New York to lose one House seat — City budget spends big — Cuomo issues blanket denial of harassment charges

New York will lose one House seat under a new census count — falling just 89 people short of the number it would have needed to keep all 27 of its House members.

On the one hand: 89 people! The tiny margin by which New York lost out to Minnesota prompted tons of hand-wringing. What if fewer rich people had fled New York as the pandemic bore down? What if the state had done a better job getting New Yorkers to fill out their census forms, or moved sooner to release outreach money that was held up for months? Indeed, New York’s early death toll from the pandemic was enough to make up the difference in population several times over. As of last year’s Census Day, New York was losing 89 people to Covid every six hours.

Mayor Bill de Blasio blasted Gov. Andrew Cuomo for dragging his feet on census outreach, as did progressive advocates. Others pointed to particular issues ranging from certain high-rises refusing access to census enumerators to a lack of broadband access in rural areas.

On the other hand: It could have been worse. There were plenty of predictions that New York would lose two congressional seats going into the 2022 elections, and losing only one in a decade’s census count is the best the state has done since FDR was in the White House.

So now that we’re losing a seat, whose seat will it be? That will depend on how the state’s district maps are redrawn, a process effectively controlled by Democrats in the Legislature but not without some checks on their power. Population estimates suggest the biggest change could involve one upstate seat being broken up and absorbed into its neighbors.

One relatively simple solution: Break up the district held by Republican Rep. Tom Reed, who isn’t running for re-election after sexual misconduct allegations, and add the territory to four or five neighboring districts, with other districts in the state seeing only minor changes. If Democrats try to redraw the lines to their own party’s advantage they could attempt to place Republican Reps. Claudia Tenney and Elise Stefanik in the same district — just one of a variety of maneuvers available as the process unfolds.

IT’S TUESDAY. Got tips, suggestions or thoughts? Let us know … By email: [email protected] and [email protected], or on Twitter: @erinmdurkin and @annagronewold

WHERE’S ANDREW? No public schedule yet.

WHERE’S BILL? Making an announcement at Essex Market and holding a media availability.

ABOVE THE FOLD: Cuomo offers blanket denial of harassment allegations, by POLITICO’s Anna Gronewold: New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo has fiercely denied allegations of sexual harassment leveled at him over the past several months during his first in-person Q&A with press since late last year. The governor was asked Monday about the multiple scandals and investigations that have enveloped his administration during an event at the Fairgrounds outside of Syracuse… Cuomo denied the allegations of several women who have accused him of behavior ranging from inappropriate comments to groping. “To put it very simply ‘no,’” he said, when asked if the reports were true. When asked if he would resign if a forthcoming investigation from state Attorney General Tish James’ office finds evidence otherwise, Cuomo said that would not be the case. “The report can’t say anything different because I didn’t do anything wrong,” he said.

— FLASHBACK: “I now understand that I acted in a way that made people feel uncomfortable. It was unintentional and I truly and deeply apologize for it. I feel awful about it and, frankly, I am embarrassed.” — Cuomo addressing the allegations last month

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‘Spend money to make money’ — De Blasio releases his recovery budget, by POLITICO’s Joe Anuta: Mayor Bill de Blasio’s budget gamble is paying dividends — at least for now. After resisting dramatic cuts to city spending and its workforce last year, federal aid has arrived to alleviate shortfalls and boost Monday’s executive budget to a record-breaking $98.6 billion. Now, the mayor is doubling down. Much of that federal aid is being quickly pumped into new programming, rather than spreading it out to reduce multi-billion dollar budget gaps that await the next administration — a bet that jump-starting economic activity will induce more tax revenue down the road. “The investments are going to help jobs come back: Sometimes you have to spend money to make money,” de Blasio said during a press briefing.

— “To help NYC students catch up, de Blasio’s budget would earmark $500M for testing and tutoring,” by Chalkbeat’s Reema Amin and Alex Zimmerman: “Mayor Bill de Blasio wants to spend half a billion dollars to help students catch up academically after a year of pandemic-related disruptions. That infusion of cash, to be spent next school year, would cover tutoring, ‘universal academic assessments’ to gauge children’s skills, and extra planning time for teachers, according to the executive budget de Blasio presented Monday.”

— The budget includes $4 million in city funding for open streets and $8.5 million for open restaurants. There’s also $723 million in capital funding to finish the Manhattan greenway.

Is there a lane for a city manager to become mayor? Kathryn Garcia thinks so, by POLITICO’s Danielle Muoio: Kathryn Garcia is increasingly everyone’s favorite in the Democratic mayoral primary — for second place. The six-year sanitation commissioner under Mayor Bill de Blasio is well-regarded within government and political circles as a go-to problem solver, with a commanding grasp on the levers of the city’s vast bureaucracy. But despite having what supporters say is among the best resume to lead the city on Day One, Garcia is polling in single digits and would-be endorsers have been reluctant to lend their unqualified support. Political analyst Eli Valentin called her a possible “candidate for the deputy mayorship.” Rival Andrew Yang, the current frontrunner, has repeatedly said he’d mark her down as his second or third choice on his ballot, under the city’s new ranked choice voting system.

“Over 50,000 More Students Return To NYC Public School Buildings To Close Out The Year,” by WNYC’s Jessica Gould: “About 51,000 more students began returning to the city’s public school buildings on Monday morning, after the de Blasio Administration offered families one last chance to sign up for in-person learning this school year. Many more schools are also offering in-person instruction five days a week starting today, or will in the coming weeks.”

“Donovan’s Dad Discussed Mayoral Campaign Contribution Targets and Aided Super PAC, Records Show,” by The City’s Greg B. Smith: “In New York, independent expenditure committees that support political candidates can raise unrestricted dollars — but are barred from coordinating their spending with campaigns they back. New Start NYC, which supports mayoral hopeful Shaun Donovan and has been funded almost entirely by the candidate’s wealthy father to the tune of $3 million, has insisted it does not coordinate efforts in any way with the candidate’s campaign. The city Campaign Finance Board last week said it found no evidence of improper activity and cleared Donovan’s campaign to receive nearly $1.5 million in public matching funds. But documents obtained by THE CITY present a far more complex picture. In an affidavit filed with the city Campaign Finance Board, Michael Donovan acknowledged he’s discussed whom to raise money from with his son’s campaign finance director.”

ON THE TRAIL — Andrew Yang and Ray McGuire got into it Monday night over control of the city subway system during the Met Council’s mayoral forum. Andrew Yang has said the city should take over the trains, which some have scoffed at as a massive undertaking for a mayor already facing a series of daunting post-pandemic crises. McGuire, a former Wall Street exec, agreed with the scoffers, when asked by our Sally Goldenberg. “The city is a $92 billion enterprise and has a $4-plus billion projected deficit — it’s not clear whether the city can afford to take it over. Yang said there was a larger point of accountability for a system that can make or break the city’s economy.

“You need to manage that system to be able to manage your recovery — you need to manage that system because someone needs to take responsibility.” McGuire countered, “Well you’ve got to be able to afford that which you take responsibility for, right?” Yang said, at the very least the city should be able to pack the MTA board with a majority of members (11 rather than four, giving it a simple majority). “You could retain the current financing structure and have city control, if you just increase the number of city recommended board members,” he said. — David Giambusso

— Eric Adams wants to bring back a reformed version of the NYPD’s controversial anti-crime unit.

— Mayoral candidates enter the “ad wars” phase of the campaign.

“Cuomo’s staff ‘volunteer’ work on book raises labor law question,” by Times Union’s Chris Bragg: “After news broke that Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo used government staff to produce his multi-million dollar book last year, an investigation began into whether taxpayer-funded resources were illegally expended for private financial gain. But Cuomo’s practice also raises questions about whether there were any violations of labor laws. Cuomo has said members of his staff volunteered to help produce ‘American Crisis.’ Ronald Dunn, an Albany attorney who specializes in employment cases, said that under state and federal labor laws the legality of that arrangement would rest on whether a worker’s efforts are ‘truly voluntary.’”

“‘Senate investigations panel pursues Cuomo bridge probe,'” by Spectrum’s Nick Reisman: “The top Democrat on the state Senate’s investigations committee on Monday said lawmakers have issued information and document requests to the builders of the Tappan Zee Bridge replacement project amid concerns over the construction of the new span. The document request, made Friday, comes amid concerns over the construction of the Mario M. Cuomo Bridge crossing the Hudson River, connecting Westchester and Rockland counties. An Albany Times Union report earlier this year raised concerns with the construction of the bridge and the bolt tightening method used to secure it. State officials at the Thruway Authority have insisted the Mario Cuomo Bridge is safe. At the same time, the Thruway Authority has been working with Senate investigators over the last several weeks.”

“Supreme Court to take up right to carry gun for self-defense,” by The Associated Press’s Mark Sherman: “The Supreme Court agreed on Monday to hear an appeal to expand gun rights in the United States in a New York case over the right to carry a firearm in public for self-defense. The case marks the court’s first foray into gun rights since Justice Amy Coney Barrett came on board in October, making a 6-3 conservative majority The justices said Monday that they will review a lower-court ruling that upheld New York’s restrictive gun permit law.”

‘The Fair Must Go On,’ by Syracuse.com’s Chris Baker: “Yes, there will be a New York State Fair in 2021, Gov. Andrew Cuomo said Monday. ‘The Fair must go on,’ Cuomo said. The Fair will take place Aug. 20 through Sept. 6. There will be some modifications in the planning, Cuomo said, including limiting capacity to 50%.”

— But what about the Erie County Fair?!

“Cuomo: New York allowing more people to return to offices, gyms, casinos and outdoor stadiums,” by Newsday’s Bart Jones and Robert Brodsky: “New York will allow more people to return to offices, gyms, casinos and outdoor stadiums in May, …Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo said Monday, citing declining COVID-19 positivity levels and increasing vaccinations. Starting May 15, offices will be able to expand capacity from 50% to 75% of their facilities, while gyms and fitness clubs outside New York City will be able to go from 33% to 50% capacity, he said.”

#UpstateAmerica: Tulip Fest was virtual last year (and will be again next month) but Albany’s Tulip Queen does not get to take a break.

“AOC will back City Council candidates who support her leftist agenda,” by New York Post’s Carl Campanile: “Democratic socialist Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez said Monday she’s ready to endorse candidates running for 51 City Council seats this year — but only if they back her leftist agenda. Candidates who want a thumbs up from the progressive Bronx firebrand must fill out an extensive questionnaire that asks if they back slashing the NYPD’s budget by $3 billion, abolishing US Immigration and Customs Enforcement, and a law that would bar turning over illegal immigrants accused of crimes to federal authorities for deportation. AOC’s Courage to Change’s PAC also asks whether they would accept campaign contributions from real estate and fossil fuel interests, law enforcement associations or PACs headed by ‘profit-making’ entities.”

“Staten Island man accused of threatening to kill Biden supporters pleads guilty to illegal gun possession,” by New York Daily News’ Noah Goldberg: “A Staten Island man accused of threatening to murder Biden supporters pleaded guilty Monday to illegally possessing a gun. Brian Maiorana, 54, was arrested in November after posting intimidating messages on social media calling for the ‘extermination’ of Democrats and referred to Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer as the ‘Jew Senator from New York.’ The feds executed a search warrant at Maiorana’s Staten Island home that month and discovered a handgun, parts for a second gun, ammo, a crossbow and a taser, they said. But on Monday Maiorana pleaded guilty only to possessing the gun and the ammunition.”

— An Upper West Side community board shot down a resolution encouraging local restaurants to let delivery workers use their restrooms.

— The Parks Department is investigating a packed concert at Tompkins Square Park.

— A city correction supervisor was charged with criminally negligent homicide for allegedly allowing a jailed man to hang himself last fall, and stopping another guard who tried to intervene.

— Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. endorsed Eric Adams for mayor.

— Lawmakers are looking to ban the sale of new gas-powered cars and trucks starting in 2035.

— Albany police and local activists do not agree about the kind of communication that took place before officers removed protesters encamped around South Station.

— Don’t drink the beef bone broth from Wegmans.

— A man struck an NYPD detective over the head with a plastic stick on Monday while he was investigating another crime.

— An NYPD officer died of injuries after being struck by a car on the Long Island Expressway.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY: Dan Gerstein of Gotham Ghostwriters … WaPo’s Reed Albergotti … The Intercept’s James Risen … Bruce Mehlman … Michael Crittenden of Mercury Public Affairs … Doug Rediker of International Capital Strategies … Hannah Kim … The Economist’s Jon Fasman … Bloomberg’s Mike Shepard … Reynold Levy … Weesie Vieira Thelen

MEDIAWATCH — Natasha Bertrand joined CNN as a national security and White House reporter. She previously was a White House correspondent at POLITICO. … Tom Llamas is returning to NBC as a senior national correspondent and anchor on “NBC News NOW,” the network’s 34/7 streaming news service. He most recently was anchor of ABC’s “World News Tonight” weekend editions. (h/t POLITICO Playbook) … David Brand is departing as managing editor of the Queens Daily Eagle.

FUN READ — Per NY1’s Elina Tarkazikis: “The former Wall Street Journal writer [Neil King] embarked on a 300-mile trek from Washington all the way to New York City. King said the trip was designed to help him ‘take in a founding slice of America. Talk to her. Wonder at her. Maybe make a little sense of her.’ … King will document his journey with a book.”

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“Lawmakers to extend eviction, foreclosure protections through August,” by The Real Deal’s Kathryn Brenzel: “The Senate Committee on Housing, Construction and Community Development is slated to vote Tuesday on a measure that would prevent evictions and foreclosures for residential tenants and small landlords, as well as small businesses, who fill out hardship declaration forms. The newly proposed bill extends two separate laws — the Emergency Eviction and Foreclosure Prevention Act of 2020, and the COVID-19 Emergency Protect Our Small Businesses Act of 2021 — that were set to expire May 1.”

“NYC electeds rally for vote on housing voucher value boost,” by Queens Eagle’s David Brand: “New York City policymakers are renewing calls to increase the value of housing vouchers for people experiencing homelessness, legislation that has stalled despite majority backing in the city council and support across the ideological spectrum.The vouchers, administered through a program known as CityFHEPS, provide a year of rent payments for families moving out of homeless shelters — if they can find a landlord willing to accept a subsidy worth well below market rate.”

“Sinking Scott Rudin Holds on to Little Island as Barry Diller Defends Him,” by The City’s Rachel Holliday Smith: “Despite departing other high-profile positions amid a slew of allegations about abusive behavior, famed producer Scott Rudin will remain as an advisor at a new Hudson River island-park built by his friend, media mogul Barry Diller, THE CITY has learned. Little Island — the new Hudson River park-on-stilts bankrolled with a $250 million gift from power couple Diller and Diane von Furstenburg — lists Rudin as a major creative force driving the programming there. The space is weeks away from opening off Pier 55 on Manhattan’s West Side at around 15th Street.”