Governor Kathy Hochul and New York Attorney General Letitia James today announced that New York State and a coalition of 11 other states are suing the Trump administration for illegally imposing unprecedented tax hikes on Americans in the form of tariffs issued under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA). The Trump administration’s IEEPA tariffs raise taxes on imports from nearly every country on Earth, including America’s closest allies and trading partners, and they have already caused severe economic damage. The lawsuit, filed by Attorney General James and a coalition of attorneys general, argues that Congress has not granted the president the authority to impose these tariffs and therefore the administration violated the law by imposing them through executive orders, social media posts, and agency orders. The coalition seeks a court order halting these IEEPA tariffs, including the worldwide tariffs that were paused on April 9, and preventing the Trump administration from enforcing or implementing them.
“President Trump’s reckless tariffs have skyrocketed costs for consumers and unleashed economic chaos across the country. New York is standing up to fight back against the largest federal tax hike in American history,” Governor Hochul said. “Attorney General James and I are partnering on this litigation on behalf of New York consumers, because we can’t let President Trump push our country into a recession.”
New York State Attorney General Letitia James said,“The president does not have the power to raise taxes on a whim, but that’s exactly what President Trump has been doing with these tariffs. Donald Trump promised that he would lower prices and ease the cost of living, but these illegal tariffs will have the exact opposite effect on American families. His tariffs are unlawful and if not stopped, they will lead to more inflation, unemployment, and economic damage.”
Since February, President Trump has been unilaterally imposing sweeping tariffs against America’s closest trading partners. These tariffs expanded in a series of announcements in April to now cover nearly every country worldwide, including places that are not involved in international trade, such as the Heard and McDonald Islands, which have no known human inhabitants.
In addition to the severe economic damage that President Trump’s tariffs have already caused, the coalition warns they could cause even more destruction if allowed to continue. The lawsuit argues the IEEPA tariffs will increase unemployment, raise inflation, and threaten Americans’ wages by slowing economic growth. The president’s tariffs will harm the states and their residents by making important goods ranging from electronics to building materials more expensive and scarce.
These costs will severely impact New Yorkers. Economists estimate the increased tariffs will cost the average family thousands of dollars per year, and a report from the New York City Comptroller estimated that even a mild recession caused by the tariffs would lead to over 35,000 lost jobs in New York City alone. New York state agencies could end up paying over $100 million in extra costs due to tariffs increasing prices. Retaliatory tariffs imposed by Canada on the hundreds of millions of dollars in electricity that New York imports every year would cause New Yorkers’ energy bills to spike. Across the state, small businesses that rely on imports are already reeling from the threat of higher prices and uncertainty caused by the administration’s policies. In Central New York, the Cortland Standard, one of the oldest family-owned newspapers in the country, announced it would cease publication in part due to an expected tariff on newsprint.
The lawsuit, filed in the United States Court of International Trade, asserts that President Trump has no authority to impose tariffs as he has. While the president has declared emergencies and invoked IEEPA to justify these tariffs, not once has any other president used IEEPA to impose tariffs like this in the five decades since it became law. As the coalition argues in the lawsuit, the law was not designed to allow the president to unilaterally impose worldwide tariffs indiscriminately. In addition, the coalition argues that the Trump administration has overstepped its authority and violated the Constitution and the Administrative Procedure Act by imposing these tariffs.
With this lawsuit, the coalition is seeking a court order declaring the Trump administration’s IEEPA tariff orders to be in violation of the law and ordering the administration to stop implementing or enforcing these tariffs.
Joining Attorney General James in filing this lawsuit are the attorneys general of Arizona, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Maine, Minnesota, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon, and Vermont. (California filed its own lawsuit against the Trump Administration.)
Governor Hochul has been in contact with federal leaders regarding the devastating effects tariffs will have on New York’s residents, businesses and our economy. The Governor has consulted with federal partners, economists and heard from business owners, trade groups, agribusiness and other stakeholders on the hardships tariffs will have on New York State.
Some 20,000 turned out in New York City with little notice only two weeks after the gigantic nationwide “Hands Off” protest on April 5 which drew some 3 million people nationwide – way more than anticipated considering that 100,000 flooded Manhattan streets only two weeks ago.
“No Kings”. March to Protect Migrants and the Planet, NYC, April 19, 2025, organized by 50501ny.org (c) Karen Rubin/news-photos-features.com
This protest, organized by 50501 NY, was themed a “March to Protect Migrants and the Planet” and while these were the most prevalent among the signs and the marchers, even more were the signs protesting against encroaching tyranny, fascism, the need to protect democracy, due process, free speech, and calls to Resist, Rebel, “Revolution 2.0” along with signs protesting for women’s rights, Hands Off Social Security, Medicare, healthcare, protect science, protect truth, against tariffs (the penguins were back)
“It’s the Constitution Stupid” and “Make Corruption Wrong Again”
“It’s the Constitution, Stupid”. March to Protect Migrants and the Planet, NYC, April 19, 2025, organized by 50501ny.org (c) Karen Rubin/news-photos-features.com
This event took place on the 250th anniversary of Pau Revere’s Midnight Ride – a woman held a sign “250 years ago-and today- let the warning ride forth once more: Tyranny is at our door.”
“250 Years Ago-And Today.” March to Protect Migrants and the Planet, NYC, April 19, 2025, organized by 50501ny.org (c) Karen Rubin/news-photos-features.com
Others drew parallels: “No Kings. Not in 1775. Not in 2025.”
“No Kings in America.” March to Protect Migrants and the Planet, NYC, April 19, 2025, organized by 50501ny.org (c) Karen Rubin/news-photos-features.com
(April 19 is also the anniversary of the Oklahoma City bombing, and the WACO – two of the worst incidents of domestic terrorism.)
The line of marchers stretched a mile, taking over 42nd Street from Fifth to Madison, and then Madison Avenue up to 57 street, and Fifth Avenue into Central Park where the march ended.
“Mein Trumpf”. March to Protect Migrants and the Planet, NYC, April 19, 2025, organized by 50501ny.org (c) Karen Rubin/news-photos-features.com
There were people of all ages, people using walkers, wheelchairs, fearful of losing Social Security or Medicare; families with young children, afraid for the future of the planet, let alone the economy – an indication of the extent of the harms – basically to every constituency except his billionaire and corporate donors – Trump, Musk, DOGE and MAGA have inflicted in less than 100 days in office.
“Wanted! Crimes Against Democracy.” March to Protect Migrants and the Planet, NYC, April 19, 2025, organized by 50501ny.org (c) Karen Rubin/news-photos-features.com
The fear and anxiety over Trump rapidly imposing a fascist autocracy is not unwarranted – it took Hitler only 53 days to replace Germany’s constitutional democracy with his Nazi dictatorship and only 10 years between his inauguration to the Final Solution in which he exterminated 6 million Jews and millions of others and sunk the world into war. Trump has been in office 89 days, but between his ignoring court orders, deporting individuals to foreign gulags without due process, snatching people from the street, attacking judges, journalists, law firms and academia, many drew the parallels to genocidal autocrats of the past.
“Fight Ignorance. Not Immigrants.” March to Protect Migrants and the Planet, NYC, April 19, 2025, organized by 50501ny.org (c) Karen Rubin/news-photos-features.com
Though smaller in number than two weeks ago, these chanters were more angry and not above using profanity in chants and on signs. People are pissed.
“First it’s immigrants, then…” March to Protect Migrants and the Planet, NYC, April 19, 2025, organized by 50501ny.org (c) Karen Rubin/news-photos-features.com
The April 19 protests nationwide were organized by the 50501 Movement, a grassroots initiative. Some 700 protests were planned, to “sustain resistance in order to make a difference” and keep the momentum of the massively successful April 5 “Hands Off” protests that by some estimates drew 5 million across the U.S.
Here are more photo highlights:
Indivisible Brooklyn “fabulously fighting fascism!” March to Protect Migrants and the Planet, NYC, April 19, 2025, organized by 50501ny.org (c) Karen Rubin/news-photos-features.com
“Hands Off Our Bodies, Our Freedom, Our Democracy.” March to Protect Migrants and the Planet, NYC, April 19, 2025, organized by 50501ny.org (c) Karen Rubin/news-photos-features.com
March to Protect Migrants and the Planet, NYC, April 19, 2025, organized by 50501ny.org (c) Karen Rubin/news-photos-features.com
March to Protect Migrants and the Planet, NYC, April 19, 2025, organized by 50501ny.org (c) Karen Rubin/news-photos-features.com
“Revolution 2.0” March to Protect Migrants and the Planet, NYC, April 19, 2025, organized by 50501ny.org (c) Karen Rubin/news-photos-features.com
“Resist.” March to Protect Migrants and the Planet, NYC, April 19, 2025, organized by 50501ny.org (c) Karen Rubin/news-photos-features.com
“Resist.” March to Protect Migrants and the Planet, NYC, April 19, 2025, organized by 50501ny.org (c) Karen Rubin/news-photos-features.com
March to Protect Migrants and the Planet, NYC, April 19, 2025, organized by 50501ny.org (c) Karen Rubin/news-photos-features.com
March to Protect Migrants and the Planet, NYC, April 19, 2025, organized by 50501ny.org (c) Karen Rubin/news-photos-features.com
“Due Process Now!” March to Protect Migrants and the Planet, NYC, April 19, 2025, organized by 50501ny.org (c) Karen Rubin/news-photos-features.com
“Wicked” March to Protect Migrants and the Planet, NYC, April 19, 2025, organized by 50501ny.org (c) Karen Rubin/news-photos-features.com
“Our Power. Our Planet. Our People” March to Protect Migrants and the Planet, NYC, April 19, 2025, organized by 50501ny.org (c) Karen Rubin/news-photos-features.com
“Tell Old Pharoah: Let My People Go!” March to Protect Migrants and the Planet, NYC, April 19, 2025, organized by 50501ny.org (c) Karen Rubin/news-photos-features.com
“Jews Against Deportation.” March to Protect Migrants and the Planet, NYC, April 19, 2025, organized by 50501ny.org (c) Karen Rubin/news-photos-features.com
“Hands Off Public Health, Medicare & Medicaid.” March to Protect Migrants and the Planet, NYC, April 19, 2025, organized by 50501ny.org (c) Karen Rubin/news-photos-features.com
“Billionaires Profit Off Climate Chaos.” March to Protect Migrants and the Planet, NYC, April 19, 2025, organized by 50501ny.org (c) Karen Rubin/news-photos-features.com
“Save our Land. Stop the Destroyer.” March to Protect Migrants and the Planet, NYC, April 19, 2025, organized by 50501ny.org (c) Karen Rubin/news-photos-features.com
March to Protect Migrants and the Planet, NYC, April 19, 2025, organized by 50501ny.org (c) Karen Rubin/news-photos-features.com
“Rotten Oranges Belong in the Compost Bin, Not the Oval Office.” March to Protect Migrants and the Planet, NYC, April 19, 2025, organized by 50501ny.org (c) Karen Rubin/news-photos-features.com
March to Protect Migrants and the Planet, NYC, April 19, 2025, organized by 50501ny.org (c) Karen Rubin/news-photos-features.com
“Who is Safe?” March to Protect Migrants and the Planet, NYC, April 19, 2025, organized by 50501ny.org (c) Karen Rubin/news-photos-features.com
“This is what autocracy looks like.! March to Protect Migrants and the Planet, NYC, April 19, 2025, organized by 50501ny.org (c) Karen Rubin/news-photos-features.com
“Hands Off! Immigrants. Our Free Speech.” March to Protect Migrants and the Planet, NYC, April 19, 2025, organized by 50501ny.org (c) Karen Rubin/news-photos-features.com
“A National Disgrace.” March to Protect Migrants and the Planet, NYC, April 19, 2025, organized by 50501ny.org (c) Karen Rubin/news-photos-features.com
“Consequences.” March to Protect Migrants and the Planet, NYC, April 19, 2025, organized by 50501ny.org (c) Karen Rubin/news-photos-features.com
“Make America America Again.” March to Protect Migrants and the Planet, NYC, April 19, 2025, organized by 50501ny.org (c) Karen Rubin/news-photos-features.com
“Wanted” March to Protect Migrants and the Planet, NYC, April 19, 2025, organized by 50501ny.org (c) Karen Rubin/news-photos-features.com
“Vote or Watch Democracy Die.” March to Protect Migrants and the Planet, NYC, April 19, 2025, organized by 50501ny.org (c) Karen Rubin/news-photos-features.com
“Super Callus Fascist Sexist Nazi POTUS.” March to Protect Migrants and the Planet, NYC, April 19, 2025, organized by 50501ny.org (c) Karen Rubin/news-photos-features.com
“Save the Planet.” March to Protect Migrants and the Planet, NYC, April 19, 2025, organized by 50501ny.org (c) Karen Rubin/news-photos-features.com
“Republicans Destroying America.” March to Protect Migrants and the Planet, NYC, April 19, 2025, organized by 50501ny.org (c) Karen Rubin/news-photos-features.com
“No Deportations.” March to Protect Migrants and the Planet, NYC, April 19, 2025, organized by 50501ny.org (c) Karen Rubin/news-photos-features.com
“Get Off Fossil Fuels.” March to Protect Migrants and the Planet, NYC, April 19, 2025, organized by 50501ny.org (c) Karen Rubin/news-photos-features.com
“Hands Off DEI! Education!” March to Protect Migrants and the Planet, NYC, April 19, 2025, organized by 50501ny.org (c) Karen Rubin/news-photos-features.com
Families protest to save the future. March to Protect Migrants and the Planet, NYC, April 19, 2025, organized by 50501ny.org (c) Karen Rubin/news-photos-features.com
“Make America Broke Again.” March to Protect Migrants and the Planet, NYC, April 19, 2025, organized by 50501ny.org (c) Karen Rubin/news-photos-features.com
March to Protect Migrants and the Planet, NYC, April 19, 2025, organized by 50501ny.org (c) Karen Rubin/news-photos-features.com
“Worst President Ever.” March to Protect Migrants and the Planet, NYC, April 19, 2025, organized by 50501ny.org (c) Karen Rubin/news-photos-features.com
“Our City. Our Earth. Our Future.” March to Protect Migrants and the Planet, NYC, April 19, 2025, organized by 50501ny.org (c) Karen Rubin/news-photos-features.com
March to Protect Migrants and the Planet, NYC, April 19, 2025, organized by 50501ny.org (c) Karen Rubin/news-photos-features.com
“Rebel Baby Rebel” March to Protect Migrants and the Planet, NYC, April 19, 2025, organized by 50501ny.org (c) Karen Rubin/news-photos-features.com
“Turd Reich No!” March to Protect Migrants and the Planet, NYC, April 19, 2025, organized by 50501ny.org (c) Karen Rubin/news-photos-features.com
It took almost three hours for all the protesters to get to the starting line on Fifth Avenue at 42nd Street for the march to Madison Park at 25th Street in midtown Manhattan – I’m guessing some 50,000. There were no speeches, only chants and periodic roars that rang through the cavern of skyscrapers, releasing pent up anger, frustration, hostility to an administration – headlined by Trump, his billionaire hatchet man Elon Musk and the DOGE bros – that has been so contemptuous of human rights, civil rights, voting rights, workers rights, allies and alliances, that has upended people’s lives and inspired such fear, anxiety, insecurity. Hands Off! They chanted. Hands Off….! (fill in the blank) their hand-written signs declared.
It was an anguish that could only be extinguished by being in community with thousands of others.
The New York City march was one of some 1,300 taking place in all 50 states and even abroad, organized by a coalition of some 150 organizations, headed by Indivisible, Moveon, Public Citizen, women’s groups, veterans groups and others.
It was the biggest day of protest since the 2017 Womens March that greeted Trump’s first term. But after a period of frustration that the biggest single day of protest did not protect women’s reproductive freedom, with the capitulation of Republicans in the Senate, in the House, in the states and localities, with the capitulation of media moguls, universities, law firms, and with Democrats banished from having any impact on governance, as Trump unleashed his assault on constitutional rights, it was decided that the people have to take power, and take it back where they live.
And that was before Trump, with a stroke of a Sharpie, undermined the economic order that has underpinned peace and prosperity for 75 years, and unleashed the worry of a global recession, erasing $4 TRILLION in wealth in two days, the sharpest two-day decline since he was last occupying the office. He is the only individual in history to have caused that kind of damage. On purpose.
There is no constituency – even the MAGAs who fell for Trump’s BS (the Big Lie of Election 2024: “I never saw Project 2025”) – that has not been harmed by Trump and his enforcer, Elon Musk and the DOGE bros: women, seniors, children, students, the disabled, scientists, doctors, teachers, federal workers (he ended rights for 1 million civil servants), veterans (Trump, who had no idea that four American soldiers had been “lost” in Lithuania, went to his golf club rather show respect and receive their bodies), academics, union workers, farmers, immigrants, refugees, migrants WITH LEGAL STATUS (who have I left out?).
Trump has trampled on free speech, free press, free assembly, the right to a trial by jury, the right to due process (except for abusing that privilege for himself, while conveniently tearing up the other part of the 14th amendment: no insurrectionist can hold federal office), equal protection, the right to vote and have that vote counted. He has even teased that he would run for a 3rd term (“I’m not joking.”).
I’ll let the people and their posters speak for themselves:
On Saturday, April 5, Long Island will host its Hands Off! Mass Mobilization Rally protesting the Trump administration and Elon Musk’s DOGE actions to dismantle government services, civil rights, public health and environmental protections. It will be one of more than 1,200 Hands Off! Day of Action protests being held throughout the country and the world, with major ones being held in Washington DC and New York City (Bryant Park,1 pm).
More than 1,400 community members from across Long Island are expected at the rally, taking place at the Nassau County Courthouse, 262 Old Country Road, Mineola, at 1 pm, “to protest and join in this national mass day of action to express our deep concerns about the course this country is taking.”
“Trump and Musk are illegally decimating our federal workforce and gutting the many services we rely on to keep us safe,” stated Dr. Eve Meltzer Krief, Legislative Chair NY Chapter 2 American Academy of Pediatrics, one of the organizers. “They are barreling toward dismantling social security while Congressional Republicans are planning to significantly slash the Medicaid funding so many Long Islanders rely on- all to fund tax cuts for billionaires. Trump is making us less safe and is threatening our health and well being. Whether it’s the maligning of our NATO allies, defunding NOAA and the National weather service, slashing jobs at the VA- impacting the employment and health of Veterans who fought for this country, cuts to the EPA along with clean water and air initiatives or the cuts to the HHS which will cripple our local health departments’ ability to fight disease and cut substance abuse and mental health programs right here on Long Island – the list goes on and on. Everybody knows somebody being impacted by the instability Trump is bringing to our daily lives. It’s a national crisis and it’s time to stand up to it.”
The protesters are demanding:
•An end to the billionaire takeover and rampant corruption of the Trump administration.
•An end to slashing federal funds for Medicaid, Social Security, and other programs working people rely on.
The Long Island protest is being organized by concerned community members from across Long Island including members of Engage Long Island, Show Up Long Island, 1199SEIU.
Speakers at the Long Island rally include: Jeffrey L. Reynolds, Ph.D, President/CEO Family & Children’s Association; Dr. Eve Meltzer Krief, Legislative Chair NY Chapter 2 American Academy of Pediatrics; Mary Anne Trasciatti, labor activist and educator; Greg Perles, teacher and unionist and Fred Harrison, Food and Water Watch.
“Donald Trump and Elon Musk think this country belongs to them, and they’re taking everything they can get their hands on. On Saturday, April 5, we’ll take to the streets nationwide in a non-violent action with a clear message: Hands OFF! our democracy!
“This mass mobilization day is our message to the world that we do not consent to the destruction of our government and our economy for the benefit of Trump and his billionaire allies. Across the country, we’ll be marching, rallying, and protesting to demand a stop to the chaos, and to continue building a non-violent movement dedicated to ending the looting of our country.”
On a national organizing call for Hands Off! Held by Moveon.org, Randy Weingarten, president of the American Federation of Teachers spoke out against the assault on public education and labor, with the actions to shut down the Department of Education and pull back on billions in funding supporting school lunch, programs for disabled children, support for rural and schools in impoverished areas, and the clear policy shift to put tax payer money into private, parochial and for-profit charter schools.
“Why are they going after public education, why labor? Because public education is the foundationstone of democracy, the foundation of opportunity, and democracy and pluralism, brings communities together instead of separating, brings people who are different together instead of otherizing. And the labor movement is about agency – decent wages, health care, the fight for social security. If you take the labor movement away, the right to collective bargaining away, how do we fight together? They are taking away foundation stones of opportunity.
We must fight back – in the courts, in the court of public opinion, in commerce –that’s how we move Congress.
If you care about critical thinking, safe and welcoming environment, that all our kids have access to the funding we’ve been trying to get for 40 years- Title 1, IDA, funding for poor kids, going to college, kids with disabilities, we have to be out on the streets on April 5, together, as community. The more we are together, the more they can’t otherize people. We must work together to fight for all, for opportunity, for public education for every child, a labor movement for anyone. To say ‘No, this is what we want in our government, this is not not who we are, not what we voted for.”
Jonah Minkoff-Zern of Public Citizen, said “We are angry, scared, fired up. Could have had speakers for hours talking about all the ways Trump and Musk and their people – incompetent and malicious – are devastating our nation, services, freedoms, democracy. Signalgate shows their incompetence, just how little they care about their impacts of going to war. Firing 10,000 healthcare workers today is not even top of the news because it goes on and on. But we have power. Our voices, our mobilization will pushback and ultimately win.
The dismantling of government services, the threats to Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid, the brain drain that is underway as Trump shuts down research and threatens universities, the assault on freedoms, the Rule of Law and due process evident in the cruel and malicious and unconstitutional deportation of immigrants, the attacks on judges and lawyers, the assumption of war powers without an actual war, the attacks on voting rights and barriers to voting has already shattered the pillars holding up our democracy as it is clear, while antagonizing and threatening allies and cozying up to every tyrant on the planet. Trump is assuming powers of an autocrat (even not joking about a third term), and a power structure based on oligarchy and kleptocracy, following Putin’s example.
The Hands Off! Day of Action is endorsed and supported by Indivisible, Common Cause, Third Act (and Third Act NYC), MoveOn, the SEIU, and many others.
Check out handsoff2025.com for more information, events and to sign up.
It boils down to this: Trump/Musk/DOGE are basically stealing the tax money that New Yorkers send to Washington which the federal government is obligated to send back to pay the Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid benefits and other social services that are cumulatively funded by the federal government. And they are stealing that money from the most vulnerable people – the elderly, the disabled, children, veterans, the sick and the poor – in order to further enrich the richest in society.
Out of New York’s $292 billion budget, 40% – $92 billion – is supposed to come back to the states from the federal taxes we pay. Indeed, a “donor state”, New Yorkers pay more into the federal coffers than come back to us, while Red States like Louisiana, Mississippi and Alaska that boast of their low taxes, get way more in federal funding than they pay in income taxes.
What’s worse is the random, casual, careless way the cuts are being made. “He throws spaghetti to the wall, and what falls down is what’s cut,” Governor Kathy Hochul said at a press conference with US Senator Kirsten Gillibrand to focus attention on the damage being caused to Social Security.
“The Trump administration and DOGE boys are crippling phone support even though appointments can only be made by phone; they plan to cut 7000 staff even though staff numbers are already at a 50 year low; they cut 47 Social Security locations including two in New York State. Meanwhile, 10,000 each day turn 65, all entitled to their earned benefits,” declared U.S. Senator Kirstin Gillibrand.
The cuts in service and the ability to access benefits could be catastrophic, Gillibrand said, “for seniors, people with disabilities who rely on social security to pay for rent, food, heating, medical care – everything they need to survive.” Social security is this nation’s largest anti-poverty program, and arguably its most popular government program.
But it also directly impacts their family and has rippling effect on the economic wellbeing of their community and the state.
“Imagine the impact on New York’s economy if they can’t buy essentials, can’t afford healthcare. It puts greater burden on hospitals, clinics…That doesn’t just affect them, but the community, businesses, services, the entire economy.”
Over 4 million New Yorkers receive Social Security, of which 125,000 are children/ In Albany, alone, 70,000 receive social security. It amounts to $128 million.
Damage has already been done, Gillibrand said. Phone services already in disarray, there is chaos and fear, especially for people unable to travel in person.
“Many of these changes are so severe, more drastic, more radically harmful than ever imagined, I don’t think people fully comprehend. It’s deeply destabilizing. As harm continues to affect every citizen, people will start calling their representative and make them understand their adherence and loyalty to one man is at odds with their constituents, hopefully will then stop,” Senator Gillibrand said.
“We as a society decided government would provide a safety net. If we go back to that time when safety nets don’t exist, more will die in poverty.
“The good news is we have a strong state government strong, but the state budget is affected. We pay so much in federal tax dollars, we expect them to come back to the state. If our federal dollars don’t come back, that means chunks are taken from health care, social security administration, disability. We have to rise up, to convince the seven Republicans to change their mind, to convince Republican senators to stop standing by Trump,” Gillibrand said.
The state was in the final stages of adopting its budget when Trump slashed spending that was already factored in, and there is no way the state can make up for the hole being dug by rescission of federal funds.
“This man [Elon Musk] has enormous power for an unelected official, and he is using it to destroy the very fabric of our safety nets — programs like Social Security,” declared Governor Hochul. “So, he has caused so much chaos and uncertainty. Just walk into this federal building — you can feel it, it’s palpable; the anxiety that the workers here who dedicate their lives to public service, not just here, but all across this country, are under siege. Why? Because they’re out there helping the people.
“That is the whole premise behind becoming a public servant, and those who work for Social Security know that there’s people who rely on them and not everybody knows how to go online and figure it out…..When phone calls aren’t answered, when offices are closed — the offices that have been closed in New York State already — that requires seniors who may not have easy access to get around to go from their community and travel across five to seven different counties. How are they going to get there if they need services in person?
“In New York, our priorities are different,” Governor Hochul said. “We think it’s wrong to say seniors and people with disabilities have to travel a great distance to secure their benefits. We say it’s wrong to describe Social Security as a ‘Ponzi scheme,’ and we say it’s wrong to jeopardize a safety net that has been there to make sure that our citizens never slip into poverty.”
What’s to be done?
Governor Hochul urged constituents to pressure New York State’s seven Republican Members of Congress.
“They are your Republican members of Congress. They’re in the majority, they have the power. If seven members of the delegation from New York State — starting with Elise Stefanik all the way on down — go into the Speaker’s office, demand that there would be changes or you’ll hold up President Trump’s agenda. You have the power, and if you don’t use that power, then you are complicit in this attack on the American people. And so, citizens, residents, people who represent all of our elected officials here: Make sure our voices are heard, make sure our senior’s voices are heard and we have to stop the insanity of this attack on our people.”
Harm to State’s Health Programs
Governor Kathy Hochul also shared a breakdown of the Trump administration’s sweeping federal cuts to New York State’s health programs, and how these cuts to health funding will affect New Yorkers. The amount of funding lost will have a devastating impact statewide on programs that ensure the safety and well-being of people in New York, gutting over $360 million in financial resources toward mental health and addiction services, and health departments across the State.
“Slashing funding for public health, suicide prevention and addiction services is just plain cruel, and it’s going to hurt everyday New Yorkers most,” Governor Hochul said. “Here’s the sad truth: there is no State in the nation that has the resources to backfill these sweeping cuts. It’s up to New York’s elected officials who serve in the House majority to stand up and fight back.”
Federal Cuts by the Numbers:
Department of Health: DOH expects to lose over $300 million in funding for organizations across the State.
This funding supports many activities that are core to public health functioning, including virus surveillance, outbreak response, electronic data exchange, public dashboards, infection prevention activities in hospitals and nursing homes, laboratory reporting, program operations, and support to local health departments. The backbone of the State’s public health infrastructure will be weakened significantly due to reduced virus surveillance and reporting systems that can no longer provide communities and families with real-time information on developing outbreaks, laboratory support and testing, data collection and analysis, public-facing dashboards, data and analytics.
Losing this funding will shutter multiple areas of work that are largely seen as foundational components of the Department’s response to emerging infectious diseases. These cuts will also eliminate the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and Prevention’s COVID-19 Health Disparities Grant, which funded 135 subcontractors to support community-based work addressing health disparities in New York, such as mental health, maternal and infant health, and food security.
Office of Addiction Services and Supports: OASAS expects to lose $40 million total in funding, which will result in significant cuts to addiction and prevention services, treatment supports and access to resources for individuals struggling with substance use. This work includes, but is not limited to:
Transitional housing to help provide short-term housing and case management for individuals leaving OASAS residential treatment or correctional facilities who cannot otherwise access permanent housing.
Support for programs, access to treatment, recovery, and other basic services that keep people connected to care in their communities.
Expansion of outpatient clinics to offer medication for addiction treatment and to purchase and outfit mobile medication units to bring services where they are needed.
Administering and implementing Screening, Brief Intervention, and Referral to Treatment (SBIRT) which is a comprehensive public health approach to identify those at risk of developing substance use disorders and deliver early intervention and treatment services to individuals who exhibit habits of risky use of alcohol and other substances.
Office of Mental Health: OMH expects to lose $27 million total in funding for programs and services for individuals experiencing mental health and/or substance use needs. These programs were intended to allow individuals in need of care to remain in their homes, connected to their natural support systems during treatment. The loss of this funding will result in an increased reliance on emergency services and hospital-based care with fewer community resources and supports for our most vulnerable New Yorkers, including:
Crisis Stabilization and Crisis Residence Programs to provide urgent treatment to individuals experiencing an acute mental health and/or substance use crisis, and a safe place for the stabilization of psychiatric symptoms and support for children and adults.
Adult Assertive Community Treatment Teams (ACT) serving individuals with serious mental illness who are in danger of losing their housing/becoming homeless, are homeless, and/or have histories of involvement with the criminal justice system, and Children and Youth Assertive Community Treatment Teams (ACT) for youth who are returning home from inpatient settings or residential services, at risk of entering such settings, or have not adequately engaged or responded to treatment in more traditional community-based services.
Grants to expand and improve upon the mobile crisis services statewide, including 9-8-8 crisis call centers. These call centers have relied on this funding to ensure they have capacity to connect callers experiencing emotional distress to the compassionate care of trained counselors.
New York State Department of Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald said, “It is disappointing these grants were terminated so impulsively without any advance notice and without consideration for the people we serve. We were poorly prepared as a nation for the last pandemic. I see the same pattern occurring now, where decisions are made without consideration for the public’s health and well-being. These grants were preparing us to be healthier for the next pandemic. These investments allowed New York to develop strategies that prevent chronic disease, improve nutrition and find problems before they started.”
“These sweeping federal cuts to health and human services threaten critical addiction funding streams that support prevention, harm reduction, treatment, and recovery services, putting lives at risk and straining the providers working tirelessly on the frontlines of this public health crisis,” Office of Addiction Services and Supports Commissioner Dr. Chinazo Cunningham said. “OASAS remains committed to protecting and expanding access to life-saving services, and will work to mitigate the damage caused by these harmful cuts.”
Office of Mental Health Commissioner Dr. Ann Sullivan said, “For many years, the federal government has been a trusted and valued partner in efforts to provide critical mental health services and supports to New Yorkers, many living in traditionally marginalized communities and under difficult socioeconomic conditions. These drastic cuts will likely slow, and in some instances, halt the fantastic progress our federally funded programs have made and continue to make across our state. We have come too far to reverse course on mental health, which is why our federal legislators owe it to New York to challenge these cuts however possible.”
Governor’s Fiscal Year ’26 Executive Budget Includes Funding To Expand Access to Programs for Survivors and Improve Law Enforcement Response
Current Discovery Law Results in Delays and Automatic Dismissals That Adversely Affect Survivors of Domestic Violence
Following Enactment of Discovery Reform, There as Been a 94.3 Percent Increase in Dismissal of Cases Involving Domestic Violence in New York City and 49.1 Percent in Rest of State
Governor Kathy Hochul today convened a roundtable of survivors of domestic violence, advocates and local district attorneys to discuss New York State’s commitment and investments in combating domestic violence and supporting survivors. Governor Hochul proposed record-level funding in her Fiscal Year 2026 Executive Budget that will expand access to domestic violence prevention and sexual assault prevention programs, improve the medical and law enforcement response to intimate partner abuse and sexual violence, and better support survivors of domestic violence. To further support survivors — and deliver the justice they rightfully deserve — the Governor is pushing for essential changes to the state’s discovery process that will ensure their abusers are held accountable to the fullest extent of the law.
“Combating domestic violence is personal to me — and for the entirety of my career in public service, I’ve prioritized policies that protect survivors and improve law enforcement response to these crimes,” Governor Hochul said. “While crime is going down across New York, crimes related to domestic violence remain stagnant. To address this issue and ensure the safety of all New Yorkers, we need to continue funding the programs that protect victims and survivors, and streamline discovery laws to hold individuals who cause harm accountable for their actions.”
Office for the Prevention of Domestic Violence Executive Director Kelli Nicholas Owens said, “Not all victims and survivors choose to seek a law enforcement or criminal response to the abuse or violence they have endured, and that is okay. If they do decide to seek a criminal justice route to hold their offender accountable, they deserve to be met with a system that understands their individual needs and works in a way that is truly survivor-centered, trauma-informed and culturally responsive. A system that does not put the needs of the survivor first is a system that may cause further trauma and harm to the survivor and their family. Thank you, Governor Hochul, for your investments in victim and survivor well-being, and for inviting survivors to be a part of this important conversation.”
Proposed Changes to the State’s Discovery Law
The state’s current discovery statute details specific timelines for pretrial disclosure of information and evidence by prosecutors to the defense. Discovery reforms enacted January 1, 2020 made essential changes that allowed individuals accused of crimes to receive information and evidence earlier in the pretrial process to ensure a better understanding of the charges. The reforms, however, had unintended consequences resulting in procedural delays and dismissals that adversely affected victims and survivors of domestic violence and other crimes.
As a result, Governor Hochul proposed essential changes to New York State’s Discovery Law in the Budget. The tweaks would ensure procedural fairness, shorten case processing times, reduce the length of pretrial incarceration, and safeguard sensitive and personal information belonging to witnesses. These changes include:
Expanding the scope of automatic redaction to include sensitive details, such as witnesses’ physical addresses and personal data unrelated to the case, eliminating the need to engage in lengthy litigation to redact such material.
Removing the incentive to delay bringing a challenge in a manner that can result in technical dismissals unrelated to the merits of the case or the legality of the investigation.
Ensuring that cases are not dismissed if discovery compliance falls short of perfection.
Clarifying that prosecutors are not required to track down information that is by definition irrelevant.
The proposals align with Governor Hochul’s sustained investments in programs and initiatives that have allowed law enforcement agencies and community-based organizations address the causes and consequences of crime, and drive gun violence to record lows.
“I want to thank Governor Hochul, advocates, service providers and district attorneys for their steadfast commitment to protecting victims of crime,” Office of Victim Services Director Bea Hanson said. “These adjustments to discovery laws will ensure that any penalties are proportional to the violation, improving fairness in the justice system for domestic violence survivors and all who are victims of crime, while maintaining the rights of the accused. We at OVS are proud to work with OPDV and our sister agencies to improve public safety for all New Yorkers.”
Division of Criminal Justice Services Commissioner Rossana Rosado said,“At DCJS, we are proud of our work to advance the fairness and efficiency of the criminal justice system and our efforts to help keep New Yorkers safe. Using unprecedented investments secured by Governor Hochul, our law enforcement and community partners have made significant progress in the fight against violent crime. At the same time, it is critical that we continue our efforts to target, prevent and reduce intimate partner and domestic violence. I am grateful for Governor Hochul’s unparalleled leadership to improve safety for victims and survivors as shown by her record-setting investments, initiatives, and reforms proposed in the Executive Budget.”
“Again, we’ll always make sure that defendants get all the rights they’re entitled to under our system,” Governor Hochul stated. “It’s a founding premise of our democracy and our constitution. We believe in that. But why not have people stand up for the victims as well? That’s all we’re trying to do here. And the choice between fair and speedy trials, which are important objectives, but also letting dangerous abusers off the hook is a false choice. That is what is being portrayed here. We can and must do both. And I will simply harken back to the 2019 reforms. We did not make those historic changes in order to let abusers walk free. But that, my friends, is exactly what is happening.
“So, we have legislation that specifically when it comes to victims of domestic violence, expanding the scope of automatic redaction, changing the timing requirements, but also misunderstanding, these are human beings. These are people whose cries for help have led them out of their home into a public space subjected to ridicule and abuse from the abuser, even in a courtroom. But when they’re willing to do that and we turn our backs on them, we must look at ourselves and say, “Is this a society we want to have to continue here in the State of New York?” I say, no. And that’s why I’m fighting hard, fighting very hard to make these necessary changes.”
Resources for Public Safety in the Budget
In addition to reductions in gun violence, the number of homicides decreased 15 percent statewide from 2022 to 2023 — 791 down to 670 — which is shown through the latest data available. Domestic homicides, however, increased by 7 percent (126 vs. 135), and the 135 homicides in 2023 represented 20 percent of all homicides. In 2020 and 2021, domestic homicides represented 14 percent of total homicides reported statewide. Police departments and sheriffs’ offices outside of New York City collectively reported a 7 percent increase in the number of victims of intimate partner violence in 2023 compared to 2022 — from 33,684 to 35,947. New York City also saw a 7 percent increase in the number of victims of intimate partner violence — 29,372 compared to 27,527 — during the same time.
Governor Hochul’s proposed Budget also includes record-level funding to improve services and increase access to programs that support victims and survivors, including:
$379.5 million over three years to support crime victim services statewide: Victim assistance programs provide counseling, support groups, criminal justice advocacy, civil legal services, and assistance with filing for crime victim compensation, among other help. That amount includes $100 million in state funding annually for the next three years, allocated by Governor Hochul to offset any reductions in federal funds.
Nearly $41 million to improve the public safety response to intimate partner abuse and domestic violence, and better address the needs of victims and survivors: $5 million divided among the five New York City District Attorneys’ Offices; $23 million for law enforcement and services providers in 20 counties outside of the five boroughs; up to $7 million for the State to provide training and technical assistance, risk assessment tools, and investigative support to participating agencies and improve the domestic violence reduction efforts of state agencies; and an additional $5 million in the Budget to help police agencies and prosecutor’s offices adopt evidence-based enforcement, investigation, and prosecution strategies.
$12.8 million — double the current funding — for the New York State Department of Health’s certified rape crisis programs that ensure advocates are available by phone or in-person to provide information, emotional support and other services: The Budget also would require all hospitals to provide access to medical professionals specifically trained to perform forensic sexual assault exams; increase reimbursements to medical providers for those exams; and provide a full course of preventive treatment for HIV exposure to all survivors of sexual assault, not just those younger than 18.
Trump’s “Justice” Department Looks to Restore Gun Rights to Abusers
In contrast to the actions New York State is taking to protect victims of domestic violence, Trump’s Department of Justice is working feverishly to restore gun rights domestic abusers.
An AI review of Everytown for Gun Safety, the National Domestic Violence hotline and others reports:
In the U.S., firearms are used in a significant portion of intimate partner homicides, with women being the victims in over three in four such cases. More than 750 women are killed by intimate partners with a firearm each year, and guns are used in more than three in five of all intimate partner homicides.
Here’s a more detailed breakdown:
Frequency of Intimate Partner Homicides with Firearms:
Every 12 hours, someone is shot and killed by an intimate partner.
· More than 750 women are killed in firearm-related intimate partner homicides each year.
· On average, 76 women are shot and killed by an intimate partner every month.
· More than seven in 10 intimate partner homicides in the United States are committed with a gun.
· Firearms are used in over 50% of intimate partner homicides.
Impact on Women:
Women are the victims in more than three in four intimate partner homicides with a gun.
Protesters demonstrated across from a Tesla showroom in Manhasset, Long island, NY, to express their ire at Elon Musk and DOGE for the rampant, irresponsible workforce cuts that have damaged government services, triggered a brain drain, and hurt United States standing and ability to compete in the world. And even though judges have so far stayed the firings, it is feared the stays are only temporary and will soon resume, while morale is shot and thousands of federal workers have decided that public service is not worth being maligned and defamed.
The protest was one of many anti-Musk protests taking place on Sunday, March 23, 2025. Protesters were blocked by a cadre of security and Nassau County police from standing in front of the Tesla showroom in the tony Americana shopping mall, and took up positions on both sides of Northern Boulevard.
Protests against Tesla have sprung up across the U.S., with some instances of vandalism that has prompted Trump’s Justice Department to treat these incidents as domestic terrorism. Meanwhile, Trump has shilled for Tesla, turning the White House into a sales showroom, while his Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick has urged Americans to buy Tesla stock while suggesting that any Social Security recipient who phones to complain about a missing check is a fraudster.
Here are some highlights from the Long Island protest:
Governor Kathy Hochul has signed legislation strengthening New York’s shield law that protects abortion providers from out-of-state prosecution. The bill enhances New York’s current shield law to allow medical providers to include only the address of the dispensing health care practice on the prescription label instead of the name of the provider or practice and requires pharmacies to abide by a prescriber’s request to remove their name from the prescription label. This legislation builds on a law signed by Governor Hochul in January, days after Louisiana officials attempted to extradite a New York-based doctor who prescribed FDA-approved abortion medication through telehealth.
“New York State is standing up to anti-choice zealots who threaten the sanctity of women’s health care and the medical professionals who provide it,” Governor Hochul said. “My message to anyone who attacks our civil liberties is simple — not here, not now, not ever.”
In December, 2024,Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton sued Dr. Margaret Daley Carpenter, a New York doctor and founder of the Abortion Coalition for Telemedicine, for providing abortion-inducing drugs to a Texas resident. In January 2025, Louisiana prosecuted the same doctor. (The Biden Administration made it clear that women could receive abortion-inducing drugs through telemedicine. Governor Hochul refused to extradite the New York doctor for prosecution to Texas and Louisiana.)
Legislation S.4587/A.5285 strengthens shield law protections for health care professionals and their patients, building on legislation signed by the Governor earlier this year. This legislation enhances shield law protections by ensuring health care professionals can request pharmacies to replace their name with the practice address on prescription labels, further safeguarding provider and patient privacy.
“I am proud to sponsor legislation, alongside Assembly Member Karines Reyes, RN, to strengthen New York’s telehealth shield law and solidify New York’s role as a national leader in protecting abortion rights,” stated State Senator Shelley B. Mayer. “New York’s brave doctors are taking significant personal risks to help women access reproductive care, and as red states pursue legal action against New York physicians performing within the scope of their practice, we must support these medical professionals. I would like to thank Assemblymember Karines Reyes for her partnership, Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins and my colleagues who supported this important legislation, and Governor Kathy Hochul for signing it into law and keeping women’s access to reproductive rights at the forefront of New York’s priorities. I also want to express my deep gratitude to the dedicated doctors who are committed to ensuring women across the country have access to critical healthcare.”
Assemblymember Karines Reyes said, “I applaud Governor Hochul and my colleagues in the Legislature for enacting my bill to swiftly strengthen our state’s shield law for abortion telemedicine services. We must ensure that New York’s medical professionals, especially in smaller practices, are able to remove personal addresses from the prescription bottles that are given to women seeking reproductive and abortion care. This will allow all parties to focus on care for women and pregnant persons, and discourage violations of patient and provider privacy.”
“I am grateful for Governor Hochul’s leadership in strengthening protections for health care providers and patients,” New York City Council Member Farah N. Louis said. “As Chair of the Committee on Women and Gender Equity in the New York City Council, I know how essential it is to ensure reproductive care remains safe and accessible—especially as we face relentless attacks on our rights. We must continue to fortify these protections and stand firm against any efforts to undermine our bodily autonomy, and continually reinforce New York’s role as a sanctuary for reproductive freedom.”
New York City Council Member Lynn Schumann said,“As Chair of the New York City Council’s Health Committee, I applaud Governor Hochul for taking decisive action to protect reproductive health care providers and patients in New York. At a time when extremists across the country are working to criminalize essential health care, this legislation reaffirms our state’s commitment to safeguarding providers and ensuring that everyone can access the care they need without fear. New York will always be a safe haven for reproductive freedom.”
Governor Kathy Hochul joined business leaders, transit advocates and elected officials in New York City to highlight ongoing progress of the newly implemented congestion pricing program,and stand defiant against the Trump administration demanding to dismantle the program that is popular among local and regional transit and climate activists.
In the months since congestion pricing took effect, traffic is down and business is up — as the program delivers benefits for commuters from across the New York metro area and for businesses and offices in Manhattan’s Central Business District (CBD).
“Since congestion pricing took effect over two months ago, traffic is down and business is up – and that’s the kind of progress we’re going to keep delivering for New Yorkers,” Governor Hochul said. “Every day, more New Yorkers are seeing and hearing the benefits for our commutes, quality of life and economy – and we’re not going back.”
“The world has changed dramatically for this city and this region ever since congestion pricing went into effect in early January. Now to all the naysayers, hopefully you now are seeing that those who studied this and thought about it worked on this for years, if not decades – had a vision that is now being realized, that we can have a city that is not paralyzed by traffic and congestion, that our air is cleaner, that our businesses are more robust, more people are going to Broadway, our buses and subways are going faster and more supported – more people are taking them than ever before,” the Governor stated, after riding the M14 bus to the event.
“Not only is traffic is down and business is up, but also, subway ridership is up and crime is down.
“It’s been a long journey. We’re still on that journey. And the more people who get a chance to see the benefits – just walk around and talk to people, Ask if their lives are more enriched, whether they have more time with their families if they’re a commuter. Whether or not they’re finally realizing that we have the world class public transit system, but we need to keep it world class by raising the revenues to invest in it as well. That is essential.”
Governor Hochul just visited Trump in the White House and has invited Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy, who has made all sorts of threats against New York, to see for himself. Even Long islanders, whose Republican county executives and town supervisors have reflexively led the opposition against congestion pricing (Long Island commuters benefit the most by improvements to the Long Island Railroad and mass transit) and other initiatives like affordable housing, are benefiting.
“The cameras are staying on,” Governor Hochul asserted. “They sure as hell are. I want to recognize some leaders here who’ve done an extraordinary job in fighting for this. And again, this was not an easy journey. We have countless lawsuits. People going on television constantly berating this – saying it wouldn’t work. I want them to come here now and feel a very different New York City. That is very alive, and it’s vital. It is not jammed and stuck in traffic.
”We are moving once again. And we’re moving into a better future. A welcoming future. A place people can live safely. We’re going to build more housing. We’re going to bring more businesses. We’re going to make this to be the best place in the world to live. And we’re not done yet. More housing is right – don’t get me on that.”
“Congestion relief is working, cars and buses are moving faster, foot traffic is up and even noise complaints are down. That’s why in poll after poll more and more New Yorkers are saying they want those benefits to stay – and they will,” MTA CEO and Chair Janno Lieber said.
Since the congestion pricing program took effect on Jan. 5, it has delivered a wide array of benefits according to data from the MTA and other reports and studies from business groups and other data sources.
Traffic Is Down
Traffic is down 11 percent in the CBD in February compared to the same time last year.
Three million fewer vehicles entered the CBD in January and February compared to the same time last year.
Traffic is moving up to 30 percent faster on bridge and tunnel crossings in February compared to the same time last year.
Commuters saving up to 21 minutes per trip into the CBD.
Bus service is faster throughout the CBD, with up to 23 percent customer trips on express buses delayed 10 minutes or more.
Complaints about excessive car horn honking within the CBD were down by more than 70 percent in January and February compared to the same time last year.
Business Is Up
Broadway show attendance was up 19 percent in January and February compared to the same time last year.
Restaurant reservations in the CBD rose 5 percent from January to mid-March compared to the same time last year.
Retail sales in the CBD are on track to be $900 million higher in 2025 compared to last year.
Workers coming to the office in the CBD on an average weekday increased 6.6 percent in February compared to the same time last year.
Transit Ridership Increasing
Transit ridership in January and February 2025 has grown significantly compared to the same time last year.
Bus ridership is up 9 percent
Subway ridership is up 6 percent
Long Island Rail Road ridership is up 8 percent
Metro-North Railroad ridership up 4 percent
“Congestion relief is a local tool helping to solve a local problem. With this tool activated we are delivering access to efficient transportation to all New Yorkers and visitors including those who drive, and those who ride our subways, buses, and paratransit vehicles alike,” MTA Chief Accessibility Officer Quemuel Arroyo said. (His remark flips Trump’s statement justifying shutting down the Department of Education in order to “return power to the states.”)
State Senator Liz Krueger said,“Congestion pricing works, and it is already delivering for New Yorkers, the vast majority of whom rely on public transit every single day. Congestion Pricing is improving commutes, reducing congestion, and raising funds for public transit, all while businesses in the zone enjoy an increase in foot traffic and the program grows in popularity with those who are actually impacted by it. I am proud to stand with Governor Hochul and the MTA in defending Congestion Pricing, not just on behalf of the New Yorkers who directly benefit from it, but also for New York’s sovereignty and for the rule of law that is the keystone of our democracy.”
State Senator Brad Hoylman-Sigal said, “Since congestion pricing started travel times have improved by as much as 59 percent during peak afternoon hours. That means that drivers are saving on average 20 to 30 minutes driving into the Central Business District every single day. Take it from those of us who actually live and work in the Central Business District, congestion pricing is working. Since the program began, not only are commute times down, but foot traffic is up, businesses in midtown are booming, support for the toll has increased, and tens of millions of dollars have been generated to make essential upgrades to our subway system, which is used by over 3.5 million people every day. Any way you look at it the first few months of congestion pricing have clearly been a success and the program must continue. I am proud that Governor Hochul is standing up for New York’s sovereignty and keeping the congestion cameras on.”
“Congestion pricing is already delivering for New York — easing gridlock, cutting pollution, and powering critical funding for our transit system,” State Senator Robert Jackson said. “Our future depends on a transit system that moves all of us forward — not one stuck in gridlock. This is about fairness — ensuring working people, students, and seniors have reliable public transit while reducing traffic that clogs our city. At this pivotal moment, we must stay the course. Investing in mass transit isn’t just about infrastructure — it’s about investing in the people who make this city thrive. Let’s push forward toward a healthier, more sustainable New York.”
State Senator Cordell Cleare said, “I support Congestion Pricing as a way for the MTA to fund their capital plan, and bring benefits; including the much needed upgrading transport accessibility, and rebuilding and sustaining infrastructure in my 30th District and beyond.”
State Senator Kristen Gonzalez said, “Congestion pricing is working; we’re seeing less congestion, faster bus commutes, and an increase in transit ridership. New Yorkers deserve to continue to benefit from the implementation of this program– they deserve clean air, and clearer streets. This is the result of relentless advocates fighting for cleaner air and public transportation, as well as the Governor’s commitment to putting New Yorkers’ will above the orders of the Trump Administration.”
“A strong, reliable and accessible public transit system is the lifeblood of New York City and congestion pricing has proven itself to be the antidote to our crumbling infrastructure and incessant congestion,” Assemblymember Linda B. Rosenthal said. “Since the program’s implementation, traffic has flowed more freely, buses have been more reliable and our environment has benefited from fewer emissions. The Trump administration’s demand to shut down our congestion pricing program is nothing more than another futile political move in his ongoing obsession of punishing New York. Governor Hochul’s decision to keep the cameras on is the right one and will help the MTA to rebuild the public transportation system that our city deserves.”
Assemblymember Deborah Glick said,“I am heartened to see how successful congestion pricing has been so far—less traffic, less pollution, less noise—and I look forward to an improved transit system for all New Yorkers. New York has long led the nation in innovation and I am proud to stand with my colleagues in fighting the federal administration’s attempt to undermine this important program.”
Assemblymember Jessica González-Rojas said, “Congestion pricing works, and we cannot afford to turn back now. In just a few months, we’ve already seen improvements in commute times and have created a new revenue stream to accelerate the modernization of our public transportation system. We must not let the obstruction of the Trump administration get in the way of the progress New Yorkers need. This program is also vital for improving our environment by reducing traffic and lowering emissions, helping us achieve cleaner air and a healthier city. Our city is ready for improved bus and subway services, modernized infrastructure, and greater accessibility. Public transportation must be safe, reliable, affordable, and accessible for all. Let’s continue this momentum and focus on strengthening the MTA for the future. Onward!”
Assemblymember Tony Simone said,“Congestion pricing was developed as a crucial solution to multiple crises in our city, in the time since the cameras went live it has more than achieved its mission. Our subway is crumbling. Congestion pricing has unlocked $15 billion to fix it. Our city center had been brought to a standstill by an overwhelming number of cars. Congestion pricing has already significantly decreased congestion without spillover into surrounding areas. Our streets are cleaner and safer because of the traffic reduction. Spending in the CBD has not declined, transit ridership is up, and honking has decreased. Congestion pricing is finally here and it is exceeding expectations. I stand with the Governor, keep the cameras on!”
Manhattan Borough President Mark Levine said, “Congestion pricing has been a huge success. Gridlock is down, mass transit ridership is up, and we are raising badly needed funds for subway station elevators, the Second Ave Subway expansion, signal modernization, and more. I look forward to seeing all the ways congestion pricing continues to benefit New York City.”
Riders Alliance Senior Organizer Danna Dennis said, “We’re so grateful to stand with the Governor today to continue to defend congestion pricing and support public transit. The bottom line is that congestion pricing is working: Transit ridership is increasing, buses are moving faster, and millions of New Yorkers are benefiting. We need to keep this momentum going, and we can’t turn back the clock on this vital progress for transit riders and all New Yorkers.”
Permanent Citizens Advisory Committee to the MTA Executive Director Lisa Daglian said, “Congestion pricing works. It’s a fact! We’re seeing immediate benefits in and around the city and region, with less traffic, improved commute times, and faster speeds — good news for drivers, bus riders, emergency vehicles, and deliveries. Less congestion has also meant safer streets, less noise, and robust returns for Broadway, restaurants, commercial lease signings, and businesses small and large. Transit riders are also big beneficiaries, with more accessible stations, signal improvements and better buses coming our way. Thanks to Governor Hochul for standing strong and being a champion for riders and our economy!”
Hudson Square Business Improvement District President and CEO Samara Karasyk said, “Congestion pricing is a win for our city and I want to thank Governor Hochul for her continued advocacy. New Yorkers and New York City neighborhoods like Hudson Square benefit enormously from reduced congestion and more funding for mass transit. It improves our environment, creates safer streets, allows for more welcoming pedestrian spaces, and fosters vibrant central business districts. We have already seen a tangible decrease in traffic around the Holland Tunnel, which, along with our efforts these past 15 years to expand and green our streets and sidewalks, will help grow the local economy and enhance the vitality of our community.”
Meatpacking District Management Association Executive Director Jeffrey LeFrancois said, “Public transit is the lifeblood of New York City and improving the system is good for business, the Meatpacking District, and the region. Easing traffic flow makes streets quieter and more efficient. And if there’s one thing business loves most, its efficiency, because when the movement of people and goods are prioritized, we all succeed.”
“Union Square is experiencing a year-over-year upswing in foot traffic. Since the start of 2025, average weekday foot traffic in Union Square has reached its highest levels for this season in recent history, surpassing both pre-pandemic and recent-year benchmarks for January and February,’ Union Square Partnership Executive Director Julie Stein said. ‘We are hearing from our community that Union Square feels more peaceful and pedestrian-friendly and surface transportation commuting times into and out of the district have improved. While congestion pricing has been the subject of extensive debate, it is currently providing New York with crucial real-time data to understand the policy’s effects on traffic flow, the environment, and the experiences of New Yorkers. This invaluable information is critical to inform and shape our city’s transportation planning for years to come.”
Garment District Alliance President Barbara Blair said,“Congestion pricing plays an important role in helping us reduce traffic, improve air quality and strengthen our city. We need to move forward and continue addressing these critical issues — we can’t go backward and shirk our responsibility to ensure a better future for our communities.”
Make Queens Safer Founding Member Cristina Furlong said,“Twenty years of dedication and care for congestion pricing have blessed us with safer streets! Traffic is moving wonderfully and neighbors in all economic brackets have been pleasantly surprised by the success of this program. We look forward to reaping the benefits of better transit that every New Yorker deserves. This is especially important to us in Queens, as we see thousands on our platforms daily despite the crowded platforms and need for better accessibility, which will come sooner to more people with the funding from congestion pricing. We appreciate Governor Hochul’s steady leadership on congestion pricing and thank her and the MTA for its careful stewardship.”
Disability Justice Program at New York Lawyers for the Public Interest Managing Attorney Christopher Schuyler said,“Congestion Pricing has been a boon for New Yorkers from all walks of life, including people with disabilities, and we can’t allow federal overreach to stop the program just as we begin to reap its benefits. Congestion Pricing provides the MTA with $15 billion in revenue to fund much-needed subway construction projects, including essential and long overdue accessibility improvements for people with disabilities. Since the start of Congestion Pricing just over two months ago, we have also seen significant improvement in vehicle trip speeds within the tolling area, making it easier for those who rely on buses and Access-A-Ride paratransit services to reach their destinations quickly. People with disabilities, as well as every other New Yorker, deserve to travel faster and not waste time sitting in traffic. We cannot allow the federal government to bully New Yorkers and shut down such a successful program!”
Natural Resources Defense Council Senior Attorney Eric A. Goldstein said,“Congestion pricing is working! Less bumper-to-bumper traffic; fewer vehicle crashes; time-saved for those who must drive; less pollution with more people riding our subways; buses and rails; and the CBD as vibrant as ever. Governor Hochul and MTA Chair Lieber are exactly right to keep this successful program on track, in compliance with both state and federal law.”
New York League of Conservation Voters President Julie Tighe said, “With each passing day new evidence emerges showing congestion pricing is saving time and money for commuters and businesses, boosting MTA ridership and performance, and gaining in popularity across the region. The Trump Administration’s misguided attempt to end this program is a betrayal of the millions of working-class people who take the buses, subways and trains every day, and we applaud Governor Hochul and MTA Chair Janno Lieber for standing up for New Yorkers in the face of sham deadlines and shameless bullying. The cameras stay on.”
New York Public Interest Research Group Environmental Protection Organizer Cecilia Ellis said,“The students we work with are already enjoying faster commutes and safer streets, thanks to Congestion Pricing’s successes right out of the gate. We can’t wait to see more benefits, from elevators in more stations, to improved subway tracks, upgraded buses, and cleaner air as Congestion Pricing continues. We applaud Governor Hochul for keeping the cameras on and keeping NY moving!”
Regional Plan Association President and CEO Tom Wright said,“Congestion pricing is working to reduce traffic, improve transit, and support our regional economy. We applaud Governor Hochul as she stands firm against the USDOT’s actions to turn off congestion pricing – a program authorized by state law and approved by the federal government. Stopping congestion pricing would only hurt our region’s residents and businesses.”
“The numbers don’t lie: congestion pricing is delivering more revenue than expected, clearing our roads faster than anyone anticipated, and we’re not seeing the traffic spillover some predicted,” New York Building Congress President and CEO Carlo A. Scissura said. “We can’t afford to delay this program for even one day. This is a critical, dedicated, recurring revenue source that the MTA needs right now—to keep New York’s economy strong and our communities moving.”
Across the globe, the lives of 500 million people in more than 190 countries have benefited from the more than 4,100 projects and partnerships made through the Clinton Global Initiative’s programs and initiatives since 2001. This is just one of the impacts reported in its annual Impact Report. The report details a continued legacy that brings diverse and unlikely partners together to take action. In 2024, the Foundation focused on what worked around the world and how to keep moving forward in unprecedented times.
Some of the other key milestones reached in 2024 include:
891,000 doses of lifesaving Naloxone distributed to recovery residences, high schools, universities, and community organizations in 20 states through the Overdose Response Network.
517,000 students and educators have participated in enriching educational and cultural programming free-of-charge at the Clinton Presidential Center.
21 million people worldwide have access to lifesaving HIV/ AIDS, tuberculosis, and malaria medications through the Clinton Health Access Initiative, an independent, associated organization.
1.4 million children’s books donated and provided to families in communities that are under-resourced through Too Small to Fail, the Foundation’s early childhood initiative.
31 million U.S. children leading healthier lives through the Alliance for a Healthier Generation, an initiative jointly founded by the Foundation and the American Heart Association.
In a joint letter to the Foundation’s community, President Bill Clinton, Secretary Hillary Rodham Clinton, and Vice Chair Chelsea Clinton wrote, “For more than two decades, the Clinton Foundation has aspired to build a world where everyone has the opportunity to create better tomorrows for themselves, their families, and their communities. As we share in this report, in 2024 we saw how bringing together diverse and often unlikely partners from business, government, and civil society can be a practical strategy for delivering outsized impact across the United States and around the world.”
“The gaps between what the public sector can provide and what the private sector can produce seem to be growing bigger each and every day. The work we do here will continue to help fill those gaps. Whether we’re launching targeted initiatives that test new solutions or expanding proven programs that have transformed millions of lives, we must work together to keep putting people first and building a better future,” the family shared.
Some of the key moments that inspired action in 2024:
Using Media to Educate on Early Childhood: Too Small to Fail partnered with the FrameWorks Institute and Rockefeller Foundation to create a playbook for storytellers on how to frame the impact of climate change on children’s health. Secretary Clinton and Chelsea expanded on this work by hosting “Media that Motivates,” encouraging popular media to share stories that explore this topic
Protecting Children from Social Media: At the CGI 2024 Annual Meeting, Prince Harry, The Duke of Sussex, launched a new CGI Commitment to Action through The Archewell Foundation’s Parents’ Network to help protect children from the harmful effects of social media.
A Critical NATO Milestone: President Clinton traveled to Prague to mark the 25th anniversary of the Czech Republic, Poland, and Hungary joining NATO, which helped create a more peaceful, democratic Europe. In his keynote, he reflected upon his early support for NATO’s expansion at the time, as well as the continued importance of NATO and maintaining our global alliances.
Profiling Moments in American History: The Clinton Center’s permanent exhibitions chronicle American history and culture at the turn of the 21st century. Visitors experience full-scale replicas of the Oval Office and Cabinet Room and original works of art, such as the Crystal Tree of Light crafted by American artist Dale Chihuly. This dazzling glass sculpture was created for the Millennium Celebration and is part of the permanent collection at the Clinton Presidential Center.
Reflecting on Decades of Impact: In November, President Clinton released his memoir, “CITIZEN: My Life After the White House,” providing a detailed and moving account of his post-presidential years, including stories of the Clinton Foundation’s impact, the origin of the Clinton Global Initiative, key events of the 21st century, and the people who’ve inspired him to keep going
A Moment of Unity: At the CGI 2024 Annual Meeting, Yael Admi, co-founder of Women Wage Peace, and Reem Hajajreh, founder of Women of the Sun, discussed the historic partnership between their movements to promote a nonviolent resolution to conflict across the Middle East.
Marking Two Decades of Work in Little Rock: Former colleagues and friends from the Clinton Administration and Foundation community reunited at the Clinton Center’s 20th anniversary celebration. Administration alumni joined “The West Wing” stars Dulé Hill, Richard Schiff, and Melissa Fitzgerald for a conversation about Hollywood moments and the real-world leadership that inspired the iconic show.
Honoring a Lifetime of Leadership: At the CGI 2024 Annual Meeting, President Joe Biden received the Clinton Global Citizen Award for his “uncommon decency and goodness.” Chosen by President Clinton, Secretary Clinton, and Chelsea, the award recognizes individuals who embody global citizenship through their vision and leadership.
Founded by President Bill Clinton in 2005, the Clinton Global Initiative is a community of doers representing a broad cross section of society and dedicated to the idea that we can accomplish more together than we can apart. Through CGI’s unique model, more than 10,000 organizations have launched more than 4,000 Commitments to Action — new, specific, and measurable projects and programs – that are making a difference in the lives of more than 500 million people in 180 countries.
Read the full annual Impact Report – including highlights from Foundation programs and initiatives around the world – at clintonfoundation.org/2024impactreport.
