John,

Summer is here and New York is ready! As young people stream out of school and into summer activities, we're continuing the good work we’ve done in building a state that serves our families and protects our kids. 

New York in the summertime is too beautiful and goes by too fast for our kids to be inside on their phones. This week, we kicked off a campaign to get our kids active and make summer memories outside, with free swimming at State parks and major investments in outdoor activities.

The Latest from the Empire State

Protecting our kids online. Our children are facing a mental health crisis fueled by addictive social media feeds. New York is leading the nation in confronting this crisis with our SAFE For Kids Act and New York Child Data Protection Act — legislation that will rein in addictive feeds, shield our kids’ personal data, and provide a safer digital environment for the next generation. As New York's first mom governor, I'll fight to protect our kids any day of the week.

Cracking down on illicit cannabis and boosting up legal retailers. We promised to expedite the closure of unlicensed cannabis storefronts, and I’m proud to say that we’re getting it done! In just 3 weeks, more than 100 illicit storefronts across the state were shut down by the New York State Cannabis Enforcement Task Force, and our legal retailers saw a 27% increase in sales.

Expanding access to maternal health care. I was in the Bronx to announce an $8 million investment in expanding the maternal care center at the Morris Heights Health Center and to highlight our work to increase doula access. Like I said, I’m New York’s first mom governor. I take this issue seriously.

Carrying the torch for LGBTQ+ equality. New York is proud to be the home of Stonewall and the start of the modern fight for LGBTQ+ rights, and we’re carrying on that fight — from joining President Biden to officially open the Stonewall National Monument Visitor’s Center, to signing legislation to expand access to lifesaving HIV/AIDS prevention and treatment.  

We also announced:

• Our Continued Commitment to Tackle the Youth Mental Health Crisis with Nation-Leading Efforts to Protect and Support Young People
• Progress Toward Transforming the Former Syracuse Developmental Center Site Into Housing
• A 28% Decline in Shootings and Nearly $36 Million in Additional Funding to Support Local Law Enforcement
• Legislation to Protect Public Health, Improve Water Quality in Suffolk County
• Investments to Keep New Yorkers Safe in the Water Through NY SWIMS
• $39.6 Million is Now Available to Low Income New Yorkers for Home Energy Efficiency and Electrification Upgrades 
• A Partnership to Strengthen International Semiconductor Opportunities Between New York and the Netherlands
• Funding to Support Children With Autism 

New York Moments  

Canna-Business: We’re building the strongest, most equitable cannabis industry in the country — one that uplifts small businesses and curbs illegal shops. But don’t just take my word for it. Meet Leeann Mata of Matawana Dispensary in Brooklyn:

Ask the Gov: The best part of being your governor is talking to you — the New Yorkers who get up every day to keep our state running. Take a look at our latest installment of “Ask the Gov” below and submit your questions for me here.

Pride in New York: As Pride Month comes to an end, join me in celebrating our state’s vibrant and diverse LGBTQIA+ community. Happy Pride! In New York, we see you, stand with you, and we love you.

Other highlights: 

• I marched in Buffalo’s 49th annual Juneteenth Parade as we recommitted to fighting for true justice and equality for all.
• I celebrated and stood in solidarity with our LGBTQ+ community in New York City's Pride parade.
• I joined the community at Garden Towers in the Bronx to see the homes they’re making for senior citizens who experienced homelessness — because homelessness can impact any age group.
• I made sure we weren’t “sharking” our duties when it comes to water safety, and met the team monitoring our state beaches on Long Island to protect New Yorkers from shark attacks.

News to Know

• New Homes In Buffalo (WGRZ): Buffalo is where I was born and raised, where my family laid down roots, and where so many families like ours need a place to thrive, and I was proud to be on hand to break ground on the Commodore Perry Houses!
• The Future of Mental Health Care (The Daily Star): The pandemic and its aftermath are a reminder that access to health care, and especially mental health care, is critical. We’re investing in SUNY Community Colleges to prepare the health care workforce of the future and meet mental health needs for our students in every corner of the Empire State.
• Selfless for Shellfish (Patch): We're protecting Long Island from threats like overfishing and climate change with a $10 million investment in the Town of Islip's regional shellfish hatchery. Long Island's natural beauty defines our state and we're going to fight like "shell" to keep it that way.

That’s all for now, John! Get out and enjoy all New York has to offer this summer and we’ll see you next month!

Ever upward, 

Gov. Kathy Hochul 

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