Rent Relief Portal Opens; COVID-19 retreats

Next week marks the final scheduled four days of the legislative session. Government relations teams will be scouring the active lists, and providing legislators with memoranda and outreach to encourage movement of priorities or holds on bills that negatively impact their clients. The session at this point has almost an anything goes atmosphere where bills that rarely see the light of day may suddenly show up on the floor for a vote and others that seemed to be obvious candidates for passage may remain in committee.

The coming final week is traditionally an intense week of behind the scenes work by lobbyists and interested parties, and yes still virtually all on a virtual platform.

COVID Updates – According to reports from the Governor’s office, the positivity rate hit a single day low on Wednesday at 0.44 percent, with hospitalizations dropping to less than 1,000. As of yesterday, according to the state’s vaccine tracker, 54 percent of adult New Yorkers (18-years or older) have been fully vaccinated.

Pharmacy Vaccinations – The legislature passed a bill to expand the types of vaccines licensed pharmacists may administer to adults and allows administering certain vaccines to children aged 2 years or older. See our “Legislative News” section for more details.

Rent Relief Portal Opens – The Office of Temporary Disability Assistance (OTDA) has published instruction guidance for landlords and tenants to facilitate their utilization of the Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP) portal. See our “State Agencies” section for details.

Hemp Cannabinoid Regulations – In a follow up to the release of the final regulatory scheme in mid-May, the Department of Health has posted responses to frequently asked questions on its website.

Surge & Flex, PPE Discussed – The Public Health and Health Planning Council’s Codes, Regulations and Legislation  committee met  on Thursday.  On  their agenda was a discussion of the current emergency regulations related to surge and flex capacity and personal protective equipment (PPE) stockpiles in hospitals and nursing homes. Committee members and participants raised concerns regarding the current emergency regulations. Webcast here.

Canadian Border – Albeit a federal issue, the reopening of the Canadian border has impacts on businesses across the State. Senator Schumer relayed during recent community meetings that he believes progress is being made to reopen the border.