Governor Kathy Hochul appeared on MSNBC's Morning Joe to discuss women's reproductive health rights. During the show, she touched on various important topics and issues surrounding the current state of women's healthcare in the United States.Regarding the recent bridge collapse in Baltimore, Governor Hochul expressed her concern and offered assistance to Governor Wes Moore of Maryland. She stated, "We're sending our prayers to everyone involved. And you think about the vulnerability of construction workers, we do everything we can in our states to protect these workers,...
New York Attorney General Letitia James has made public the police body-worn camera footage related to the investigation into the death of Rakim Tillery. Tillery passed away on January 3, 2024, after an encounter with the New York State Police in Ramapo, Rockland County.The incident unfolded when two NYSP troopers stopped a vehicle on the New York State Thruway following a report from Albany earlier that day. Tillery, identified as the driver, engaged in a confrontation with the troopers, resulting in an exchange of gunfire that led to his death at the scene. A weapon was...
Governor Kathy Hochul is encouraging individuals interested in the 2024 Empire State Fellows Program to apply before the April 1 deadline. She emphasized the program's ability to attract exceptional and diverse talent to serve in high-level positions within the administration, stating, “The Empire State Fellows Program has brought some of New York’s most exceptional talent to public service, serving as a catalyst for people to build careers where they can make a difference.”New York State Department of Civil Service Commissioner Timothy R. Hogues echoed the sentiment,...
Governor Kathy Hochul, U.S. Senate Majority Leader Charles Schumer, and U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand have announced the approval of federal funds by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers for emergency repairs on Fire Island in Suffolk County. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has disbursed $3.5 million to its New York District Office to expedite project engineering and design.Governor Hochul expressed her commitment to keeping New Yorkers safe, stating, "I will do everything I can to keep New Yorkers safe, especially the communities most vulnerable to extreme weather." She...
Governor Kathy Hochul addressed the public on March 24, 2024, regarding the ongoing G4 electromagnetic storm affecting the northern United States, including New York. The Governor stated, "The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration has announced a G4 electromagnetic storm is currently occurring over much of the northern United States, including the State of New York. I have been briefed on the potential impact to New York, which will be impacted by this space weather event until 2:00 AM on Monday morning."Furthermore, Governor Hochul reassured the citizens by...
There were 1,091 VA home purchases in New York in the fourth quarter of the VA's fiscal year 2023, totaling $367.1 million in loans, according to figures provided by the Veterans Affairs Home Loans Index.
Governor Kathy Hochul issued a statement on March 23, 2024, providing an update on the storm impact in New York State. Hochul stated, "For the last 48 hours, my team has been monitoring the storm system that brought rain and flooding to downstate areas and ice and snow to upstate areas, particularly in the Capital Region. We have more than 6,000 utility workers in the state working to restore power." She highlighted the efforts being made to address the aftermath of the storm.While acknowledging that the worst of the storm has passed, Hochul mentioned, "We are closely...
Governor Kathy Hochul has officially declared March 16-17 and March 23-24 as New York State’s 2024 Maple Weekends. The Governor's proclamation comes as a celebration of the state's thriving maple industry, which ranks second in the nation in maple production, boasting nearly 2,000 maple sugar makers across New York. Governor Hochul herself marked the occasion by visiting Peaceful Valley Maple Farms in Johnstown, NY.During her visit, Governor Hochul expressed her appreciation for the hard work of maple producers, stating, "There’s nothing sweeter than recognizing the hard...
Governor Kathy Hochul announced that the New York State Cannabis Control Board voted to waive licensing fees for two years for Adult-Use Conditional Cultivators. Hochul emphasized the importance of supporting farmers in the cannabis industry, stating, “Farmers are the backbone of our State, and we’re making sure the family farms across New York that are building our cannabis industry have a real chance to succeed.”The fee waiver will benefit dispensaries transitioning to non-conditional license types, such as cultivation licenses and microbusiness licenses. Chris...
There were 1,091 VA home purchase loans issued in New York in the fourth quarter of the fiscal year 2023 totaling $367.1 million, according to figures provided by the Veterans Affairs Home Loans Index.
Governor Kathy Hochul has announced the commencement of construction at the Sullivan County International Airport, marking the beginning of a project aimed at modernizing the airport and boosting economic growth in the Catskill Region. The initiative, which received $18.5 million from the Governor’s Upstate Airport Economic Development and Revitalization Competition, will see the replacement of the airport's 55-year-old terminal with a new, energy-efficient building.The new terminal, spanning 15,000 square feet, is set to offer enhanced amenities for travelers and...
New York Attorney General Letitia James has announced the availability of the Election Protection Hotline for the upcoming April 2, 2024 presidential primary election in New York. The hotline will be operational during the early voting period from March 23 to March 30, offering assistance to voters facing various issues related to casting their ballots.In a statement, Attorney General James emphasized the importance of ensuring that every New Yorker can exercise their right to vote, stating, “The right to vote is the cornerstone of our democracy, and my office will always...
Governor Kathy Hochul has officially opened the application process for the $10 million Next Move NY initiative in the North Country. The initiative aims to strengthen workforce opportunities for transitioning soldiers and their families. Governor Hochul emphasized the importance of Fort Drum to the region's economy, stating, "Next Move NY is creating a robust workforce training pipeline to help soldiers and their spouses receive in-demand job training while connecting them with employers, allowing them to thrive, succeed and ultimately stay in the North Country."...
Governor Kathy Hochul has initiated a $102 million effort to enhance care and treatment for individuals grappling with serious mental illness. The plan includes the development of 26 Critical Time Intervention (CTI) teams and additional 'Safe Options Support' teams, with a focus on youth and young adults. Governor Hochul emphasized the importance of addressing the mental health crisis, stating, “New Yorkers struggling with serious mental illness deserve care, treatment and support.”Dr. Ann Sullivan, Commissioner of the New York State Office of Mental Health (OMH),...
The New York Attorney General’s Office of Special Investigation (OSI) has initiated an investigation into the unfortunate death of Nathan Scott that occurred on March 18, 2024, after an encounter with the New York City Police Department (NYPD).According to reports, the incident took place at the intersection of Remsen Avenue and East 57th Street in Brooklyn, where "three NYPD officers fired their service weapons at Mr. Scott who had fired a semiautomatic weapon on a public street." Mr. Scott was subsequently taken to a local hospital, where he was pronounced dead. A...
Governor Kathy Hochul has announced the allocation of $4 million to establish a new Intensive and Sustained Engagement team in the city of Rochester and Monroe County, aimed at serving individuals with complex mental health needs. The initiative, administered by the state Office of Mental Health, will introduce New York's fourth peer-led team focusing on providing intensive support services to individuals with complex needs, particularly those facing challenges in accessing traditional forms of mental health care.Highlighting the importance of peer-led programs, Governor...
New York Attorney General Letitia James, alongside Onondaga County Executive Ryan McMahon and Syracuse Mayor Ben Walsh, announced a settlement with Syracuse landlord Todd Hobbs for failing to address lead-based paint hazards at his rental properties. The $175,000 settlement will be used for a tenant relief fund to aid families affected by lead poisoning.Attorney General James expressed her concern over Hobbs' negligence, stating, "Todd Hobbs put families’ health and well-being in danger and betrayed their trust." She emphasized the importance of protecting children,...
Governor Kathy Hochul marked the beginning of spring by introducing the New York Blooms Report, a weekly guide aimed at helping New Yorkers discover the beauty of roses, lilacs, tulips, cherry blossoms, and magnolias at various attractions across the state. Hochul highlighted the significance of the season, saying, "Spring is an exciting time in New York as the temperatures get warmer, the birds return from their winter migration, and the flowers bud and bloom in both our own gardens and in the many parks and botanical gardens throughout the state."The reports, managed by...
New York Attorney General Letitia James, along with Onondaga County Executive Ryan McMahon and Syracuse Mayor Ben Walsh, announced a settlement with Syracuse landlord Todd Hobbs and his companies for failing to address lead-based paint hazards at his rental properties. The $175,000 settlement will be used to compensate families affected by lead poisoning and to address lead hazards at Hobbs' properties."Todd Hobbs put families’ health and well-being in danger and betrayed their trust," said Attorney General James. "As a result of his failure to properly address lead-based...