The new face of NY lobbying -- no gifts

For the Long Island Association, the party in Albany is over - unless handing out cups of coffee can be considered partying.

The LIA, the Island's largest business and civic organization, said that for the first time in more than 20 years, it will not be taking business people to Albany in early January for its annual Legislative Reception.

The state's Commission on Public Integrity is cracking down on such affairs, putting into effect a 2007 law that says state employees and legislators cannot accept gifts of "more than a nominal value," according to the legislation.

The law "says that is the equivalent of an ordinary cup of coffee," said commission spokesman Walter Ayres. And he said he's not talking about some of those fancy Starbucks coffees that can cost $5. "We're talking about a coffee for maybe $1.50."

Organizations violating the law can be fined up to $40,000.

"We're trying to change the culture in Albany," Ayres said. "People are finally understanding we are serious." Nine or 10 lobbyists have been fined, but only $250 each because the goal was to "educate" them, Ayres said.

LIA president Kevin Law said the organization decided to cancel its annual journey to the state's capital, which included a lunch for legislators. Lawmakers would have been served food and Long Island wine, the values of which now might well bring a hefty fine.

"There's the potential for fines to be levied," Law said. "So why do it?"

A somber era has come to the capital. Andrew Cuomo's inauguration will be a low-key affair, with a swearing-in ceremony New Year's Eve, followed by a staff meeting the next morning.

Instead of the traditional Legislative Reception, Law said the LIA will host a Long Island CEO day in Albany in early February. Law said the day will consist of meetings -- without food -- between business leaders and legislators.

"I'm trying to make lemonade out of a lemon," Law said.