Friend,
Governor Andrew M. Cuomo this morning addressed the New York Hispanic Clergy Organization and laid out his views on the critical public safety and economic issues facing New York.
In his address to more than 200 Hispanic ministers, Governor Cuomo rejected “defund the police” policies that put public safety at risk while balancing them with the need to crack down on bad actors in the system.
As the Governor said, if you hear the window breaking in your home in the middle of the night, when you dial 911 you want someone to come.
The Governor also urged Albany to fix bail reform so that it finally achieves its promise of fixing inequalities with public safety. Any major change is always a work in progress because it then effects other laws and a responsible government then comes back and responds to those unanticipated effects and consequences.
Under Governor Cuomo, changes to bail reform were made after it was passed and we all now know more changes are necessary. That is not a step backwards, it is a step forward, but so far there appears to be little true will to do what’s right in state government.
The fixes should be in the state budget so people can feel free to walk the streets once again and demonstrate that the government is actually working. If it is not in the budget, then it probably will not happen.
Finally, in the time of uncertain economic uncertainty, rampant inflation and surging gas prices, Governor Cuomo urged a suspension of the gas tax to ease the pain at the pump and put more money in the pockets of hardworking New Yorkers. This year, Albany is flush with money from the federal government and instead of rewarding donors, this temporary extra funding should be used to help you, not the special interest few.
You can hear Governor Cuomo’s remarks for yourself here.
