Anti-Trump Activism, Government spending, Governor Kathy Hochul, NYS Governor Kathy Hochul

Governor Hochul Declares State of Emergency, Initiates Actions in Response to Trump Administration Cutting Off Food Assistance to 8 Million New Yorkers

Announces $65 Million in New State Funds for Emergency Food Assistance, Providing 40 Million Meals to New Yorkers

Deploys SUNY Empire State Service Corps Members To Support Food Banks

State of Emergency Enables Governor To Take Additional Actions as Needed, as Trump Administration Refuses to Release Federal Contingency Funding

Governor Kathy Hochul today declared a state of emergency and announced new actions in response to the Trump administration stripping food assistance from 3 million New Yorkers come November 1. As the GOP federal government shutdown continues, the Trump administration has refused to release billions in statutorily approved federal contingency funding that would address this crisis in states across the nation. By refusing to release this contingency funding, the federal government is leaving millions of New Yorkers without critical assistance they rely on to feed themselves and their families. © Karen Rubin/news-photos-features.com

Governor Kathy Hochul today declared a state of emergency and announced new actions in response to the Trump administration stripping food assistance from 3 million New Yorkers come November 1. As the GOP federal government shutdown continues, the Trump administration has refused to release billions in statutorily approved federal contingency funding that would address this crisis in states across the nation. By refusing to release this contingency funding, the federal government is leaving millions of New Yorkers without critical assistance they rely on to feed themselves and their families.

While Washington Republicans refuse to act to avert this crisis, Governor Hochul is stepping up by committing an additional $65 million in new State funds for emergency food assistance that will reinforce New York’s network of vital food bank and pantry partners and provide about 40 million meals to hungry New Yorkers. The Governor is also deploying Empire State Service Corps and SUNY Corps Members to support local food banks during this emergency period of increased need, and continuing to explore food hubs at schools.

“The Trump Administration is cutting food assistance off for three million New Yorkers, leaving our state to face an unprecedented public health crisis and hurting our grocers, bodegas and farmers along the way,” Governor Hochul said. “Unlike Washington Republicans, I won’t sit idly by as families struggle to put food on the table. Today, I’m declaring a state of emergency and am committing additional state funds for emergency food assistance to ensure New Yorkers don’t go hungry. Donald Trump and Republicans in Congress have the power to stop this crisis — millions of families depend on it.”

Since the inception of the program, SNAP benefits have been federally funded. New York administers approximately $650 million per month in federally funded SNAP benefits to nearly 3 million New Yorkers. Given the scale of the program, Governor Hochul along with governors across the country have repeatedly emphasized that no state government can replace SNAP benefits or backfill the program.

Here’s a look at what today’s announcement means for New Yorkers:

$65M in new State funds for programs that support food banks, pantries, soup kitchens and more to provide emergency food assistance to New Yorkers

  • $40M in new funding for the Hunger Prevention and Nutrition Assistance Program, which provides emergency food relief and nutrition services to food-insecure populations. HPNAP works in partnership with a network of about 2,700 Emergency Food Providers (EFPs), including food pantries, soup kitchens, and shelters.
  • $25M in new funding for Nourish NY, which supplies surplus agricultural products (e.g., milk, apples, cheese, yogurt, cabbage, squash) to populations who need them through the State’s network of food relief organizations (i.e., regional food banks, food pantries, soup kitchens, and community-based organizations that provide food for free to persons experiencing food insecurity).

Deploying Empire State Service Corps and SUNY Corps Members to support food banks

  • Currently, hundreds of SUNY students serve as peer navigators, helping fellow students complete SNAP applications and assisting at campus and local food pantries.
  • The Empire State Service Corps will allow current members to expand their paid hours, enabling them to provide greater support at food pantries statewide. In addition, new short-term crisis response positions will be created to assist food pantries and food banks facing staffing shortages.

Today’s announcement comes as New York, along with 24 other states, sued the Trump administration on Tuesday to demand the release of emergency SNAP funds. The Governor also joined a letter alongside 20 other Governors to the President, calling for the Administration to reverse course and release emergency SNAP funds. Governor Hochul also fast-tracked $41 million in state funds for emergency food assistance earlier this week — today’s announcement brings the total of allocated state funds to $106 million.

New York State Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald said, “The federal government’s refusal to release emergency food assistance will have devastating consequences for families already struggling to make ends meet. Access to nutritious food is a fundamental public health necessity — it affects everything from childhood development to chronic disease prevention. Under Governor Hochul’s leadership, the State Health Department is working closely with food banks, local health departments and community organizations to ensure no New Yorker goes hungry during this crisis. These actions reflect our shared commitment to protecting the health and well-being of all New Yorkers.”

New York State Education Commissioner Betty A. Rosa said, “No student should have to choose between focusing on their education and worrying about their next meal. In response to the recent cuts to SNAP benefits, our agencies are coming together to make sure no student is left behind. This is a team effort, working hand in hand with our partners in government, communities, and local organizations to build a safety net that ensures that hunger never stands in the way of learning and opportunity.”

New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance Commissioner Barbara C. Guinn said, “SNAP recipients, most of whom are children, older adults or individuals with a disability, count on SNAP every month to feed their families. The federal government’s callous decision to cut off federal funding for SNAP recipients for the first time in the program’s history underscores this administration’s lack of understanding of the difficult economic realities facing nearly 3 million New Yorkers and millions more of our fellow Americans. Now is a pivotal moment for our federal government to honor its long-standing social safety-net obligations. We are grateful for Governor Hochul’s leadership and commitment to fighting on behalf of New Yorkers and demanding accountability from federal officials.”

New York State Agriculture Commissioner Richard A. Ball said, “I am grateful for our Governor’s swift response to the federal government’s senseless and reckless cuts that will put millions of New Yorkers in jeopardy of not having enough food to put on the table, stress the emergency food system, and impact our farmers in the process. By providing additional, critical funding to our feeding assistance programs, such as Nourish NY, we will be able to help our food banks and food pantries purchase and make available more local farm products to our communities in need. This is one more step in New York’s efforts to fight back and ensure we do everything we can to maintain support of our families and our farmers.”

House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries said, “From day one, Donald Trump and rubber-stamp Republicans have waged an all-out assault on the health, safety and well-being of the American people. Their latest attempt to rip food out of the mouths of children, seniors and veterans who have served our country honorably is a disgusting dereliction of duty and makes clear that the cruelty is the point. Instead of finding money to pay off wannabe dictators in Argentina, Donald Trump should use the money that was appropriated by Congress to make sure that 42 million Americans do not go hungry and lose their SNAP benefits. I am grateful to Governor Hochul for her strong leadership and her principled commitment to making sure that every single New Yorker can put food on the table. It’s time for Republicans in Washington to do the same.”

State Senator Cordell Cleare said, “Over 3 million New Yorkers rely on SNAP including almost 1 million of our beloved Older New Yorkers. The program is a lifeline and provides a baseline of humanity and quality of life for those seeking just to simply provide for themselves and their family. It shocks the conscience that Trump and Congressional Republicans would hold families hostage like this, bulldozing the White House and plowing under the well-being of millions. I join the Governor in not only calling out the hypocrisy but in making certain that New York steps up to the plate and funds SNAP with state resources.”

State Senator Michelle Hinchey said, “Starting Saturday, the Trump administration will cut off SNAP benefits, leaving 3 million New Yorkers without enough to eat. SNAP is one of our country’s most effective anti-hunger programs, and taking it away is a cruel abdication of the federal government’s duty. We have to take every action to protect New Yorkers from the food insecurity created by the Trump administration, and I thank Governor Hochul for this new funding and support for food pantries, which will help us fight against this crisis.”

Assemblymember Rebecca A. Seawright said, “As Chair of the Assembly Committee on Aging, I applaud Governor Hochul for taking swift action to safeguard millions of New Yorkers from losing the food assistance they rely on. Older adults are among the most vulnerable to food insecurity, and the continued refusal of the federal government to release emergency SNAP funds is unconscionable. The Governor’s investment will strengthen our food banks and pantries, ensuring seniors and families can continue to access the nutrition they need to live with dignity. I stand with Governor Hochul in calling for the immediate release of federal contingency funding and for protecting the health and well-being of every New Yorker.”

New York Common Pantry Executive Director Stephen Grimaldi said, “The Government shutdown will have serious adverse effects for SNAP recipients on November 1st, impacting the working poor, elderly, children and the disabled. We’ve got to do better. The federal government must continue to provide SNAP funds to ensure people are fed or millions will flood food pantries and soup kitchens, overwhelming the emergency feeding network. We’ve just served the largest number of households coming for Pantry services in one day, in anticipation of the cuts.”

Food Bank For NYC CEO and President Leslie Gordon said, “Amid surging food insecurity rates, the Federal shutdown has created so much uncertainty and devastating long lasting impact for so many. We are incredibly grateful for the Governor’s leadership. Her support, along with that of the State government, allows us to continue to meet the growing need and serve every neighbor with dignity.”

Sharing Excess CEO Evan Ehlers said, “While we face a growing crisis of food access, the U.S. continues to waste nearly 40% of its food supply, throwing away ten times more food than we need to feed everyone. At Sharing Excess, we’re committed to redirecting that surplus to communities in need, and we’re thrilled to partner with Governor Kathy Hochul and r4 to make a meaningful difference for families across New York during a critical time of need.”

Criminal Justice, Governor Kathy Hochul, NYS Governor Kathy Hochul

NYS Governor Hochul Highlights Progress in Strengthening Law Enforcement Response to Domestic Violence

$1 Million Being Awarded to Providers To Continue Successful Community Prevention Coalitions Initiative First Launched in 2024

(Just imagine for a moment if MAGA Republican Lee Zeldin, now Trump’s EPA Administrator who is destroying the environment, dismantling environmental protection and climate action, had beaten Kathy Hochul for New York State Governor. Imagine if even a man in the role would be this aggressive in protecting women, families, reproductive health care and gender rights. Republicans make a campaign slogan of “law and order” and “crime fighting” but when it comes to actions, do nothing to promote safety or security where it matters – gun violence prevention, domestic violence, traffic enforcement —Karen Rubin, editor@news-photos-features.com, news-photos-features.com)

New York State Governor Kathy Hochul highlighted progress in strengthening the law enforcement response to domestic violence and better protecting survivors and families through significant improvements to training for police recruits and current law enforcement professionals. © Karen Rubin/news-photos-features.com

Governor Kathy Hochul highlighted progress in strengthening the law enforcement response to domestic violence and better protecting survivors and families through significant improvements to training for police recruits and current law enforcement professionals. Beginning January 1, 2026, all recruits must complete a new Domestic Incident Response section of the required Basic Course for Police Officers, a major step forward in how new officers are trained to respond to intimate partner and gender-based violence. In the past six months, nearly 1,000 professionals representing law enforcement agencies, district attorney offices, and probation departments in each of the 17 counties participating in STRIVE (Statewide Targeted Reductions in Intimate Partner Violence) have received training to implement trauma-informed, survivor-centered strategies.

“As the daughter of a domestic violence survivor, I know firsthand that the scars of domestic violence run deep; that’s why I’m committed to strengthening resources from law enforcement to support services so we can better protect survivors,” Governor Hochul said. “We’ve made significant progress — allocating record levels of funding for victim services and law enforcement, and empowering district attorneys to take on violent offenders — but our work is far from finished. I’ll never stop fighting to protect families and ensure every New Yorker is safe.” 

The 16-hour Domestic Incident Response curriculum incorporates the latest research and practices in domestic violence response. It emphasizes survivor-centered, culturally responsive, and trauma-informed policing, reflecting the principles that guide New York’s statewide approach to preventing and responding to domestic and gender-based violence. The curriculum also:

  • introduces lethality assessment training to help officers recognize indicators of escalating or potentially lethal violence;
  • features interactive exercises, decision-based exercises and reality-based scenarios that prepare recruits for the complex nature of domestic incident calls;
  • teaches trauma-informed interviewing techniques to help officers understand how trauma can affect survivors;
  • addresses technology-facilitated abuse, such as cyberstalking and GPS tracking; and
  • provides guidance on documenting and using digital evidence to strengthen investigations and prosecutions. 

Developed by the State Division of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS) in partnership with the state Office for the Prevention of Domestic Violence, the curriculum was approved by the State’s Municipal Police Training Council last month. Among other responsibilities, the Council sets basic training requirements for police, peace, and correction officers. The Basic Course for Police Officers consists of more than 700 hours of training on topics ranging from cultural diversity to crisis intervention, and recruits must successfully complete it within one year of appointment.

New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services Commissioner Rossana Rosado said, “The new Domestic Incident Response curriculum and our growing STRIVE initiative reflect a clear evolution in how New York approaches domestic violence. Under Governor Hochul’s leadership, we’re equipping officers with the tools to respond with empathy and awareness, and helping communities build survivor-centered systems that protect families and promote long-term change.”

New York State Office of Victim Services Director Bea Hanson said, “Our goal is to make sure everyone impacted by violence has access to the resources they need and deserve no matter who they reach out to for help. For survivors of domestic violence and intimate partner abuse who choose to report to law enforcement, we need to do everything we can to ensure that the criminal justice system has the training and resources needed to respond appropriately. This project is part of the Governor’s continued commitment to support the safety and healing of those impacted by domestic violence.”

New York State Office for the Prevention of Domestic Violence General Counsel Jara Traina said, “When survivors call the police for assistance during a domestic violence incident, they deserve a response that is survivor-centered and trauma-informed. Be it through programs like STRIVE, revamping trainings for law enforcement, or improvements to gun and discovery reform laws, Governor Hochul has made it clear that New York is committed to combating domestic violence and holding those who harm accountable. OPDV is proud to have taken the lead in writing and training first responders on this new curriculum. We are thankful for the Governor’s leadership, and for collaborations like this one with DCJS that further our mission.”

This updated training complements the STRIVE initiative, in which Governor Hochul has invested a record $20.2 million to improve how communities address domestic violence by fostering collaboration among police, prosecutors, probation departments, and service providers. In the last six months, nearly 1,000 professionals have been trained by subject-matter experts supported by more than $300,000 in STRIVE funding. That technical assistance training is ongoing, and DCJS field advisors are working directly with STRIVE-funded agencies and organizations to strengthen local implementation and build sustainable, coordinated community responses.

The Division of Criminal Justice Services provides critical support to all facets of the State’s criminal justice system, including but not limited to: training law enforcement and other criminal justice professionals; overseeing a law enforcement accreditation program; ensuring Breathalyzer and speed enforcement equipment used by local law enforcement operate correctly; managing criminal justice grant funding; analyzing statewide crime and program data; providing research support; overseeing county probation departments and alternatives to incarceration programs; and coordinating youth justice policy. Follow DCJS on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and X (formerly Twitter).

Anti-Trump Activism, Health Care, News & Photo Features, Womens Rights,, Freedom

New Lawsuit Demands Transparency in Trump-Vance Administration’s Efforts to Restrict Access to Critical Reproductive Health Care

“Hands Off” NYC March, April 25, 2025: Americans want reproductive rights; women want the freedom to access reproductive healthcare. Reproductive Freedom for All has filed a lawsuit seeking critical information and records from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the U.S. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) regarding the Trump-Vance administration’s efforts to restrict access to reproductive health care. © Karen Rubin/news-photos-features.com

Washington, D.C. – Reproductive Freedom for All has filed a lawsuit seeking critical information and records from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the U.S. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) regarding the Trump-Vance administration’s efforts to restrict access to reproductive health care. The lawsuit follows a series of requests for public information that remain unlawfully unfulfilled. Reproductive Freedom for All is represented by Democracy Forward in the matter.

The filing responds to increasing evidence that the administration is working behind closed doors to restrict access to medication abortion and undermine emergency health care protections for pregnant patients. The Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests demanded records related to political interference, agency leadership communications, and coordination with extreme anti-abortion groups.

“All evidence to date indicates that – as we feared – the Trump-Vance administration is working to undermine access to vital reproductive health care, even in circumstances in which a mother’s life is in danger,” said Skye Perryman, President and CEO of Democracy Forward. “The administration’s far-reaching new policies threaten public health, and yet so little is known about how they were formulated because they are hiding without accountability. The public has a right to know how these efforts to impose dangerous and politically motivated restrictions on reproductive health care are being implemented.”

“The Trump-Vance administration is using the FDA to push a backdoor abortion ban, and they don’t want Americans to know about it. They’re quietly working with anti-abortion extremists to undermine access to medication abortion and strip hospitals of their duty to provide lifesaving emergency abortion care,” said Mini Timmaraju, CEO and President of Reproductive Freedom for All. “We’re demanding answers because the American people deserve to know the truth.”

Reports indicate that the administration is considering a politically driven review of long-approved abortion medications and has rescinded CMS guidance clarifying hospitals’ obligations to provide emergency care under the Emergency Medical Treatment and Labor Act a federal law that requires hospitals to provide stabilizing treatment to anyone experiencing a medical emergency, even if this includes abortion care when necessary to save the patient’s life or prevent serious harm.

The FOIA requests seek communications from key political appointees, such as FDA Commissioner Marty Makary and CMS Administrator Mehmet Oz, regarding mifepristone, emergency care for pregnant patients, and interactions with outside groups like the National Right to Life Committee, Americans United for Life, and others.

(In a related development, Costco has is refusing to sell or stock the mifepristone abortion pill.) 

Though receipt of the FOIA requests was acknowledged by the agencies, they have not produced the requested documents in the time required by law. The lawsuit filed today asks for a court to help ensure that the public can hold health agency officials accountable for decisions that could limit access to abortion and life-saving emergency care.

The legal team working on the matter for Democracy Forward includes Daniel McGrath, Anisha N. Hindocha, and Robin Thurston.

Read the complaint here and the original FOIA requests here and here.

Governor Kathy Hochul, home ownership, Housing

NYS Governor Hochul Launches $215 Million Housing Acceleration Fund to Build Up to 1,800 New Homes Statewide

Governor Kathy Hochul announced the launch of the Housing Acceleration Fund, a $215 million first-of-its kind program to speed up construction of shovel-ready mixed-income residential projects across New York State. The program, part of Hochul’s commitment to attack the housing crisis,  is expected to generate $1 billion in housing investment and  incentivize construction of 1,800 new homes statewide © Karen Rubin/news-photos-features.com

Governor Kathy Hochul announced the launch of the Housing Acceleration Fund, a $215 million first-of-its kind program to speed up construction of shovel-ready mixed-income residential projects across New York State. One of the Governor’s key housing proposals from her 2025 State of the State, the Housing Acceleration Fund is part of her all-of-the-above approach to increasing housing supply to address acute housing needs, and accommodate job growth statewide. Too often, communities do not have tools to create mixed income rental housing, leaving many developments permit-ready, but unable to secure financing. New York’s Housing Acceleration Fund will help address this vital need and spur the development of new housing statewide. The fund is catalyzed by the Governor’s $100 million investment secured in the FY26 Enacted Budget and matched with $115 million from awarded participating lenders.

“To combat the housing crisis in New York, we’re leaving no stone unturned,” Governor Hochul said. “This new, innovative loan program is a powerful new tool to help jumpstart the construction of mixed-income housing in communities across the state. These new resources are just one more way for us to help build more housing opportunities for our families, seniors and young adults.”

The Housing Acceleration Fund awards announced today are expected to result in approximately 1,800 new homes statewide. The awardees are:

  • Community Preservation Corporation: $45.5 million
    • Merchants Bank: $42 million
    • Enterprise Community Partners: $7.5 million
    • Local Initiatives Support Corporation: $5 million

Half of the State’s $100 million investment is appropriated for projects within New York City and half is allocated to projects throughout the rest of the state. Awardees will provide $115 million in additional capital, bringing the total amount of funding for projects within New York City to $100 million and the amount for projects throughout the rest of the state to $115 million.

The Housing Acceleration Fund, administered by New York State Homes and Community Renewal (HCR), will provide low-cost, construction loans to fill financing gaps in the construction of mixed-income housing developments. The Fund is designed to utilize public capital to leverage private capital investment in mixed-income multifamily rental production. The Fund is estimated to generate upwards of $1 billion in new housing investment throughout New York State.

The revolving loan fund model complements other HCR programs to enhance housing production and will speed up production of new rental housing beyond reliance upon limited resources dedicated to the creation of 100 percent affordable housing such as tax-exempt bonds and low-income housing tax credits. The program is designed to self-sustain over time through loan repayments once projects convert to permanent financing once the project is complete. To learn more about the New York State Housing Acceleration Fund program, visit the HCR website.

New York State Homes and Community Renewal Commissioner RuthAnne Visnauskas said, “By partnering with these four lending institutions, we are injecting more than $200 million towards the creation of 1,800 new apartments for residents across the state. Other states have shown this innovative, self-sustaining loan model can fill funding gaps that may be the difference between new housing being built or never getting off the ground, and we’re thrilled to bring this important tool to New York. We once again applaud Governor Hochul for her efforts to boost the supply of housing across the state, and we thank our partners for sharing our commitment to creating affordable, modern housing in all our communities.”

“I applaud Governor Hochul and Commissioner Visnauskas for continuing to advance an ambitious housing agenda that puts the needs of New York’s communities at the forefront,” The Community Preservation Corporation CEO Rafael E. Cestero said. “At a time when cities large and small are facing challenges of housing affordability and supply, this Administration has given us a tool that drives critical investment in housing and will speed the development of new projects across the state. My thanks to the Governor and her team at HCR for their continued partnership. We stand ready to put this funding to work alongside our capital to get shovels in the ground and provide new housing opportunities to all New Yorkers.”

Merchants Capital Vice Chairman of Agency Lending Mathew Wambua said,“Merchants Capital is honored to be selected to participate in the HCR Housing Acceleration Fund Program and thrilled to deepen our partnership with HCR and our clients in this important initiative. This program represents a powerful opportunity to accelerate the development of shovel-ready affordable housing projects across New York City and New York State. By leveraging these low-cost loans, we can help bring much-needed housing to communities throughout the region—ensuring more New Yorkers have access to safe, stable and affordable homes.”

“Enterprise Community Partners is honored to partner with New York State’s Homes and Community Renewal through its Housing Acceleration Fund.,” Enterprise’s Capital Division President Lori Chatman said. “This innovative program reflects our shared vision of making home and community places of pride, power, and belonging. By combining public resources with mission-driven capital, we can move shovel-ready, mixed-income housing projects forward faster — closing critical financing gaps and delivering the affordable homes New Yorkers urgently need.”

LISC NY Senior Executive Director Valerie White said, “We thank Governor Kathy Hochul and New York State Homes and Community Renewal for their leadership and partnership in creating the Housing Acceleration Fund and moving swiftly to bring it to fruition. LISC NY is proud to work with the State to deliver critical resources that help communities develop mixed-income housing and move more projects from vision to reality. This $5 million investment from HCR, alongside LISC NY’s own $25 million commitment, will empower affordable housing developers to overcome predevelopment barriers, strengthen housing pipelines, and deliver the quality, affordable homes New Yorkers urgently need.”

State Senator Rachel May said, “The Housing Acceleration Fund is a smart, targeted investment in New York’s future. Communities across the state want to build more housing, but too often good projects are held back by gaps in financing. This program helps get good projects off the ground, including mixed-income housing that supports the workforce and strengthens neighborhoods. In Syracuse and across Central New York, the need for new, affordable, and energy-efficient housing is especially acute, and the State’s investment will help meet that demand while creating more vibrant, inclusive communities.”

Assemblymember Linda B. Rosenthal said, “The Housing Acceleration Fund is a welcome tool to help ease the housing crisis facing New York State. Communities around the state are grappling with rising construction costs and would welcome new rental housing, but lack the financing to get the job done. With Governor Hochul’s welcome announcement of a $215 million investment from the state, we can jumpstart construction on these projects and continue our work toward ensuring that every New Yorker has a safe, affordable place to call home.”

Assemblymember Micah Lasher said, “It is outstanding that Governor Hochul and HCR are announcing a major public revolving loan fund for affordable housing. I was proud to introduce legislation at the beginning of the year with Senator May to create this kind of fund, and Governor Hochul and her team have done it even bigger and better. By leveraging public dollars to unlock private investment, this fund will create thousands of new homes and generate over a billion dollars in housing development across the State. When we think creatively to solve our housing crisis, we can deliver real results for New Yorkers.”

Governor Hochul’s Housing Agenda

Governor Hochul is dedicated to addressing New York’s housing crisis and making the State more affordable and more livable for all New Yorkers. As part of the FY25 Enacted Budget, the Governor secured a landmark agreement to increase New York’s housing supply through new tax incentives, capital funding, and new protections for renters and homeowners. Building on this commitment, the FY26 Enacted Budget includes more than $1.5 billion in new State funding for housing, a Housing Access Voucher pilot program, and new policies to improve affordability for tenants and homebuyers. These measures complement the Governor’s five-year, $25 billion Housing Plan, included in the FY23 Enacted Budget, to create or preserve 100,000 affordable homes statewide, including 10,000 with support services for vulnerable populations, plus the electrification of an additional 50,000 homes. More than 68,000 homes have been created or preserved to date.

The FY25 and FY26 Enacted Budgets also strengthened the Governor’s Pro-Housing Community Program — which allows certified localities exclusive access to up to $750 million in discretionary State funding. Currently, more than 370 communities have received Pro-Housing certification.

Governor Kathy Hochul

NYS Governor Hochul Steps in to Protect Critical Healthcare Provided by Planned Parenthood, Emergency Food Relief in Face of Federal Cuts

NYS Governor Kathy Hochul announced that New York State will protect access to reproductive health care services despite Washington Republicans’ targeted attacks against Planned Parenthood health centers and the services they provide, as well as provide funding to local food banks with the cuts to SNAP © Karen Rubin/news-photos-features.com

Governor Kathy Hochul announced that New York State will protect access to reproductive health care services despite Washington Republicans’ targeted attacks against Planned Parenthood health centers and the services they provide. Earlier this year, Congressional Republicans voted to end Medicaid patients’ ability to seek care at Planned Parenthood, threatening Planned Parenthood’s ability to operate in New York and compromising New Yorkers’ access to health care services, including contraception, abortion, STI and HIV prevention, prenatal and menopausal care, mental health services, and preventive care like wellness visits and cancer screenings.

”Washington Republicans have shown time and again that they’ll stop at nothing to undermine women’s health care and restrict access to reproductive rights,” Governor Hochul said.“In the face of Congressional Republicans voting to defund Planned Parenthood, I’ve directed the state to fund these vital services, protecting access to health care that thousands of New Yorkers rely on. I will always stand up for reproductive rights and the health care that New Yorkers deserve.”

Planned Parenthood is the leading provider of sexual and reproductive health services in New York State via five affiliate organizations, including Planned Parenthood of Greater New York, Planned Parenthood Hudson Peconic, Planned Parenthood of Central and Western New York, Planned Parenthood of the North Country New York, and Upper Hudson Planned Parenthood. This network of affiliates currently operates 47 health centers that serve over 200,000 patients each year. This includes 100,000 Medicaid patients, totaling over $35 million in annual Gross Medicaid revenue.

Over 60 percent of Planned Parenthood health centers are in rural or medically underserved areas, and these centers are often the only option available to New Yorkers living in these rural areas. They are a critical source of affordable health care to Medicaid and non-Medicaid recipients.

What Washington Republicans Voted To Do:

  • H.R. 1, enacted into law on July 4, includes a one-year prohibition on federal Medicaid funding for organizations that provide abortions and that received $800,000 or more in federal Medicaid funds in 2023.
    • H.R. 1 classified these organizations as “prohibited entities.” Planned Parenthood’s five affiliates in New York are the only providers in the state that meet the definition of a “prohibited entity.”
    • Prior to the passage of H.R. 1, Medicaid claims submitted by Planned Parenthood were reimbursed with a combination of federal and State dollars, though no federal dollars are used to reimburse abortion services.
    • Now that they are deemed a “prohibited entity” under H.R. 1, Planned Parenthood is no longer eligible to receive federal Medicaid funds for any of the services they provide.

Governor Hochul is protecting access to reproductive health care for all New Yorkers by allocating state funds to cover lost federal funding to Planned Parenthood affiliates in New York.

Governor Hochul continues to reaffirm her commitment to keeping reproductive resources safe and accessible in New York State. The Governor has made historic investments to expand reproductive freedom for New Yorkers, including increasing funding for abortion care providers, signing legislation to protect New York doctors and securing $25 million annually to fund abortion health care services through the New York State Abortion Access Program.

Additional guidance for providers can be found here on the Department of Health website on the “Medicaid Guidance to New York State Planned Parenthood Providers and Payors” page.

Hochul Sends $11 Million to Support Local Emergency Food Relief

 Governor Kathy Hochul announced more than $11 million to support emergency food relief for New Yorkers in need. More than $5 million in Local Emergency Food Relief Equipment grants were awarded to nearly 100 not-for-profit organizations, including food pantries, soup kitchens, and other programs dedicated to assisting New Yorkers experiencing food insecurity across the state. In addition, more than $6 million will support a renewed partnership with Feeding New York State and the 10 regional food banks by funding critical staffing and essential operations at food banks and their local partners statewide. This action comes at a time when the Trump Administration refuses to ensure the nearly 3 million New Yorkers who rely on SNAP will have access to their benefits next month.

 “While the Trump administration continues to starve federal food assistance programs of funding, New York State is investing directly in local organizations that feed New Yorkers who are struggling with skyrocketing food prices,” Governor Hochul said. “With more than three million New Yorkers experiencing food insecurity, including more than 750,000 children under the age of 18, we are making investments in community-based food relief organizations to fight hunger and complement our wide-ranging affordability efforts.”

 A total of 97 Local Emergency Food Relief Equipment grants, ranging from $1,200 to $100,000, will help organizations purchase emergency generators and equipment used for cooling and transporting donated food, and expand the quantity and type of food emergency food relief organizations can provide to New Yorkers in need. The grant program is administered by the Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) as part of an ongoing commitment to properly manage wasted food, prevent food from needlessly being thrown away, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, feed hungry New Yorkers and engage with communities across the state.

With funding provided by the State’s Environmental Protection Fund (EPF), DEC has awarded millions to 145 emergency food relief organizations since the program was first created in 2018 to assist with the purchase of equipment used for the cooling and transportation of donated food to New Yorkers in need.

DEC is also renewing its nation-leading partnership with Feeding New York State and the 10 regional food banks as part of the ongoing implementation of the New York State Food Donation and Food Scraps Recycling Law. DEC is providing more than $6 million to Feeding New York State to support the ongoing deployment of staff to grocery stores, supercenters, restaurants and other food service and food retail businesses to enhance donation activities. Funding will also be used to purchase essential equipment and supplies that support food recovery efforts at food banks and their local partners and hire additional staff at food banks. It will also enhance the Venison Donation program that supports additional processing of high-quality venison. DEC has provided $10.8 million to Feeding New York State and the 10 regional food banks through the EPF since 2018.

Governor Hochul today penned a letter to U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins calling on the USDA to take immediate action to ensure SNAP recipients receive their November benefits. As the shutdown continues, come November 1, millions of New Yorkers will lose access to the nutrition assistance they need to feed themselves and their households — and our economy will be hurt as businesses throughout the food supply chain, including farmers and small businesses, feel the residual effects. Governor Hochul is calling on Secretary Rollins to use her power to fund SNAP and prevent a public health crisis.

“As the GOP government shutdown continues, thousands of New Yorkers are at risk of losing their SNAP benefits come November 1,” Governor Hochul said. “I am calling on the Trump administration to guarantee these essential funds so that New Yorkers can continue to put food on the table, and I urge Washington Republicans — including the seven from New York — to actually stand up for their constituents, come to the negotiating table and end this uncertainty and chaos.”

The Governor’s letter comes as SNAP access has already been attacked by the Big Ugly bill, which is anticipated to strip over 300,000 New York households of their SNAP benefits.

Elections, GOP Watch, News & Photo Features

Nassau Good Government Group Calls Out Blakeman for Campaign Lies Triggering Rape Victims’ Trauma

jody Kass, founder of Nassau Residents for Good Government (NRGG); Claudia Borecky,South Shore Women’s Alliance; Janet Goldstein, Moms Demand Action; Ronni Levine, Planned Parenthood; and Lisa Saltzman, Criminal Defense Attorney speak out against County Executive Bruce Blakeman’s false attacks on opponent, Democrat Seth Koslow, and speak up for protecting women and families from violence and abuse © Karen Rubin/news-photos-features.com

By Karen Rubin, editor@news-photos-features.com, news-photos-features.com

The question is whether Nassau County residents will let Bruce Blakeman, seeking reelection as County Executive, get away with his malicious lies that exploit and traumatize rape victims, while at the same time, hiding his accountability for shutting down the one safe haven for victims of rape, domestic violence and abuse available to them.

Republicans from the highest office (Trump) down to the lowest local politician have made lying the key weapon in well-funded campaigns. This is the latest and most egregious.

Using a law review article written by his opponent, Nassau Legislator Seth Koslow, as a law student (when they are being taught to defend both sides of a legal case), Blakeman accuses Koslow in his campaign flyers and commercials of being “an extremist” who supports rapists instead of their victims and won’t keep women safe. (Koslow went on to become a Queens prosecutor prosecuting family law cases.)

The mailers have triggered trauma of survivors of rape and domestic violence even decades after.

Yet it is months since Blakeman’s withdrew funding for the Safe Center (formerly the Coalition Against Domestic Violence and Child Abuse), which provided the only safe haven for victims of domestic abuse in a county of 1.4 million people, forcing the service to close. At the time, Blakeman claimed to have another vendor (or the Nassau University Medical Center which was embroiled in financial scandal) to operate the shelter. But no new operator was contracted and without funding, the shelter was forced to close.

In 2023, the last year for which statistics were publicly available, Nassau County had 4,410 victims of domestic violence, according to the state’s Division of Criminal Justice Service, Newsday reported

Nassau Residents for Good Government (NRGG) holds rally on the steps of the County Executive Building demanding Bruce Blakeman stop fear-mongering that triggers rape victims’ trauma and run on his record that includes shutting down the county’s only shelter for abused women © Karen Rubin/news-photos-features.com

Blakeman acknowledges in the mailers’ fine print that the damning accusations he levels against his opponent, Democrat Seth Koslow, are based on a law review article written while he in law school, where students are taught to defend both sides of a legal case.

“Americans are sick of politicians’ lies and distortions,” declared Jody Kass, founder of Nassau Residents for Good Government (NRGG), at a rally on the steps of the County Executive Building. “The insensitive, graphic mailers are triggering rape victims.”

She accused Blakeman of misogyny in trying to score political points by exploiting victims, while trying to hide away from his own actions which put women at risk of rape, abuse, even death.

“Blakeman’s disgraceful campaign lies are compounded by his actions that resulted in the shutting down of the Safe Center, Nassau’s only agency for domestic violence and sexual assault victims, earlier this year. And, his 2026 budget has zero funding for the Safe Center. Are Blakeman’s lies about his opponent intended to keep voters’ eyes off his own record of cutting services for rape victims, and victims of domestic violence? Voters demand transparency and honesty, not performative outrage coupled with a failure to act.”

Ronni Levine of Planned Parenthood describes the impact of shutting down the Safe Center, Nassau County’s only agency for domestic violence and sexual assault victims © Karen Rubin/news-photos-features.com

Ronni Levine of Planned Parenthood Greater New York, who had worked with countless individuals seeking counseling and safety, said New Yorkers want to elect local and state representatives who are committed to protecting reproductive rights. But certain politicians are going after abortion rights, contraception and gender affirming care, cutting off grants that are creating unprecedented financial challenges, harming the ability to access care, and pushing policies that threaten bodily autonomy.

Planned Parenthood NY PAC, which endorses candidates that support reproductive freedom and health care, endorsed Koslow.

Blakeman also opposed Governor Kathy Hochul’s effort to restore gun safety legislation after the Supreme Court overturned the state’s century-old gun control regulations. At the time, Blakeman cheered the ruling, declared he wanted to expedite licensing and enable people to bring their guns into their synagogue.

Janet Goldstein of the Moms Demand Action’s Long Island group, said that gun violence is a women’s issue.

She referred to Everytown research showing that abusers with firearms are five times more likely to kill their female victims, and guns further exacerbate the power and control dynamic commonly used by abusers to inflict emotional abuse and exert coercive control over their victims. Every month, more than 70 women are shot and killed by an intimate partner. Nearly 6 million women reported having a gun used on them by an intimate partner. In 46 percent of mass shootings between 2015 and 2022, the perpetrator shot a current or former intimate partner or family member as part of the rampage. The ripple effects of firearms in the hands of an abuser extend far beyond the intimate relationship—affecting children who witness or live with it and the family members, coworkers, and law enforcement officers who respond to it.

Janet Goldstein of Moms Demand Action: “Guns don’t just escalate the abuse, they make domestic abuse more likely to end in death. We need to fight for stronger laws. Instead of keeping people safe, Blakeman is exploiting the pain and trauma of domestic violence for political gain.” © Karen Rubin/news-photos-features.com 

“Guns don’t just escalate the abuse, they make domestic abuse more likely to end in death,” Goldstein said. “The trauma of domestic abuse lasts a lifetime. We need to fight for stronger laws. Instead of keeping people safe, Blakeman is exploiting the pain and trauma of domestic violence for political gain.”

A young woman recalled her own trauma of having been raped in Central Park when she was 14 years old. “It is still hard to say ‘rape,’  ‘sexual assault takes away some of the sting, but rape is true violence.” She said she was re-traumatized by Blakeman’s flyers coming into her mailbox and his commercials.

“Leaders are supposed to look out for all of us. We had a place where we could go for counseling, it even had a safe house. When I was raped, I didn’t have a safe center to go to – I was alone at a public health clinic in Jamaica Queens. I was re-traumatized by the mailings. I am tired of women and girls made to feel ‘less than’, exploited and victimized. We deserve more from our leaders.”

Lisa Saltzman, a criminal defense attorney who has represented “too many” victims, said the Safe Center was the “gold standard” to refer for services and safety. “Many survivors have to leave behind their home, their income, sometimes even their children. The Safe Center was a lifeline to regain their freedom and dignity, where they could get counseling, housing, employment, without living in fear of being raped, abused, even killed.”

“When the county supported the center, it was saying ‘You deserve to be safe, heard, free of violence at the hand of your abuser.’ By closing the center, Blakeman is saying, ‘No you don’t.’ Blakeman doesn’t care about women in Nassau County at risk of rape or being killed by their abuser,” Saltzman said.

Jody Kass, founder of Nassau Residents for Good Government (NRGG), and criminal defense attorney Lisa Saltzmanhold up a sampling of Bruce Blakeman’s campaign mailings that accuse his opponent, Democrat Seth Koslow of protecting rapists instead of their victims © Karen Rubin/news-photos-features.com

“Stop lying and accusing your political opponent of not protecting women when that is what he is doing.” These lies are offensive and should be illegal.

Kass has been tracking and exposing Blakeman’s lies on the “Deceived Nation” website (DeceivedNation.com). “Blakeman’s lies cause damage, pain and suffering every day.”

But she said there is a through-line from Blakeman’s lies to George Santos, who committed fraud and lied his way to a Congressional seat in New York’s 3rd District. Kass’ group, Concerned Citizens of NY03, was largely responsible for Santos ultimately being expelled from Congress, though Republicans held on to him as long as possible because he provided a critical vote. Santos was indicted, prosecuted, and finally sentenced (after pleading guilty) to 7 ¼ years, but Trump has just commuted his sentence (and his obligation to pay his victims $350,000 in restitution) after just 84 days in a cushy prison.

“It didn’t stop with Santos!” NRGG accuses Republicans of making lying a key weapon in their political arsenal and have attempted to fight back by expousing the lies on DeceivedNation.com © Karen Rubin/news-photos-features.com

“In Trump’s MAGA Republican party, lying is good, is encouraged, applauded and rewarded. Santos lied and was rewarded with a seat in Congress. Caught lying, the GOP kept him.”

“Blakeman also has serious challenges with the truth,” Kass said.”He’s served as County Executive for nearly four years, having campaigned on fixing the County’s broken tax assessment system, cutting $100 million in taxes, opposing the red light camera fees and protecting our constitutional rights, particularly on healthcare decisions, among other objectives,” Kass declared.

“Blakeman has cut services for women and brought nasty, partisan, misogynistic lies to Nassau, but has he achieved any of his campaign promises? Blakeman owes voters an honest and transparent report on his accomplishments. Instead of violating voters’ mailboxes nearly every day with his litany of dark and dishonest accusations and distortions about his opponent, it’s time for Blakeman to start explaining what he’s accomplished these last four years. 

“Blakeman is lying to get reelected. He is the one taking away women’s protection.”

See also:

Bruce Blakeman gets mixed reviews halfway into Nassau County executive term

The Safe Center LI, main nonprofit for Nassau domestic violence victims, may close without successor, director says

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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 editor@news-photos-features.com.Blogging at www.dailykos.com/blogs/NewsPhotosFeatures

Governor Kathy Hochul, Health Care, News & Photo Features, NYS Governor Kathy Hochul, Obamacare

Hochul Slams Washington Republicans for Spiking Healthcare Costs for New Yorkers

Costs Rise nearly 40% for 140,000 New Yorkers

Impacted New Yorkers Are Now Receiving Notices About Rising Premiums

Skyrocketing Costs for New Yorkers Who Rely on Affordable Care Act Enhanced Premium Tax Credits

Average Annual Increase of Nearly $1,400 for Individuals and $3,000 for Couples

Governor Kathy Hochul at Northwell Health, Long Island. The governor slammed Washington Republicans for sending health care costs skyrocketing for 140,000 New Yorkers. © Karen Rubin/news-photos-features.com

Governor Kathy Hochul today slammed Washington Republicans for sending health care costs skyrocketing for 140,000 New Yorkers. As the GOP refuses to extend the existing enhanced premium tax credits, New Yorkers who rely on the ACA subsidies for affordable, quality coverage are now being notified that their health insurance premiums will increase by an average of 38 percent next year – an average annual increase of nearly $1,400 for individuals and $3,000 for couples. This news comes as New Yorkers are preparing for open enrollment, set to begin November 1.

“Republicans in Washington have made it clear – they don’t care about New Yorkers’ health care,” Governor Hochul said. “It’s shameful. By refusing to extend the Affordable Care Act tax credits, they are turning their backs on their constituents and ripping away access to affordable, quality health care. Republicans in Congress need to do the right thing and extend these credits that make health insurance for New Yorkers more affordable.”

Given the magnitude of federal funding reductions enacted under H.R.1, which are now compounded by the GOP shutdown and the expiration of the enhanced premium tax credits, no single state, including New York, will be able to provide funding to offset these losses.

The Governor is calling for Congressional Republicans to make the right choice and extend Enhanced Premium Tax Credits that help make insurance more affordable for New Yorkers.

Regional Breakdown of Increased Monthly Health Care Costs:

RegionAverage Monthly Cost Increase For a Couple ($)Average Monthly Cost Increase For a Couple (%)
New York City$21138%
Mid-Hudson$20631%
Long Island$21932%
Capital Region$23133%
Western New York$26738%
Central New York$25643%
Finger Lakes$24842%
Mohawk Valley$27049%
Southern Tier$26548%
North Country$25344%
Statewide$22838%

New York State Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald said,“I thank Governor Hochul for standing up for New Yorkers who rely on the Affordable Care Act’s enhanced premium tax credits to keep their health care costs affordable. These are hardworking everyday people who deserve affordable health insurance. The start of the open enrollment period is fast approaching and without immediate action at the federal level, the threat of increased premiums is quickly becoming a reality. Allowing these enhanced premium tax credits to expire will be devastating for hardworking New Yorkers who will be forced to choose between paying for food, rent or paying for the health care they need to survive.”

Anti-Trump Activism, News & Photo Features

Photo Highlights: 350,000 Turn Out for NYC’s ‘No Kings’ Protest

Some 350,000 New Yorkers turned out for the No Kings protest, one of 2,700 across the country that collectively drew 7 million people, making it the largest protest in history © Karen Rubin/news-photos-features.com

By Karen Rubin, editor@news-photos-features.com, news-photos-features.com

New York City, one of several anchor protests among some 2700 “No Kings” protests and rallies nationwide, drew an estimated 350,000, stretching three miles down 7th Avenue. In all, some 7 million participated in what is considered the largest peacetime protest against a sitting president in history.

They represented the diversity of everyday New Yorkers and carried signs declaring they are taking back the inalienable rights of Americans. Signs mocked Trump, the Trump Administration and MAGA Republicans who tried to brand the protesters as “un-American,”, “unpatriotic” and “antifa” (“Aunt Tifa says No Kings”) with a broad coalition standing perhaps for different interests (science, public education, women’s rights, immigrant rights, due process and law and order, climate and the environment) but all with the same message: they are proudly anti-Fascist, just like 1776 and 1941 and want to reclaim democracy, inalienable rights, the rule of law, “We the People” and “Justice for All.”

Let the people and the signs speak for themselves:

No Kings Protest, NYC, Oct. 18, 2025 © Karen Rubin/news-photos-features.com
No Kings Protest, NYC, Oct. 18, 2025 © Karen Rubin/news-photos-features.com
No Kings Protest, NYC, Oct. 18, 2025 © Karen Rubin/news-photos-features.com
No Kings Protest, NYC, Oct. 18, 2025 © Karen Rubin/news-photos-features.com
No Kings Protest, NYC, Oct. 18, 2025 © Karen Rubin/news-photos-features.com
No Kings Protest, NYC, Oct. 18, 2025 © Karen Rubin/news-photos-features.com
No Kings Protest, NYC, Oct. 18, 2025 © Karen Rubin/news-photos-features.com
No Kings Protest, NYC, Oct. 18, 2025 © Karen Rubin/news-photos-features.com
No Kings Protest, NYC, Oct. 18, 2025 © Karen Rubin/news-photos-features.com
No Kings Protest, NYC, Oct. 18, 2025 © Karen Rubin/news-photos-features.com
No Kings Protest, NYC, Oct. 18, 2025 © Karen Rubin/news-photos-features.com
No Kings Protest, NYC, Oct. 18, 2025 © Karen Rubin/news-photos-features.com
No Kings Protest, NYC, Oct. 18, 2025 © Karen Rubin/news-photos-features.com
No Kings Protest, NYC, Oct. 18, 2025 © Karen Rubin/news-photos-features.com
No Kings Protest, NYC, Oct. 18, 2025 © Karen Rubin/news-photos-features.com
No Kings Protest, NYC, Oct. 18, 2025 © Karen Rubin/news-photos-features.com
No Kings Protest, NYC, Oct. 18, 2025 © Karen Rubin/news-photos-features.com
No Kings Protest, NYC, Oct. 18, 2025 © Karen Rubin/news-photos-features.com
No Kings Protest, NYC, Oct. 18, 2025 © Karen Rubin/news-photos-features.com
“They Want 1939 Germany. They’ll Get 1789 France.” No Kings Protest, NYC, Oct. 18, 2025 © Karen Rubin/news-photos-features.com
No Kings Protest, NYC, Oct. 18, 2025 © Karen Rubin/news-photos-features.com
No Kings Protest, NYC, Oct. 18, 2025 © Karen Rubin/news-photos-features.com
No Kings Protest, NYC, Oct. 18, 2025 © Karen Rubin/news-photos-features.com
No Kings Protest, NYC, Oct. 18, 2025 © Karen Rubin/news-photos-features.com
No Kings Protest, NYC, Oct. 18, 2025 © Karen Rubin/news-photos-features.com
No Kings Protest, NYC, Oct. 18, 2025 © Karen Rubin/news-photos-features.com
“The Shady Bunch.” No Kings Protest, NYC, Oct. 18, 2025 © Karen Rubin/news-photos-features.com
Illegal Aliens. No Kings Protest, NYC, Oct. 18, 2025 © Karen Rubin/news-photos-features.com
No Kings Protest, NYC, Oct. 18, 2025 © Karen Rubin/news-photos-features.com
No Kings Protest, NYC, Oct. 18, 2025 © Karen Rubin/news-photos-features.com
No Kings Protest, NYC, Oct. 18, 2025 © Karen Rubin/news-photos-features.com
No Kings Protest, NYC, Oct. 18, 2025 © Karen Rubin/news-photos-features.com
No Kings Protest, NYC, Oct. 18, 2025 © 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 editor@news-photos-features.com.Blogging at www.dailykos.com/blogs/NewsPhotosFeatures

Anti-Trump Activism, Civil Rights, Constitution, Democracy, Donald Trump, News & Photo Features

350,000 at New York ‘No Kings’ Protest Send Resounding Message: ‘Make America America Again’

Record 7 Million Turn Out for 2,700 “No Kings” Protests Nationwide

Some 350,000 New Yorkers turned out for the No Kings protest, one of 2,700 across the country that collectively drew 7 million people, making it the largest peacetime protest in history © Karen Rubin/news-photos-features.com

By Karen Rubin, editor@news-photos-features.com, news-photos-features.com

New York City, one of several anchor protests among some 2700 “No Kings” protests and rallies nationwide, drew an estimated 350,000, stretching three miles down 7th Avenue. In all, some 7 million participated in what is considered the largest peacetime protest against a sitting president in history.

They represented the diversity of everyday New Yorkers and carried signs declaring they are taking back the inalienable rights of Americans. Signs mocked Trump, the Trump Administration and MAGA Republicans who tried to brand the protesters as “un-American,”, “unpatriotic” and “antifa” (“Aunt Tifa says No Kings”) with a broad coalition standing perhaps for different interests (science, public education, women’s rights, immigrant rights, due process and law and order, climate and the environment) but all with the same message: they are proudly anti-Fascist, just like 1776 and 1941 and want to reclaim democracy, inalienable rights, the rule of law, “We the People” and “Justice for All.”

Activist Maya Wiley and Congresswoman Nydia Velázquez (D-NY) were among the leaders of New York’s “No Kings” protest march © Karen Rubin/news-photos-features.com

They were reacting to armed military in the streets and descending from Blackhawk helicopters in the night; individuals snatched up by masked men wielding assault weapons without warrants but based on what they looked like, wore or where they lived or worked; children as young as six handcuffed and taken or left alone on the street; protesters gassed and violently assaulted for exercising their freedoms. They were reacting to billions of dollars and tens of thousands of federal workers slashed from healthcare, public education, research, environment and infrastructure to give billionaires tax credits and fund the emerging police/military state.  They were reacting to malicious prosecutions of political opponents, charges against fund-raising groups of financing terrorism, labeling Democrats, liberals and progressives as “terrorists.” They were standing up to protect their “inalienable rights” of free speech, free press, to protest and assemble, and most significantly, the right to vote. They were standing up for “We the People” and “justice for all” just as the founding documents promised.

“Same Hate…Different Hat.” No Kings Protest, NYC, Oct. 18, 2025 © Karen Rubin/news-photos-features.com

What was striking is that these were ordinary, everyday people. Families with their young children, young, middle-aged and old, every race and ethnicity.

No Kings protesters reflected the entire spectrum of New York’s diversity © Karen Rubin/news-photos-features.com

There was good cheer, good humor, clever signs and costumes! Many reflected the desire for America to return to a place of kindness, compassion, empathy (“Make America America Again”) and the marchers manifested that with their own kindness, civility, compassion for each other.

“Make America America Again.” No Kings Protest, NYC, Oct. 18, 2025 © Karen Rubin/news-photos-features.com

Meanwhile (as MSNBC reported), it was “business as usual” for Trump –  going to his Mar-a-Lago estate (where he illegally stored stolen classified documents), fundraising and playing golf, as he reveled in the hardship, suffering of others by keeping the government shut down and uses it as an opportunity to attack Democrats and kill “Democrat programs” – you know, things like healthcare, public education, clean energy, violence prevention, counter-terrorism, cancer research, climate change mitigation and disaster aid.

“Preserve, Protect, Defend the Constitution.” No Kings Protest, NYC, Oct. 18, 2025 © Karen Rubin/news-photos-features.com

Trump is also cutting billions of dollars in previously allocated funding for infrastructure projects in Blue states and cities (including the $18 billion Hudson Gateway Tunnel) and on Friday, cancelled $11 billion more projects in New York City, Baltimore, San Francisco and Boston, prompting many in the Blue “donor” states (which send more tax dollars to Washington than they get back in federal funding) to start talking about withholding federal tax money, since Trump is weaponizing Democrats’ tax money against them. (His attempt to withhold funding for counter-terrorism in NYC was stalled by a court but Trump feels he has an ace in the hole with his Imperial Supremes.)

“Restore Empathy, Decency, Accountability, Rule of Law.” No Kings Protest, NYC, Oct. 18, 2025 © Karen Rubin/news-photos-features.com

There was also a sense of urgency to take back rule of law, due process, and democracy before they are lost altogether. People worry that Trump is already rigging the midterms and will only build on what he tried to do on January 6, 2021 to keep power (why else is he building a $250 million ballroom at the White House,  paving over the Rose Garden, building arches in Washington DC, and spending $1 billion to retrofit the Qatari Air Force 1?). But there is also the urgency of now because so much of the damage has already been done – to our world standing, to our economic power, to peoples’ livelihoods and lives, to our leadership in technology and innovation as the US faces the kind of brain drain that Germany experienced with the rise of Nazism.

“No Dictators. No Kings. No Cruelty.” No Kings Protest, NYC, Oct. 18, 2025 © Karen Rubin/news-photos-features.com

As if to prove the point, Trump put an exclamation mark on it by his latest demonstration of pardoning criminals who support him and prosecuting and persecuting anyone who opposes him, criticizes him, or dares to prosecute his criminality and abuse of power. He had just freed the fraudster George Santos (forgiving the $350,000 in restitution Santos owed his victims) and bombed yet another vessel in Caribbean waters, continuing to extra-judicially assassinate people he claims are “narco-terrorists” without evidence, yet sent back two survivors to their home countries (so not really drug traffickers?), and gleefully declares that fishermen are now too afraid to put their boats in the water. And as his tariffs bankrupt American soybean farmers and his Big Beautiful cuts to healthcare cause health insurance premiums to double and triple, causing millions to lose their healthcare altogether, he is doling out $40 billion to Argentina to prop up its corrupt president, spending $172 million on private luxury jets for Kristi Noem, and millions to gild the White House and hold a vanity military parade.

No Kings Protest, NYC, Oct. 18, 2025 © Karen Rubin/news-photos-features.com

Americans are worried that Trump’s militarization of the streets is aimed at provoking violent response to give him the excuse he craves to invoke the Insurrection Act and unleash martial law to intimidate people from going to the polls in the midterms so that Republicans keep control of the House and Senate. Actor and activist Robert DeNiro, a major supporter of the No Kings protest, said on MSNBC these massive No Kings protests, showing solidarity and community, are meant to make people feel comfortable, empowered and determined to exercise their right to vote.

“They Want 1939 Germany. They’ll Get 1789 France.” No Kings Protest, NYC, Oct. 18, 2025 © Karen Rubin/news-photos-features.com

The question remains what Trump’s enablers, the Congressional Republicans, see. Do they even care about voters or do they have confidence the elections are sufficiently rigged? They clearly don’t care about their constituents who are suffering because of their complicity in Trump’s unconstitutional abuse of power, from his illegal tariffs that are tanking the economy and inflating prices, to sending military to fire upon Americans in their communities, to firing federal workers, to cancelling billions of dollars of their own Congressionally appropriated funding to Democratic states, cities and universities, to his rampant, corrupt pay-to-play deal making, to the malicious, vindictive prosecution of his enemies, obstruction of justice and evisceration of due process and the rule of law.

No Kings Protest, NYC, Oct. 18, 2025 © Karen Rubin/news-photos-features.com

We know what the dictator wannabe Trump sees. He proudly posted images of himself and Vance wearing crowns and Jeffries and Schumer wearing sombreros (which should show Latinos who elected him in 2024 how he disrespects them), and when the New York Times asked for his comment, White House spokesman Abigail Jackson responded in an email, “Who cares.”

“Our Streets Are Not Your War Zones.” No Kings Protest, NYC, Oct. 18, 2025 © Karen Rubin/news-photos-features.com

That’s the statement of someone who doesn’t care about votes, or elections, or courts because he believes he is all-powerful. It’s the “Whadya gonna do ‘bout it” principle of governance. As he told Christians in the 2024 campaign just vote for him once more and “you don’t have to vote again. We’ll have it fixed so good, you’re not gonna have to vote” and warmly embraced Chief Justice Roberts at the State of the Union, telling him “I won’t forget.”  

Trump’s authoritarianism should come as no surprise, though. In the 2024 campaign, Trump said he wanted to tear up the Constitution and be a dictator on Day 1.

No Kings Protest, NYC, Oct. 18, 2025 © Karen Rubin/news-photos-features.com

Trump and the MAGA Republicans have demonstrated that their interest is ruling, not governing and they seem quite comfortable in believing they will be able to suppress the vote and control elections (and the vote count) enough to maintain control (gerrymandering to eliminate Democratic districts, instituting stringent ID requirements, tampering with mail-in voting, making polling places less accessible, and now, the major electronic voting machine company, Dominion, has been taken over by a Republican operative, so like all their accusations, “They are rigging the election” is a confession.) 

“Democracy is on the Ballot.” No Kings Protest, NYC, Oct. 18, 2025 © Karen Rubin/news-photos-features.com

Nationwide, organizers (some 200 groups led by Indivisible, Moveon, 50501) estimated a 7 million (topping the 5 million of the June event) in 2700 cities, towns and villages across all 50 states, making it the largest peacetime protest in history. Rallies were also held in other countries.

“Fascism doesn’t Need Your Support, Just Your Silence.”No Kings Protest, NYC, Oct. 18, 2025 © Karen Rubin/news-photos-features.com

“Today, millions of Americans stood together to reject authoritarianism and remind the world that our democracy belongs to the people, not to one man’s ambition,” Ezra Levin and Leah Greenberg, co-founders of Indivisible, which helped organize the event, said in a statement.

Notably, the New York Police Department reported zero arrests.

See: PHOTO HIGHLIGHTS: 350,000 TURN OUT FOR NYC’S ‘NO KINGS’ PROTEST

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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 editor@news-photos-features.com.Blogging at www.dailykos.com/blogs/NewsPhotosFeatures

Government spending, Governor Kathy Hochul, Homeland Security, Public Safety-Crime-Law Enforcement

Governor Hochul Slams Federal Cuts to Counterterrorism Funding for NY’s Mass Transit Safety

FEMA Pledged To Zero Out MTA’s Transit Security Grant Award in 2025; MTA Was Due To Receive $34 Million To Fund Counterterrorism and Safety Measures

New York State and NYPD’s Investments In Subway Safety Continue; Transit Crime Down 30 Percent in September

Governor Hochul Successfully Fought To Restore $187 Million in Homeland Security Grant Funding Last Week

Governor Kathy Hochul called out Washington Republicans for cutting critical safety and security funding for New York’s mass transit system © Karen Rubin/news-photos-features.com

By Karen Rubin, editor@news-photos-features.com, news-photos-features.com

Governor Kathy Hochul today called out Washington Republicans for cutting critical safety and security funding for New York’s mass transit system. The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) had been slated to receive $34 million in federal Transit Security Grant Program funds, which support essential counter-terror and transit security functions. Last week, lawmakers were notified that the MTA was to be the only agency of 21 applicants nationwide to not receive federal security dollars via this program.

“Keeping New Yorkers safe, from our streets to our subways, is my highest priority,” Governor Hochul said. “Since 9/11, New York has relied on federal support to ensure that our transit system has the counterterrorism resources it needs to keep millions of riders safe every single day. The shocking actions of Washington Republicans to slash these funds and defund the police put New York City at risk. We will not tolerate these cuts; New York will take every action available to us — including the courts — to ensure the MTA gets this critical funding to keep millions of riders safe.”

The Transit Security Grant Program was started after 9/11. Administered by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), these grants support critical functions to keep mass transit systems safe from security threats. The MTA carries a significant portion of the United States’ mass transit riders, with over 6 million daily trips taken on Metro-North, the Long Island Rail Road, and New York City Transit. In addition to approximately $12 million which would go to the NYPD, the MTA had planned to utilize this year’s grant funding to support the following public safety and counter-terror investments:

  • Two cybersecurity projects, extending cyber visibility into MTA’s key systems, and a cyber lab to develop protections and vet operational technology systems.
    • The procurement and deployment of approximately 330 tactical cellular cameras to replace & expand upon current unsecure offline devices in a cost-effective manner.
    • The expansion of MTA weapons of mass destruction chemical detection system across 9 subway lines and a commuter rail terminal.
    • The TSA mandated frontline security awareness training of 16,000 MTA employees.
    • 374 deployments of MTAPD counterterrorism teams.
    • The procurement of 3 MTAPD counterterrorism coordination and response vehicles.
    • The installation of several hundred cameras, access control points, and laser intrusion detection systems at a major subway complex.

“What the  federal government is doing to us is a stark moment of hypocrisy, literally threatening our ability to keep these operations safe, our ability to protect public transit riders compromised,” Governor Hochul said during a press conference. “Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem is trying her very best to slash $35 million in funds for security on subway system–a  person who swore an oath, as we all did, to protect Americans.

“Clearly defunding police  without justification has no rational other than to punish blue states like New York.  Of the 20 regions that applied for security funding, New York is the only one that has been denied.”

Governor Hochul chided the seven Republican New York members of Congress who pretend to “back the blue” and be the party of “law and order” for not standing up against these cuts.

Just this week, Attorney General Pam Bondi, deflecting from questioning from Senate Democrats on the Oversight Committee, repeated the meme that Democrats want to defund police. But it is Trump, her Department of Justice and Department of Homeland Security that are defunding police and public safety in cities and states led by Democrats.

“We are the #1 terror target in America – not just 9/11, but countless cases have thwarted. We are safer because of the invested dollars from federal, city and state together. That’s what is in jeopardy – our safety compromised.”

NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch said, “The NYPD’s counterterrorism operations are essential to keeping people safe both above ground and below ground on our subways. Withholding these critical funds from the busiest transit system in the country is a profound mistake, and one that will make New York City’s subways meaningfully less safe. Counterterrorism operations – and public safety in general – cannot be politicized, and I thank Governor Hochul for her efforts to ensure the NYPD has the resources it needs to protect New Yorkers.”

Tisch said that eight terror plots against the New York City subway system have been foiled since 9/11.

Following initial reporting that the MTA would not receive Transit Security Grant Program funding, the Office of the New York Attorney General filed suit in the Southern District of New York, which issued a Temporary Restraining Order barring FEMA from executing the cuts. To date, FEMA has not formally notified the MTA that their funding has been restored.

New York State and the NYPD continue to make significant investments in subway safety. These investments, which support an ongoing surge of NYPD officers in the subway system — including overnight train patrols announced by Governor Hochul in her 2025 State of the State address — have succeeded in reducing transit crime to historic lows in 2025. In 2022, Governor Hochul directed the MTA to install cameras in all 6,000 of its subway cars, which it completed last year. To further enhance safety, this year, the MTA began installing brighter, safer LED lights in all 472 subway stations as well as platform edge barriers to improve customer safety at 100 stations throughout the system.

Subway crime in September was down 31 percent from September 2024, and year-to-date, crime is down 4.3 percent compared to 2024. This summer was the safest summer in the subway since 2009, with major crimes down nearly 10 percent from 2024. Felony assaults in the transit system were down in September, and were down every month this summer when compared with the same month last year.

 “Under Governor Hochul’s leadership, MTA has made huge progress on every front – safety, reliability and ridership,” MTA Chair and CEO Janno Lieber said. “It’s truly strange that Washington keeps spinning stories about subway crime, but then defunds the NYPD and MTA cops who patrol the system.”

MTA Chief Security Officer Michael Kemper said, “I can’t overstate the importance of this grant funding in reinforcing and advancing our counterterrorism initiatives. It significantly enhances our operational capabilities, all with the goal of providing a safe and secure transit environment for our riders and workforce — a responsibility we take seriously every single day.”

Last week, Governor Hochul successfully fought to restore $187 million in critical counterterrorism and homeland security funding cuts which had been planned by the Department of Homeland Security. These unprecedented cuts would have had a direct impact on public safety agencies throughout the state.

Meanwhile, Trump is also taking advantage of the government shutdown to axe $500 million in grants for NY energy businesses and projects  (see https://www.newsday.com/news/region-state/trump-clean-energy-bw2ma648)

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