Good Morning, New York! The federal government is threatening to withhold NY highway funding over congestion pricing, Hochul wants to lower the minimum age of correction officers, and Cuomo may be under federal investigation again as the House tries to reopen his case. This is your Tammany Times AM Briefing for Tuesday, April 22nd, 2025.

WHERE’S KATHY: In Oneida County and Albany for an Economic Development Announcement.

WHERE’s ERIC: No public schedule available.

TIPS? Email me: [email protected]

Front Pages

Hall Monitors

— The feds are playing hardball with NYC over congestion pricing, threatening to pull highway funding if the MTA doesn't kill the tolls. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy says the tolls illegally burden drivers using federally subsidized roads, while Gov. Hochul insists congestion pricing is legal and will continue. Now, the city's transit upgrades and road projects hang in the balance as the MTA fights back in court. (Gothamist)

— Mayor Adams' plans to reactivate an ICE office on Rikers Island just hit a major roadblock. A judge has temporarily blocked the move, siding with the City Council's lawsuit that claims Adams made a 'corrupt bargain' with the Trump administration. While Adams' team insists they won't be signing any deals until the hearing, critics fear this could open the door to mass deportations. (NY Post)

— Staffing cuts at the 9/11 health program are causing anxiety among remaining employees. Some fear they can't adequately care for patients and are worried about their own job security. THE CITY has a great story diving deep into what is going on. (The City)

Capitol Gains

— Eighteen-year-olds in NY prisons? Gov. Hochul wants to lower the minimum age for correction officers to 18 to address a staffing crisis, but the idea isn't getting a warm reception from all lawmakers. While Hochul argues that these young officers would face stricter supervision and limited interaction with inmates, critics worry about their lack of life experience in such a challenging environment. The proposal comes after the firing of 2,000 officers who participated in a wildcat strike. (State of Politics)

— New York's overhaul of the Consumer Direct Personal Assistance Program is off to a rough start, with caregivers reporting delayed payments and personal data breaches. Gov. Hochul acknowledged the "hiccups" with the new Public Partnerships LLC system, which aims to cut down on fraud, but insists the transition for over 200,000 patients has been successful. While PPL says it's processed over $120 million in payments, many caregivers claim they still haven't been paid, fueling concerns that the problems are more than just minor glitches. (WHEC)

— NY lawmakers are fighting back against potential federal funding cuts from the Trump administration. The "RECOURSE Act" would allow New York to withhold payments to the federal government if the state's funds are cut in defiance of court orders. The bill comes as many believe New York has not properly addressed these threats in the current budgeting process. (State of Politics)

Trail Mix

— House Oversight Chair James Comer is asking the DOJ to prosecute former governor Andrew Cuomo, accusing him of lying to Congress about New York's handling of COVID-19 in nursing homes. While Cuomo's team dismisses the move as politically motivated, it's yet another challenge as he tries to make a comeback despite many previous scandals. (Politico)

— A new poll shows an open race for NYC Comptroller, with 60% of Dem voters undecided. The Honan Strategy Group poll shows Mark Levine with 25%, Justin Brannan with 10%, and Kevin Parker with 5%. (NY Post)

— Hochul see’s comeback in new Siena poll, with approval ratings positive for first time since January 2024 and strong support for her budget priorities. Meanwhile Chuck Schumer is experiencing his worst polling in two decades (-10), and AOC is reaching new heights with the strongest favorability (+14). (SCRI)