Asm. Edward Braunstein

The Assembly passed A02212, sponsored by Asm. Braunstein, prohibiting retainage on payments owed to material suppliers for delivered and accepted materials on public and private construction projects. The bill eliminates the current 5 to 10 percent retainage for graded or warranted materials, requiring full and prompt payment upon delivery and acceptance. Sponsor Braunstein explained that warranty coverage protects buyers if defects are discovered during installation, similar to consumer purchases. Retainage would remain for non-warranted materials. Assemblywoman Walsh supported the measure, noting that material suppliers like lumber dealers often provide goods first on job sites but have no control over project delays and should not be penalized by waiting for retainage payments. The bill takes effect on the 30th day.

The Assembly passed A02212, sponsored by Asm. Braunstein, prohibiting retainage on payments owed to material suppliers for delivered and accepted materials on public and private construction projects. The bill eliminates the current 5 percent retainage standard, requiring full payment once materials meeting industry standards or covered by warranty are delivered and inspected. Sponsor Braunstein argued the change aligns construction transactions with standard retail practices. Asm. Dais, citing construction industry experience, supported the bill as critical for small contractors and minority-owned businesses to meet payroll obligations, particularly amid tariff-driven material cost increases. Asm. Gandolfo raised concerns that eliminating retainage could increase litigation and project delays without the financial incentive for quick dispute resolution. The bill passed despite a similar measure being vetoed by Governor Cuomo in 2015.

The Assembly passed A01241-A, sponsored by Asm. Simon, repealing Section 17-140 of the Election Law, which had criminalized providing food and water to voters waiting in polling lines. The repeal follows a May 30th federal court ruling (Brooklyn Branch NAACP v. Kosinski) that found the line-warming ban unconstitutional, with no compelling state interest in the prohibition. The bill allows distribution of nominal-value items such as water and snacks to voters on line, addressing concerns about long polling lines that can discourage voting participation. Debate centered on enforcement concerns regarding the 100-foot electioneering rule, with opponents worried that campaign-branded items could inadvertently be carried into polling places by voters. Sponsor Simon and supporters argued the 100-foot rule remains independently enforceable and that concerns are no different from existing prohibitions on campaign buttons or literature. The Republican Conference voted in opposition; the Majority Conference voted in favor with allowances for individual exceptions. Vote tallies were not announced in the transcript.

The New York State Assembly debated the $21.7 billion Capital Projects Budget (A08804-D) on April 19, with significant criticism from minority and some majority members over budget process failures and specific funding priorities. The bill appropriates funds across transportation, education, economic development, housing, and environmental protection for fiscal year 2024-25, with $8 billion in new debt issuance. Key controversies included Governor Hochul's unilateral rejection of $400 million for state road improvements despite legislative support, with members noting the Hudson Valley has the worst state road conditions in New York. Members also criticized inadequate CHIPS funding relative to rising asphalt costs and questioned the lack of details on a new $40 million Resilient Ready program. Assemblymember Braunstein announced he would vote against the bill due to the RUSH program's $250 million allocation for infrastructure improvements on state property, specifically citing the controversial Creedmoor Psychiatric Center redevelopment that the Governor's office refused to modify despite community opposition. The debate highlighted broader frustrations that the Legislature was voting on more than half the budget bills without a complete financial plan, with members unable to determine total state spending.

The New York State Assembly debated the $21.7 billion Capital Projects Budget (A08804-D) on Friday, with significant criticism from both sides of the aisle over the lack of a complete financial plan and specific funding priorities. Assembly Republicans and some Democrats expressed frustration that lawmakers were voting on half the state budget without knowing total spending figures, with Assemblyman Ra calling the situation 'absurd' and blaming Governor Hochul's leadership. Key disputes centered on the Governor's rejection of a $400 million DOT Core Capital Improvement Projects proposal championed by the Legislature, restoration of $60 million in CHIPS funding the Governor had proposed cutting, and a $250 million RUSH program for infrastructure on state property that Assemblyman Braunstein opposed due to community concerns over a high-density housing proposal at Creedmoor Psychiatric Center in Queens. Members also questioned whether discretionary funding increases for programs like CREST ($385 million) and Community Access ($100 million) were appropriate given that CHIPS funding for local road maintenance remained flat despite asphalt costs rising from $78 to $130 per ton over five years. The bill includes $44 million for library construction, $10 million additional capital for the State Museum, and various environmental and education investments, but debate focused heavily on transparency, prioritization, and the Governor's engagement in the budget process.

The New York State Assembly debated the $21.7 billion Capital Projects Budget (A08804-D) on April 19, with significant criticism from both sides regarding fiscal transparency and spending priorities. Chair Deborah Weinstein explained the bill appropriates funds across transportation, education, health, housing, and economic development, with $10.4 billion (48 percent) directed to transportation and economic development. However, Assemblyman Phil Ra criticized the Legislature for voting on half the budget without a complete financial plan, calling it "absurd" and blaming Governor Hochul's leadership. Assemblyman Colin Slater expressed dismay over the Governor's rejection of $400 million for DOT Core Capital Improvement Projects, noting the Hudson Valley has the worst State road conditions and that CHIPS funding is not keeping pace with rising construction costs. Assemblyman Braunstein announced he would vote against the bill, opposing the RUSH program's $250 million allocation for infrastructure improvements at the Creedmoor Psychiatric Center, citing the Governor's refusal to negotiate on a controversial high-density housing redevelopment proposal opposed by the community, State Senator, local councilwoman, and community board. Assemblyman Palmesano questioned the prioritization of discretionary funding programs like CREST ($385 million increase) and Community Access Program ($100 million increase) while CHIPS funding remained flat.