N.Y.'s top doc says Legislature won't play ball; Hochul 'not distracted' by Adams probes

And a good set of Thursday Reads this week.

Good afternoon — it’s Thursday and National Video Game Day.

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 2024

TODAY’S CAPCON:

• Gov. Kathy Hochul said Thursday she’s “not distracted” by the handful of federal probes surrounding New York City Mayor Eric Adams.

• State Health Commissioner James McDonald told a state public health council he’s had trouble influencing legislative policy decisions.

• Campaign Corner: Trump is scheduled to hold a rally in Nassau County next week; Lawler and Jones debates set.

• Capital Count: Hochul signs three 9/11-related bills. See how many are left.

• Thursday Reads: we’ve got a healthy roundup this week.

• New Bills of Note: No taxes on tips, preventing police pursuits and capping E-ZPass fines.

🍂 Tonight’s Weather: Albany: Partly cloudy, high 50s. New York City: Mostly clear, low 60s. (National Weather Service)

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Hochul and Adams (File Photo/Yuki Iwamura/Associated Press)

👍 Hochul: ‘I’m not distracted’ amid federal probes surrounding Adams aides

➡️ The police commissioner has resigned in New York City but Hochul says she’s in sync with City Hall.

About an hour after Gov. Kathy HOCHUL held an event honoring New York’s defense forces (think National Guard), the police commissioner of New York City resigned.

Before that, she took questions from reporters who wanted to know how she felt about the handful of federal investigations into New York City Mayor Eric ADAMS’ top aides and campaign.

She was asked if the police commissioner should resign and said that would be up to Adams.

But when asked if she thought all the hubbub would disrupt state-city relations, Hochul was firm.

“I’m not distracted,” she said. “We’re continuing to focus on public safety and these are obviously personnel decisions for the mayor to make.”

Adams is at home with COVID-19 at the moment, so the two haven’t really seen each other in recent days.

But she said she’s “been in communication” with Adams, “focusing on some events we’re planning in the near future, talking about the progress we’re making on the subways.”

Hochul also revealed that she’ll undergo a small procedure Friday morning to remove a small carcinoma on her nose.

“There will be a bandage on my nose,” Hochul said. “But knowing that there’s going to be questions later, I thought I’d deal with them.”

Health Commissioner James McDonald (New York Governor’s Office)

🩺 ‘Not getting a lot of progress with the Legislature,’ DOH commissioner says

🥼 New York’s top doctor said they haven’t made much progress on a few important policy proposals with state lawmakers.

I try to watch the meetings of the Public Health and Health Planning Council when I can because they make a lot of really important health care decisions.

• Those are things like the state’s overarching public health plan and consideration of hospital closures.

The council (whose acronym is pronounced FIP-ICK, I’ve learned) met Thursday and heard from Health Commissioner James MCDONALD, as they usually do.

McDonald spoke to the council about several infectious diseases that aren’t a concern in New York right now but could be in the future. I’ll spare you that fear.

• He also said his agency has made progress on enforcing staffing mandates now included in state law.

After his remarks, one member of the council asked him about progress expanding the scope of practice for certain professions. That’s been a big priority for the agency.

• By that, I mean allowing some professions to do more things — like if physician assistants could act independently of a physician.

But McDonald has said the Legislature hasn’t been willing to play ball on the issue and was pretty candid about it.