Category Archives: Governor Kathy Hochul

Governor Kathy Hochul, Health Care, News & Photo Features

Governor Hochul, Senator Gillibrand Call Out Trump, Musk for Harm Caused by Cuts to Social Security, Health Programs

Governor Hochul: “In New York, our priorities are different. We say it’s wrong to jeopardize a safety net that has been there to make sure that our citizens never slip into poverty.” © Karen Rubin/news-photos-features.com

By Karen Rubin, [email protected], news-photos-features.com

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.

Senator Gillibrand: “We have to rise up, to convince the seven Republicans to change their mind, to convince Republican senators to stop standing by Trump.” © Karen Rubin/news-photos-features.com

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.”

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© 2025 News & Photo Features Syndicate, a division of Workstyles,Inc. All rights reserved. For editorial feature and photo information, go to www.news-photos-features.com,email [email protected].Blogging at www.dailykos.com/blogs/NewsPhotosFeatures

Criminal Justice, Governor Kathy Hochul, News & Photo Features

Supporting Survivors of Domestic Violence, NYS Governor Hochul Calls for Record-Level State Investments, Changes in Discovery Law

New York State Governor Kathy Hochul’s executive budget includes funding to expand access to programs for domestic violence survivors and improve law enforcement response © Karen Rubin/news-photos-features.com

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.

Since reforms were enacted in 2020, dismissed cases involving domestic violence rose nearly 15 percent in New York City. In 2023, 94.3 percent of cases were dismissed in New York City, and 49.1 percent were dismissed outside of New York City.

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. 
    • ·         Women are 28 times more likely to be killed with a gun than women in other high-income countries. 

Other Relevant Statistics:

  • Over 48,000 people died by firearms in the United States in 2022. 
    • ·         In 2022, 19,651 people died by firearm homicide. 
    • ·         The presence of a firearm in a domestic violence situation increases the likelihood of homicide by 500%. 
    • ·         In 2021, there was a 28% increase in intimate partner homicides involving firearms from 2019, according to Brady United. 
Governor Kathy Hochul, Health Care, News & Photo Features

As Measles Cases Spread, NYS Launches New WebPortal to Support Access to Vaccines, Public Health Information

Four Cases Statewide in 2025; Three in NYC and One Rest of State

All New Yorkers Urged To Ensure They Are Current With All Recommended Immunizations, Especially Measles-Mumps-Rubella

Launches ny.gov/measles To Support Vaccination, Education and Provider Engagement

Governor Kathy Hochul  launched a new web portal to support access to vaccines and public health information in the wake of measles cases in New York State and joined State Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald to encourage everyone to ensure they are current on all recommended immunizations © Karen Rubin/news-photos-features.com

Governor Kathy Hochul today launched a new web portal to support access to vaccines and public health information in the wake of measles cases in New York State. The Governor joined State Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald to update New Yorkers on the cases and encouraged everyone to ensure they are current on all recommended immunizations. There have been four total cases of measles in New York State so far this year, three in New York City and one in Suffolk County. None of the cases this year are related to each other or connected to the outbreaks in Texas and New Mexico. The risk of measles to New Yorkers from these outbreaks is low.

“Measles doesn’t belong in the 21st century, and it certainly doesn’t belong in the State of New York,” Governor Hochul said.“As measles outbreaks occur at home and around the globe, it’s critical that New Yorkers take the necessary steps to get vaccinated, get educated and stave off the spread of this preventable disease — the safety of our communities depends on it.” 

The New York State Department of Health and local health departments work together to monitor cases and alert the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. All New Yorkers are urged to protect themselves by making sure they’re up to date on important, lifesaving immunizations.

New York State Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald said, “The single way to prevent measles is to be immunized, and this is an irrefutable fact. Measles is much more than just a rash. In the current outbreak in the United States, one in five people are being admitted to a hospital. I urge all New Yorkers to ensure they are current on their measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) immunizations and immediately get vaccinated if they are not.”

Based on immunization registry data, the current statewide vaccination rate for babies up to two years old, excluding New York City, is 81.4 percent. This is the percent of children who have received at least one dose of the Measles-Mumps-Rubella (MMR) vaccines. However, actual vaccination coverage among school-age children is higher, typically around 90 percent.

Individuals should receive two doses of the MMR vaccine to be protected. Those who aren’t sure about their immunization status should call their local health department or health care provider. Those who were born before 1957 have likely already been exposed to the virus and are immune. Those born between 1957 and 1971 should check with a doctor to ensure they’ve been properly immunized as vaccines administered during that time may not have been reliable.

Those who travel abroad should make sure they are vaccinated for measles. Babies as young as 6 months can get an MMR if they are travelling abroad. The babies should get their MMRs on schedule and need a total of three MMRs.

The State Health Department is monitoring the situation very carefully, along with the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene. Local health departments in each county are prepared to investigate cases and distribute vaccines or other protective measures as needed.

Misinformation around vaccines has in recent years contributed to a rise in vaccine hesitancy, declining vaccination rates and a black market for fraudulent vaccination records. The Department takes an active role in combating vaccination fraud. This includes work by the Department’s Bureau of Investigations identifying, investigating, and seeking impactful enforcement actions against those who falsify vaccine records, as evidenced by several recent cases announced by the Department.

Combating vaccine fraud is a collective effort that includes various stakeholders responsible for community health and safety. The Department works with schools to help them fulfill their responsibility of reviewing vaccination records for fraud. Additionally, the Department partners with the New York State Education Department, local health departments and school-nurse professional organizations around this critical effort. Moreover, the Department’s Bureau of Investigations, in particular, works to educate, engage and support police and prosecutors statewide regarding vaccination fraud, which under New York law is a felony-level criminal offense.

Measles is a highly contagious, serious respiratory disease that causes rash and fever. In some cases, measles can reduce the immune system’s ability to fight other infections like pneumonia.

Serious complications of measles include hospitalization, pneumonia, brain swelling and death. Long-term serious complications can also include subacute sclerosing panencephalitis, a brain disease resulting from an earlier measles infection that can lead to permanent brain damage.

People who are infected with measles often get “measles immune amnesia,” which causes their immune system to lose memory to fight other infections like pneumonia. In places like Africa, where measles is more common, this is the largest driver of mortality.

Measles during pregnancy increases the risk of early labor, miscarriage and low birth weight infants.

Measles is caused by a virus that is spread by coughing or sneezing into the air. Individuals can catch the disease by breathing in the virus or by touching a contaminated surface, then touching the eyes, nose, or mouth. Complications may include pneumonia, encephalitis, miscarriage, preterm birth, hospitalization and death.

The incubation period for measles is up to 21 days. People who are exposed to measles should quarantine 21 days after exposure and those who test positive should isolate until four days after the rash appears.

Symptoms for measles can include the following:

7-14 days, and up to 21 days after a measles infection

  • High fever
  • Cough
  • Runny nose
  • Red, watery eyes

3-5 days after symptoms begin, a rash occurs

  • The rash usually begins as flat red spots that appear on the face at the hairline and spread downward to the neck, trunk, arms, legs and feet.
  • Small, raised bumps may also appear on top of the flat red spots.
  • The spots may become joined together as they spread from the head to the rest of the body.
  • When the rash appears, a person’s fever may spike to more than 104° Fahrenheit.

A person with measles can pass it to others as soon as four days before a rash appears and as late as four days after the rash appears.

Health care providers should report suspected measles cases to their local health department.

Visit the State Health Department’s dedicated measles website here for information about the measles, immunization data and information for providers.

The State Health Department has also launched a new Global Health Update Report webpage to keep New Yorkers informed of ongoing and emerging infectious disease outbreaks. The report is updated every Friday.

“The four reported cases of measles in New York State this year are not only concerning but also, a stern reminder that we must keep our recommended immunizations up to date,” State Senator Gustavo Rivera said. “I want to thank Governor Hochul and Commissioner McDonald for launching a portal to provide support to health care providers who are our first line of defense when it comes to public health. Measles could pose serious health risks for those who contract it and are not protected so it is critical that we follow the science and don’t fall behind on immunizations.”

“The science is clear – the measles vaccine works. I encourage everyone to get vaccinated, and I appreciate Governor Hochul and State Health Commissioner McDonald’s efforts to provide New Yorkers and healthcare providers with the support, education, and resources for this lifesaving immunization,” Assemblymember Amy Paulin said.

More information about the measles vaccine can be found here.

Civil Rights, Governor Kathy Hochul, Human Rights, Immigration-Migration-Refugees, News & Photo Features

Politicos Join Flushing, Queens, Asian Community, to Celebrate Lunar New Year, Welcome Year of Snake & Support AAPI New Yorkers: Photo Highlights

A Who’s Who of elected officials including Senator Chuck Schumer, Governor Kathy Hochul, Congresswoman Grace Meng lead Flushing, Queens’ Lunar New Year Parade 2025 © Karen Rubin/news-photos-features.com

By Karen Rubin, news-photos-features.com

It is a testament to the respect and appreciation for New York’s AAPI community that elected officials from federal, state down to the most local government turned out to the Flushing, Queens, Lunar New Year parade to celebrate the Year of the Snake. Among them: US Senator Chuck Schumer, Congresswoman Grace Meng, Governor Hochul, Attorney General Letitia James, Comptroller Tom DiNapoli, state legislators, borough presidents, NYC councilmembers.

Governor Kathy Hochul, Peter Tu, executive director of the Flushing Chinese Business Association, and Manhattan Boro President Mark D. Levine lead the Lunar New Year parade © Karen Rubin/news-photos-features.com

They spoke of how immigrants and diversity have contributed to the community, the state’s and the nation’s prosperity, applauded the success of the Flushing, Queens Asian community, and stood up for immigrants. They also applauded the significant achievement, after 20 years of prodding, that New York State made the Lunar New Year a state holiday – something that now Congresswoman Grace Meng began.

The whole celebratory tone of the parade – and the state’s support for diversity – is in contrast with the measures by Trump and his Project 2025 handlers to eliminate DEI (diversity,m equity, inclusion) from federal programs; the Defense Department under the White Nationalist Hegseth, has dispensed with celebrations of acknowledgements of everything from Black History Month and MLK Day, to Pride, and Trump went so far as to blame the recent Washington DC airline crash – the first fatal air crash in 16 years – on DEI policies. Trump blames everything else on immigration.

A Who’s Who of elected officials including Senator Chuck Schumer, Governor Kathy Hochul, Congresswoman Grace Meng lead Flushing, Queens’ Lunar New Year Parade 2025 © Karen Rubin/news-photos-features.com

 Peter Tu, executive director of the Flushing Chinese Business Association which organizes the parade/event, declared, “We are New York. We are America. We are as American as everyone else” and later added, “I’m an American. I love this country.”

Governor Kathy Hochul praised the community’s resilience after the coronavirus pandemic and expressed satisfaction at having designated the Lunary New Year as a school holiday statewide © Karen Rubin/news-photos-features.com

Governor Kathy Hochul praised the community’s resilience after the coronavirus pandemic. “You fought back. We celebrate you” and pointed to the victory of a state-wide holiday for the Lunar New Year, which has wider impact than among the AAPI community, but provides “an opportunity for everyone to learn about this diverse community. They can’t take that away.”

Attorney General Letitia James vowed to fight to preserve birthright citizenship and to defend immigrants © Karen Rubin/news-photos-features.com

Attorney General Letitia James committed to fighting to protect birthright citizenship, as enshrined in the Constitution. “We will defend immigrants. The Attorney General is on your side.

Queens Boro President Donovan Richards, Jr. said, “We have a lot to protect: immigrant rights, civil rights, human rights, LGBTQ rights. We will uphold our values, our Queens values, even as we battle the white house. We are the most diverse county in the United States. We will defend that.”© Karen Rubin/news-photos-features.com

Queens Boro President Donovan Richards, Jr. said, “We have a lot to protect: immigrant rights, civil rights, human rights, LGBTQ rights. We will uphold our values, our Queens values, even as we battle the white house. We are the most diverse county in the United States. We will defend that.”

US Senator Chuck Schumer, with help from Attorney General Letitia James, shows off that in support of the AAPI community’s celebration of the Lunar New Year, he is wearing red “from head to toe” © Karen Rubin/news-photos-features.com

U.S. Senator Chuck Schumer, the former Majority Leader and now Minority leader, pointed to how powerful the AAPI community is , and pointing to his red hat and red socks, he joked “I am red from head to toe.”

US Senator Chuck Schumer: “You are our future.” © Karen Rubin/news-photos-features.com

But turning serious, Schumer said, “I believe strongly in this community, your future, the ladders for your children – the SAT is a ladder up for those without much money who want a better life. … You are our future. Your values – hard work, education, family, children climbing up the ladder, respect for elders, safe streets.”

US Senator Chuck Schumer noted that Congress passed the Asian Anti-Hate Act © Karen Rubin/news-photos-features.com

He noted that with help of Congresswoman Grace Meng, the Congress passed the Asian Anti-Hate Act. And though he is now the Minority Leader, “I still have clout” and met with President Xi of China, and the presidents of Taiwan and Korea. “We need to work together, to have a strong relationship, for peace.”

Queens DA Melinda Katz at the Lunar New Year Parade in Flushing, Queens © Karen Rubin/news-photos-features.com

Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz praised the NYPD for keeping the borough safe – safe for parades, safe for parents. This parade, she said, celebrates the people who came before, while assimilating into America.

State Senator John Liu at the Lunar New Year Parade in Flushing, Queens © Karen Rubin/news-photos-features.com

John Liu, the first Asian elected to City Council, now a state senator, noted that the statewide designation of Lunar New Year holiday “is part of the progress our community is making.”

NYC Comptroller Brad Lander at the Lunar New Year Parade in Flushing, Queens © Karen Rubin/news-photos-features.com

NYC Comptroller Brad Lander noted that New York City has the largest Asian, and the largest Chinese population outside China. The Asian community, along with the Jewish, Dominican, Black and all the different heritages, “make out city a great city, the best for immigrants. We must protect all. All New Yorkers deserve to live in safety.”

NYS Comptroller Tom DiNapoli at the Lunar New Year Parade in Flushing, Queens © Karen Rubin/news-photos-features.com

This is the year of the Snake – the 6th of the 12 animal signs in the  lunar calendar. The snake symbolizes renal and change, and the qualities of  wisdom, calmness, determination, adaptability, mystery and transformation.

The celebration of the Lunar New Year dates back thousands of years, founded in the agricultural cycle and marking the period of time when  farmers could take a rest from their work in the fields to be with their families.

Governor Hochul presents a state proclamation to Peter Tu, Flushing Chinese Business Association executive director: “Our AAPI communities contribute significantly to American society and we recognize it is important that their ancestral heritage is passed down to younger generations.” © Karen Rubin/news-photos-features.com

In her proclamation to the FCBA, Governor Hochul noted “New York State is home to many Asian American Pacific Islander communities and we join in commemorating their most significant holiday rooted in ancient history and tradition as we welcome the arrival of Lunar New Year 4723 and share in festivities and celebrations to mark this joyous occasion.

“Our AAPI communities contribute significantly to American society and we recognize it is important that their ancestral heritage is passed down to younger generations; in 2023, I proudly signed legislation that designates lunar New Year as an official school holiday across New York State, providing a meaningful opportunity for children in the AAPI community to participate in an event that is such an inherent part of their culture, and to share with others one of the most beautiful holidays celebrated worldwide.”

Here are more highlights from the 2025 Lunar New Year Parade in Flushing, Queens:

Welcoming the Year of the Snake at the 2025 Lunar New Year Parade in Flushing, Queens © Karen Rubin/news-photos-features.com
Welcoming the Year of the Snake at the 2025 Lunar New Year Parade in Flushing, Queens © Karen Rubin/news-photos-features.com
Welcoming the Year of the Snake at the 2025 Lunar New Year Parade in Flushing, Queens © Karen Rubin/news-photos-features.com
Welcoming the Year of the Snake at the 2025 Lunar New Year Parade in Flushing, Queens © Karen Rubin/news-photos-features.com
Welcoming the Year of the Snake at the 2025 Lunar New Year Parade in Flushing, Queens © Karen Rubin/news-photos-features.com
Welcoming the Year of the Snake at the 2025 Lunar New Year Parade in Flushing, Queens © Karen Rubin/news-photos-features.com
Welcoming the Year of the Snake at the 2025 Lunar New Year Parade in Flushing, Queens © Karen Rubin/news-photos-features.com
Welcoming the Year of the Snake at the 2025 Lunar New Year Parade in Flushing, Queens © Karen Rubin/news-photos-features.com
Welcoming the Year of the Snake at the 2025 Lunar New Year Parade in Flushing, Queens © Karen Rubin/news-photos-features.com
Welcoming the Year of the Snake at the 2025 Lunar New Year Parade in Flushing, Queens © Karen Rubin/news-photos-features.com
Welcoming the Year of the Snake at the 2025 Lunar New Year Parade in Flushing, Queens © Karen Rubin/news-photos-features.com
Welcoming the Year of the Snake at the 2025 Lunar New Year Parade in Flushing, Queens © Karen Rubin/news-photos-features.com
Welcoming the Year of the Snake at the 2025 Lunar New Year Parade in Flushing, Queens © Karen Rubin/news-photos-features.com

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© 2025 News & Photo Features Syndicate, a division of Workstyles, Inc. All rights reserved. For editorial feature and photo information, go to www.news-photos-features.com, email [email protected]. Blogging at www.dailykos.com/blogs/NewsPhotosFeatures. ‘Like’ us at facebook.com/NewsPhotoFeatures, Tweet @KarenBRubin Threads: @news_and_photo_features

Election 2024, Governor Kathy Hochul, Gun Violence Prevention, News & Photo Features, NYS Governor Kathy Hochul

Governor, AG Commit to Protecting New Yorkers’ Fundamental Freedoms in Face of Trump’s Election

Governor Hochul and Attorney General James announced a strengthened partnership, including new dedicated staff, to address potential federal legal threats to reproductive freedom, gun safety laws and other key issues. Governor Hochul also announced the new Empire State Freedom Initiative, which has already begun developing comprehensive plans to address any policy and regulatory threats that may emerge from a Trump Administration. © Karen Rubin/news-photos-features.com

New Empire State Freedom Initiative is Assessing Policy Risks and Developing Strategies To Protect New Yorkers

New Yorkers Took Action To Protect Abortion Access by Enshrining Reproductive Freedoms in State Constitution

Governor Kathy Hochul and Attorney General Letitia James today updated New Yorkers on the ongoing work to protect the fundamental freedoms of New Yorkers in preparation for President-Elect Donald Trump’s second term.

Governor Hochul and Attorney General James announced a strengthened partnership, including new dedicated staff, to address potential federal legal threats to reproductive freedom, gun safety laws and other key issues. Governor Hochul also announced the new Empire State Freedom Initiative, which convened prior to Election Day and has already begun developing comprehensive plans to address any policy and regulatory threats that may emerge from a Trump Administration. The Governor also highlighted that New York has already taken steps to protect access to safe and legal abortions, including passage yesterday of Proposition 1 which enshrines reproductive freedoms in the State Constitution.

“The safety and wellbeing of New Yorkers are my top priorities,” Governor Hochul said. “I’m committed to working with anyone on policies that make our state stronger, safer and more livable — but my administration will also be prepared to protect New Yorkers’ fundamental freedoms from any potential threats.”

 “As Attorney General, I will always stand up to protect New Yorkers and fight for our rights and values,” New York Attorney General Letitia James said. “My office has been preparing for a potential second Trump Administration, and I am ready to do everything in my power to ensure our state and nation do not go backwards. During his first term, we stood up for the rule of law and defended against abuses of power and federal efforts to harm New Yorkers. Together with Governor Hochul, our partners in state and local government, and my colleague attorneys general from throughout the nation, we will work each and every day to defend Americans, no matter what this new administration throws at us. We are ready to fight back again.”

Strengthening Legal Partnership To Prepare for Federal Legal Threats

During President-elect Trump’s first term, the State of New York and its residents found itself targeted by the Trump Administration and federal agencies, forcing the State to respond with affirmative and defensive litigation against the federal government and federal agencies.

To prepare for future legal threats that could negatively impact New Yorkers, senior officials in the offices of Governor Hochul and Attorney General James will be convening regularly to coordinate legal actions, develop responses to federal agency administrative actions and provide guidance to New York residents, agencies and the private sector on key issues. This partnership will also include coordination with attorneys at state agencies and local governments across the State.

Convening the Empire State Freedom Initiative To Address Policy and Regulatory Threats

Governor Hochul has convened the Empire State Freedom Initiative – a team of experts from within her administration to develop strategies for protecting New Yorkers from a variety of policy and regulatory threats that could emerge under President-elect Trump. This team includes representatives from the Governor’s Office of Federal Affairs, the Office of the Counsel, the Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Services and other relevant agencies.

This task force is focused on key areas where New York State and New Yorkers are most likely to face threats from a Trump Administration, including reproductive rights, civil rights, immigration, gun safety and the environment, among other issues.

The task force has developed an initial analysis of likely statutory, regulatory and fiscal vulnerabilities based on the comments and policies outlined by Trump and his advisors. It will now be tasked with driving proactive measures that New York State and its agencies can take – both before and after Trump is sworn in – through state legislation, rulemaking, appropriations, partnerships with New York’s Congressional delegation and the Biden administration, and other actions.

Protecting Access to Abortion in New York

Following significant efforts by the Governor and the Attorney General to ensure that Proposition 1 was included as a New York State ballot measure for the 2024 Elections, yesterday New Yorkers overwhelmingly voted to approve Proposition 1, which enshrines reproductive freedoms in the State Constitution.

The passage of Proposition 1 builds upon previous action by the Governor to protect the reproductive rights of New Yorkers. The Governor signed legislation to strengthen New York’s Shield Law that protects doctors, medical providers and facilitators who provide reproductive telehealth services to patients outside of New York without fear of litigation in states where abortion services are outlawed or restricted. The Governor also signed legislation to allow New Yorkers to get contraception directly from a pharmacist without the need for a prescription.

In addition, the FY25 Enacted Budget made permanent the Abortion Provider Support Fund which has delivered $100 million in State funding to support abortion providers statewide.

Additionally, the Governor remains an active member of the Reproductive Freedom Alliance – a coalition of 23 governors working together to defend and expand reproductive freedom. The Alliance will continue leveraging the power of collective action to defend the fundamental right to bodily autonomy and ensure access to essential reproductive care.

Advancing Climate Goals and Reducing Emissions

As Co-Chair of the U.S. Climate Alliance, Governor Hochul will work with the Alliance’s bipartisan coalition of 24 governors – representing about 60 percent of the nation’s economy – to continue promoting a net-zero future by advancing state-led, high-impact climate action.

New York State and the U.S. Climate Alliance will address any future threats to climate action by remaining focused on advancing its key policy commitments, including goals of reducing collective net greenhouse gas emissions in alignment with the Paris Agreement, promoting clean energy deployment, creating good jobs and tracking and reporting key data on climate progress.

Guided by some of the nation’s most aggressive climate and clean energy initiatives, New York is on a path to achieving a zero-emission electricity sector by 2040, including 70 percent renewable energy generation by 2030 and economy-wide carbon neutrality by mid-century.

Continuing To Get Illegal Guns Off Our Streets

To continue New York’s nation-leading work to reduce gun violence, and in preparation for any threat to gun safety laws, Governor Hochul will continue leading the Interstate Task Force on Illegal Guns, which she first convened in 2022 and which has seized more than 28,527 illegal guns to date. Under this initiative, the murder rate has been the lowest since 1965.

The Interstate Task Force includes representatives of New York State Police, the New York Police Department and law enforcement officials from eight other states. This initiative will continue to play a critical role in stopping the flow of illegal guns across state lines, while also ensuring information sharing and collaborating on investigative strategies to solve major crimes.

Governor Kathy Hochul, Gun Violence Prevention, New York State politics, News & Photo Features, NYS Governor Kathy Hochul

NYS Gov Hochul Signs Landmark Legislation to Strengthen Gun Laws, Bolster Restrictions on Concealed Carry in Response to SCOTUS Decision

Legislation (S.51001/A.41001) Restricts the Carrying of Concealed Weapons in List of Sensitive Locations

Institutes a Default of No Concealed Carry on Private Property and Businesses Unless Deemed Permissible by Property Owners

Establishes New Eligibility Requirements and Expands Disqualifying Criteria for Those Seeking Concealed Carry Permits

Enhances Safe Storage Requirements, Extends Requirements to Vehicles

Requires Backgrounds Checks for All Ammunition Purchases

Amends Body Armor Purchase Ban to Include Hard Body Armor Used by Suspect in Buffalo Shooting

New York State Governor Kathy Hochul has been steadfast in combating the epidemic of gun violence in the state and nation. Back in October 2021, she signed landmark legislation to crack down on “ghost guns,” untraceable firearms used by criminals to evade background checks. Immediately upon the Supreme Court striking down the state’s 111-year law restricting concealed carry permits, she called back the state legislature for a special session to enact new, landmark legislation to strengthen the state’s gun laws and concealed carry regulations to conform with the radical decision © Karen Rubin/news-photos-features.com

Barely a week after the Supreme Court struck down New York State’s 111-year old law regulating concealed gun carry permits, Governor Kathy Hochul signed landmark legislation to strengthen New York’s gun laws and bolster restrictions on concealed carry weapons. This package of new laws — drafted in close collaboration with the Legislature — is devised to align with the Supreme Court’s recent decision in NYSRPA v. Bruen. As a result of this decision, the State has taken steps to address the consequences of the Supreme Court decision and the resulting increase in licenses and in the number of individuals who will likely purchase and carry weapons in New York State.

“A week ago, the Supreme Court issued a reckless decision removing century-old limitations on who is allowed to carry concealed weapons in our state — senselessly sending us backward and putting the safety of our residents in jeopardy,” Governor Hochul said. “Today, we are taking swift and bold action to protect New Yorkers. After a close review of the NYSRPA vs. Bruen decision and extensive discussions with constitutional and policy experts, advocates, and legislative partners, I am proud to sign this landmark legislative package that will strengthen our gun laws and bolster restrictions on concealed carry weapons. I want to thank Majority Leader Stewart-Cousins, Speaker Heastie, and all of our partners in the Legislature for their willingness to take on this critical issue with urgency and precision. I will continue to do everything in my power to combat the gun violence epidemic.”

“Keeping the people of New York State safe is our greatest priority and I am proud to stand with the Governor and Legislature in enacting the measures put into place today,” Lieutenant Governor Antonio Delgado said. “With this action, New York has sent a message to the rest of the country that we will not stand idly by and let the Supreme Court reverse years of sensible gun regulations.”

Research has shown that violent crime involving firearms increases by 29 percent when people are given the right to carry handguns, caused in part by a 35 percent increase in gun theft and a 13 percent decrease in the rate that police solved cases. Today’s legislative package furthers the State’s compelling interest in preventing death and injury by firearms by:

  • Expanding on eligibility requirements in the concealed carry permitting process, including completed firearm training courses for applicants.
  • Allowing the state to regulate and standardize training for license applicants.
  • Restricting the carrying of concealed weapons in sensitive locations and establishing that private property owners must expressly allow a person to possess a firearm, rifle, or shotgun on their property. Individuals who carry concealed weapons in sensitive locations or in contravention of the authority of an owner of private property will face criminal penalties.
  • Establishing state oversight over background checks for firearms and regular checks on license holders for criminal convictions.
  • Creating a statewide license and ammunition database.
  • Strengthening and clarifying the law relating to the sale of body armor to include hard body armor, such as the type worn by the suspect in the Buffalo shooting and the safe storage of firearms.

The law will take effect on September 1, 2022. In addition, an appeals board will be created for those applicants whose license or renewal is denied or revoked, which will take effect on April 1, 2023.

Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins said,”In response to the Supreme Court’s decision implying that guns are more important than lives in this country, we are passing legislation to ensure that New York State has safe and responsible gun laws. States are the last line of defense, which is why we are stepping up to protect New York from being easily flooded with concealed weapons and keeping firearms out of the wrong hands. These measures, in addition to the previous anti-gun violence legislation we passed, are vital in a time when there are more guns than people in America. New York will continue to prioritize people’s safety and lives, and I thank my conference, Speaker Heastie, and Governor Hochul for their partnership.”

Speaker Carl Heastie said, “In the wake of the Supreme Court’s dismantling our more than 100-year-old sensible concealed carry law, the Assembly Majority worked tirelessly alongside our Senate colleagues and the governor to ensure that our state has the strongest gun laws possible. We will not let this ruling make our streets less safe. Here in New York, the right to feel safe in public spaces is not secondary to unfettered access to firearms. And when this right-wing conservative court inevitably continues its assault on our democracy, we will remain as committed as ever to protecting the rights of every New Yorker.”

Last week, the Supreme Court’s 6-3 decision ended a 100-year legal precedent requiring individuals to demonstrate “proper cause” to obtain a license to carry a concealed firearm. The existing law gave discretion to the state and its licensing officers in determining what constitutes “proper cause”, which the court cited as unconstitutional.

Governor Hochul has worked closely with the legislature to devise the following Legislation (S.51001/ A.41001), which carefully and strictly regulate concealed carry weapons while staying within the confines of the NYSRPA vs. Bruen decision.

Sensitive locations and Private Property

Certain locations are always unsafe for guns, and this legislation makes concealed carry in sensitive locations a punishable crime. Sensitive locations include:

  • Airports
  • Bars and restaurants that serve alcohol
  • Courthouses
  • Daycare facilities, playgrounds and other locations where children gather
  • Educational Institutions
  • Emergency shelters, including domestic violence shelters and homeless shelters
  • Entertainment venues
  • Federal, state, and local government buildings
  • Health and medical facilities
  • Houses of worship
  • Libraries
  • Polling sites
  • Public demonstrations and rallies
  • Public transportation including subways and buses
  • Times Square

The law also makes ‘no carry’ the default for private property, unless deemed permissible by property owners. This gives power to business and property owners to decide whether or not they want guns in their establishments, which could include bars, restaurants, shops or grocery stores. Property owners who do decide to allow concealed carry will have to disclose with signage saying concealed carry is allowed on the premises. This allows people to make an informed decision on whether or not they want to be in a space where people could potentially be carrying a weapon.

Expanded Eligibility Requirements and Disqualifying Criteria

The legislation expands eligibility requirements for concealed carry permit applicants. Expanded application requirements include character references, firearm safety training courses, live fire testing, and background checks. Additionally, applicants who have documented instances of violent behavior will be disqualified from obtaining a concealed carry permit. Disqualifying criteria also includes misdemeanor convictions for weapons possession and menacing, recent treatment for drug-related reasons, and for alcohol-related misdemeanor convictions.

Safe Storage

Today’s legislation also implements new safe storage requirements for rifles, shotguns, and firearms. Gun owners will be prohibited from leaving a gun in their car unless it is stored in a lockbox. Additionally, state law previously required that guns be stored safely in a home if someone under 16 resides there, but new legislation will require safe gun ownership in a home if someone under 18 resides there.

Ammunition Background Checks

The legislation allows the state to conduct and have oversight over background checks for firearms and run regular checks on license holders for criminal convictions. State background checks will go beyond those conducted by the National Instant Criminal Background Check System maintained by the FBI, which lack access to crucial state-owned and local-owned records and databases that provide a more accurate assessment of an applicant’s background. Research has found that states that perform their own background checks, instead of solely using the federal database, experience 27 percent lower firearm suicide rates and 22 percent lower firearm homicide rates. The legislation also requires background checks for ammunition sales and creates a statewide license and ammunition database.

Body Armor Amendment

Under current law, a “body vest” has a limited defined as a bullet-resistant soft body armor. This legislation will redefine body vests to encompass a broader array of protective equipment that is bullet resistant, expanding current purchase and sale prohibitions to include hard body armor. During the Buffalo tragedy, the shooter was wearing a steel-plated vest which would be captured under this new body armor definition.

Rebecca Fischer, Executive Director of New Yorkers Against Gun Violence said, “Even as the gun industry attacks our sensible gun laws, our communities, and our children, we know we can count on New York State’s leadership to protect us time and time again. Last week, the gun-lobby backed U.S. Supreme Court overhauled New York’s concealed carry licensing law, a law that has helped keep New Yorkers safe for over a century.  Last night, our state took swift action by enacting new laws that will strengthen our public carry permitting process and enable New Yorkers to live safely in sensitive places across New York.  We applaud Governor Kathy Hochul, Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins, and Speaker Carl Heastie for being model leaders for our nation as we continue to address the gun violence crisis and save lives.” 

Governor Kathy Hochul, News & Photo Features

Highlights of NYS Governor Budget Proposals to Build Up Healthcare, Education, Infrastructure

$10 Billion Plan Will Rebuild Healthcare Workforce and Build Healthcare System of the Future  

$31 Billion Plan Will Strengthen Teacher Workforce and Invest in Schools  

Provides Tax Relief for Small Businesses and the Middle Class  

Record Five-Year $32.8 Billion DOT Capital Plan Will Leverage Federal Funding to Support Major Infrastructure Projects Throughout the State 

$900 Million in Childcare Stabilization Grants Will Cover Operational Costs for 15,000 Childcare Providers Statewide  

$1 Billion to Fund Innovative Small Businesses and Tax Credit for COVID-Related Expenses  

Invests $1.5 Billion in SUNY and CUNY Over Next Five Years and Expands TAP Eligibility  

 Includes $4 Billion for Clean Water, Clean Air, and Green Jobs Environmental Bond Act and $500 Million for Offshore Wind  

Launches a New Five-Year, $25 Billion Comprehensive Housing Plan  

$224 Million to Fund Law Enforcement and Community-Based Gun Violence Initiatives  

FY 2023 Budget Book Available Here

NYS Governor Kathy Hochul, in Nassau County, to sign laws enhancing gun violence prevention. The Governor’s Executive Budget includes $224 million to fund initiatives that will strengthen the gun violence prevention efforts of law enforcement and community-based organizations. “Through these actions, we will work to restore New Yorkers’ sense of safety and community.” © Karen Rubin/news-photos-features.com

Here is a summary of New York State Governor Kathy Hochul’s executive budget proposal for FY 2023:

Governor Kathy Hochul today, with Division of the Budget Director Robert F. Mujica Jr., outlined her Fiscal Year (FY) 2023 Executive Budget. The FY 2023 Executive Budget maintains the Governor’s commitment to passing a bold agenda that by rebuilds New York’s healthcare and teacher workforces; provides tax relief to those who need it most; speeds up economic growth and creates good-paying middle-class jobs; strengthens the state’s infrastructure and confronts climate change; secures public safety and protects communities; makes housing more affordable to ensure every New Yorker has a roof over their head; and enacts bold reforms to restore trust in State government.  

“We have the means to immediately respond to the COVID-19 pandemic as well as embrace this once-in-a-generation opportunity for the future with a historic level of funding that is both socially responsible and fiscally prudent,” Governor Hochul said. “As I said in my State of the State speech: It’s time for a better, fairer, and more inclusive version of the American Dream. I’m calling it the New York Dream. We will make that New York Dream real – and ensure that it can be realized by every single New Yorker.”

“Governor Hochul’s Executive Budget makes historic investments in critical areas while ensuring that we are equipped for future shocks,” Budget Director Robert F. Mujica Jr. said, “Never again will the State find itself unprepared for the opportunities – or challenges – ahead. After years of unprecedented hardship, this Budget makes the State, from a financial perspective, as resilient as its spirit. It is the Budget that New Yorkers deserve and expect.”  

A Balanced Budget 

Governor Hochul’s FY 2023 budget proposal reflects New York’s solid financial footing. As tax revenues rebound the budget is balanced for the entirety of the financial plan leading up to FY 2027, has no budget gaps, and holds spending growth in FY 2023 below inflation. 

Rebuilding the Health Care Workforce  

To restore our depleted healthcare workforce and build the healthcare system of tomorrow, Governor Hochul will make a more-than-$10 billion, multi-year investment in healthcare, including more than $4 billion to support wages and bonuses for healthcare workers. Key components of this multi-year investment include:     

  • $1.2 billion of state support for healthcare and mental hygiene worker retention bonuses, with up to $3,000 bonuses going to full-time workers who remain in their positions for one year, and pro-rated bonuses for those working fewer hours;   
  • $500 million for Cost-of-Living Adjustments (COLAs) to help raise wages for human services workers;   
  • $2.4 billion for healthcare capital infrastructure and improved lab capacity; and   
  • Other investments in workforce and healthcare access and delivery.   

With these investments, Governor Hochul proposes to rebuild and grow the healthcare workforce by 20 percent over the next five years with a program designed to strengthen home care, improve the career pipeline, expand access to healthcare training and education, and recruit healthcare and direct support professionals to care for people in underserved areas.    

Strengthening the Teacher Workforce  

School Aid: The FY 2023 Executive Budget provides $31.3 billion in total School Aid for SY 2023, the highest level of State aid ever. This investment represents a year-to-year increase of $2.1 billion (7.1 percent) compared to School Year (SY) 2022, including a $1.6 billion Foundation Aid increase and a $466 million increase in all other School Aid programs.   

Foundation Aid: Foundation Aid is the State’s main education operating aid formula. It is focused on allocating State funds equitably to all school districts, especially high-need districts, based on student need, community wealth, and regional cost differences. The Executive Budget provides a $1.6 billion (8.1 percent) increase in Foundation Aid, supporting the second year of the three-year phase-in of full funding of the current Foundation Aid formula and ensuring each school district receives a minimum year-to-year increase of 3 percent.  

The Executive Budget provides SUNY and CUNY with $106 million – $53 million each – to hire additional full-time faculty at both four-year colleges and community colleges. This investment will fund an estimated 880 additional full-time faculty – 340 at SUNY and 540 at CUNY, including support for CUNY’s plan to convert adjuncts to full-time faculty. 

Providing Tax Relief to Those Who Need It  

Accelerate the Implementation of the Middle-Class Tax Cut: The eight-year phase-in of personal income tax cuts for middle-class taxpayers first began in Tax Year 2018 and is currently scheduled to be completed at the start of the 2025 Tax Year. The Executive Budget:      

  • Accelerates tax relief to middle-class New Yorkers by providing the fully implemented reduced tax rates beginning in Tax Year 2023.    
  • Provides relief to 6.1 million New Yorkers.     

Create a Tax Credit for Small Businesses’ COVID-19-Related Expenses: To continue the State’s support for our small businesses, the Executive Budget includes a new capped refundable tax relief program targeting COVID-19-related expenses for small businesses. The program provides:   

  • Up to $250 million in additional relief to small businesses.   
  • Eligible COVID-19-related capital investments include, but are not limited to, costs associated with expanding space to accommodate social distancing, HVAC equipment, expenses related to outdoor space expansions, as well as machinery and equipment to facilitate contactless sales.         

Provide Small Business Tax Relief: Small businesses were hit particularly hard by the pandemic downturn. The Executive Budget provides much needed tax relief to these businesses by:     

  • Increasing the small business subtraction modification from 5 percent to 15 percent of net business income or farm income, and    
  • Expanding the benefit to include pass-through entities with less than $1.5 million NY-source gross income.    
  • This proposal will aid 195,000 small businesses through one of the most challenging business climates in modern history.    

Provide a Homeowner Tax Rebate Credit: The Executive Budget creates a new property tax relief credit, the Homeowner Tax Rebate Credit, to eligible low- and middle-income households, as well as eligible senior households:     

  • Basic STAR exemption and credit beneficiaries with incomes below $250,000 and Enhanced STAR recipients are eligible for the property tax rebate where the benefit is a percentage of the homeowners’ existing STAR benefit.    
  • This one-year program is, in general, an extension of the real Property Tax Relief Credit Program that expired after 2019, with benefits calculated as a percentage of a homeowner’s STAR benefit. Additionally, homeowners in New York City will also be eligible for this credit.   
  • Outside of New York City, the average benefit will be nearly $970, providing relief to more than 2 million property tax-paying households. The New York City average benefit will be about $425, with benefits reaching another 479,000 property tax-paying households.  
  • For homeowners with income below $75,000 the statewide average credit is estimated at nearly $1,050, benefiting an estimated 837,800 recipients.    
  • The benefit will be in the form of an advanced credit, instead of being claimed when tax returns are filed, thus getting benefits in the hands of New York homeowners more quickly. Credits will be an advance on Tax Year 2022 income tax returns, to be directly sent to eligible homeowners beginning in Fall 2022.   

Capital Plan and Infrastructure  

The new five-year, $32.8 billion DOT capital plan will leverage Federal funding commitments made in the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act to support final phases of major infrastructure projects, including Hunts Point Interstate Access Improvement and the replacement of I-81 in Syracuse.   

The new plan also supports new large-scale projects, including: modernizing the Livingston Avenue Bridge in Albany; reconnecting neighborhoods across the Kensington Expressway in Buffalo; converting Route 17 to I-86 in Orange and Sullivan Counties; and assessing ways to improve road capacity at the Oakdale Merge in Suffolk County.  

The Five-Year DOT Capital Plan also increases the existing BRIDGE-NY program by $1 billion, adds a new $1 billion Operation Pave Our Potholes program, and continues record commitments to funding local highway and bridge programs through the Consolidated Highway Improvement Program (CHIPS).    

Child Care  

Building on $832 million in existing subsidies and $2.3 billion in Federal child care resources, the Budget includes new investments to support children, parents, and the child care industry.  

  • Increase Eligibility for Subsidies— child care subsidy eligibility will be increased from up to 200 percent of the Federal poverty level  to up to 300 percent of the Federal poverty level over three years. Fully phased in, more than $535 million annually will allow an additional 400,000 children to become newly eligible.
  • Maintain Access to Child Care Providers— $125 million in funding annually is included to maintain child care subsidies when rates increase in 2022.
  • Support Child Care Workers—$75 million is invested in child care worker wages, an endorsement of the importance of their work.  

Small Businesses  

Governor Hochul is proposing a nearly billion-dollar plan focused on the State’s small businesses, including targeted programs to address small business needs and ensure all types of small businesses prosper throughout the State.  Key components of this plan include:     

  • Funding for Small Businesses of the Future – Capital and venture debt awards to emerging small businesses in the innovation sector, including minority-and-women-owned companies often overlooked by venture investments.   
  • Seed Funding for Small Business – A $200 million flexible grant program for early-stage businesses recently opened despite the COVID-19 pandemic.   
  • Small Business Lending Initiative – Provide reduced interest rate and accessible loans to expanding small businesses.    

SUNY and CUNY  

$1.5 Billion for SUNY and CUNY: The Executive Budget will invest more than $300 million in SUNY and CUNY operations each year over the next five years. Governor Hochul also will partner over the next year with SUNY, its individual institutions, and key stakeholders to develop a plan to implement her vision to transform SUNY into the top statewide system of public higher education in the country. The Executive Budget will help start this transformation with funding for new engineering buildings to help the University at Buffalo and Stony Brook University become SUNY’s flagship institutions.

The Executive Budget will increase operating support to SUNY State-operated campuses and City University of New York (CUNY) senior colleges by fully reimbursing colleges for the $108.4 million cost of “Tuition Assistance Program (TAP) Gap” tuition credits, providing additional State support of $59.6 million to CUNY and $48.8 million to SUNY. The university systems will also receive an $18.6 million in additional operating revenue from Executive Budget legislation to raise the amount of State support that campuses receive for Excelsior Scholarship recipients, increasing operating support by $13.7 million to SUNY State operated campuses, $2.8 million to CUNY senior colleges and $2.1 million to community colleges.  

Expand Part-Time Students’ Access to TAP: The Executive Budget includes $150 million to expand TAP, which currently is largely unavailable for students studying part time, to cover students enrolled in six or more credits of study at a SUNY, CUNY, or not-for-profit independent college – an investment estimated to provide support to 75,000 additional New York students annually.    

Energy and the Environment  

Clean Water, Clean Air, and Green Jobs Environmental Bond Act: The Executive Budget includes $4 billion for the landmark Clean Water, Clean Air, and Green Jobs Environmental Bond Act.  This historic initiative will provide the support New York needs to restore critical environmental habitats; reduce flood risks; conserve additional lands and open spaces; protect and improve our water resources; and invest in climate change mitigation projects that will reduce pollution and lower carbon emissions.  The Bond Act will also support a substantial investment in the Clean Green Schools initiative that will reach every public school located in a disadvantaged community.   

Offshore Wind: The Executive Budget includes $500 million investment to develop the State’s offshore wind supply chains and port infrastructure.  This nation-leading initiative will create 2,000 jobs in a growing industry, while helping to make New York the offshore wind capital of the country for years to come.   

Housing  

Launch a New Five-Year, $25 Billion Comprehensive Housing Plan. The Executive Budget advances a new $25 billion, five-year Housing Plan to create and preserve 100,000 affordable homes, including 10,000 homes with support services for vulnerable populations, and electrify an additional 50,000 homes as part of the State’s plan to electrify one million homes and make another one million electrification-ready. Funding includes $5.7 billion in capital resources, $8.8 billion in State and Federal tax credits and other federal allocations, $11 billion to support the operation of shelters and supportive housing units and to provide rental subsidies.   

Combating Gun Violence  

The Executive Budget includes $224 million to fund initiatives that will strengthen the gun violence prevention efforts of law enforcement and community-based organizations. Through these actions, we will work to restore New Yorkers’ sense of safety and community. Some of these actions include:    

  • Triple Resources for Crime Gun Tracing Efforts – The Executive Budget provides $350,000 in funding to triple the state’s gun violence intelligence resources by staffing the New York State Intelligence Center (NYSIC) with a team of analysts necessary to process and investigate crime guns across the state.   
  • Strengthen Law Enforcement Partnerships – The Executive Budget provides $13.1 million to expand the use of Community Stabilization Units that partner the most experienced State Troopers with local law enforcement agencies to combat community-specific crime problems.    
  • Expand the State’s Direct Support to Local Law Enforcement (GIVE) – The Executive Budget increases funding to $18.2 million for New York’s nationally recognized Gun Involved Violence Elimination (GIVE) initiative which supports local law enforcement efforts to stop the gun violence in New York. This investment will enable the launch of several new initiatives which will support law enforcement’s ability to clear non-fatal shooting cases, engage in youth-centered community programming, and reduce recidivism for individuals under community supervision.  
  • Triple Investment in Community-Based Gun Violence Response (SNUG) – The Executive Budget sustains last year’s emergency increase in funding for New York’s SNUG Outreach program and further expand support to combat the spike in gun crimes. This investment of $24.9 million will expand hospital-based and street outreach programs to touch all corners of the state. It will facilitate the piloting of several new initiatives which provide wrap-around services for youth, job-readiness and work-placement training.  
  • Respond to Regional Needs in the Aftermath of Gun Violence – The Executive Budget includes $20 million in new funding to support the people and places that have been most impacted by the spike in gun violence. This will allow the deployment of innovative community empowerment and crime-reduction programming in high-need areas that will facilitate the repairing and rebuilding of regions victimized by crime involving guns.    

Addressing Addiction and the Opioid Crisis  

Under Governor Hochul’s leadership, the Office of Addiction Services and Supports (OASAS) will take significant steps to address the opioid crisis by improving access to addiction treatment services, removing barriers to treatment, developing new and innovative treatment models, and expanding the number of treatment facilities in communities around New York State.    

The Executive Budget provides an increase of $402 million (56 percent) in operating and capital support for OASAS to enhance prevention, treatment and recovery programs targeted toward addiction services, residential service opportunities, and primary prevention activities consistent with state opioid settlement agreements; and invests more than $100 million in new resources from the Opioid Stewardship Tax and litigation settlements with pharmaceutical manufacturers and distributors. Of these funds, $113 million will pass through the State to local municipalities, consistent with settlement agreements.