Power Plays

Bombshell Lawsuit, NYC Mayoral Mess, Federal Budget Maneuvers

Author

Jack O’Donnell
February 17, 2025

The United States began celebrating its first president when he was still a general. Nearly 300 years since George Washington’s birth, the holiday has morphed into a celebration of the presidency. Read how one President’s Day became Presidents Day.

Good morning from Buffalo, New York. Happy Presidents Day from the home of Presidents Millard Fillmore and Grover Cleveland.

In a world that winks at chaos, commotion, and confusion, there are still surprises, and one came last Monday as Democrats seemingly abandoned a controversial plan to keep Rep. Elise Stefanik’s sometime soon-to-be vacated North Country congressional seat vacant for additional months. A bill introduced by leadership last week would have allowed Governor Kathy Hochul to align any Special Election with November’s General Election, justifying the change with potential cost savings and increased voter turnout. Republicans, however, were having none of it; accusing Democrats of playing politics in order to deny House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) a safe Republican vote in the very narrowly divided House of Representatives. State Senate Minority Leader Rob Ortt commented, "It’s all about maintaining their political power base, maintaining one-party rule. They are full of shit. They are absolutely full of it.”

House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY) reportedly pitched Hochul on the idea, while State Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins put the onus on Hochul as well, saying, “How do I say this? People were willing to put it on hold for the moment. It began with her, and if she’s interested in holding it, it’s fine.” Hochul has denied having any political motivations behind the proposal though some observers have highlighted the bill as a rare point of leverage for Hochul as she negotiates with the Trump administration on issues of interest to New York, including congestion pricing, immigration, and broad federal funding. Trump has, significantly, kept his powder dry this week regarding withdrawing the federal authorization of New York’s congestion pricing program, something he had vowed to kill while on the campaign trail, offering last week, “I think it's really horrible, but I want to discuss it with her at this point. If I decide to do it, I will be able to kill it off in Washington through the Department of Transportation.” 

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"It’s all about maintaining their political power base, maintaining one-party rule. They are full of shit. They are absolutely full of it.”

State Senate Minority Leader Rob Ortt

New York's Green Light Law Hit with Department of Justice Lawsuit

Hochul was set to meet with Trump in Washington last week with congestion pricing at the top of the agenda, but an announcement of a lawsuit from the Justice Department against New York officials quickly halted those plans. The lawsuit, which names Hochul, Attorney General Letitia James, and Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) head Mark Schroeder, alleges that the state’s “Green Light Law,” which prevents the state from sharing addresses and vehicle information with federal immigration authorities, is unconstitutional. United States Attorney General Pam Bondi said in a press conference, “This is a new DOJ, and we are taking steps to protect Americans. New York has chosen to prioritize illegal aliens over American citizens.” Hochul immediately responded to the lawsuit, which she called “dramatic,” saying, “Here are the facts: our current laws allow federal immigration officials to access any DMV database with a judicial warrant. That’s a common-sense approach that most New Yorkers support.” There is still speculation that Hochul and Trump will meet at some point this week—stay tuned!

In addition to the challenges from Washington, Hochul still has plenty to sort out at home in Albany ahead of the March 31 budget deadline. Hochul’s plan to send $300-$500 inflation rebate checks to New Yorkers—a hallmark of her “affordability agenda” from the State of the State address—is being met with resistance from some of her Democratic colleagues in the Assembly.

While there appears to be support for her other affordability proposals, including universal free school meals and an expanded child tax credit, Democratic Assemblyman Phil Steck called the rebate plan “a gimmick” and said, “My constituents said they would rather have universal pre-K. I don’t think [the rebates are] really in tune with what people need.” Hochul had hoped to avoid any public fights with the legislature this year amid a low approval rating and circling primary challengers, but it looks like the Assembly wants to spend the $3 billion elsewhere. Budget negotiations will be fun.

Legislative hearings continue on February 25 at 9:30 a.m. with Higher Education. Following the hearings, the Senate and Assembly will develop their respective One-House Budget proposals, leading to negotiations on a final budget. The goal is to complete the budget by the end of the state fiscal year on March 31. The hearing schedule and live streaming access can be found here.

Another spot of trouble for the governor comes from New York City. The Trump Department of Justice ordered federal prosecutors to drop the charges against Mayor Eric Adams. Simple enough? Except federal prosecutors, beginning with Acting United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, Danielle Sassoon, and including the acting Chief of the Department’s public integrity section, three deputy chiefs, and a deputy assistant attorney general in the criminal division who oversaw the section, resigned rather than comply with the order from acting deputy U.S. attorney general (and former Trump personal lawyer) Emil Bove. In a letter to Attorney General Pam Bondi, Sassoon wrote that the case “raises serious concerns that render the contemplated dismissal inconsistent with my ability and duty to prosecute federal crimes without fear or favor and to advance good-faith arguments before the courts.” Sassoon also raised the fact that her office was considering additional charges against Adams for his conduct after the original indictment, including destroying evidence and providing false statements to the FBI.

Another New York Federal Prosecutor Resigns Over DOJ Order to Dismiss Eric Adams Case

Democrats were up in arms, accusing Adams of having "sold out New York City" in a quid pro quo trade: supporting the Trump administration's immigration crackdown in exchange for the charges being dropped. Many Democrats, beginning with Lt. Governor Antonio Delgado, and including Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins and her number two, Mike Gianaris, have called on Hochul to use her constitutional power and remove Adams from office. Hochul originally ruled out removing Adams, saying the move would be "undemocratic," but has quickly moved towards at least considering removal. While she vowed to avoid any "knee-jerk, politically motivated reactions," Hochul did say she was "consulting with other leaders in government at this time." It is another politically problematic situation for Hochul, especially because Adams will certainly not go quietly. Appearing at the Maranatha Baptist Church in Queens Village yesterday, the mayor offered a fiery sermon. "I have a mission to finish, the mission that God put me on many years ago," Adams said, adding, "I just find it so amazing—the most sanctified among us are calling for me to step down," he said. "I'm not going to step down. I'm going to step up." Indeed.

The race for Westchester County Executive gave Democrats a slight glimmer of hope: Ken Jenkins won a landslide special election victory over Republican Christine Sculti.

Jenkins, the current interim County Executive after George Latimer was elected to the House, defeated Sculti, who was endorsed by Trump, by a significant 27-point margin. In his victory speech, Jenkins said, “In this time, when many people are feeling disheartened and disturbed by the chaos in Washington, we built a winning campaign by offering hope, stability, and results.” We are likely to see a rematch between the two candidates for a full four-year term in November.

Things are even more interesting in Washington, D.C. House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) unveiled a blueprint to move forward with one "beautiful" budget bill covering tax cuts, energy policy, and border security. Johnson was able to clear the first procedural hurdle last week when he advanced the bill through committee with a party-line vote, but the $4 trillion deficit impact of the legislation has many GOP fiscal hawks skeptical.

To temporarily assuage those concerns, the resolution includes language that limits certain tax cuts if committees cannot identify $2 trillion in reductions, which could risk alienating Johnson's more moderate, front-line members. The Energy and Commerce Committee is tasked with finding the most savings within their $880 billion budget, a nearly impossible task without making deep cuts to Medicaid. The Agriculture Committee is directed to find $230 billion in savings, likely putting the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) at risk for a reduction in funding. The plan also leaves little to no room for lifting the state and local tax deduction (SALT) cap, a major sticking point for blue-state Republicans.

Senate Republicans Slow-Walk Elise Stefanik's Confirmation to be U.N. Ambassador

Senate Republicans have given Johnson a small lifeline by delaying the vote to confirm Rep. Elise Stefanik (R-NY) as Ambassador to the United Nations, but they are still moving forward with their own two-bill approach, which could come to the floor as soon as this week while the House is on recess. The Senate Finance Committee also drew a red line around tax cuts, saying in a letter that they will oppose any budget bill that does not make the 2017 tax cuts permanent, stating, “We write to express our support for your position that the expiring provisions of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act must be permanent and not sunset.” The Senate’s proposal, as offered by Senate Budget Committee Chair Lindsey Graham, would first focus on energy and border security, with a second package containing tax cuts and the subsequent spending fights coming later. The House has little interest in that path, but Graham believes the House needs to “consider what we do if you cannot produce the one big, beautiful bill quickly.” How these paths continue to diverge or when they start to come together is very important in determining the future of the Trump economic plan.

Finally, T E Lawrence’s 700-mile trip across the Middle East—a story vividly told in Lawrence of Arabia—was recreated this year. 

T E Lawrence: "I shall be at Aqaba. That, IS written. [Pointing to forehead] In here." Read on!

Congratulations to OD&A Junior Associate Elsie O’Donnell for her FOURTH selection as Mystery Student!

We are very proud of her academic success, but even more pleased by the kindness and love she shows to her teachers and classmates.  

Well-done Elsie!

Jack is back with another Monday Morning Minute podcast:

—>Challenges & opportunities for a GOP governor in NY

—>Democrats’ polling woes

—>Hochul’s LG problem

—>Federal budget obstacles

Plus, fresh off another Mystery Student win, OD&A Jr. Associate Elsie O’Donnell makes a guest appearance to talk about her dreams for the future!

Listen on your favorite platform!

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Client News

Roswell Park Salon ‘Elevates’ Patient Experience with New Name

Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center announced the naming of the New Era Cap Foundation Elevate Salon. The naming of the salon, located in Roswell Park’s downtown campus, comes with a $1 million endowed gift from the New Era Cap Foundation and OD&A client, New Era Cap, LLC.

New to the NYS Legislature

Judy Griffin, Democratic State Assembly Member for District 21, is a trailblazer and advocate for Long Island families. Representing communities in Nassau County, including Rockville Centre, Lynbrook, and Baldwin, Judy is no stranger to public service. Previously serving in the New York State Assembly from 2019 to 2022, she was the first woman elected to represent the district and the first majority member since 1974. Her re-election in 2024 marks a return to Albany with renewed commitment and purpose.

During her previous tenure, Judy earned a reputation as a centrist leader with a proven ability to deliver results. She championed public safety, equitable education, environmental protection, and women’s rights while advocating for labor unions, law enforcement, and public health. Judy successfully passed legislation to ban schools from arming teachers, secure record funding for schools—including Universal Pre-K for suburban districts—and advance gun safety measures. She also fought for safe staffing ratios, property tax caps, and expanded mental health services while directing over $8 million to support local police, fire departments, schools, libraries, and nonprofits.

Judy’s leadership extended to her roles as Chair of the Commission on Toxic Substances and Hazardous Wastes and a member of key committees, including Environmental Conservation, Economic Development, and Higher Education. She also served on the Legislative Women’s Caucus and Taskforce on Women’s Issues, furthering her commitment to inclusivity and equal rights.

Rooted in a deep connection to Long Island, Judy has lived in Rockville Centre for over 30 years with her husband, Mike, raising their four children and celebrating the joys of family life, including a granddaughter. A SUNY Oneonta graduate with a degree in Business Economics and Political Science, Judy began her career in finance before transitioning into health and wellness as an author, entrepreneur, and advocate. Her civic engagement includes roles as a PTA leader, Girl Scout troop leader, and active participant in grassroots education reform movements.

Judy returns to Albany with a bold vision for District 21 and New York State. Her top priorities include securing equitable school funding, strengthening public safety, advocating for mental health and opioid crisis solutions, and addressing environmental challenges like water quality and coastal resilience. She aims to foster economic growth by supporting small businesses, vocational training, and workforce development, while ensuring vital services for seniors, veterans, and vulnerable residents.

Judy Griffin’s steadfast dedication to community, coupled with her pragmatic approach to governance, positions her as a strong voice for Long Island families and a champion of a cleaner, safer, and more affordable New York State.

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This Day in History

February 17, 1972

The 15,007,034th Volkswagen Beetle comes off the assembly line, breaking a world car production record held for over four decades by the Ford Motor Co.’s iconic Model T, in production from 1908 to 1927.

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