HOCHUL’S ADAMS PLAN STALLING: A week after the governor unveiled safeguards on Adams’ administration, there are no signs that legislators are rushing to act on them. “We’re a very patient body,” Stewart-Cousins said today when asked where talks on passing Hochul’s proposed legislation stand. Senate Democrats “had a very cursory conversation yesterday just letting members know what the language is that the governor is proposing,” Stewart-Cousins said. “As far as I understand, the conversation between the governor’s office and New York City is still ongoing. … As soon as she and the City Council have something, then I can be in a better position to opine.” State Sen. Zellnor Myrie, who’s running in the crowded June primary to challenge Adams, said “it’s clear the mayor has not and cannot be running this city.” But he’s similarly avoiding a commitment to Hochul’s plan at the time, adding, “I’m looking forward to seeing some bill language,” he said. Hochul, for her part, said this morning that she will “continue working with the City Council to find out what concerns they have. I’d be shocked if people don’t agree there should be some measures that give us line of sight into three specific areas.” “This is what I believe is the most thoughtful, rational approach at this time,” Hochul said. “Others might have a different opinion. And if they think this is a pressure campaign to get me to remove him, everybody ought to know: I understand why there is such pressure, but pressure means nothing to me.” Any proposal would need to be approved by the City Council and then age in the Legislature before receiving a vote. One legislative source said this afternoon that based on the schedules of both bodies, there was little chance of approval happening any earlier than mid-March, even if there winds up being a deal earlier than that. Council members were briefed on Hochul’s proposal today, a council official with knowledge of the back-and-forth said. It did not go over well, with members questioning whether the plan would be effective, and some arguing it would give the state too much power over city affairs. Instead, the body is offering a counterproposal that would require the mayor to get sign-off from local lawmakers before firing the Department of Investigation Commissioner. In Hochul’s version, that power resided with state officials. The Council wants the same power over the city’s corporation counsel. In a sign Hochul’s team may have underestimated the political capital required to ram a proposal through the 51-member body with a two-thirds majority, the governor’s office said they hoped the package could be passed at the Council’s next meeting on Thursday. The odds of that are “less than exceedingly low,” said the council official, who was granted anonymity to freely discuss private strategy discussions. One individual familiar with talks said the governor’s team had initially thought they could win both city and state approval by early this week. — Bill Mahoney and Joe Anuta OH, ALBANY: Hochul wants to bolster public safety in New York’s capital city. The governor today announced the state will spend (a previously approved) $19.5 million to address crime in Albany — funding that includes money for the Albany Police Department and county sheriff. Hochul, speaking at the Albany Public Library, acknowledged the concerns that have been raised by merchants and people who live in the city that it has become less safe. “When I hear from residents and business owners and others who are visitors on a weekly basis, that there is an underlying concern about safety,” she said. “I need to find out what's going on and how I can be the best partner for them.” Hochul wants an even bigger tranche of money — some $400 million in her budget proposal — to give the city’s downtown a major facelift. “A narrative that Albany is a crime ridden city is false — false,” the governor said. “But I want to make sure, and I challenged everyone to tell me what success looks like.” — Nick Reisman NEW DEC CHIEF NOMINATED: Hochul has officially nominated Amanda Lefton as commissioner of the Department of Environmental Conservation. Lefton works for an offshore wind developer and has a long history in Albany. She was also with the Biden administration as the head of the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management, which oversees offshore wind permitting among other duties. Lefton’s expected nomination was first reported by POLITICO last month. If confirmed by the Senate, she’ll replace interim DEC Commissioner Sean Mahar, who took the helm after Basil Seggos departed last year. Hochul’s choice drew praise from environmental groups, including the New York League of Conservation Voters and Environmental Advocates NY. “Governor Hochul made an excellent choice in nominating my friend,” said Julie Tigh, president of NYLCV. “Amanda’s time as director of BOEM — during which she helped usher in a new era for offshore wind energy — combined with her prior work in the state government, private and non-profit sectors makes her well suited to help New York take bold climate action and protect our air, water and open space.” State Sen. Pete Harckham, who chairs the Environmental Conservation Committee, said he looked forward to the vetting process. The Senate has not yet set a timeline to consider Lefton’s nomination. Hochul on Monday also announced the nomination of two acting agency heads to permanent posts. She put forward Denise Miranda as the Commissioner of the State Division of Human Rights and Willow Baer as Commissioner of the State Office for People With Developmental Disabilities. — Marie J. French EDUCATION DEPARTMENT DEFENDS MUSEUM MANAGEMENT: As Hochul plans to take control of the New York State Museum from the Education Department as part of a $150 million upgrade, officials at the department are defending their oft-maligned oversight of the Albany landmark. The building itself is maintained by the Office of General Services, Education Commissioner Betty Rosa said at a budget hearing this afternoon when asked why the museum “has deteriorated over the years to such an extent.” Rosa’s department is only responsible for maintaining “the treasures of the institution,” she said. Education Department CFO Christina Coughlin said that the fee set by the state “was set in 2003 and has never been adjusted for inflation. … We’ve reduced staff and reduced staff and haven’t been able to keep things up. Over time, you’re not able to do what you want to.” Lawmakers have repeatedly promised upgrades to the museum in recent years, including a recent $75 million plan. But little money has been spent, and the exhibits are mostly dustier versions of the ones that were on display decades ago. — Bill Mahoney
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