Governor Kathy Hochul today announced plans to install 100 new fast chargers in New York City as the 2024 New York International Auto Show kicks off. Hochul highlighted the importance of electrifying the transportation sector to reduce emissions and achieve Climate Act goals. “2024’s Auto Show welcomes all New Yorkers and visitors to the Javits Center to see the latest and greatest car models and to learn about electric vehicles and fast charging,” Governor Hochul said. “Electric vehicle purchases have risen 660 percent in the last five years, and we are increasing the...
New York Attorney General Letitia James has announced settlements totaling more than $1.9 million with five Nissan car dealerships in New York City and on Long Island for overcharging over a thousand New Yorkers who wanted to purchase their leased vehicles at the end of their lease term. Attorney General James stated, “Ignoring agreements and adding bogus fees harms New York consumers, and that is something my office won’t allow to go unchallenged.”The investigation by the Office of the Attorney General (OAG) uncovered that the dealerships added junk fees or falsified the...
Governor Kathy Hochul has revealed the successful ratification of a three-year labor agreement with the New York State Correctional Officers & Police Benevolent Association (NYSCOPBA), encompassing over 17,000 members of the Security Services bargaining unit. The agreement, extending until March 31, 2026, garnered approval from 73 percent of NYSCOPBA members who participated in the voting process.“This labor agreement will help to ensure that the brave members of the New York State Correctional Officers & Police Benevolent Association are fairly compensated for their...
In a joint statement issued on Mar 28, 2024, Governor Hochul and Governor Murphy expressed their solidarity and commitment to assisting Maryland following the collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore."The tragic collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore has touched every corner of the nation, and we are ready to support Governor Moore and the people of Maryland in any way," the governors stated. They acknowledged the potential impact of port closures on national and global supply chains, emphasizing the adverse effects on consumers.The governors...
NYGOP Chair Ed Cox has criticized Democrat Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie for his remarks on crime deterrence, stating that “Carl Heastie’s comments illustrate the Democrats’ moral rot.” Cox's statement comes in the wake of a tragic incident in which a NYPD officer was fatally shot by a repeat felon. Cox emphasized that the felon should have been in jail due to his past criminal record, pointing to what he believes are lenient bail and parole policies supported by Democrats.Cox further expressed his frustration by highlighting the consequences of such policies, stating, “A...
Governor Kathy Hochul has announced the commencement of a study for a phase two on potential future enhancements along the Kensington Expressway in East Buffalo, which will also explore options for a reimagined Scajaquada Expressway. The study, to be conducted by the State Department of Transportation, will assess the traffic and environmental impacts of potential changes to both highways. This initiative aims to build on the historic progress of reconnecting neighborhoods in East Buffalo through the Kensington Expressway project.Governor Hochul emphasized the importance...
New York state collected $8.7 billion in sales and gross receipts taxes, according to the U.S. Census Bureau's Quarterly Summary of State and Local Taxes.
Governor Kathy Hochul has announced the appointment of Uchenna Bright and Denise Sheehan as commissioners of the New York State Public Service Commission. The State Senate has confirmed the nominations, paving the way for Bright and Sheehan to take on key roles in ensuring a safe, reliable, and affordable energy grid for all New Yorkers.Governor Hochul expressed her confidence in the new appointees, stating, “In their new positions, Uchenna Bright and Denise Sheehan will play a key role in ensuring a safe, reliable and affordable energy grid for all New Yorkers.” She...
Governor Kathy Hochul has issued a statement regarding the ongoing budget negotiations in New York. As reported on March 27, 2024, Governor Hochul has been actively engaged in discussions with the Legislature to shape a budget that prioritizes the needs of New Yorkers and ensures the financial stability of the State.Governor Hochul expressed her commitment to crafting a budget that includes significant investments for the people of New York. She stated, "For weeks, I have been negotiating with the Legislature to craft a budget that makes record investments for New Yorkers...
New York state collected $8.7 billion in sales and gross receipts taxes, according to the U.S. Census Bureau's Quarterly Summary of State and Local Taxes.
Governor Hochul expressed her excitement about the economic development awards, stating, “My administration is spurring $5.2 billion in low-cost power investments across the State of New York – helping businesses thrive, and creating and maintaining jobs for New Yorkers.” She emphasized the significance of these investments in advancing a clean energy future and positioning New York as a global hub for modern manufacturing.The ReCharge NY program, which allocates low-cost power, will benefit various companies across different regions of New York. Governor Hochul...
Governor Kathy Hochul has announced the commencement of a $21.3 million infrastructure improvement project on the Thruway (I-87) in Ulster and Greene counties. The project, spanning a 15.5-mile section of I-87, aims to enhance the safety and durability of the transportation system, benefiting approximately 40,000 motorists who traverse this stretch daily.Governor Hochul emphasized the significance of this project, stating, “New York continues to make historic investments in our infrastructure to enhance the safety, durability and lifespan of our transportation system.”...
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...