Advocating for our boaters, the health of our waterways, and the prosperity of our marine professionals
Our Legislative Team
Katie Hohman has been involved in government affairs for over a decade. Prior to joining Plummer, Wigger & Hohman, Katie was the Managing Partner of Sheridan, Hohman and Associates for six years and previously to that, she worked at the New York State Association of Counties (NYSAC) as Legislative Director. She began her professional career as the Legislative Representative at Capitol Group, LLC in Albany.
Katie has extensive knowledge of state and local government issues including economic development, public safety, public health, mental health, environment, energy, transportation and public works. While at NYSAC, Katie also served as a county government liaison to the Sheriffs, Judges, Jail Administrators, County Executives, Boards of Supervisors, Clerks of the Court, Towns and Industrial Authorities.
Katie is a marathon runner and was a Division 1 swimmer and graduate of Siena College, ‘09 with a BA in Political Science. In May of 2013, she received a dual Masters in History and Political Science at the College of St. Rose.
Katie Hohman
0%
The percentage of time recreational boating activity was prohibited during the COVID 19 pandemic. Intense lobbying by the ESMTA and Albany legislative partner, Sheridan Hohman Associates, permitted recreational boating to remain a safe family activity, keeping New York State marine businesses open and supporting recreation economies across the Empire State.Swift, organized action when our boating communities needed us most.
12
The number of ESMTA regional representatives who attended the 2026 Legislative Day in Albany to discuss important support for waterway infrastructure funding and access, permitting, boating safety, and help with leveling the playing field on vessel sales taxes.
$10 Billion
The total dollar amount of recreational boating economic impact in the Empire State, including 34,717 jobs and 2,341 local businesses. We passionately advocate for legislation that keeps these careers safe, secure, and moving forward. We work closely with our legislators to keep the interests of boating businesses and recreational boaters heard and fiercely represented in local, state, and federal discussions.Our Timeline of Support
2001
The ESMTA collaborated with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for the Clean Marine Engines Program, rolling out a voluntary initiative tracking and promoting low-polluting outboard and personal watercraft engines across Long Island and New York waterways. This effort drastically accelerated the adoption of cleaner marine technologies to reduce regional air and water emissions.
2008
ESMTA partnered with New York Sea Grant to help launch the "Discover Clean & Safe Boating" campaign. The campaign used rotating demonstration vessels equipped with standard, legal safety gear to travel to state fairs, boat shows, and regional waterfronts to educate the public directly.
2012
The ESMTA, with its legislative representation, worked closely with the Governor’s office, DEC, and local municipalities to assist with disaster relief efforts across Long Island and the Hudson Valley in the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy, not just members but impacted communities at large.
2015
2015 sales-tax cap on vessel purchases
Effective June 1, 2015, New York limited the portion of a vessel’s purchase price subject to state and local sales tax to $230,000. The exemption applies to the amount above that threshold, including qualifying purchases of an outboard motor or trailer sold with the vessel.
2019
The ESMTA began to recognize the need for skilled marine labor and championed funding for the nation's first New York State Department of Labor-approved Marine Technology Apprenticeship Program. This joint effort with Kingsborough Community College secures grant funding to train and certify hundreds of marine technicians. This initiative secured nearly $1 million in State Workforce Development funding for the program.
2020
The ESMTA, with its Legislative Representation were successful in re-opening recreational boating statewide during COVID 19 to combat shutdown orders. Recreational boating was one of the first industries to be approved to operate as a safe recreational activity in New York State. The ESMTA worked closely with the Governor’s office, state agencies, and local municipalities to maintain all the proper safety protocols while supporting the economy during this unprecedented state of emergency.
2021
The ESMTA, with its Legislative Representation, worked closely with the New York State Canal Corporation and the Department of Environmental Conservation to ensure the NYS Canals maintained operations at all Locks and to educate boaters on managing the spread of invasive species.2024
We implemented the first ESMTA supported scholarship program to support secondary trades education in fields that directly impact the recreational boating and marine trades industries in New York State. This scholarship opens $5000 each year, $1000 to five awardees. This scholarship is open to all members and their employees or family members in good ESMTA standing. 2026
We continue to monitor legislature that impacts our membership including sales tax legislation, vessel speed restriction, and navigation law. We advocate for our boaters and marine trade businesses year round with the direct and active guidance and support of our lobbying team.
Our Commitment to Advocacy
Through its legislative representation, ESMTA advocates for New York’s marine trades businesses by monitoring and addressing legislation and regulatory proposals that may affect business operations, industry competitiveness, and long-term growth. The Association works with policymakers and industry partners to advance policies that support marine businesses, strengthen the workforce, and help New York remain competitive with neighboring states. ESMTA also supports initiatives related to environmental stewardship, regulatory awareness, technician training, and professional development to help marine businesses navigate industry challenges and prepare for future demands.
To keep members informed and prepared, ESMTA provides monthly legislative updates covering emerging issues, regulatory changes, and policy developments that may affect their businesses. Through ongoing advocacy, timely communication, and responsive industry support, the Association works to represent its members’ interests during routine legislative and regulatory developments as well as significant challenges and emergencies affecting New York’s marine trades industry.