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“I wore a mask for year, it’s not the biggest deal in the world. I could get this delta variant, and I could spread the delta variant. So, better safe than sorry, I’m going to wear a mask.”
Survivors say it’s not too late to file a claim, but some would like another legal window sometime in the near future.
Cuomo said his administration is doing a “full review” of its mask policies, now that the CDC has altered its recommendations.
Jackson said the amendment will empower citizens to go to court, if necessary, to enforce those rights.
“I have concerns as to the independence of the reviewers,” Cuomo said. “Is this all happening in a political system? Yes, that is undeniable.”
Schumer said over the weekend that the state was in danger of losing $2.4 billion in federal aid due to delays by the Cuomo administration in getting out the rent relief.
Assembly Speaker Heastie, who attended an unrelated event in Schenectady with Steck, said he’s trying to stay neutral until the impeachment inquiry concludes.
By age group, Generation X caregivers spent the most money, at more than $8500.00 in out of pocket expenses, while Generation Z and Millennials spent a larger share of their total household income.
“We don’t love all of them, truthfully.”
Cuomo denies the charges, and when he was first accused in late winter apologized if his actions had been misinterpreted.
“JCOPE was set up in a way to fail.”
The AP finds that other states, including Pennsylvania, report death numbers that mirror the CDC numbers, and count all cases where COVID is either the cause of death or a contributing factor.
Governor Cuomo, who has an antagonistic relationship with the left of his party, says he and Eric Adams come from the “same political philosophy.”
“There was a concern that was brought to our attention. About whether or not Open Meetings Law applies to hearings.”
The call for public input is a departure from previous redistricting commissions, which have operated largely in secret.
About $4.3 billion will be distributed to nearly every state in the nation to help fund prevention, treatment and recovery programs; New York will get $200 million.
“Review some of the soft-on-crime pieces of legislation that have been passed in the last few years. I think the combination of all of those policies is having a big effect on this increase in violent crime.”
A bill before Gov. Andrew Cuomo would create a lockbox for anticipated opioid drug manufacturer settlement funds.
Under the law, New Yorkers who want to change their gender listed on an official identification, no longer needs a doctor’s permission or present medical evidence to obtain those changes.
“The emergency is over. It will not be renewed.”
“Voters are going to be asked a simple question. Should we add to New York state’s bill of rights, the right to clean air, clean water and a healthful environment?”
Republicans, who have not won a statewide election in nearly 20 years, are energized by the multiple scandals that are weakening current Gov. Andrew Cuomo.
Not everyone can immediately go back to normal. Unvaccinated New Yorkers still need to wear masks in public and practice safe social distancing.
New York is still in the process of reopening from the months-long mandatory lock downs, and Governor Cuomo says there are still dangerous variants of the virus that are spreading in other parts of the world.
Rates in some low-income urban and rural areas are as low as 38.8%. The governor says local governments need to focus on those areas and give it “one more push.”
In a statement, Senator Stewart-Cousins said talks continue on some issues and the Senate would return to act on them if “necessary”.
For the second year in a row, the New York State Capitol has been off limits to visitors, and Gov. Andrew Cuomo, facing multiple scandals, is largely isolated from the negotiations.
Restaurants and tavern owners say it’s been a lifeline and allowed them to increase sales and add staff as they struggle to come back from pandemic shutdowns.
“If we were talking about very specific crimes, non-violent crimes, first offender type crimes, that’s something that I could consider. But we’re not talking about that. We’re talking about all crimes.”
Some state senators felt the court needed more public defenders and civil rights lawyers in the wake of racial injustice in the state’s criminal justice system.
The announcement began a weekend of confusion and anxiety for school leaders, teachers and parents who said they would have to once again reconfigure classrooms and alter other protocols.
“Ending qualified immunity is about accountability for police and justice for the victims whose rights have been violated.”
Also under consideration before the session ends is the Adult Survivors Act. It would allow adult survivors of sexual abuse and harassment a one-year window of opportunity to bring their abuser to court.
“It seems like every morning we wake up to see another story about violence in our streets or a shooting where innocent victims are either killed or injured.”
“Yes we punish the criminals, but [make sure] that the punishment fits the crime, and that you don’t continue to pay for the crime long after you’ve done the time.”
“Today we are going to be righting that wrong,” Gounardes said. “To put a stop to the license to harass that elected officials and judges have exercised in New York for far too long.”
“There is already more than enough evidence to warrant Cuomo’s removal from office, yet the Assembly continues to dither and protect his power at the expense of New Yorkers.”
DiNapoli is asking that Amazon to review its impacts on civil rights, equity, diversity and inclusion, and the impacts of those issues on its business.
Younger people were cleared for the COVID-19 vaccine later than older people, and they are getting vaccinated at much lower rates.
Members of the state’s ethics commission pressed Tuesday for a subpoena to look into a controversy over Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s hiring of a former aide as a “volunteer” COVID-19 vaccine czar.
Meanwhile, Republicans in the state legislature say they want lawmakers to rescind a new mask mandate imposed by Cuomo on young children at day care centers.
More New Yorkers think the embattled governor should hang on than think he should resign.
The top prize is $5 million dollars, but the Governor says there are also lesser prizes, with a one in nine chance of winning.
Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie and Senate Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins are easing capacity limits in the Assembly and Senate chambers, but masks will still be required during session.
The governor says it’s still OK to continue to wear a mask, if you feel more comfortable doing so.
Connecticut and Pennsylvania promptly lifted their outdoor mask mandates. New Jersey, and Massachusetts, like New York, are waiting a little longer.
In recent weeks, when the governor is asked by reporters about the probe, his answers often include a reference to the attorney general’s possible political motivations.
The bill is gaining strength in the State Legislature.
“You go to a SUNY school, State University of New York, City University of New York, you must have a vaccine to come back in September. If you must have a vaccine, get it now, if you have to get it anyway.”
“I’ve been denied a lot of jobs because of my criminal background. I’ve been denied a lot of housing throughout the years because of my criminal background.”
“It is not a cost saving mechanism to put your employees and customers at risk of death.”
Fans who are unvaccinated will have to sit in a separate, socially distanced section with a maximum capacity of 33%.
“Finally, we could have a strong law and tools we need to advocate for our patients.”
The governor said everything can’t be reopened all at once — it’s not like flipping a “light switch,” he said — and some restrictions will remain for now.
“It shouldn’t take lawsuits and court hearings for our struggling restaurants to be heard.”
The governor says New York City and the rest of the state could open up sooner than July.
“The complainants have continued to go to the press and make their complaints in the press, and I have not been able to respond. That’s not fair and that’s not right.”
Restaurant industry groups hailed the end of what they called a “burdensome mandate” that further harmed businesses financially devastated by the pandemic.
“You don’t have to call; you don’t have to make an appointment.”
The restrictions on the media began shortly after several current and former female aides accused the governor of sexual harassment, and in one case, sexual assault.
“To put it very simply, no,” Cuomo said.
“I believe that New York is ready to be returned to glory, but it’s not going to happen with a continued reign of Andrew Cuomo.”
Judiciary Committee Chair Charles Lavine said a hotline set up by the committee has generated over 200 tips on probes into sexual harassment allegations made by multiple women.
The bill requires that the state health and labor departments design minimum standards for health and safety during outbreaks of airborne viruses and all infectious disease outbreaks.
The attorney general is already investigating Cuomo on sexual harassment charges from multiple women. And federal prosecutors are looking into a possible cover-up of nursing homes deaths.
“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.”
