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The Assembly report finds that Cuomo oversaw a toxic workplace where he sexually harassed multiple women, and that he used staff to write and edit a $5 million memoir at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“How about this New Year’s resolution- that in the days after New Year’s that we say ‘everybody’ back in the office.”
“It was just such a stressful day-to-day struggle to figure out how how to make it through the week and how to put food on the table.”
“It is much harder to protect our communities due to the handcuffs that are being put on judges, district attorneys, and police officers.”
Much of the rest of upstate New York has a positivity rate of 5% or more, higher than it was in the fall of 2020.
Some commissioners complain they were not given the details about the proposed book deal and it was improperly approved by JCOPE’s staff.
The bill would limit rent increases to 3% annually, or 1.5 times the annual percentage change in the consumer price index for rent in that area.
A new study from AAA shows the law appears to be changing people’s behavior.
“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.”
“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.
“The effects of bail and discovery reform and the dismantling of our criminal justice system, has effected every New Yorker and made them less safe.”
“Right now juices and Gatorade aren’t covered by the Bottle Bill and we need to see those plastics get back into the recycling stream.”
“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.”
“We will be selecting 50 names of children who will be receiving a full ride to a SUNY or CUNY institution.”
“The only way we are going to say that New York is truly back, is when the tourism industry is back as well. I believe they are interconnected.”
“We came off an election (in 2020), where Democrats were all charged up to beat Donald Trump. They succeeded. So that motivator is gone.”
“I can handle this, bring it on, but right now, there are so many needs in this state.”
“We have to be willing to stand up to the far left because…(it’s) destroying the party.”
“I actually feel bad for the rest of the nation that has not caught up to us. We need a national policy on paid family leave.”
Democrats favor one set of maps, while GOP commissioners support a different plan.
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.”
“I want to empower parents and schools to do the right things first but if we’re not seeing adequate compliance…I will have no choice.”
“We will take every complaint of harassment and discrimination seriously.”
There are pros and cons to a ballot proposal that would guarantee New Yorkers’ rights to clean air and water.
The regulations follow guidelines set by the Marijuana Regulation and Taxation Act, which allows three mature plants and three immature plants per person.
“We definitely recommend for this election that voters do their homework…know what these proposals are.”
“This will allow people who have not properly registered to vote, to be able to register to vote on the day of the election, and cast a ballot.”
“(The state attorney general) had a motive to draw every possible inference against the governor, who was a political rival.”
“15 simple words, each person shall have a right to clean air and clean water and a healthful environment.”
“It’s safer, safer for motorists, safer for highway safety workers and more cost-effective than a quarter-million dollar truck.”
The New York Court of Appeals ordered the state pay the additional money 15 years ago, but the decision was never fully carried out.
“We know that the vast majority of people who go through the criminal court system in New York State, are lower income individuals.”
“At the end of the day, it was getting resources to counties that were struggling each and every day.”
Governor Hochul, who was virtually unknown before she took over, has a 55% approval rating, according to the Marist College poll.
The decision only allows health care workers to request religious exemptions to the mandate, for the time being.
The increase expected in natural gas prices locally, and around the world is partly attributed to the global economic recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic.
“At the end of my term, whenever it ends, no one will ever describe my administration as a toxic work environment.”
The law will require better addiction treatment for prison inmates, and divert some offenders into rehab programs instead of jail.
The new Cannabis Control Board wants to ramp up New York’s recreational marijuana industry, that’s expected to roll out next year.
“Prisons are a hotbed of infectious disease transmission they have been for since they’ve been designed and utilized.”
Cuomo never submitted the book contract to the panel, and the full commission never voted to approve the arrangement.
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’m hoping we can manage through that and not have a tremendous number of people in any one department who are missing.”
The order allows licensed health care professionals in other states and countries, as well as retired workers and recent graduates to practice in New York.
“Gasoline and diesel fuel vehicles are responsible for smog, toxic particulate matter that drives adverse health outcomes.”
The state has issued guidance that would prevent unvaccinated health care workers who are fired to collect unemployment.
Later, speaking to reporters, the governor said she wanted to intensify the focus on reviving downtown areas in struggling cities.
“It does not have to happen, my friends, it does not have to happen. What is looming for Monday is completely avoidable and there are no excuses.”
“I think I made very clear on my first day in office that I’ll be looking to build a new team. There will be other changes forthcoming.”
The pandemic caused an unprecedented number of temporary and permanent job losses, with over 4.7 million New Yorkers collecting benefits.
There have been calls for Howard Zucker’s removal over decisions he made during the COVID-19 pandemic, like decisions related to nursing homes.
Lee Zeldin is currently the favorite for the nomination among leaders from the Republican party; county chairs designated him as the presumptive nominee.
“I would be remiss not to note that over the last couple of years, there has been a great change, but they’ve really put a burden on our boards.”
The compounds, known as Neonicotinoids, or “neonics,” have been widely used during the past 15 years in a pre-treatment for corn, soy and wheat seeds.
“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.
“There still is a digital divide, particularly in rural parts of the state, and for lower-income New Yorkers.”
“I guarantee I did not know I was pregnant with my first child at six weeks. I actually went on a whitewater rafting trip.”
Agriculture is one of biggest sectors of New York State’s economy. Yet people of color are largely left out of it.
“The biggest challenge for our hospitals is not…the beds. Just like last year, it’s staffing. Staffing is now what we need.”
“There should be something in the legislation that allows for the public to comment remotely. This legislation doesn’t do that.”
“They’re the ones that live here. They’re the ones that have a voice.”
“Now, the landlord gets to have a hearing. I think that goes a long way, and the landlord has a say in court now.”
“You Don’t Collapse Bagram (Air Base) First”
Not only is the Legislature expected to extend the moratorium, they’re also set to make changes to the law to comply with a recent Supreme Court ruling.
“Our nurses have not had any input on safe staffing levels – we certainly have had our opinions, but we have never really been asked to share those.”
“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.
“I never in a million years would have imagined I would be standing here as the lt. governor of the state of New York. But God has bigger plans for me.”
Much of the focus of the hearing was the Joint Commission on Public Ethics, or JCOPE, the state’s current ethics agency.
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.
“I believe that we will need mask mandates for children to go back to schools. And that will have to be universal, it will be statewide.”
“We have an unfortunate history here in New York state that continues, and we need to turn that around.”
“The attorney general’s report was designed to be a political firecracker on an explosive topic.”
Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s 10 years in control of the New York governor’s office comes to a close today.
“Some workers have worked like this for more than 20 years. They deserve time with their family. They deserve to rest. They deserve this extra time for them.”
“We literally created a vaccine within a year, and that’s like unheard of. The fact that it’s new, played a role in me not wanting to get the vaccine.”
The new requirement applies to all health care workers in New York, regardless of employer.
The Dept. of Financial Services says that as in prior years, the continued increase in health care costs is the main driver of premium rates.
“I’m the most prepared person to assume this responsibility, and I am going to ask the voters at some point for their faith in me again.”
“I’ve been in this business long enough to know that it’s not in the purview of the New York State governor to dictate to the New York State Assembly.”
“At the end of my term, whenever it is, no one will ever describe my administration as a toxic work environment.”
The investigation brought down the governor less than a year after he won an Emmy Award for his famous coronavirus briefings.
“There is a lot there. You know, we didn’t just investigate sexual misconduct allegations like the Attorney General. We have investigations in several other areas that are pending.”
“I loved my job, but the hours were crazy. We literally pulled all-nighters when they were in session. You have a child, there’s nobody to watch the kids.”
“She’s a quick study, very smart, very energetic, and has her experience. I think she will step in and not miss a beat.”
“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.”
“It was the right thing to do. The governor needs to be held accountable.”
“What we need to do the soonest is to get Cuomo out of power because of the way he uses it, like a weapon.”
“There is an urgent need for timely advice and supervision flowing from the State Department of Health to local and school officials.”
“I think it’s extremely realistic for the committee to be considering articles of impeachment by early September. And then the Assembly would have a vote.”
“I will not be distracted from that job. We have a lot do to. We still have to manage the Covid beast. It is not dead yet. It is not over.”
“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.”
Democrats will decide whether to move forward with impeachment charges against the governor. They’ve been building their own report to determine whether that’s the right move.
“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.”
“Students who are parents prioritize feeding their children over getting their own meal in order to make their tuition payments.”
Survivors say it’s not too late to file a claim, but some would like another legal window sometime in the near future.
“Parents can rest assured that sending their child to camp will not mean sending them away from expert mental health care should they need it.”
“It’s just crazy. It’s here. It’s already here. People are already smoking it. Let us just go and get a legal substance from a safe provider.”
“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.”
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.
Zeldin was one of four Republican members of Congress from New York who voted against certifying the results in Pennsylvania and Arizona.
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.”
“There was a concern that was brought to our attention. About whether or not Open Meetings Law applies to hearings.”
“Sixty-three percent of Earned Income Tax Credit recipients spent some, or all of their payment on paying down debt.”
The Adult Survivors Act would create a one-year look back window for cases of adult sexual abuse. That’s similar to the Child Victims Act, legislation passed in 2019 targeted at victims of child sex abuse.
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.
On July 29, ten service areas will close to start work on the first phase of the project.
“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.”
“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.”
“This initiative will help create affordable connected homes that equip residents with the tools necessary to thrive in the modern world.”
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.
They seek a detailed list of data about the deaths of New Yorkers from COVID-19, including those tracked by the date, county and ZIP code, as well as confirmed cases of coronavirus by age group, race, and ethnicity.
“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?”
The term-limited Mayor Bill de Blasio is exiting after eight years in office, leaving the door of Gracie Mansion wide open for a newcomer. The race is tight, and the field is diverse.
Members of the Assembly held an hours-long meeting, speaking with stakeholders in the healthcare industry on what can be done to save the lives of people dealing with addiction and mental illness.
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.
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.
“This isn’t rocket science. It’s public policies that are the biggest lever to lift families out of poverty.”
Not everyone can immediately go back to normal. Unvaccinated New Yorkers still need to wear masks in public and practice safe social distancing.
The Students for Solar Act passed with unanimous support in the state Senate, but never reached the floor of the Assembly for a vote.
The good news is that the local economy is improving and more tourists are coming to town. The bad news is there is a shortage of workers to staff businesses and serve those tourists.
The tourism industry claims 70% of a $900 million industry in central New York, was lost in the past year.
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.
In May, the governor announced the fair would be open at 50% capacity, but with record low infection rates and an almost 70% vaccination rate, Cuomo said it’s time to open the gates all the way.
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.”
“Business owners have seen their work and their dreams just disappear. I don’t know how many thousands of businesses have closed permanently, but it’s thousands, and that’s just a tragedy.”
“We all take water for granted. We bathe in it. We cook with it. We drink it. It’s not until something goes wrong with the water that we realize how dependent we are on it.”
“With a 62 to nothing vote in the senate just last week, I don’t know what else they need to know or learn about the bill, I think they just need to bring it to the floor.”
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 two bills would, respectively, allow people who’ve served their full sentence to have records sealed in most cases, and reduce the likelihood that technical parole violations will land them back in prison.
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.
“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.
The Elder Parole measure would require a person who is 55 or older to be considered for release by the parole board if they’ve served at least 15 years of their sentence.
It looks like New York State is not ready to change its guidance on masking yet for grades K-12.
“The Senate passing it is fantastic. That the assembly hasn’t passed it is mystifying, unless you look at it as part of a pattern.”
“I’m the manager at a bank, I’m looking to hire somebody. I can’t know if this person stole money in his previous job, or her previous job.”
“What I hear from prosecutors is just how often laws on the books here in New York get broken but are not prosecuted.”
“It is not just sufficient to say that abortion is a right that everybody has access to. We have to also make it accessible.”
“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.
“I again ask this industry: what are you going to do about your products that are killing our people?”
“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.”
“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.”
“The car is a way of life here. It is not just for recreational purposes. People need this to go to work. People need this to take care of business.”
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.
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.”
“Trying to get ten toddlers to keep a mask on is a feat that’s impossible. It’s very, very difficult. We can barely get them to keep their shoes on, let alone a mask on their face.”
78% of New Yorkers want the option, implemented during the pandemic, to be made permanent in New York.
More New Yorkers think the embattled governor should hang on than think he should resign.
Governor Cuomo also announced that more than 1 million Excelsior Passes have been issued since New York began the program in March.
“This has rekindled a flame of righteousness, and righteous indignation that has been smoldering for centuries. We are in the midst of a racial reckoning in this country.”
“I was running COVID response for this state, so I didn’t want to get COVID, and precautions were taken.”
The top prize is $5 million dollars, but the Governor says there are also lesser prizes, with a one in nine chance of winning.
“When so many people had to work and learn and play at home, the lack of broadband internet service clearly became a real problem for those families.”
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.
“Self-serving nakedly political press stunts are nothing new for these Republican politicians.”
If enough evidence is found, the Trump Organization could face criminal charges from two New York prosecutors: the New York state attorney general and the Manhattan district attorney.
The “Love Our NY Lands” campaign will include in-person education at trailheads in the Adirondacks and Catskills during the hiking season.
Reuters reports the pending lawsuit focuses on stock purchases that preceded a proposed deal during the Trump administration to finance a pharmaceutical venture during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Marginalized New Yorkers who can’t pay the arbitrary fees baked into nearly every step of our state’s legal process deserve a justice system that doesn’t pick their pockets and jeopardize their freedom.”
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.
The governor says it’s still OK to continue to wear a mask, if you feel more comfortable doing so.
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.
The Governor also announced that beaches and pools will operate with 6′ social distancing, with the goal to reopen them to 100% capacity by July 4.
“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 bill is gaining strength in the State Legislature.
“I think it’s going to be excellent trout fishing, especially for beginners because the stocked trout are hungry and not too bright.”
Though many still don’t qualify for federal veterans benefits, they now can receive state benefits in New York, Colorado, and other states.
“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.”
“We really feel that our population of loved ones is just being completely disregarded.”
“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.”
