Government
New York Advocates Rally Virtually For An Aid In Dying Measure
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“Now, people realize more than ever that dying could come at any time, and we must be prepared for it.”
WSKG (https://wskg.org/author/kdewitt/)
“Now, people realize more than ever that dying could come at any time, and we must be prepared for it.”
Restaurants, financially devastated by months-long indoor dining bans to prevent the spread of the coronavirus, say the rule helped some of them turn enough profit to keep from closing.
“We do have enough Pfizer and we do have enough Moderna to keep our schedule.”
“When the parole board in the State of New York does not grant the paroles that so many deserve, and you allow them to die in prisons, you have now become a murderer yourself.”
Cuomo did not deny the allegations, saying that people who visited him during the early days of the pandemic received testing.
“It’s a beautiful day to tax the rich!”
“This budget will set the trajectory for the state for the next 10 years.”
“If what the governor is alleged to have done is true, it’s a clear violation of public officers laws.”
If the budget is not adopted by Monday, 39,000 state workers, many in health care and correctional facilities, may see their April 8 paychecks delayed.
The legislature is proposing $7 billion dollars in new taxes on the wealthy and corporations, and $4 billion dollars more in school aid.
An estimated $350 million in annual revenue is expected from the 13 percent sales tax on the drug, with 40 percent of the revenue going to a community reinvestment fund.
By late 2022, adults in the state would be able to buy cannabis in retail stores, and could also sample the drug in tasting rooms.
“Nobody should have to experience the retaliation that I’ve faced in the last few months.”
A recent study found New York’s over 120 billionaires increased their wealth by $88 billion dollars during the pandemic.
“We’ll consider the use of subpoenas to ensure the documents are produced and there isn’t any obstruction or any destruction of documents.”
Questions are being raised about the State Assembly’s choice of a law firm to help an impeachment investigation of Gov. Andrew Cuomo.
Former Congressman Rangel addressed the accusations directly, saying Cuomo deserves a fair defense.
Hochul has held a slim portfolio during her years under Cuomo, although she did notably lead the governor’s “Enough is Enough” campaign to combat sexual assault on college campuses.
“I’ve made my opinions clear, I think the governor should resign but I also understand that it is important that we do our job and that will always be my focus.”
“The voters are not necessarily, at the moment, following the lead of the elected officials.”
“People know the difference between playing politics, bowing to cancel culture, and the truth. I’m not going to resign.”
Republicans, who are in the minority in the legislature, said if the governor won’t resign, impeachment proceedings should begin.
“I never made any inappropriate advances. As I said last week, no one ever told me at the time that I made them feel uncomfortable.”
Cuomo’s plan would add a new, higher income tax bracket for New Yorkers making over $5 million a year. The wealthy would have the option of prepaying their taxes for the next two years at the 2020 rates.
“No, there is no way I resign,” said Cuomo, who added that he deserves “due process” while the AG’s probe continues.
The action comes as Cuomo is embroiled in scandals over his nursing home policies during the coronavirus and allegations that he sexually harassed former staffers.
“It was unintentional and I truly and deeply apologize for it. I feel awful about it, and frankly I am embarrassed by it.”
“These temporary emergency powers were granted as New York was devastated by a virus we knew nothing about. Now it is time for our government to return to regular order.”
After one year of pandemic, over 38,000 New Yorkers have died of the virus so far and more than one and a half million were sickened.
Cuomo, who is already under fire for withholding data that showed twice as many nursing home residents died of COVID-19 than was previously disclosed, denies both allegations.
A study by left leaning groups calculates that the state’s billionaires saw their earnings and investments rise by 16.8% during the first ten months of the pandemic.
Gov. Andrew Cuomo and his staff were in damage control mode Thursday as they faced two scandals
“It’s not true. Look, I fought for and I believe a woman has the right to come forward and express her opening and express issues and concerns that she has. But it’s just not true.”
Cuomo’s job approval ratings, which were high in the summer and fall of 2020, have now dropped back to pre-pandemic levels, with 49% saying that he’s doing a good job in office.
Visitors to nursing homes will continue to be banned in counties where the virus rate is 10% or higher, or in any facility where someone has contracted COVID-19 within the past 14 days.
The legislature gave Cuomo the powers nearly a year ago, in early March of 2020. But now, many say, it’s time to end them.
Governor Cuomo says he’s making his accusations against Assemblyman Kim because Kim attacked him first.
“Even just the appearance of being not being forthcoming with information is a liability in this case, and honestly I don’t understand why.”
“Everyone should take it when it’s their turn, because that’s how we get everyone back to work and see our families and friends safely together.”
“If there’s things need to be codified in law, mandated in law that actually secure people’s safety and well being, that’s what we want to do.”
The numbers confirm a report by State Attorney General Tish James, who said the state undercounted nursing home hospital deaths by 50%.
They include cancer, heart conditions, COPD, chronic kidney disease, Type 1 and 2 diabetes, moderate to severe asthma, and people with intellectual and development disabilities, organ transplant recipients, and people who are morbidly obese.
Only county health departments will administer vaccines for those with underlying conditions, they won’t be available at several large state run sites.
“We are opposed to a one-shot federal fund replacing needed state dollars for schools.”
The attorney general’s report, released on January 28, found that the health department was undercounting the number of nursing home residents who died by 50%.
New Yorkers who have appointments at centers that closed because of the storm will receive new appointments by email or text.
“The declination rate among blacks in hospital settings where they are hospital workers, is much, much higher than it is among whites or Latinos or Asians.”
“I believe everybody did the best they could. I believe the state department of health, they gave their best guidance and made the best decisions on the facts that they had.”
“These residents have been as isolated as ever before, many have not been able to see their parents, their families at all.”
The Cuomo Administration issued a controversial order on March 25th 2020, that required nursing homes to allow hospitalized residents sick with COVID re-entry into the homes.
It would lead taxes to skyrocket for some of the wealthiest taxpayers, “which would be the highest income tax in the nation.”
“The president is not just another person on Twitter, normally. The president is a leader, a tone-setter.”
Cuomo said if Biden and the Democratic-led Congress don’t come through with the full amount he’s seeking, he will commence litigation.
The governor in his State of the State address on January 11, said without a bailout, the choices to close the deficit are grim, and they include tax hikes, and cuts to schools.
The Governor’s disclaimer recommends people eligible for the vaccine directly contact their local pharmacies, doctors’ offices and hospitals.
“We will make these investments at a time when the interest rates are low, and when New Yorkers are looking for work.”
Plans include new solar farms and off shore wind turbines, and more transmission lines across the state.
“We cannot wait until summer to turn the lights back on the arts and provide a living wage for artists. We will not let the curtain fall on their careers, or on the future of our cities.”
“We’re more than willing to look at taxing millionaires and billionaires, because again, we need to rebuild our economy, we can’t just wait for Washington.”
Republican state lawmakers were vocal in their criticisms, saying the Cuomo administration was unprepared.
The Governor hopes the federal government will help New York close what Andrew Cuomo said is a $15 billion budget deficit.
Gov. Andrew Cuomo, bowing to pressure from local governments, is agreeing to expand the state’s vaccination sites for front-line health care workers.
“We stand here today with the largest majority in the almost 250 year history of the New York State senate of any party.”
“It would be one thing if he was making split-second decisions about procurement (of medical supplies), but I think we have moved well beyond the time when that resolution was necessary.”
They said Cuomo and the state health department are not providing data that they need and are leaving them out of key meetings.
The governor said the man, in his 60s, works in a jewelry store, N. Fox Jewelers, in Saratoga Springs and that three other employees have also tested positive for the virus.
Cuomo says the underperforming hospitals will face sanctions, including a fine of up to $100,000 if they don’t use up all of the vaccine they have in store by the end of the week.
“2021 is going to be literally what we make of it. We’re coming out of probably the most traumatic year that we’ve had in decades.”
Large and medium businesses must pay their employees if they are out because of their own illness, or to care for sick family member.
The first Penn Station was opened in 1910, and was considered an architectural masterpiece, but it was torn down in 1963, in what most now believe was a terrible mistake.
“There will be a New Year, I can’t say that it won’t be worse, because now, I don’t know.”
The New York State Legislature places a moratorium on pandemic-related evictions, but admits it’s only a stopgap measure.
New York state’s positivity rate for the coronavirus jumped to 8.3%, according to the latest numbers released Monday by Gov. Andrew Cuomo.
Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie said it’s still possible that a session will be held before 2020 ends on more substantive issues.
“If we do not change the trajectory, we could very well be headed to shutdown, and shutdown is something to worry about.”
“This pandemic, these masks, this physical configuration are a stark reminder to the nation that government matters and leadership matters.”
“Apparently, the law specifically says meet in person at the state Capitol. There’s been so much litigation about the election, we don’t want to test the law.”
Governor Andrew Cuomo unveiled details of what he calls the “winter plan” for limiting the spread of COVID-19 in New York State.
“I believe we’re going to have to raise taxes at the end of the day, in any event, but the question is, how much in taxes?”
Cuomo says undocumented immigrants who receive a vaccine will not have to release any personal data that might trigger deportation.
Restaurant owners are finding Governor Andrew Cuomo’s new criteria difficult to decipher, and worry it will mean more eateries will soon be out of business.
“It doesn’t come near to the need. It would be a short term bill until March. I would urge them to get this first down payment bill before they leave.”
“I would consider it shameful that our federally elected representatives have not been able to come together to provide some type of meaningful assistance.”
Front line health care workers and nursing home residents will be among the first to receive it.
The Thruway converted to all cashless tolling in mid-November, after work crews mounted cameras on 70 steel gantries that span the lanes at 58 locations on the toll road.
“We are not going to live through the nightmare of overwhelmed hospitals again.”
The Thruway Authority Board of Directors is poised to approve a 30% increase for cars without the electronic toll pass at its Dec. 1 meeting. The increase would become effective in January.
“The president has been saying that ‘he won, he won, he won,’ and ‘fraud, fraud, fraud. And a lot of people who support this president, agree with him.”
“New Yorkers have not only chosen to return to a Democratic Majority, but they’ve chosen to return a super majority.”
“These numbers have kept me awake for many, many , many nights. People get infected, they go into the hospital, they go into the ICU.”
New York’s rate of the virus has been creeping up through the fall, though the state is still at a significantly lower rate than most of the nation.
“Let’s not do these massive shutdowns of gyms or shopping malls or restaurants. That will just crush the economy more.”
Cuomo has set a limit of 10 or fewer people at in-home gatherings. But some county sheriffs in the state have said they don’t plan to enforce those rules, saying it’s a violation of people’s privacy.
Sixty-three politically progressive advocacy groups have written a letter to legislative leaders, asking them to hold an emergency session before 2020 ends.
“The pro is, we’re going to make sure we count correctly and not miscount anyone’s vote.”
The tolls for E-ZPass holders will remain the same, but for travelers without electronic passes, the Thruway Authority is proposing a 30 toll increase in January.
Social dining, whether indoors or outdoors, is one of three “main spreaders of COVID.” He urged local authorities to enforce the new rules.
“I talk to the Republican governors all day long, they need a stimulus package. They spent money on COVID, their revenues are down.”
“We knew that there is an overwhelming Democratic absentee vote that has to be counted still in a lot of our districts.”
This year, because of the COVID-19 pandemic, all eligible voters were allowed to cast mail in ballots, and they have not yet been counted, and may not be for several days.
While Democrat Joe Biden is heavily favored to win the state over President Donald Trump, there is plenty of action in congressional and state races for voters to weigh in on.
“There’s no gimmies. In this election cycle in a state like New York there’s no automatics. So wherever there is an open seat, we have to be invested and take it very seriously.”
Voting is confusing this year, but also easier than ever. Jennifer Wilson from the League of Women Voters shows us step-by-step what to expect when voting with an absentee ballot.
Democrats need just two more seats to gain a supermajority that could potentially override any vetoes.
“These inmates are being denied treatment, they are being denied access to their families.”
For the second day in a row, Cuomo fumed President Donald Trump is giving up, and as a result, 160,000 more Americans could die of the disease by February.
“The ballot line is under attack, and it could go away. To save it, we need as many New Yorkers as possible to vote for the Biden–Harris ticket on the WFP line this year.”
The number of polling places vary from county to county, but each county is required to have at least one early voting polling site.
“There’s new testing technology, there are rapid tests, is there a better, smarter way to handle a quarantine? None of this has been done before, so we’re figuring it out as it goes.”
“It could not come a day too soon. New Yorkers use a staggering 23 billion plastic bags every year.”
Also unanswered, said Cuomo, is how the vaccine will be funded, and whether states will be reimbursed for costs.
“We have flare-ups because in this state we have a microscope, and the other states don’t have a microscope. If you don’t have a microscope, you don’t see a lot of things.”
“Seven months in now, our local health departments are short-staffed. We’re working overtime, and we’re being folded into this newest initiative without any proper support, any funding or any guidance.”
The governors want to know about funding to help pay for mass vaccinations, and how a vaccine supply chain would function.
“I was not only unable to see her, not even technologically through a digital device, the nursing home, when I called, was nonresponsive,”
“Because nothing else I have done has motivated them, maybe money works.”
Cuomo said he’s taking the steps because he does not want the hot spots to spread to the rest of the state.
“The COVID-Alert New York does not track your location, your movement or use GPS. It does not collect or store any personal information. It is completely anonymous.”
Over 90% of businesses asked say more government funding is needed, and 75% support investment in affordable preschool child for children aged three and younger.
“These are embers that are starting to catch fire in dry grass. Send all the firefighting equipment and personnel to those embers, and stamp out the embers right away.”
Some of the zip codes coincide with areas that have large Orthodox Jewish populations, and some of those communities have been cited in the past for holding large gatherings, like weddings, in violation of COVID-19 social distancing restrictions.
The COVID-19 pandemic, and an unsuccessful lawsuit brought by the plastics industry delayed its implementation.
“If we were not in this governmental structure I would sue the federal government for gross negligence.”
The state will set up a review committee, made up of scientific and health experts, to check that any coronavirus vaccine approved by the federal Food and Drug Administration is indeed safe.
New Yorkers who are not currently registered to vote in the November elections have until October 9th to do so.
Governor Cuomo says it’s another attempt by Trump to “manipulate and distort government agencies to play politics”, to further the President’s re election efforts.
“We are asking people to recognize the importance of getting an E-ZPass because it’s going to save you money.”
The governor has temporarily held back 20% in aid payments to schools, local governments and others, under emergency powers granted to him by the State Legislature.
Over half say they are wary of eating indoors at a restaurant, having a drink at bar, watching a movie in a theater, working out at the gym, or going bowling.
Masks are strongly recommended at all other times, including in the classroom, but they are not mandatory once the student is sitting down at a socially distanced desk.
“So you wanted a party. OK, now you have to go to remote learning, which means you basically stay in the dorm. It’s a function of discipline and compliance.”
“That constitutional right doesn’t go on hold because there are financial constraints, because the state is having financial difficulties. This is a constitutional right.”
“I will be a catastrophe. Many school districts depend just about totally on state aid to get their programs running.”
Shame on the people in the CDC. These will be indefensible actions in the light of history.”
Eventhough the new law essentially allows universal mail-in balloting, the Governor says New Yorkers might still be confused about how to actually request the absentee voting forms.
Voters can begin requesting absentee ballots right away from their local elections boards, citing the reason that they fear risks of contracting the coronavirus or any other contagious illness.
The New York Governor predicted that the flu season will put an added strain on the overburdened disease-testing system in the state and could lead to a further slowdown for obtaining timely results of coronavirus tests.
“It is congregate, it’s one ventilation system, you’re seated there for a long period of time. Even if you are at 50% capacity, with one seat between the two of you, two seats between the two of you, this is a risky situation.”
“From the governor’s point of view, he’s riding high right now with his New York constituents, and this is chance to show himself off on the national stage,”
There is no set date for gyms to reopen, but the governor says rules will be released on how they can do so safely.
“We are willing to go by any guideline the governor is willing to tell us. The problem is there has been no communication. He has gone radio silent.”
“I would have pulled my mom out of that facility. She would be alive today, actually, had we actually been informed.”
“A significant portion of our elections will be administered by an entity over which the Board of Elections have no control.”
Kentucky is also the home state of Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell. McConnell earlier this year suggested that states that lost revenue due to the pandemic should declare bankruptcy.
“It is unfortunate. It is sad. But it is true. 98% of nursing homes already had COVID in their nursing homes, and those are the facts.”
“I don’t care what any bureaucrat says,” said Cuomo. “If they don’t have a good plan for reopening, no kids are going to come and no teaches are going to come.”
“If you have the virus under control, reopen. If you don’t have the virus under control, then you can’t reopen,”
The governor says the state faces a $14 billion deficit in the current fiscal year, and $16 billion next year, and without federal funds, he’ll have to slash schools, hospitals and local government aid by 20%.
“Our school board members, really their heart is in opening up the school, but they know it’s going to cost a lot of extra money this year.”
“Mitch McConnell, Rand Paul are federal ‘bag men,’ to use a different expression. They’ve been taking New Yorkers’ money for years, putting it in a bag in Washington and bringing it home to their state.”
“Should you be a broker that is involved in illegal steering, you will have your license pulled.”
“Democrats are not providing any oversight of the governor’s decisions throughout this pandemic. And that is a real problem that I think should concern all New Yorkers.”
“If you take people who are highly mobile, and you tax them, well then, they’ll just move next door. Where the tax treatment is simpler.”
“New Yorkers are outraged at these establishments, we’re getting thousands of complaints, pictures, videos. This is a question of public health.”
Tenants’ rights groups protested in the Bronx and on Zoom Wednesday over what they fear is a looming housing crisis, for tens of thousands of out of work New Yorkers struggling to pay rent.
The bulk of New Yorkers, over 9 million, have already filed their taxes, but around 1.3 million have not and are expected to do so by Wednesday.
“They ignore us, they issue edicts, having no idea what the unintended consequences are going to be.”
“We’re in the middle of a health care crisis, right, but the overall impact on the health care system has been to reduce people using health care.”
“The federal government’s demands that schools reopen without concern for health, safety and equity are simply out of touch.”
“As the epidemic has eased, we think the legislature should get back to work. Hold committee meetings, move bills.”
“The data shows that the nursing home residents got COVID from the staff and also presumably those who visited them.”
They made several crimes once again eligible for bail, including second-degree burglary, promoting child pornography and vehicular manslaughter.
Cuomo blames local governments, who are supposed to enforce rules at restaurants, bars, stores and other public places.
Created just two years ago, the centers coordinate services including therapies, behavioral health specialists, job placement and recreational opportunities for their clients.
“The good news is, our house is doing very well. The bad news is the neighbor’s home is on fire.”
Governor Andrew Cuomo says New York is offering help to states like Texas and Arizona that are struggling with spiking COVID-19 infections.
“They don’t know when the temporary period is going to end. Or whether they, down the road, may might be told they will never receive the aid”.
The governor has talked about the possibility of imposing a 14 day quarantine for those who travel from the 20 plus other states
There’s a growing movement in the state Legislature to raise taxes on the wealthy to help balance the state’s budget and to help cities out.
Ortt takes the leadership post at a difficult time; during the COVID-19 pandemic, waning enrollment in the Republican Party and a fundraising disadvantage.
“The journey is over. I hope the journey stays over .”
“It is a day that we should all reflect upon. It’s a day that is especially relevant in this moment in history.
“Ever since this era, our system has been trying to make up for this huge breach in public health trust. Trust is core to our ability to counter the COVID epidemic in the United States.”
“A legitimate conversation about whether or not the police are the best people to send for a situation is, I believe, a valid conversation.”
Senate Leader Stewart-Cousins says passage of the bills gives her hope, but she says they can’t alone “fix racism in America”.
Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie, the first African-American to hold that title, has long supported the repeal of the provision, but it has long languished in the legislature.
“I’m hopeful that this is our moment, that George Floyd and all those that came before him did not die in vain.”
“The word is uncertainty. We don’t know what’s going to happen and it’s very tough for our school districts to budget.”