Category Archives: Unshackle Upstate Update

Legislative Session Resumes

After a seven-week hiatus, the legislature resumed session this week to pass legislation related to the COVID pandemic. Some members were physically present in the chamber while others participated remotely. While some members suggested the legislature would return to Albany to continue this legislative session, leadership made no formal announcement. In total, 32 bills passed […]


Upstate Update with State Senator Rob Ortt

Unshackle Upstate is hosting Senator Rob Ortt for an online Upstate Update and Q & A. The Senator will be discussing the impact of COVID-19 on Upstate New York, the state’s efforts to support New York businesses and the process to reopen the Upstate economy. Upstate Update with Senator Rob Ortt: Monday, May 11th at […]


Upstate Update: Senator Pam Helming

State Senator Pam Helming joined Unshackle Upstate executive director Michael Kracker for an Upstate Update. The two discussed the impact of COVID-19 in the Senator’s district, what she is doing to support small businesses in her community and how the state can help those affected by this current crisis. You can view that conversation here:


NYS Budget FY2021 – What’s in & What’s Out?

Below is a brief recap of the FY2021 New York State Budget. Despite this unprecedented economic crisis, Albany advanced a number of policies that will hold-back our economic recovery. Our full statement in response to this budget can be found here. Interested in hearing more about the budget? Join us for our upcoming webinar on […]


Political Update

Political Updates GOP challenger to Senator Skoufis to announce candidacy. Jaffe Challenger Announces Run for Assembly District 97. Former IDC Senator running for Assembly. CWA endorses Michelle Hinchey for State Senate. Assembly Member Crespo Will Not Seek Re-Election.


Governor Announces New Monroe County Clerk

Governor Cuomo appointed Assembly member Jamie Romeo to the vacant Monroe County Clerk position this week. Romeo had previously announced her candidacy for the open position after its previous occupant, Adam Bello, vacated the seat in January after taking office as the Monroe County Executive. It is unclear if the Governor will call a special election to […]


Governor Annouces Members of Medicaid Redesign Team II

This week, Governor Cuomo announced the members of the Medicaid Redesign Team II (MRT II). MRT II will commence work immediately and hold its first public meeting on Tuesday, February 11th. The Team will submit its report with findings and recommendations to the Governor and Legislature in March for consideration in the Fiscal Year 2021 Enacted Budget. MRT II […]


Political Update

Assemblyman Garbarino gets Republican Party support for congressional run to replace retiring Rep. King. Assemblyman Bronson will have a primary. Republican Candidate for Seward’s Senate seat announces run. East Syracuse Mayor plans run for Senate seat left vacant by Sen. Antonacci. Warren County Supervisor announces Assembly run. Dryden Town Supervisor joins race for Lifton Assembly seat. Steve Murtagh announces run for Assemblymember Lifton seat. Ken Bush III announces run for […]


Updates, Reminders & Links

City & State NY’s This week’s biggest Winners & Losers here. Mujica discusses Medicaid gap on Brian Lehrer radio show here. Robert Mujica Op-Ed: Our Medicaid fix makes sense here. Department of State issues guidance on rent reforms prohibiting broker fees.  


Coming Up

  The Senate Racing Committee will hold a public meeting on the economic impact of the three unused downstate casino licenses on February 12. The 2020-21 Joint Legislative Budget Hearing on Public Protection will be held at 9:30 A.M. on Wednesday, February 12th in Hearing Room B, Legislative Office Building. The 2020-21 Joint Legislative Budget Hearing on Economic Development will be held […]