WSKG (https://wskg.org/author/dclark/)
Listen Live WSKG Listen Live WSKG Classical Watch Live WSKG TV
Watch Live PBS Kids
An investigative report into several claims of misconduct made against former Gov. Andrew Cuomo was released Monday by the State Assembly, and concluded that the former governor engaged in sexual harassment, used state resources to write a book, and more.
“It is much harder to protect our communities due to the handcuffs that are being put on judges, district attorneys, and police officers.”
Williams is expected to frame Hochul as a hold-over of the Cuomo administration,
“I’ll work with the Legislature to address this … to make sure their needs that they hear from their constituents just as much as I do, and we’ll get it done.”
That’s a huge chunk of change, considering former Gov. Andrew Cuomo had $18 million in the bank when he resigned.
New York is one of just a handful of states that have exhausted the rent relief funding allocated to them by the federal government.
“Each year despite the program’s stunning success rate, our veterans are forced to travel to Albany to advocate for funding for the program.”
Now a private citizen, Andrew Cuomo continues to deny that he ever touched anyone inappropriately.
“I think we failed our mental health community in the last few years, in many ways, I really do. We have so much more work to do.”
Voters in New York appeared to reject three amendments to the state constitution on Tuesday that would have modified the state’s redistricting process and made it easier to vote, while approving two others on the environment and courts in New York City.
There’s a joke in Albany that the title “AG” stands for “Aspiring Governor”, and for good reason. Governors Andrew Cuomo and Elliot Spitzer were both attorney generals.
Under the Cuomo administration, freedom of information requests often took months, or even years, to be fulfilled.
“Governor Cuomo has never assaulted anyone, and Sheriff Apple’s motives here are patently improper. Sheriff Apple didn’t even tell the District Attorney what he was doing.”
The decision only allows health care workers to request religious exemptions to the mandate, for the time being.
When asked directly at the end of the event if she was running for governor next year, James jokingly interrupted the questioner and took her exit.
About 97% of students enrolled at SUNY schools across New York have complied with the mandate, according to a SUNY spokesperson.
Dr. Bassett was previously the commissioner of health for NYC, but left to lead Harvard’s François-Xavier Bagnoud Center for Health and Human Rights.
“I’ve spent my entire career, most of my life, pushing and advocating and fighting on behalf of the people and against injustice and inertia.”
The state has issued guidance that would prevent unvaccinated health care workers who are fired to collect unemployment.
“This is a major, major initiative to deliver clean, healthier air and more electricity to New York City.”
“You’re not going to restore the trust of the people of New York if you keep playing the same games over and over.”
Instead of unveiling just one proposed set of maps, the commission released two versions.
“We believe this step will result in a flurry of attempts to circumvent the well-reasoned vaccination requirement.”
“On that day itself, every half hour or hour, someone would come in and say, ‘did you know so and so was killed? Did you know someone else was missing, or was in the tower?’ And you just had this momentary sense of incredible loss.”
“The biggest challenge for our hospitals is not…the beds. Just like last year, it’s staffing. Staffing is now what we need.”
“Now, the landlord gets to have a hearing. I think that goes a long way, and the landlord has a say in court now.”
In First COVID-19 Briefing, Hochul Talks Vaccines
“I am in talks with the Senate Majority Leader and Assembly Speaker to call a special session to address the impending eviction crisis.”
Former Gov. Andrew Cuomo may be out of office, but his legal troubles aren’t over just yet.
Now, for the first time in state history, two women and one man will be in the room where major pieces of legislation are negotiated.
“The attorney general’s report was designed to be a political firecracker on an explosive topic.”
The Assembly dropped the probe on Friday after advice from attorneys that it wouldn’t be legal to impeach Cuomo after he’s left office
The new requirement applies to all health care workers in New York, regardless of employer.
“We have been advised by Chair Lavine — with the assistance of counsel – of the belief that the constitution does not authorize the legislature to impeach and remove an elected official who is no longer in office.”
“At the end of my term, whenever it is, no one will ever describe my administration as a toxic work environment.”
“She’s a quick study, very smart, very energetic, and has her experience. I think she will step in and not miss a beat.”
“I think that given the circumstances the best way I can help now is if I step side and let government get back to government.”
“You want to make sure things are right, but also done in an expeditious manner. And, you know, I believe that this is going to be dealt with in weeks.”
“The Governor’s conduct in this regard is unremarkable: Democratic and Republican politicians, male and female alike, use handshakes, hugs, and kisses to connect with others.”
“No elected official is above the law. The people of New York deserve better leadership in the governor’s office. We continue to believe that the Governor should resign.”
It’s unclear if the attorney general’s report will be a catalyst for the Assembly’s investigation, prompting impeachment, or not.
“The key difference between a job at McDonald’s and a job at a nursing home should be a career, that you’re beginning a career. We believe we need to build that infrastructure.”
New York is using those funds to target 117 zip codes from around the state with lower-than-average vaccination rates, though nearly 80% of those neighborhoods are in New York City or on Long Island.
“We’re holding them accountable and delivering more than $1 billion more into New York communities ravaged by opioids for treatment, recovery, and prevention efforts.”
Zeldin was one of four Republican members of Congress from New York who voted against certifying the results in Pennsylvania and Arizona.
“I can’t tell you how eager I am to tell my side of the story and the time will come.”
“Gun Violence is not only taking a human toll. It’s taking an economic toll. So we have no choice but to address it. It’s the right thing to do.”
“It’s running on a common sense agenda that can bring people together of all party affiliations. We know we can’t run with some right-wing agenda that has any sort of extreme tendencies.”
The firm has received more than 100,000 pages of documents to sort through as part of the inquiry, which is far-reaching and not limited to any one allegation against Cuomo.
“This initiative will help create affordable connected homes that equip residents with the tools necessary to thrive in the modern world.”
New York saw a few major upsets Tuesday, with some new faces expected to lead at least two of the state’s major cities starting next year.
“We need school districts and superintendents to marry civil disobedience with common sense. And that is no masks for the rest of the year.”
“We hit 70%, we will be back to life as normal, or as normalized as you can be post-COVID.”
A top sticking point for the New York Health Act, which would create a universal, single-payer health care system in New York, is opposition from public sector labor leaders.
“What I hear from prosecutors is just how often laws on the books here in New York get broken but are not prosecuted.”
“I again ask this industry: what are you going to do about your products that are killing our people?”
Those nominations will now go before the Judiciary Committee in the State Senate, which will then decide if they’ll get a full vote before the entire chamber. It’s likely that they will.
“All we’re doing is asking the officials of the state of New York, in their capacity, is to serve and protect, and not harm and kill.”
“This is Albany politics at its worst — both the Comptroller and the Attorney General have spoken to people about running for Governor and it is unethical to wield criminal referral authority to further political self-interest.”
“I was running COVID response for this state, so I didn’t want to get COVID, and precautions were taken.”
“Self-serving nakedly political press stunts are nothing new for these Republican politicians.”
“I’m not going to run away from my association with President Trump.”
Of the initial payment for his new book, nearly half was taken out in expenses and taxes, and the rest was donated to the United Way of New York and placed in a trust for his three daughters.
Governor Cuomo said flat-out at several public appearances that he did nothing “wrong,” and rebuffing claims that his actions violated the state’s laws on sexual harassment.
“We want to make it easier for customers to have access to them wherever you live in New York state, not just in the downstate markets.”
“Even if a younger person tends to be less affected by COVID, they can transmit COVID just as easily as anyone. So, we have to change the mindset.”
“The problem has been not just Andrew Cuomo … but this whole system up here has to be fixed. It’s broken and unfortunately the people of New York have responded by leaving.”
“This ‘reform’ shows a deliberate and callous indifference to the lives and safety of Correction Officers, Correction Sergeants and peaceful incarcerated individuals in the general population of State prisons.”
The legislation would allow the state to treat high-speed internet as a utility, which would empower regulators to drill down on the industry, like they do with other utilities.
The legislation would apply to both residential and commercial tenants who file a hardship declaration form with their landlord.
“I think it would be a safe assumption that Lee Zeldin is the front runner because he’s the only person that’s declared his candidacy to that level.”
Another version was struck down in court early last year, when a state judge declared it unconstitutional as written.
“We’re looking at legal options because when you’re talking about 89 [people], I mean, that could be a minor mistake.”
“The pandemic has laid bare the risks to vulnerable nursing home residents that are inherent in a low staffing business model.”
If 89 more people had been counted last year as part of the federal census in New York, the state wouldn’t be losing a seat in Congress for at least the next decade.
“New Yorkers deserve an independent ethics watchdog, one with the resources and legal support to take on even a governor without fear or favor.”
“We are probably introducing a new draft in both houses, and I’m cautiously optimistic that we might be able to get first passage in both houses.”
The situation has reignited the conversation in Albany over enforcement of the state’s ethics laws, and whether the entities that already exist have been effective.
“I believe that New York is ready to be returned to glory, but it’s not going to happen with the continued reign of Andrew Cuomo.”
“For America, broadband holds great power. It will either be the great equalizer for society, or it will be the great divider.”
“It is frustrating and heartbreaking that we have to call for and impose yet another travel ban in response to yet another state enacting dangerous and harmful anti-trans legislation.”
In recent days, the state’s COVID-19 indicators have shifted downward, with a decline in the statewide positivity rate compared to numbers seen in March.
“At same time, we caution New Yorkers. Don’t get cocky. The disease is still very much with us.”
“It is imperative that the Commission of Judicial Nomination focus on vetting and recommending qualified LGBTQ+ candidates, who have an intimate understanding of the unique perspectives and needs of our community.”
The new fund is designed to offer relief to undocumented immigrants who, during the pandemic, didn’t have access to unemployment and other benefits, like federal stimulus checks.
The deal will also require the state to study access and reliability of high-speed internet service statewide, including in historically underserved rural areas.
“We not only balanced our budget, we are also making historic investments to reimagine, rebuild and renew New York in the aftermath of the worst health and economic crisis in a century.”
The Ithaca plan was approved, while trustees in Malone ended up sending a revised version of its strategy to the state.
“I’m not talking about stopping a guy from sitting in his backyard and smoking a joint. Honestly, I really don’t care. But I know people are going to get in traffic crashes and they’re going to die.”
“As we continue to expand eligibility, New York will double down on making the vaccine accessible for every community to ensure equity.”
The law, approved nearly a year ago, essentially made it harder to sue those providers.
The New York Attorney General’s Office is conducting its own, simultaneous investigation into the sexual harassment claim leveled against Cuomo in recent weeks.
Democrats have said those tax hikes, coupled with other revenue raisers targeted at the wealthy, could generate more than $8 billion for the state each year.
Cuomo’s office is encouraging faith-based institutions to partner with medical providers to launch local vaccination clinics.
“The passage of HALT in the Senate brings us one step closer to bringing justice to all those who have lost loved ones to the wrongful use of solitary.”
Under the legislation, incarcerated individuals would not be allowed to spend more than 15 days in solitary confinement.
“I spent this past weekend on the phone with the Assembly Majority Leader Crystal Peoples-Stokes working through it. We’re very close on marijuana.”
Rather than wait for new cannabis cultivators to build from the ground up, medical cannabis companies say they could use their existing infrastructure to give the new market a boost.
“If you’re not careful the way you do it, you may actually lose money for the state because businesses and residents will make changes.”
New York has, so far, administered 6.2 million COVID-19 vaccine doses, with about 10% of the state now fully vaccinated.
“I believe it is in the best interest of our State if Lieutenant Governor Kathy Hochul serves as Acting Governor until the Attorney General’s investigations or any other potential inquiries reach a conclusion.”
A majority of Democrats in the state Legislature either haven’t taken a public position on whether Cuomo should resign, or have said they want to wait for the results of the attorney general’s investigation.
“The supply is increasing, and if the supply is increasing we can increase our distribution levels.”
“There is no question that they both have the knowledge and background necessary to lead this investigation and provide New Yorkers with the answers they deserve.”
“We won’t be able to force a vote, but we’re going to keep pounding on this issue. If they really believe in resignation, why not start the impeachment process?”
That money would be used to fill the state’s budget deficit, which Cuomo’s office has projected to be about $15 billion over two years.
Over three million people have received the first dose of a COVID-19 vaccine in New York, according to the state, which is now administering more than 100,000 shots per day.
One day after Cuomo offered his response to the charges, many elected officials, both Democrats and Republicans, said they don’t buy it
The policy at group homes has been to require those facilities to admit residents discharged from the hospital regardless of their COVID-19 status.
“I never inappropriately touched anybody and I never propositioned anybody and I never intended to make anyone feel uncomfortable, but these are allegations that New Yorkers deserve answers to.”
The White House Press Secretary said President Biden has been briefed on the claims and supports an immediate investigation.
“The tragic situation in our nursing homes remains a heartbreaking reminder of the toll this pandemic has taken and has made it clear that real reforms are needed.”
“I do think there’s a consensus of the members that they want to take some action. We’re still trying to come to a place where all the members are comfortable, and I don’t know if we’re there yet.”
“This is a very big and aggressive effort to address vaccine hesitancy in the Black community.”
Cuomo’s proposal would set aside $100 million of the state tax revenue generated by the cannabis industry to be reinvested for purposes of social equity, targeting communities disproportionately impacted by the state’s drug laws.
In a rare concession, Cuomo said the state was wrong to stonewall lawmakers and members of the media on that data, saying it created a void for disinformation and “conspiracy theories.”
“Crucial information should never be withheld from entities that are empowered to pursue oversight. This was always about getting the truth and allowing information to guide our response.”
Mayor Bill de Blasio spent the better part of three hours on Thursday morning asking state lawmakers to empower localities to fight the pandemic and distribute vaccines, and raise taxes on ultra-wealthy New Yorkers.
The idea to create a process to recall statewide elected officials isn’t new. Republicans have sponsored the measure before, but it hasn’t picked up steam.
Cuomo, who was on a call with the Biden administration Tuesday morning, said the federal government is planning to boost the state’s vaccine supply by 5% over the next three weeks.
“Buying a new home should be a special achievement in a person’s life without the risk of becoming a victim of abhorrent discrimination.”
“The data is clear – families of color, particularly African Americans, do not have equal access to mortgage lending in Buffalo compared to white households.”
“You have to know where you went wrong in order to correct things.”
The steepest decline in sales tax collections happened during the peak of the pandemic, when sales tax collections dropped by about 27% statewide.
Governor Cuomo received word from the Biden administration that New York would receive an additional 5% of vaccine doses over the next three weeks.
The legislation would have required the Public Service Commission to study the availability, affordability, and reliability of high-speed internet
If you’re lucky enough to get engaged over a COVID-era dinner date, you’ll be able to get married as early as March 15.
The state will be launching a new advertising campaign targeted at communities of color with the intention of boosting vaccine recipients among those populations.
“Clearly, some facilities were not prepared to handle outbreaks through early and effective training or staffing.”
Residential gatherings will still be capped at 10 people, and certain restrictions on restaurants, like a capacity limit and 10 p.m. curfew, will also remain in effect statewide.
“Now, the states will know what they’re getting every week for the next three weeks, and we’re getting 16-17% more.”
“The state needs to step up and help us ensure that this industry is able to continue on and prosper. It is the lifeblood of New York state.”
If Cuomo doesn’t act on the bill by the end of the month, it will quietly disappear in the form of a pocket veto, which means lawmakers would have to pass it again for his consideration.
“We just need to keep the arrows pointed down, but, never get cocky with COVID.”
Cuomo, during his address on the state budget Tuesday, said the potential tax revenue from the cannabis industry would likely help garner support for legalization this year.
New York NOW’s Dan Clark hosted live coverage of the address along with analysis of the address with David Lombardo, host of The Capitol Pressroom on public radio, and Amanda Fries from the Times Union.
“The federal administration essentially opened up a floodgate while cutting our supply — leading to confusion, frustration, and dashed hopes.”
“A basic high-speed internet plan costs on average more than $50 per month. For too many families, this just isn’t affordable.”
“We are at war — a war that started last year when we were ambushed by the COVID virus, and a war that continues today,”
“I call on every New York federal official to call on president Trump’s resignation. Don’t put the country through impeachment. Don’t wait for any cabinet action. Call for him to resign as his own act.”
“We saw in the first big wave here in New York that the people who bore the brunt, the sacrifice and health problems, were the people who had to go to work.”
“What happened at the U.S. Capitol yesterday was an insurrection against the United States, incited by the president.”
“We need to get serious about making sure that everyone shares the burden,. We need to ask more of the millionaires and billionaires who have gotten even richer during this pandemic.”
“I’ve tried to pass it, but this is the year that we need the funding and a lot of New Yorkers need the funding.”
ALBANY, NY (WCNY) – Tenants in New York will be granted another reprieve in the new year, Gov. Andrew Cuomo said Wednesday, with an extension of an executive order that prevents landlords from evicting tenants who’ve faced financial hardship both during and before the COVID-19 pandemic. The extension, however, may be moot: Democrats in the state Legislature are considering a special session next week to codify and expand a moratorium on residential evictions. Details on what the Legislature may pass haven’t been released, and legislation hadn’t been introduced as of Wednesday afternoon. But Democrats who control both the state Senate and Assembly have been hinting at an end-of-year return to Albany for weeks now. Some of the state’s current protections for tenants expire on Jan.
Hospitalization rates are steadily rising. More than 6000 New Yorkers are in the hospital with COVID-19, and more than 1000 are in intensive care.
The Assembly Leader said it would be ideal to approve tax hikes on the rich before the start of the year instead of waiting to address the issue as part of the state budget in March.
“I know how horrific it was. It was a modern day battlefield. What you do, showing up every day, you really are heroes.”
A panel tasked with drawing new legislative districts for members of Congress and the state Legislature still hasn’t received funding allocated in this year’s state budget.
“This is an important step in the worldwide campaign to stop investments in fossil fuels in order to prevent the worst of global warming.”
“I think the time might’ve come to change the Electoral College, and I would support that change.”
“Overwhelming the hospital system means people die on a gurney in a hallway, and the life you could’ve saved you can’t save because you don’t have the staff, you don’t have the doctors, you don’t have the nurses.”
Part of Manhattan, Staten Island, Rochester, Syracuse, and Long Island could face new, or stronger, restrictions if the positivity rates in those areas don’t decline in the coming days.
That means Democrats would have more leverage in negotiations on controversial measures next year, when conversations are expected to center largely around the state’s budget deficit.
While the unemployment rate in the five boroughs dropped to 13.2% in October, the rate outside New York City went up from 6.6% in September to 6.9% in October.
“Despite our success in managing the spread, New York is not immune to this national surge of COVID.”
“Granting raises to public servants, no matter how much they might otherwise deserve them, is simply not possible at this time.”
“Let’s look at the law. There can be no more fundamental right in this moment than access to the vaccine.”
“So far we have been able to keep the budget balanced while minimizing the impact on New Yorkers and fighting the pandemic.”
The number of people diagnosed with COVID-19 also reached a new high in the latest wave of the virus, with nearly 4,000 cases reported Tuesday — the most since early May.
“Why do we have such a disparity in the infection rate and the mortality rate in COVID? Because some communities don’t have the same access to health care.”
“Western New York is a problem,” Cuomo said. “They are lower than states surrounding us, but relative to New York, they are the highest spots in New York.
“I think this year it is ripe because the state is going to be desperate for funding. Even with Biden, even with the stimulus, we’re still going to need funding. I think we’re going to get there this year.”
“Why would you possibly need someone’s social security number, ID number, or passport number before they receive a vaccine? There is no legitimate health reason.”
“COVID has revealed from the very beginning the underlying injustice and inequity in this society.”
Cuomo said the plan was “deeply flawed,” and would create a bottleneck in the demand for the vaccine.
“There is a problem in Elmira. We are already taking special measures for members of the population who may be vulnerable. They’re getting additional safety precautions within the facility.”
“Utilities do not have a mandate. They are legally required to provide adequate and reliable service that’s in the public interest … and they have dropped the ball far too long.”
Hospitalizations were up to 1,023 on Thursday, according to data released by Gov. Andrew Cuomo Friday. Exactly one month ago Friday, hospitalizations were at 490 in New York.
“Right now, the COVID outbreak at Elmira Prison, by far the largest yet, threatens countless lives both behind bars and in the surrounding communities.”
After the new bail reform laws took effect in January, some areas of the state started to report a rise in crime, particularly in New York City.
New York will not restrict travel from Pennsylvania because of the number of people who go back and forth for business each day.
“This is a larger operational undertaking, I would argue, than anything we have done during COVID to date. And we need the federal government to be a competent partner with this state and every state.”
The book, titled ‘American Crisis,’ is Cuomo’s attempt to convince readers that New York formed a competent response to the pandemic, while characterizing President Donald Trump and his administration as careless and dismissive to the virus.
The statewide infection rate, including the 20 hotspot zip codes, was 1.1% Saturday, Cuomo said. There were 14 new deaths and, after several days of increases, total hospitalizations dropped to 618, according to state data.
“If the local governments don’t step up the compliance, they will actually be in violation of the law and they can be fined.”
