Tiocfaidh ár lá

Honoring St. Patrick, One-House Budgets, DC Dems Divided

Author

Jack O’Donnell
March 17, 2025

Good morning from Washington, D.C., where St. Patrick’s Day celebrations began last week with a visit from Taoiseach Micheál Martin.

Martin took center stage at a series of events, including a ceremony at the White House and the Friends of Ireland Luncheon at the Capitol.

Discussions covered trade, tariffs, and the enduring relationship between the two nations, with some lighthearted talk about socks.

The Taoiseach and his wife Mary O'Shea present President Trump with the traditional shamrock bowl. EPA-EFE/REX/Shutterstock

Tús maith leath na hoibre. (A good start is half the work.)

In Albany, the Senate and Assembly released and passed their respective One-House budget proposals last week and will now begin negotiations with the Executive Chamber on a final budget ahead of the April 1st deadline. Here is where the biggest differences are: 

Overall Revenue and Spending

The Senate budget proposal has a $259 billion price tag, $7 billion higher than Governor Kathy Hochul’s $252 billion budget, while the Assembly’s proposal has a topline number of $257 billion. To offset that increased spending, both Houses proposed raising taxes on New Yorkers earning more than $5 million a year, with the Assembly going even further and creating two new tax brackets for New Yorkers who make more than $10 million and $100 million per year. Hochul has been hesitant to get behind any form of tax increase and instead proposed a 0.2 percentage point cut for joint filers making up to $323,200 and for single filers making up to $215,400. The Senate adopted the proposal in their budget, while the Assembly proposed a full percentage point cut.

Criminal Justice

Changes to the state’s discovery laws, one of Hochul’s marquee criminal justice proposals, were notably omitted by both the Senate and Assembly. Hochul’s plan would make it more difficult for cases to be thrown out under the state’s speedy trial law for minor discovery issues, which Hochul claims defense lawyers are skillfully manipulating. Under current law, if a prosecutor is found to have violated discovery compliance, the time between the original certification and the challenge is counted against the prosecution under the Speedy Trial Act, sometimes resulting in serious cases being thrown out due to minor technicalities. Hochul is also seeking changes to the state’s involuntary commitment laws, which the Senate watered down and the Assembly omitted altogether. Lawmakers are aiming for an on-time budget, but Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie said both issues have the potential to delay the process, offering, “The only areas that I'd say we're really going to have loads of discussion is probably on the (involuntary commitment) and discovery.” 

Inflation Rebate 

As part of her “affordability agenda,” Hochul proposed sending $300-$500 “inflation rebate" checks with an estimated price tag of $3 billion. The Assembly adopted the proposal despite pushback from many members who would have liked to see that money spent elsewhere. The Senate proposed a modified version of the plan that would only apply to senior citizens and would occur over a three-year period rather than one. Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins pointed to the expanded Child Tax Credit as justification for the changes, saying, “We expect that in the first year for the youngins, as you call them, working families, etcetera, there will be at least a half a million dollars coming back into the pockets of that cohort of people.” 

Cell Phone Ban in Schools

The Assembly did not include Hochul’s plan to ban cell phones in schools, though Heastie indicated the omission was the result of his longstanding desire to keep policy fights out of the budget rather than his opposition to the proposal. The Senate modified Hochul’s proposal, permitting students to use their phones during “non-instruction time” and prevents students from being suspended for violating the ban. Stewart-Cousins offered, “We also hear that there are districts that have gone ahead and done different things that they feel are working," she said. "Superintendents wanted a little bit of flexibility, so we have injected that into this conversation as well.” 

Neither the Executive Chamber nor the Legislature proposed major, sweeping policy initiatives that carry a high price tag compared to past years, largely due to a focus on “affordability” as well as the economic headwinds coming out of Washington. 

Glacann fear críonna comhairle. (A wise man accepts advice.)

The next step is for the General Conference Committee, also known as “The Mothership,” and Subcommittees to hold public meetings to convey an air of transparency in the process. The schedule for the week is as follows: 

General Conference Committee: Monday, March 17 at 12:00 p.m., Hearing Room B, LOB

Cycle A: Monday, March 17, 4:00 p.m. 

  • Public Protection / Criminal Justice / Judiciary: Hearing Room A, LOB 

  • Environment / Agriculture / Housing: Hearing Room B, LOB 

Cycle B: Monday, March 17, 4:30 p.m.

  • Mental Hygiene: Hearing Room C, LOB 

  • Transportation: Hearing Room B, LOB

Cycle C: Tuesday, March 18, 4:30 p.m.

  • Economic Development: Hearing Room A, LOB 

  • Health: Hearing Room B, LOB 

Cycle D: Tuesday, March 18, 5:00 p.m.

  • Education: Hearing Room C, LOB 

  • General Government / Local Assistance: Hearing Room A, LOB 

Cycle E: Tuesday, March 18, 5:30 p.m.

  • Higher Education: Hearing Room A, LOB 

  • Human Services / Labor: Hearing Room B, LOB

New York’s proximity and ingrained business relationships with our neighbors to the North make the state uniquely susceptible to the economic impact of President Trump’s tariffs on Canada. In response to Trump’s 25% tariff on steel and aluminum imports, Canada announced reciprocal tariffs on roughly $30 billion worth of American imports.

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Mark Carney, Canada’s next prime minister, does not appear to be backing down from the threats, saying in his victory speech, “America is not Canada. And Canada never, ever will be part of America in any way, shape, or form. We didn’t ask for this fight. But Canadians are always ready when someone else drops the gloves. So, the Americans, they should make no mistake: In trade, as in hockey, Canada will win.” The White House has doubled down on their provocations, with Secretary of State Marco Rubio saying last week, “The Canadian government has made their position, how they feel about it clear. The president has made his argument as to why he thinks Canada would be better off joining the United States for economic purposes.” The economic pressure has resulted in widespread uncertainty and confusion for businesses and our North American trading partners, especially since the current trade agreement that Trump is railing against, the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), was negotiated and signed by his administration in 2020. That precarity has spread to Europe as well, with Trump threatening a 200% tariff on European wine and spirits if the European Union moves forward with the planned tariff on American whiskey. 

❝

“America is not Canada. And Canada never, ever will be part of America in any way, shape, or form. We didn’t ask for this fight. But Canadians are always ready when someone else drops the gloves. So, the Americans, they should make no mistake: In trade, as in hockey, Canada will win.”

Mark Carney, new Canadian PM

In Washington, D.C., Congress averted a shutdown last week after several Senate Democrats voted with Republicans to advance the House’s Continuing Resolution (CR), much to the chagrin of many of their Democratic colleagues and constituents. House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) was ultimately able to pass a CR with $13 billion in cuts and a modest increase in defense spending, forcing Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer to decide between supporting the Republican bill or shutting down the government. Schumer and nine of his colleagues chose the former, arguing, “As bad as passing the CR is, allowing Donald Trump to take even more power via a government shutdown is a far worse option.”

That move left many House Democrats furious after they mounted near-unanimous opposition in the lower Chamber and believe that the CR will give Trump and Elon Musk even more latitude to run roughshod over the federal government. 

Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY), seen by some as a potential primary challenger to Schumer, said, “I think it is a huge slap in the face. I think there is a deep sense of outrage and betrayal, and this is not just progressive Democrats—this is across the board, the entire party.” House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY) added further speculation about divisions within the party by declining to respond when asked if Democrats need a new leader in the Senate.

Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.) believes there is “a clear division in strategy” and “Leader Jeffries does reflect some of the concerns I'm hearing from colleagues, from the House who have also reached out to me.” Coons did, however, express confidence in the ability of the House and Senate to unite in opposition to Trump’s agenda adding, “There's plenty to unite us on the other side of today's vote.”  

House Republicans have reportedly been instructed to stop holding in-person town hall events after viral episodes of members being confronted by angry constituents, but the discontent has not yet devolved to levels seen in British politics. 

Níl bua gan dua. (There’s no victory without hardship.)

Finally. . .

The Irish language has been under relentless attack by sinister forces for almost a millennium, but there is further evidence it is coming back here.

Jack is back “From the Lobby” with another Monday Morning Minute podcast to talk:

🎙️NY’s One-House budgets & the issues facing pushback

🎙️Predictions for an on-time NY budget

🎙️D.C.’s budget battle

🎙️Bonus: Pete Rose in the Hall of Fame?

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New to the NYS Legislature

Jordan Wright, Democratic State Assembly Member for District 70, is a lifelong Harlem resident and fourth-generation Harlemite with deep roots in the community. Shaped by a politically engaged family and a lifelong commitment to education and activism, Jordan has dedicated his career to uplifting Harlem and advocating for justice, equity, and inclusivity.

A proud graduate of Syracuse University, Jordan believes that education is the key to opportunity and progress. His passion for ensuring all children have access to a first-rate education led him to teach and coach at a local school, where he mentored and inspired the next generation of Harlem leaders.

Jordan’s dedication to public service extends beyond the classroom. As an active member of the New York County Democrats and Community Board 11, he has worked on critical local issues, particularly improving Harlem’s parks and open spaces. His commitment to civic engagement and community empowerment only deepened during his tenure as Chief of Staff to a New York City Council representative, where he played a pivotal role in shaping policies that directly impact Harlem residents.

Throughout his career, Jordan has used every platform available to enact tangible change, amplify the voices of marginalized communities, and advocate for policies that foster opportunity and economic mobility. Now, as Assembly Member for the 70th District, he is committed to continuing his life's work—championing public education, expanding affordable housing, investing in Harlem’s economic development, and ensuring that the neighborhood remains a vibrant and inclusive place for generations to come.

For Jordan, Harlem is more than just home—it is a community that has shaped him, supported him, and inspired him. His passion, experience, and deep love for his community make him a powerful voice for his constituents in Albany. 

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Sláinte! Which is your favorite Irish beer?

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This Day in History

March 17, 1601

The first recorded parade honoring the feast day of St. Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland, is held in what is now St. Augustine, Florida. 

St. Patrick’s Day Parade, Fifth Avenue, New York City, 1909 | Alamy

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