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December 13, 2011

GOVERNOR CUOMO AND LEGISLATIVE LEADERS APPOINT MEMBERS TO THE JOINT COMMISSION ON PUBLIC ETHICS

Independent Commission Has Broad New Enforcement Powers to Investigate Legislative and Executive Branches

Westchester County District Attorney Janet DiFiore to Chair JCOPE

Governor Andrew M. Cuomo and legislative leaders today announced their appointments to the new Joint Commission on Public Ethics (JCOPE).

JCOPE is an independent enforcement unit with broad oversight of New York State government. The Commission has robust enforcement powers to investigate violations of law and financial disclosure requirements for all elected officials and their employees in both the executive and legislative branches. JCOPE also has expanded powers to oversee lobbyists due to newly expanded disclosure rules and a broader definition of lobbying.

"The Joint Commission on Public Ethics is an independent monitor that will aggressively investigate corruption and help maintain integrity in state government," Governor Cuomo said. "I am confident that under the leadership of Chair DiFiore and the other board members, the Commission will be the toughest ethics enforcer in our state's history."

Senate Majority Leader Dean G. Skelos said, "Today's creation of the Joint Commission on Public Ethics is another step forward in restoring the public's trust in state government. While the vast majority of people enter public service for all the right reasons, this bipartisan commission will ensure that every legislator continues to be accountable to the people they work for. I am confident that former Senator Rath, Justice Covello and George Weismann will do outstanding work alongside Chairwoman DiFiore and the other representatives of this commission."

Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver said, "Pat Bulgaro, Marvin Jacob and Ellen Yaroshefsky are accomplished and principled and have distinguished themselves among their peers as individuals who uphold the highest standards of probity, a quality that qualifies them to serve on the Joint Commission on Public Ethics."

Senate Minority Leader John Sampson said, "The appointment of this commission is an important step in the process to restore the public's faith, trust and confidence in our state government. This commission will help clean up Albany and give New Yorkers the more accountable and responsible state government they deserve. I salute Governor Cuomo for his leadership and perseverance in the fight for true ethics reforms. I am confident that that my appointment, Mr. Ravi Batra, will help bring integrity back to the halls of our Capitol."

Assembly Minority Leader Brian M. Kolb said, "New Yorkers deserve a state government that has the highest ethical standards and strongest commitment to public integrity in our nation. With over 15 years of legal experience, including serving in the Jefferson County District Attorney and Public Defender's Offices, and as an attorney in private practice, David Renzi is highly qualified and capable of serving as our Assembly Minority Conference's appointment to the Joint Commission on Public Ethics. I look forward to continuing to work with Governor Cuomo, my fellow Legislative Leaders, and all legislators to realize the goal of our state government continually earning the trust of all New Yorkers who we have the privilege of serving."

The bipartisan Commission consists of six members appointed by the Governor, at least three of whom must be enrolled members of the major political party that is not that of the Governor. It also consists of eight members appointed by the legislative leaders. The Senate Majority Leader and the Speaker of the Assembly each appoint three members and the minority leaders of both houses each appoint one member. The Governor appoints the chair from among the Commission members.

Governor Cuomo's appointments are:


· Janet DiFiore, Chair. Elected in 2005 and reelected in 2009, District Attorney DiFiore is the chief law enforcement officer of Westchester County. She also serves as the president of the District Attorney's Association of the State of New York. Prior to her current position, she served as a Judge of the Westchester County Court and as a Justice of the New York State Supreme Court. District Attorney DiFiore was also appointed by former-Chief Judge Judith Kaye to serve as the Supervising Judge for the Criminal Courts in the 9th Judicial District and was appointed by Chief Judge Jonathan Lippman to serve as Co-Chair of the New York State Justice Task Force. District Attorney DiFiore received her J.D. from St. John's University School of Law and her B.A. from C.W. Post College, Long Island University.
· Vincent A. DeIorio. Mr. DeIorio is the Chair of the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) Board of Directors. He is an attorney with private practices in Purchase and New York City. Mr. DeIorio has previously served on the New York State Court of Claims. Mr. DeIorio is a graduate of the Utica College of Syracuse University and the University at Buffalo Law School. Mr. DeIorio will resign from NYSERDA in order to serve on JCOPE.
· Mitra Hormozi. Ms. Hormozi has served as the Chairperson of the New York State Commission on Public Integrity since her appointment earlier this year. Ms. Hormozi is a partner at Kirkland & Ellis LLP. She previously served as the Special Deputy Chief of Staff in the New York Attorney General's Office, where she supervised high-profile initiatives involving public integrity. Prior to that, she spent more than six years as an Assistant United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, where she was the Chief of the Organized Crime and Racketeering Section and received numerous top law enforcement awards. Ms. Hormozi is a graduate of the University of Michigan and the New York University School of Law. Ms. Hormozi will join JCOPE on January 5, 2012, one year after she left the Attorney General's Office.
· Daniel J. Horwitz. Mr. Horwitz is currently a partner at Lanker & Carragher, LLP. He previously served as a New York County Assistant District Attorney in the Frauds Bureau. Prior to his legal career, Mr. Horwitz served as Legislative Director to Congressman Thomas J. Downey. Mr. Horwitz received his J.D. cum laude from the American University Washington College of Law and his B.A. from Columbia University.
· Gary J. Lavine. Mr. Lavine is associated as counsel with Green & Seifter, Attorneys, PLLC. Mr. Lavine served in the U.S. Department of Energy as Deputy General Counsel for Environment & Nuclear Programs during the administration of President George W. Bush. He also served as senior vice president and chief legal officer of Niagara Mohawk Holding Inc. Mr. Lavine has served in a number of staff positions with the New York State Legislature, including legislative counsel to the Minority Leader of the Assembly. He received degrees in both business administration and law from Syracuse University.
· Seymour Knox IV. Mr. Knox is the CEO of Knox International, LLC, a New York based private equity firm. For twenty years, Mr. Knox served as Vice President of Corporate Relations for the Buffalo Sabres. Mr. Knox is a graduate of Lake Forest College.


Senate Majority Leader Skelos' appointments are:


· Mary Lou Rath. Ms. Rath represented the 61st district in Western New York from 1993 until her retirement in 2008. She was the first woman to serve in a leadership position in the Senate Majority and had numerous legislative accomplishments throughout her tenure, especially in the areas of health care and Medicaid reform. She has received many awards and honors in recognition of her distinguished public service in the Senate and as a member of the Erie County Legislature.
· Judge Joseph Covello. Judge Covello has more than 30 years of experience in law and justice. Justice Covello stepped down from the New York State Appellate Division in 2011 to return to private practice. He spent 16 years on the bench, authoring many notable opinions. Before his appointment to the Appellate Division, he served as a trial judge in the Supreme Court, Nassau County. Prior to that, he served on the Appellate Term for the Ninth and Tenth Judicial Districts, and as a trial judge in District Court, Nassau County. He spent 16 years in private practice before becoming a judge. Justice Covello is a veteran of the United States Army, and is a graduate of the State University of New York at Buffalo and Hofstra University of Law.
· George H. Weissman. Mr. Weissman served as the Managing General Counsel of the New York State Dormitory Authority for nearly a decade and as Assistant Counsel in the Office of the State Comptroller. His previous positions also included working as Program Associate for the state Senate, and Counsel with the New York State Legislative Commission on Critical Transportation Choices. He was formerly Of Counsel with Marsh, Wasserman and Associates, LLP. He received his J.D. from Albany Law School of Union University and a B.A. in Political Science at SUNY Cortland.


Assembly Speaker Silver's appointments are:


· Pat Bulgaro. Mr. Bulgaro has more than twenty-five years of state government experience, serving at the highest levels of several state agencies, including the Department of Taxation and Finance and the Division of the Budget, where he served as director under former Governor Mario Cuomo. He also served as President and Executive Director of the Center for the Disabled and on the New York State Temporary Commission on Lobbying as an appointee of Speaker Silver. During his distinguished career in public service, Mr. Bulgaro was awarded the Governor Charles Evans Hughes Award for "outstanding career achievement."
· Marvin Jacob. Mr. Jacob, a retired attorney, was a partner in the Business and Finance & Restructuring Department of Weil, Gotshal & Manges, where he handled matters before the bankruptcy courts and federal district and appellate courts. He has corporate bankruptcy litigation experience, serving such institutional clients as General Electric Capital Corporation and Credit Suisse First Boston. Mr. Jacob has also served as the Associate Regional Administrator, New York Regional Office, U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. In 2010, the Speaker appointed Mr. Jacob to the task force that oversaw the implementation of the Public Authorities Reform Act of 2009.
· Ellen Yaroshefsky. Ms. Yaroshefsky is currently a law professor at the Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law, co-executive director of the Jacob Burns Ethics Center in the Practice of Law, and a former adjunct professor at Fordham Law School. She is an experienced attorney specializing in defense and civil rights litigation, and is a member of several attorney ethics review organizations, including the American Bar Association's Ethics, Gideon and Professionalism Committee, the New York State Bar Association's Committee on Standards of Attorney Conduct, and the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers Ethics Advisory Committee.


Senate Democratic Leader John L. Sampson's appointment is:


· Ravi Batra. Mr. Batra is an attorney with a private practice. He has served as a professor of business law at Pace University. Mr. Batra has also served as the Chair of the Judicial Independence Committee of the New York State Trial Lawyers Association. He received his J.D. from Fordham University and his bachelor of business administration degree cum laude from Pace University.


Assembly Minority Leader Brian M. Kolb's appointment is:


· David A. Renzi. Mr. Renzi is a partner in the law firm of Brown, Dierdorf and Renzi. He has been with this Watertown firm since 2002. The firm is recognized for their expertise in the areas of real estate, business formation, estate planning, and municipal practice. Previously, Mr. Renzi served as the Public Defender for Jefferson County and successfully prosecuted thousands of criminal cases. Mr. Renzi is a graduate of Syracuse University School of Law.


JCOPE has jurisdiction to investigate and impose penalties on executive branch employees and lobbyists. JCOPE also has jurisdiction to investigate potential violations of law by legislators and legislative employees and, if violations are found, issue findings to the Legislative Ethics Commission, which will have jurisdiction to impose penalties. Any potential violations of federal or state criminal laws will be referred to the appropriate prosecutor for further action.

JCOPE was created as part of Governor Cuomo's historic ethics reform package passed earlier this year to address major inadequacies in the state's ethics system and to restore public trust in government. The Public Integrity Reform Act of 2011 contained some of the most comprehensive ethics enhancements in modern history, including reforms that create unprecedented transparency, require strict disclosure, and increase penalties for ethics violations.

July 19, 2011

Press Release from the Office of Governor Andrew Cuomo

GOVERNOR CUOMO HOLDS CABINET MEETING TO ANNOUNCE PHASE II IN HIS PLAN TO BUILD A NEW NEW YORK
"NY Works" Will Focus on Redesigning Government and Creating Jobs

Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today held a Cabinet meeting to outline the second phase in his plan to build a new New York. Phase I, which lasted through the legislative session, focused on improving government performance, restoring the public's trust in Albany, and laying an economic foundation for recovery. In Phase II, programs to redesign government will be combined with economic development initiatives to put people back to work and make the state function better for all New Yorkers.

"During my campaign and throughout my first six months in office, I repeatedly said that Albany must start performing better for the people of New York," Governor Cuomo said. "We have made great progress, but there is still a long way to go. It is essential that we build on the momentum, fix state government, and create jobs for New Yorkers across the state."

Phase I of Governor Cuomo's plan to build a new New York began at the State of the State in January, continued through the budget process, and ended with the close of the legislative session in June. This phase consisted of returning performance to government, earning back the trust of New Yorkers, and getting the state's financial house in order. In this period, among other accomplishments, the Governor:
· Closed a $10 billion deficit with no new taxes
· Passed a property tax cap
· Enacted tough ethics reform
· Passed a Power NY program
· Passed a SUNY2020 bill
· Extended and expanded rent regulations
· Reached historic agreements with labor
· Passed the Marriage Equality law

Phase II -- called "NY Works" -- will build on these successes to reform and redesign the way the state government operates in order to boost the economy and create jobs.

The strategy behind NY Works is based on:
· Regionally-driven economic plans that build on local expertise and ensure regions will have a significant role in the shaping of their own recovery
· Programs that promote a community-first, bottom-up approach
· Comprehensive and collaborative approaches to government programs that replace agency "silos"
· Initiatives that foster competition and reward performance

In the coming weeks, specific initiatives in Phase II will include:
· The launching of the Governor's Regional Economic Development Councils
· Historic changes to the way businesses apply for hundreds of millions of dollars in development funds
· "New York is Open for Business" campaign, a new, coordinated communications and marketing program to demonstrate to business leaders all across the world why New York State is a great place to do business
· An overhaul of State procurement practices for goods, services, and real estate to save taxpayers hundreds of millions of dollars and streamline the process for New York businesses to work with the state
· The Governor, Lieutenant Governor, Cabinet, and senior staff will visit regions across the state, meeting with residents and local leaders to facilitate problem solving and coordination of development efforts

Phase I laid the foundation for the state's recovery. Over the next six months, Phase II will show New Yorkers that their government works and that performance is not a thing of the past.

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Additional news available at www.governor.ny.gov <http://www.governor.ny.gov>
New York State | Executive Chamber | press.office@exec.ny.gov | 518.474.8418

June 24, 2011

LEGISLATIVE UDPATE

Today, Legislative Leaders and the Governor concluded final negotiations on a Property Tax Cap, New York City Rent Regulations and Mandate Relief legislation. This evening, the finalized omnibus bill containing all 3 items was formally introduced as well as separate SUNY 2020 legislation, which will allow incremental tuition increases at state colleges and universities. It is now anticipated that both houses will hold session late tonight and into tomorrow morning to take up and pass these outstanding items.

Additionally, the Senate has released a statement indicating they will bring the “Marriage Equality” bill to the floor for a vote. It is unclear at this time whether the measure will garner enough votes to be passed although it is anticipated that the Senate will indeed approve the bill. An amendment has been introduced that strengthens religious and not-for-profit exemptions to the current “Marriage Equality” bill that has already passed the Assembly. The “Marriage Equality” bill and amendment is the final item expected to be taken up by the Senate tonight/tomorrow morning before adjourning.

It is undetermined if tonight/tomorrow morning will be the final 2011 Legislative Session day as there are issues that remain unresolved at this time, including final Senate action on the NYS Health Insurance Exchange Act as well as the ratification of recently negotiated NYS Public Employee contracts. The Senate has indicated they may be returning over the summer to address these matters.

Any specific items of interest included in the aforementioned legislation have been sent to you directly and we will continue to keep you apprised of any additional provisions that impact your particular area of interest upon further review of the bills. As always, we will provide updates on any new developments or additional information as it become available. Please contact our office or personal phones directly with any specific questions.

May 12, 2011

Daniel Chan Named Acting CIO of New York State

Daniel C. Chan was named acting CIO and acting Director of the Office for Technology of New York state according to a memorandum issued by Director of State Operations Howard B. Glaser.

The appointment was effective immediately. Chan replaces Melodie Mayberry-Steward, who resigned on March 31. Chan previously served as CIO of New York State’s Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance, a post he had held since 2007.

The memo indicated Chan will be spearheading various changes in New York’s IT operations, based on results of an evaluation conduced to compare the department against industry best practices.

Chan was named the New York Public Sector CIO of the Year in 2008, for his work developing myBenefits, a website for the state’s families and community partners to connect with benefits services and work support through an e-government hub for human services. The annual award recognizes CIOs who demonstrate exemplary leadership, strategic vision, innovation and collaboration.

Chan’s use of open source technology in developing the myBenefits and myWorkspace applications also earned him an award by the Government Open Source Conference in 2010 in the category of Outstanding Deployment of Open Source Software.

Prior to public service, Chan was chief technologist at GE Infrastructure and worked on various U.S. space and defense programs as a research scientist with Boeing. He has a Ph.D. in aerospace engineering fro the University of Southern California and a Master of Science degree, also in aerospace engineering, from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

March 7, 2011

GOVERNOR CUOMO ANNOUNCES NOMINATION TO EMPIRE STATE DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION

Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today announced the nomination of Julie Shimer to Chair the Empire State Development Corporation (ESDC).

"Julie Shimer is joining a first-class team of economic development leaders including Lieutenant Governor Robert Duffy and Empire State Development Corporation President Kenneth Adams," Governor Cuomo said. "Her extensive experience in the upstate and downstate business communities will be essential to the reconstruction of New York's economy. Attracting and retaining business in New York is job number one, and Julie and the rest of the ESDC team will work tirelessly to make that happen."

Julie Shimer, Ph.D., CEO and President of Welch Allyn, in Skaneateles Falls, New York, is a nationally recognized leader in the computer networking and wireless communications industries. Dr. Shimer was named CEO in 2007 - becoming the first woman to hold this post in the 95-year history of the company. Prior to joining Welch Allyn, Dr. Shimer served as President and CEO of Vocera Communications, a leading wireless communications company based in Cupertino, California. Dr. Shimer also held executive positions at 3Com Corporation, Motorola, AT&T Bell Laboratories, and Bethlehem Steel Company. Dr. Shimer currently holds board positions with Welch Allyn, Netgear, the Engineering Information Foundation and Centerstate Corporation for Economic Opportunity. In addition, she is a senior member of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers and Society for Women Engineers. Dr. Shimer holds masters and doctoral degrees in Electrical Engineering from Lehigh University and a bachelor's degree in Physics from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. She resides in Skaneateles, NY with her husband, Jary.

Jeremy Jacobs, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Delaware North Companies said, "I applaud Governor Cuomo's nomination of Julie Shimer to the Empire State Development board. Both the entrepreneurial community and business leaders share the Governor's commitment to the critical importance of attracting business and spurring investment in New York. With her professional experience in leading her own company, Julie appreciates the need for an improved business climate and a stronger competitive position for New York in the global marketplace."

Joanie Mahoney, Onondaga County Executive said, "As CEO and President of Welch Allyn, Julie Shimer has expanded the company and turned it into one of the largest employers in the region. Her big ideas and ability to get things done make her particularly suited for Chair of the Empire State Development Corporation and Governor Cuomo's administration. In addition, having someone from our region, who knows the strengths and weaknesses of the upstate economy, will benefit New Yorkers across the state. I applaud the Governor's choice and congratulate Julie on her nomination."

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Additional news available at www.governor.ny.gov <http://www.governor.ny.gov>
New York State | Executive Chamber | press.office@exec.ny.gov | 518.474.8418

February 24th, 2011

GOVERNOR CUOMO ANNOUNCES NOMINEE FOR COMMISSIONER OF THE OFFICE OF GENERAL SERVICES

Governor Andrew M. Cuomo announced today that he has nominated Assemblywoman RoAnn Destito to serve as Commissioner of the New York State Office of General Services (OGS).

Assemblywoman Destito currently serves as Chair of the Assembly Committee on Governmental Operations, which includes legislative oversight of OGS. She has represented the people of the 116th Assembly District since 1992.

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January 17th, 2011

Governor Cuomo Announces Administration Appointments

ALBANY, NY (01/17/2011) -- Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today announced the following appointments to senior positions within the state government.

Leecia Eve has been appointed to serve as Senior Vice President and Counsel to the Empire State Development Corporation.

"Ms. Eve's extensive expertise and knowledge of economic issues in New York, across the nation, and abroad will be instrumental in reopening New York State to business," Governor Cuomo said. "Her decades of legal experience, combined with an intrinsic understanding of our state's diverse economic needs, will help businesses thrive and prosper. I thank her for her ongoing commitment to public service."

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January 5th, 2011

Governor-elect Andrew Cuomo and Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver Announce Change in Venue for the 2011 State of the State Address

Governor-elect Andrew Cuomo and Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver today announced that the 2011 State of the State Address, scheduled for January 5th, will be held in the Empire State Plaza’s Convention Center.

Speaker Silver noted that with the state in fiscal crisis and with excitement over the incoming administration mounting, the overwhelming response for invitations now exceeds the limited seating capacity available in the Assembly Chamber, the traditional venue.

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