Passes Public Health Measure to Reduce the Spread of Blood Borne Diseases

Jul 8, 2021

Speaker Carl Heastie and Health Committee Chair Richard N. Gottfried today announced the Assembly has passed legislation to decriminalize the possession and sale of hypodermic needles and syringes to reduce the spread of blood borne diseases, most notably...

Assembly Passes Legislation to Establish the Office of the Utility Consumer Advocate

Jul 7, 2021

Speaker Carl Heastie today announced that the Assembly has passed legislation that would create the state Office of the Utility Consumer Advocate to represent residential utility consumers’ interests in residential and utility matters at the state...

Notice of Public Hearing - Ranked Choice Voting in New York City

Jul 2, 2021

Statement from Speaker Carl Heastie

Jul 2, 2021

Addressing climate change continues to be a top priority for the Assembly Majority. The adoption of the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act (CLCPA) in 2019 was an important first step in establishing climate and equity requirements, but we...

Grants Action News - July 2021

Jul 1, 2021

Statement from Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie

Jun 30, 2021

The Assembly Majority has passed a number of important voting reforms to strengthen our electoral system and provide easier access to all New Yorkers. The situation regarding the tabulation issues in New York City is extremely concerning, and we are closely...

Assembly Passes Legislation to Improve Water Quality in Schools

Jun 28, 2021

Speaker Carl Heastie and Health Committee Chair Richard N. Gottfried today announced the Assembly has passed legislation that would improve drinking water quality in schools by strengthening water testing requirements, including increasing the frequency...

Speaker Heastie Statement on the Sentencing of Derek Chauvin

Jun 25, 2021

The murder of George Floyd was a tragedy, one that became a rallying cry and a call to action across our country. Today, Derek Chauvin was sentenced to 22 and half years in prison for his murder. I hope that today’s sentencing brings George Floyd’s...

Assembly Passes Legislation to Hold Out of State Businesses Engaged in Improper Conduct Financially and Legally Accountable in New York

Jun 23, 2021

Speaker Carl Heastie and Ways and Means Committee Chair Helene E. Weinstein today announced that the Assembly passed legislation that would help New York businesses by holding out of state business to the same standards as those headquartered in New York....

Assembly Passes Package of Critical Consumer Credit Protection Legislation

Jun 16, 2021

Speaker Carl Heastie and Ways and Means Committee Chair Helene E. Weinstein today announced the Assembly passed a comprehensive package of consumer credit protection legislation.“The Assembly Majority has long been committed to protecting the rights...

Assembly Passes Sweeping Legislative Package to Address Discriminatory Real Estate Practices

Jun 11, 2021

Speaker Carl Heastie and Housing Committee Chair Steven Cymbrowitz today announced the Assembly has passed a comprehensive package of legislation addressing discrimination in the real estate industry.In 1968, the federal Fair Housing Act was passed to...

Statement from Speaker Carl Heastie on the End of 2021 Session

Jun 10, 2021

During one of the toughest times in our history, the New York State Assembly rose to the occasion to meet the challenges we faced. This session we passed groundbreaking legislation and delivered a historic budget that met the needs of New Yorkers during...

Assembly Passes the Gender Recognition Act

Jun 10, 2021

Speaker Carl Heastie and Assemblymember Daniel J. O’Donnell today announced that the Assembly has passed the Gender Recognition Act. This bill would ensure that government documents reflect transgender, nonbinary and intersex individuals’...

Assembly Passes Legislation to Speed up the Canvassing of Absentee Ballots in New York State and Ensure Every Valid Ballot Counts

Jun 10, 2021

Speaker Carl Heastie, Election Law Committee Chair Latrice Walker and Assemblymember Robert C. Carroll today announced that the Assembly has passed legislation that will streamline the process for canvassing absentee, military, special and affidavit ballots,...

Assembly Passes Make Voting Easy Act Expanding the Number of Early-Voting Sites in New York State

Jun 10, 2021

Speaker Carl Heastie, Election Law Committee Chair Latrice Walker and Assemblymember Al Taylor today announced the passage of the Make Voting Easy Act, significantly expanding early voting sites throughout the state and increasing the hours polling sites...

Assembly Passes Legislation to Reduce Recidivism and Promote Successful Reintegration After Incarceration

Jun 10, 2021

Speaker Carl Heastie today announced the Assembly has passed legislation that would ensure individuals have the support they need to reenter the community after incarceration and successfully complete their community supervision.“Successful reintegration...

New York's COVID-19 Pandemic Small Business Recovery Grant Program to Begin Accepting Applications

Jun 10, 2021

Speaker Carl Heastie, Small Business Committee Chair Al Stirpe and Economic Development Committee Chair Harry Bronson announced today that New York will begin accepting grant applications for its COVID-19 Pandemic Small Business Recovery Grant Program...

Notice of Public Hearing - Integrating services offered by the Office of Addiction Services and Supports and the Office of Mental Health

Jun 10, 2021

Assembly Passes Legislation to Support Gun Violence Research in New York State

Jun 9, 2021

Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie and Assemblymember Jo Anne Simon today announced that the Assembly has passed legislation to create the Firearm Violence Research Institute and the Gun Violence Research Fund, and allow taxpayers to make contributions to...

Assembly Passes Legislation to Create Opioid Settlement Fund

Jun 9, 2021

Speaker Carl Heastie, Alcoholism and Drug Abuse Committee Chair Phil Steck and Assemblymember Carrie Woerner today announced that the Assembly passed legislation to create the Opioid Settlement Fund, which will ensure that funding obtained from settlements...

Senate and Assembly to Pass The Housing Our Neighbors with Dignity Act

Jun 9, 2021

Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins and Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie today announced the Legislature will advance legislation to enact the Housing Our Neighbors with Dignity Act. This legislation will allow the state to finance the purchase...

Assembly to Pass Comprehensive Package of Legislation to Protect New Yorkers from Gun Violence

Jun 8, 2021

Speaker Carl Heastie today announced that the Assembly will pass a comprehensive package of commonsense gun safety legislation. Included in the legislative package are bills that would ban ghost guns, hold the gun industry liable for damages it causes,...

Assembly Passes Legislation to Continue to Allow Outdoor Dining On Sidewalks and Streets

Jun 8, 2021

Speaker Carl Heastie and Assemblymember Patricia Fahy today announced the passage of legislation that would allow restaurants to continue to use streets and sidewalks for outdoor dining for an additional year as they work towards recovery from the COVID-19...

Assembly Passes Legislation to Ensure that All Vietnam War Veterans are Recognized

Jun 7, 2021

Speaker Carl Heastie and Veterans' Affairs Committee Chair Didi Barrett today announced the passage of legislation that would change the beginning date of the Vietnam War from February 28, 1961 to November 1, 1955, to coincide with the date used by the...

Assembly Passes Legislation to Make Forging Immunization Records a Felony

Jun 3, 2021

Speaker Carl Heastie and Codes Committee Chair Jeffrey Dinowitz today announced the Assembly has passed legislation that would confirm that forging proof of immunization is a felony (A.7536, Dinowitz).“It is beyond comprehension that after the horror...

Notice of Public Hearing - The Community Services Block Grant (CSBG) Program

Jun 3, 2021

Assembly Passes Legislation to Expand Protections in the Child Marriage Law, Making 18 the Age of Consent to Marry

Jun 3, 2021

Speaker Carl Heastie, Judiciary Committee Chair Charles D. Lavine and Assemblymember Phil Ramos today announced that the Assembly has passed legislation that builds on a 2017 law that prohibited marriage by young teenagers, but allowed 17 year olds to...

Assembly Passes Legislation to Advance Transparency in Grand Jury Proceedings

Jun 2, 2021

Speaker Carl Heastie and Assemblymember Daniel O’Donnell today announced the Assembly has passed legislation that would facilitate additional involvement of the court and increase transparency in grand jury proceedings (A.5845, O’Donnell).“When...

Assembly Passes Legislation to Protect Immigrants from Coercion and Extortion

Jun 2, 2021

Speaker Carl Heastie and Assemblymember Michaelle Solages today announced the Assembly has passed legislation that would include making threats to report a person’s immigration status or cause deportation/removal proceedings a form of extortion...

Grants Action News - June 2021

May 27, 2021

Assembly Passes Legislation Establishing Nourish New York Program

May 26, 2021

Speaker Carl Heastie, Agriculture Committee Chair Donna Lupardo and Assemblymember Catalina Cruz today announced the Assembly has passed legislation to establish the Nourish New York program in law, which connects surplus agricultural products with food...

Speaker Heastie Announces Continuation of Assembly Workgroup on Sexual Harassment

May 26, 2021

Speaker Carl Heastie today announced the continuation of the Assembly Workgroup on Sexual Harassment and announced new members to the group. The members will review issues on workplace discrimination and identify ways to ensure the safety of all employees.“We...

Speaker Heastie Statement

May 25, 2021

George Floyd’s murder a year ago today was a personal tragedy for his family and friends who continue to grieve his loss. The protests that were held across the country and the world in the weeks and months following his death spurred action. We...

Assembly Passes Legislation to Enter New York into SNAP Restaurant Meals Program

May 25, 2021

Speaker Carl Heastie and Assemblymember Karines Reyes today announced the Assembly has passed legislation that would enter New York State into the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Restaurant Meals Program (RMP) (A.1524, Reyes). The program...

Assembly Passes Legislative Package in Observance of Legislative Disabilities Awareness Day

May 24, 2021

Speaker Carl Heastie, Minority Leader William Barclay today announced the Assembly will commemorate May 24, 2021 as the annual Legislative Disabilities Awareness Day (K.324, Abinanti). In honor of Legislative Disabilities Awareness Day, the Assembly...

Speaker Heastie Names Two Members to the Selection Committee for First State Veterans' Cemetery

May 20, 2021

Speaker Carl Heastie today announced that he has appointed James Bass and Sergio Villaverde to serve on the selection committee charged with determining the location of the first state veterans’ cemetery.“The selfless men and women who...

Speaker Heastie Statement on Updated Guidance and Capacity Limits in the Assembly Chamber

May 19, 2021

Effective immediately, and consistent with updated guidance, capacity limits in the Assembly Chamber have been eliminated. In order to ensure everyone’s safety, members, employees and visitors will continue to be required to wear face masks in all...

Assembly Passes Legislation Expanding Voters' Access to the Ballot in New York

May 11, 2021

Speaker Carl Heastie and Election Law Committee Chair Latrice Walker today announced that the Assembly has passed legislation to expand access to absentee ballot voting in New York by removing the constitutional barrier to “no excuse” absentee...

Notice of Public Hearing - Mental Health Crisis Services

May 11, 2021

Speaker Heastie Statement on the Passing of Former Assemblymember Aurelia Greene

May 10, 2021

It is with great sadness that I learned of the passing of a true friend and community stalwart, former Assemblymember Aurelia Greene.While representing the 77th Assembly District in the Bronx for over 20 years, she dedicated her life to the betterment...

Assembly Passes Lifesaving Legislation to Require Safe Staffing Standards in Hospitals and Nursing Homes

May 4, 2021

Speaker Carl Heastie, Health Committee Chair Richard N. Gottfried and Assemblymember Aileen Gunther today announced that the Assembly passed lifesaving legislation which will require hospitals and nursing homes to meet staffing ratios for nurses and unlicensed...

Assembly Passes Legislation to Extend Residential & Commercial Eviction Moratoriums

May 3, 2021

Speaker Carl Heastie, Assemblymember Jeffrey Dinowitz and and Assemblymember Harry B. Bronson today announced that the Assembly has passed legislation to extend the residential and commercial eviction and foreclosure moratoriums, and expand the number...

Grants Action News - May 2021

Apr 29, 2021

Speaker Heastie Statement on Resolutions Repealing Executive Orders

Apr 28, 2021

Today, the Assembly passed resolutions to repeal certain portions of a series of executive orders issued by the governor over the course of the COVID-19 pandemic. These executive orders were issued in order to respond to the constantly evolving health...

Assembly to Pass Legislation to Expand Rape Statutes to Allow Survivors to Seek Justice

Apr 27, 2021

Speaker Carl Heastie and Assemblymember Catalina Cruz today announced that the Assembly will pass legislation that would redefine New York’s rape statutes to ensure that survivors receive appropriate justice and that their trauma is recognized...

Notice of Public Hearing - Electronic and Remote Notarization in New York State

Apr 27, 2021

Notice of Public Hearing - Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act (CLCPA) Implementation

Apr 22, 2021

Assembly Passes Measure to Expand the Domestic Workers' Bill of Rights to Include Paid Family Leave

Apr 21, 2021

Speaker Carl Heastie, Labor Committee Chair Latoya Joyner and Assemblymember Jenifer Rajkumar today announced the passage of legislation to expand the Domestic Workers’ Bill of Rights so that domestic workers are covered under Paid Family Leave...

Assembly Passes Legislation to Restore Voting Rights to Individuals Released to Parole Supervision

Apr 21, 2021

Speaker Carl Heastie and Election Law Committee Chair Latrice Walker today announced the Assembly has passed legislation that would restore voting rights to individuals released to parole supervision to facilitate community reintegration and participation...

Speaker Heastie Statement

Apr 20, 2021

George Floyd’s murder was a tragedy. It was a crime that the entire world witnessed on video over the course of nine minutes and 29 seconds. That Derek Chauvin was found guilty on all counts is important and it is right. But I also know we must...

Assembly Passes Earth Day Legislative Package to Safeguard the Environment

Apr 20, 2021

Speaker Carl Heastie and Environmental Conservation Committee Chair Steve Englebright today announced that the Assembly will commemorate April 22, 2021 as the 51st Anniversary of Earth Day (K.167, McMahon). In honor of Earth Day the Assembly passed...

Assembly Passes Hero Act, Protecting Workers from Infectious Diseases in the Workplace

Apr 19, 2021

Speaker Carl Heastie, Labor Committee Chair Latoya Joyner and Assemblymember Karines Reyes today announced that the Assembly has passed the Hero Act, which will establish health and safety standards to protect New Yorkers from airborne infectious diseases...

Assembly Passes Legislation to Exempt COVID-19 Stimulus Relief from Money Judgments

Apr 19, 2021

Speaker Carl Heastie and Ways and Means Committee Chair Helene E. Weinstein today announced the Assembly has passed legislation that would exempt COVID-19 stimulus relief for individuals and families with children from seizure to satisfy money judgments...

Assembly Announces New $15 Million Statewide Digital Inclusion Grant Program in SFY 2020-21 Budget

Apr 8, 2021

Speaker Carl Heastie and Science & Technology Committee Chair Steve Otis today announced that the approved State Fiscal Year (SFY) 2021-22 Budget includes the Assembly’s proposal to establish a new $15 million statewide Digital Inclusion...

Summary of Recommended Changes to the Executive Budget

Apr 7, 2021

Assembly Announces SFY 2021-22 Budget Includes Funding for Human Services Programs that Support Vulnerable New Yorkers

Apr 7, 2021

Speaker Carl Heastie today announced that the State Fiscal Year (SFY) 2021-22 Budget includes critical funding for programs that support children and families, as well as invests in vital mental health, addiction and substance abuse services.“The...

Approved SFY 2021-22 Budget Includes Critical Investments to Aid Recovery for Small Business and the Arts & Entertainment Industry, Helps New Yorkers Get Back to Work

Apr 7, 2021

Speaker Carl Heastie, Small Business Committee Chair Al Stirpe; Economic Development Committee Chair Harry Bronson; Tourism, Parks, Arts and Sports Development Chair Daniel O’Donnell; Children and Families Committee Chair Andrew Hevesi;...

Enacted Budget to Include $2.1 Billion for Excluded Workers Fund

Apr 7, 2021

Speaker Carl Heastie and Labor Committee Chair Latoya Joyner today announced the enacted State Fiscal Year (SFY) 2021-22 Budget includes $2.1 billion for the Excluded Worker Fund. The fund will be administered by the Department of Labor and will provide...

SFY 2021-22 Budget Includes Critical Funding for Social Services, Housing and a Rent Relief Program for Those Impacted by COVID-19

Apr 7, 2021

Speaker Carl Heastie today announced that the approved State Fiscal Year (SFY) 2021-22 Budget makes investments in critical social service programs and public housing, as well as providing rent and homeowners relief programs for those impacted by the...

Assembly Announces SFY 2021-22 Budget Includes $13.7 Billion in Funding for Higher Education

Apr 7, 2021

Speaker Carl Heastie and Higher Education Committee Chair Deborah J. Glick today announced the approved State Fiscal Year (SFY) 2021-2022 Budget invests in making higher education accessible for all New York students, funding the State University of New...

Approved SFY 2021-22 Budget Funds Critical Agricultural Programs

Apr 7, 2021

Speaker Carl Heastie and Agriculture Committee Chair Donna Lupardo today announced the approved State Fiscal Year (SFY) 2021-22 Budget will include $35.78 million in funding for agricultural aid to localities and other critical agricultural programs....

Assembly Announces SFY 2021-22 Budget Invests $1.84 Billion in Funding for the Environment, Including $300 Million for the Environmental Protection Fund

Apr 7, 2021

Speaker Carl Heastie and Environmental Conservation Committee Chair Steve Englebright today announced that the enacted State Fiscal Year (SFY) 2021-22 Budget invests $1.84 billion in funding for the environment, including $300 million for the New York...

Approved SFY 2021-22 Budget Includes $29.1 Billion in School Aid

Apr 7, 2021

Speaker Carl Heastie and Education Committee Chair Michael Benedetto today announced the approved State Fiscal Year (SFY) 2021-22 Budget will include $29.1 billion in funding to General Support for Public Schools (GSPS), an increase of $3.1 billion,...

Approved Budget Makes $11.2 Billion Investment in Transportation Operating and Infrastructure Across New York State

Apr 7, 2021

Speaker Carl Heastie, Transportation Chair William B. Magnarelli, and Corporations, Authorities and Commissions Chair Amy Paulin today announced that the State Fiscal Year (SFY) 2021-22 Budget will invest $11.2 billion in the state’s transportation...

Approved SFY 2021-22 Budget Provides Critical Health Funding

Apr 7, 2021

Speaker Carl Heastie and Health Committee Chair Richard N. Gottfried today announced the State Fiscal Year (SFY) 2021-22 Budget includes $542 million in restorations to the Medicaid program and $58.25 million in restorations to public health programs....

Assembly Announces Approved $212 Billion SFY 2021-22 Budget Invests in N.Y. Communities and Aids in Recovery from the COVID-19 Pandemic

Apr 6, 2021

Speaker Carl Heastie and Ways and Means Committee Chair Helene E. Weinstein today announced that the approved State Fiscal Year (SFY) 2021-22 Budget of $212 billion will put New York families first by making critical investments in communities helping...

Speaker Heastie Statement on the HALT Solitary Confinement Act

Apr 1, 2021

The signing into law of the HALT Solitary Confinement Act marks a historic day for our state and for our criminal justice system, and recognizes the fundamental human rights to which we all are entitled. The evidence is clear – solitary confinement...

Assembly Passes Legislation to Extend Utility Termination Moratorium

Mar 31, 2021

Speaker Carl Heastie and Assemblymember Diana Richardson today announced the Assembly has passed legislation that would continue and expand the existing moratorium on utility termination of services to protect New Yorkers struggling financially during...

Assembly to Pass the Marijuana Regulation and Taxation Act to Legalize Adult Use of Marijuana in New York State

Mar 30, 2021

Speaker Carl Heastie and Assembly Majority Leader Crystal D. Peoples-Stokes today announced that the Assembly will pass the Marijuana Regulation and Taxation Act (MRTA), which will legalize the adult use of marijuana in New York for individuals 21 years...

Grants Action News - April 2021

Mar 29, 2021

Assembly Passes Legislation to Remove Antiquated Language from Family Court Proceedings

Mar 24, 2021

Speaker Carl Heastie today announced the Assembly has passed legislation to eliminate the stigma of being labeled “incorrigible” in Persons in Need of Supervision (PINS) proceedings (A.5873, Reyes).“Our family court system is intended...

Assembly Expands Unemployment Insurance Eligibility to Parents Forced to Leave Workforce in Order to Care for their Children

Mar 23, 2021

Speaker Carl Heastie, Labor Committee Chair Latoya Joyner and Assemblymember Jennifer Lunsford today announced the Assembly has passed legislation expanding unemployment insurance eligibility to include workers who have had to leave their jobs in order...

Assembly Passes Legislation to Increase Transparency and Accountability in Government During Sunshine Week

Mar 18, 2021

Speaker Carl Heastie and Governmental Operations Committee Chair Kenneth Zebrowski today marked the nationwide observance of Sunshine Week with the passage of legislation to strengthen the state’s Freedom of Information Laws (FOIL) to enhance transparency...

Speaker Heastie & Judiciary Committee Chair Lavine Announce the Hiring of Davis Polk & Wardwell LLP to Lead Impeachment Investigation of Governor's Conduct

Mar 17, 2021

Speaker Carl Heastie and Judiciary Committee Chair Charles D. Lavine today announced that the Assembly has retained the law firm Davis Polk & Wardwell LLP to lead an impeachment investigation into allegations against Governor Andrew Cuomo.“Since...

Assembly Passes Legislation Expanding Access to Veterans Treatment Courts throughout New York State

Mar 16, 2021

Speaker Carl Heastie, Judiciary Committee Chair Charles D. Lavine, Assemblymember Sandy Galef and Veterans' Affairs Committee Chair Didi Barrett today announced the Assembly has passed legislation expanding the availability of Veterans Treatment...

Assembly Passes HALT Solitary Confinement Act

Mar 16, 2021

Speaker Carl Heastie, Corrections Committee Chair David I. Weprin and Assemblymember Jeffrion Aubry today announced that the Assembly passed the Humane Alternatives to Long-Term (HALT) Solitary Confinement Act, which would limit the time an inmate can...

Assembly and Senate Announce General Conference Committee Appointments

Mar 16, 2021

2021 General Budget Conference Committee Assembly Speaker Carl E. Heastie (Co-Chair) Helene Weinstein Crystal Peoples-Stokes Phil Ramos Jeffrion Aubry* William Barclay Edward Ra* Senate Andrea Stewart-Cousins (Co-Chair) Liz...

Assembly Budget Includes New Statewide Digital Inclusion Grant Program

Mar 16, 2021

Speaker Heastie and Science & Technology Committee Chair Steven Otis today announced the Assembly's State Fiscal Year (SFY) 2021-22 Budget includes a new statewide $15 million Digital Inclusion Grant Program to assist local efforts to bring...

Assembly and Senate Announce General Conference Committee

Mar 16, 2021

Legislature to Convene General Budget Conference Committee meeting today at 12:30 p.m. In the interest of public health and safety, the hearings will be conducted virtually using web-based video conferencing at https://www.nysenate.gov/events...

Assembly SFY 2021-22 Budget Funds Critical Agricultural Programs

Mar 16, 2021

Speaker Carl Heastie and Agriculture Committee Chair Donna Lupardo today announced the Assembly’s State Fiscal Year (SFY) 2021-22 Budget will include $35.41 million in funding for agricultural aid to localities and other critical agricultural programs....

Assembly Announces $400 Million for Environmental Protection Fund in Assembly SFY 2021-22 Budget

Mar 15, 2021

Speaker Carl Heastie and Environmental Conservation Committee Chair Steve Englebright today announced the Assembly's 2021-22 State Fiscal Year (SFY) budget includes an increase of $100 million funding over the proposed executive proposal for...

Assembly SFY 2021-22 Budget Restores Critical Health Funding

Mar 15, 2021

Speaker Carl Heastie and Health Committee Chair Richard N. Gottfried today announced the Assembly’s State Fiscal Year (SFY) 2021-22 Budget would make $376 million in restorations to the Medicaid program and $393 million in restorations to public...

Assembly Budget Makes $11.3 Billion Investment in Transportation Operating and Infrastructure Across New York State

Mar 15, 2021

Speaker Carl Heastie, Transportation Chair William B. Magnarelli, and Corporations, Authorities and Commissions Chair Amy Paulin today announced that the Assembly State Fiscal Year (SFY) 2021-22 Budget will invest $11.3 billion in the state’s transportation...

Assembly Budget Invests $18.6 Billion in Higher Education, Including Increased Funding for Opportunity Programs

Mar 15, 2021

Speaker Carl Heastie and Higher Education Committee Chair Deborah J. Glick today announced the Assembly’s State Fiscal Year (SFY) 2021-2022 Budget invests in making higher education accessible for all New York students, funding the State University...

Assembly Budget Includes Funding for Critical Human Services

Mar 15, 2021

Speaker Carl Heastie today announced that the Assembly’s State Fiscal Year (SFY) 2021-22 Budget restores critical funding for programs that support children and families, as well as invests in vital mental health, addiction and substance abuse services.“The...

Assembly SFY 2021-22 Budget Invests in Recovery for Small Businesses and the Arts, Helps New Yorkers Get Back to Work

Mar 15, 2021

Speaker Carl Heastie, Small Business Committee Chair Al Stirpe; Economic Development Committee Chair Harry Bronson; Tourism, Parks, Arts and Sports Development Chair Daniel O’Donnell; Children and Families Committee Chair Andrew Hevesi;...

Assembly Spending Plan Includes $29.5 Billion in School Aid

Mar 15, 2021

Speaker Carl Heastie and Education Committee Chair Michael Benedetto today announced State Fiscal Year (SFY) 2021-22 Assembly Budget would restore $2 billion, including $29.5 billion in funding to General Support for Public Schools (GSPS), an increase...

Assembly Budget Includes Critical Funding for Social Services, Housing and a Rent Relief Program for Those Impacted by COVID-19

Mar 15, 2021

Speaker Carl Heastie today announced that the Assembly State Fiscal Year (SFY) 2021-22 Budget makes investments in critical social service programs and public housing, as well as providing a rent relief program for those impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.“The...

Assembly Releases $208.3 Billion Spending Plan that Aids in New York's Recovery from the COVID-19 Pandemic and Invests in the State's Economy

Mar 14, 2021

Speaker Carl Heastie and Ways and Means Committee Chair Helene E. Weinstein today announced the Assembly’s State Fiscal Year (SFY) 2021-22 Budget Proposal of $208.3 billion. The COVID-19 pandemic is not just a health crisis, it also resulted in...

Summary of the Assembly Recommended Changes to the Executive Budget

Mar 14, 2021

Statement from Speaker Carl Heastie on Authorizing Assembly Judiciary Committee to Begin Impeachment Investigation into Governor Cuomo

Mar 11, 2021

After meeting with the Assembly Majority Conference today, I am authorizing the Assembly Judiciary Committee to begin an impeachment investigation, led by Chair Charles D. Lavine, to examine allegations of misconduct against Governor Cuomo.The reports...

Statement from Speaker Heastie

Mar 11, 2021

In light of the allegations concerning the Governor over the last several weeks, I will be meeting with members in conference today on potential paths forward.

Speaker Heastie Statement on Passage of the American Rescue Plan

Mar 10, 2021

I am so thankful to the members of our congressional delegation who have continued to fight for our state since COVID-19 first hit New York. I have said throughout the pandemic that the Assembly Majority would do everything we could to help New Yorkers...

Assembly Continues Passage of Sweeping Nursing Home Reform Legislative Package

Mar 9, 2021

Speaker Carl Heastie, Health Committee Chair Richard N. Gottfried and Aging Committee Chair Ron Kim today announced the Assembly will continue passing a sweeping package of legislation to increase safety and improve the quality of life for New Yorkers...

Statement from Speaker Heastie

Mar 7, 2021

The allegations pertaining to the Governor that have been reported in recent weeks have been deeply disturbing, and have no place whatsoever in government, the workplace or anywhere else. I too share the sentiment of Senate Majority Leader Stewart-Cousins...

Speaker Heastie Statement on Repeal of Governor's Emergency Powers

Mar 5, 2021

A year ago, as New York was being ravaged by COVID-19, we passed legislation to give the governor temporary emergency powers that would allow the state to nimbly react to a constantly evolving, deadly situation. These temporary emergency powers were always...

Assembly Begins Passing Sweeping Nursing Home Reform Legislative Package

Mar 4, 2021

Speaker Carl Heastie, Health Committee Chair Richard N. Gottfried and Aging Committee Chair Ron Kim today announced the Assembly has begun to pass a series of bills to increase safety and improve the quality of life for New Yorkers living in nursing...

Statement from Speaker Carl Heastie Clarifying Misinformation on Legislative Agreement to Terminate the Governor's Emergency Powers

Mar 3, 2021

Fact #1The legislation immediately repeals the Governor’s expanded emergency powers and he cannot issue any new directives going forward. Fact #2The Governor must justify to the Legislature the extension or modification of any existing directives...

Speaker Carl Heastie Statement on the Passing of Civil Rights Leader Vernon Jordan

Mar 2, 2021

It is with great sadness that I join my colleagues and the nation in mourning the passing of civil rights icon Vernon Jordan.Mr. Jordan grew up in the Jim Crow South and channeled his experiences into action. After graduating from law school...

Legislature Elects Two New Members and Reelects Two Members to Board of Regents

Mar 2, 2021

Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins, Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie, Senate and Assembly Education Committee Chairs Shelley B. Mayer and Michael Benedetto, and Senate and Assembly Higher Education Committee Chairs Toby Ann Stavisky and Deborah...

Legislature to Pass Legislation Repealing Governor's Emergency Powers

Mar 2, 2021

Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins and Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie today announced the Legislature will pass legislation repealing the temporary emergency powers that were granted to the governor last year at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic....

Statement from Michael Whyland, Communications Director to Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie

Mar 2, 2021

Instead of helping to move our state forward, Assembly Republicans are working overtime to stall efforts to help our communities by playing politics during a time when New Yorkers can least afford it.Let’s remember, these are the same do-nothing...

Statement from Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie

Feb 27, 2021

As I previously stated, all allegations of harassment must be taken seriously. A truly independent investigation is warranted.

Statement from Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie

Feb 24, 2021

I have read the reports. These are serious allegations. Harassment in the workplace of any kind should not be tolerated.

Grants Action News - March 2021

Feb 24, 2021

2021 Economic and Revenue Report

Feb 23, 2021

Speaker Heastie Appoints New Member to Joint Commission on Public Ethics

Feb 19, 2021

Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie today announced that he has appointed Richard F. Braun to serve on the New York State Joint Commission on Public Ethics (JCOPE).“Mr. Braun has an impressive resume that clearly demonstrates his commitment to the legal...

Statement from Assembly Director of Communications Michael Whyland

Feb 12, 2021

There was a formal request from Assembly committee chairs and other members to the Department of Health asking for more information on follow up questions in regards to data on nursing homes. The Governor's office communicated to staff that they needed...

Speaker Heastie Announces Assembly Post-COVID Mass Transit Working Group

Feb 11, 2021

Speaker Carl Heastie today announced that the Assembly has created an internal working group to focus on the recovery and future of the state’s mass transit systems as they mitigate the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.“Every day, hardworking...

Assembly Passes Legislation to allow N.Y. to More Safely Conduct Elections During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Feb 9, 2021

Speaker Carl Heastie and Election Law Committee Chair Latrice Walker today announced the Assembly has passed a package of legislation that will help make conducting elections safer during the COVID-19 pandemic. “Ensuring our elections are free...

Assembly Passes Legislation to Amend N.Y. Constitution's Bill of Rights to Include a Right to Clean Air and Water

Feb 8, 2021

Speaker Carl Heastie and Environmental Conservation Committee Chair Steve Englebright today announced that the Assembly has passed legislation that would allow New Yorkers to vote to amend the New York State Constitution’s Bill of Rights to include...

Speaker Heastie Statement on Selection of Dr. Betty Rosa as Commissioner of Education

Feb 8, 2021

On behalf of my Assembly Majority colleagues, I would like to congratulate Dr. Betty Rosa for being appointed commissioner of education. Dr. Rosa’s outstanding reputation as an educator and an advocate combined with her proven track record as interim...