Governor Cuomo Announces Gatherings of Up to 25 People Will Be Allowed in Phase Three of Reopening

Global Public Health Experts Have Cleared Western New York to Enter Phase Three Tomorrow

Capital Region Still on Track to Enter Phase Three Wednesday, June 17th

Announces Lowest Number of Hospitalizations and Deaths On Three-Day Average Since Pandemic Began

Only 1.10 Percent of Yesterday's COVID Tests were Positive

Confirms 620 Additional Coronavirus Cases in New York State - Bringing Statewide Total to 383,944; New Cases in 33 Counties

Governor Cuomo: "On the civil unrest, I said from day one, I stand with the protesters. The outrage was right, the outrage was justified. What we do in New York is we take the outrage and we seize the moment, right? Carpe momentum. It's about people wanting change. Well, New York will be the place that actually makes the change, and we've passed laws that have done just that."

Cuomo: "We are now entering Phase Three for some regions across the state. We're going to modify Phase Three given this new data, and we're going to allow gatherings up to 25 people in Phase Three, which is up from ten people. Again, because the numbers are good in most parts of the state. Western New York will enter phase three tomorrow and that's exciting. The Capital Region will be entering phase three on Wednesday. That's exciting. The rules and regulations of phase three are very clear. They're all set out. People should follow the guidelines because the guidelines have been working. They have been working. We have months of data now that says the guidelines make sense, keep following them because they are working. And everyone has a role to play in all of this as we're reopening."

Cuomo: "Our accomplishment over these past 106 days will go down in the history books. Just remember what we did here: when we started on the base-side of the mountain—we had the worst infection rate in the United States of America. Today we have the best infection rate in the United States of America. You want to talk about a turnaround? You want to talk about an accomplishment? You want to talk about people doing something they never did before? Yes. They built that bridge, the largest infrastructure project in the country. And New York scaled the highest mountain and went from the worst situation with this COVID virus to the best situation with this COVID virus. New Yorkers did it because we did it together."

  Governor Andrew M. Cuomo announced gatherings of up to 25 people will be allowed in Phase Three of reopening, up from the limit of 10. Five regions have already entered Phase Three - Central New York, the Finger Lakes, the Mohawk Valley, the North Country, the Southern Tier. The Governor also announced global public health experts have cleared Western New York to enter Phase Three tomorrow, and the Capital Region is still on track to enter Phase Three on Wednesday, June 17th. Business guidance for Phase Three of the state's reopening plan is available here.

The Governor also announced the state has reached the lowest number of hospitalizations and deaths on the three-day average since the pandemic began. The number of total hospitalizations was down yesterday to 1,608 to lowest level since the pandemic began. Twenty-five people in New York passed away yesterday due to COVID-19, which is the lowest level on a three-day average since the pandemic began.

Statement from City Council on NYPD Proposed Budget Cuts

  “We believe that we can and should work to get to $1 billion in cuts to New York City’s police spending in the Fiscal 2021 budget, an unprecedented reduction that would not only limit the scope of the NYPD, but also show our commitment towards moving away from the failed policing policies of the past. 

“There is no doubt that this is an ambitious goal, but it is one that the time we are in calls for–both here in New York City and nationwide. 

“This is possible: We have identified savings that would cut over $1 billion dollars, including reducing uniform headcount through attrition, cutting overtime, shifting responsibilities away from the NYPD, finding efficiencies and savings in OTPS spending, and lowering associated fringe expenses. 

“As we do this, we must prioritize the most impacted communities and hear their demands and needs across all areas during this budget process. This should be a deliberative and good faith discussion of the best path forward for New York City. 

“Our budget must reflect the reality that policing needs fundamental reform. Over the last few weeks, we have seen an outpouring of New Yorkers demanding change from their leaders. It is our job to listen – and to act.  We will not let this moment pass, and we will fight for the budget they deserve.”

NYC UNITY PROJECT AND NYC COMMISSION ON HUMAN RIGHTS STATEMENT ON HISTORIC SUPREME COURT RULING BOSTOCK v. CLAYTON COUNTY, GEORGIA

  Today, the New York City Commission on Human Rights and the NYC Unity Project join lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) communities nationwide in celebrating an historic and long overdue victory. By declaring that discrimination on the basis of gender identity and sexual orientation are forms of illegal sex discrimination under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act, the Supreme Court of the United States affirmed a core truth that we in New York City have recognized for decades. 

With this landmark ruling, our country takes an extraordinary step forward in closing the gap in protections for millions of LGBTQ workers living in places where local anti-discrimination protections did not exist. The opinion also fundamentally calls into question new rules adopted days ago by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services erasing transgender people from the Affordable Care Act’s nondiscrimination provisions. 

This victory is not without heartbreak as two of the courageous plaintiffs – Donald Zarda and Aimee Stephens – are not here with us to be honored and celebrated. We owe them, the third plaintiff, Gerald Bostock, and their families a great debt of gratitude. For them, and for all LGBTQ communities, Congress must press forward and pass the Equality Act. The Equality Act would ensure protections against anti-LGBTQ discrimination in public accommodations and in federally funded programs. 

We celebrate this opinion as we remember Layleen Polanco and mourn the violent deaths of Dominique Fells, Riah Milton, Iyanna Dior, and Tony McDade—deaths that shed light on the epidemic of violence Black and Brown transgender people, particularly Black transgender women, face. Demonstrations nationwide continue to highlight abuses by law enforcement—the very same issues that queer and transgender people fought against over 50 years ago, launching today’s LGBTQ movement. Compelled by a shared commitment for dignity and justice for all, thousands gathered across the city in the past days to demand that “Black trans lives matter” be more than just a protest rallying call. We stand with them.

We must continue to be allies and advocates for those fighting anti-Black racism and police violence, knowing full well that these fights intersect with those for LGBTQ justice. As we honor the heroes of the LGBTQ movement during this Pride month and beyond, we remember that it was Black and Brown trans women, Marsha P. Johnson and Sylvia Rivera among them, who stood steadfast against police violence. We remember that Black and Brown LGBTQ New Yorkers and community members nationwide continue to lead the fight for justice today. 

The path to full equality and justice is long and ongoing; the only way to victory is together. We commit to standing with our community members in the fights ahead and we celebrate with them today.

Council Member Ruben Diaz - FREE GROCERIES AND FACE MASK DISTRIBUTION

Governor Cuomo Signs Legislation Affirming the Right to Record Law Enforcement Activity and Other Items

Governor Andrew M. Cuomo  signed legislation (S.3253-A/A.1360) - the 'New Yorker's Right to Monitor Act' - affirming the right of an individual to record law enforcement activity and to maintain custody of that recording and any instruments used to make the recording. 

"Transparency is critical to renewing the community's trust and confidence in our policing systems," Governor Cuomo said. "Stopping police abuse vindicates the overwhelming majority - 99.9 percent - of police who are there to do the right thing, and by making clear that all New Yorkers have the right to record and keep recordings of police activity we can help restore trust in the police-community relationship." 

State is Extending Special Enrollment in the Health Plan Marketplace for an Additional 30 Days Through July 15, 2020

Reminds Bars and Restaurants that Violations of Reopening Rules and Guidelines Can Result in Loss of Liquor License

Governor Signs Legislation Requiring the State Department of Health to Conduct a Study on the Health Impacts of COVID-19 on Minorities in New York State

Announces Lowest Number of Hospitalizations and Deaths Since Pandemic Began

Only 1.1 Percent of Yesterday's COVID Tests Were Positive

Confirms 694 Additional Coronavirus Cases in New York State - Bringing Statewide Total to 383,324; New Cases in 41 Counties

Governor Andrew M. Cuomo announced low-risk youth sports for regions in phase three of reopening can begin on July 6th with up to two spectators allowed per child. 

Governor Cuomo also announced the state is extending the special open enrollment period in the New York State of Health Health Plan Marketplace for an additional 30 days through July 15, 2020. 

The Governor also reminded bars and restaurants that any violations of reopening rules and guidelines can result in the loss of that establishment's liquor license. Additionally, individuals can be fined for open container and social distancing violations. The Governor also reminded local governments to enforce all reopening rules and guidelines and that any failure to enforce these rules can result in the closure of businesses.

Governor Cuomo Announces Western New York Expected to Enter Phase 3 of Reopening June 16 and Capital Region Expected to Enter Phase 3 of Reopening on June 17

Announces Lowest Number of Hospitalizations and Deaths Since Pandemic Began

Governor Signs Legislation Suspending the Forfeiture of Unemployment Benefits During the COVID-19 State of Emergency

Governor Signs Legislation Repealing Criminalization of Wearing a Mask in Public

Only 1.29 Percent of Yesterday's COVID Tests Were Positive

Confirms 916 Additional Coronavirus Cases in New York State - Bringing Statewide Total to 382,630; New Cases in 37 Counties

Governor Cuomo: "The New York State Police Reform and Reinvention Collaborative is a major step forward, and I believe it's a moment to turn the page on this entire issue. We've seen the protests, we've seen the demonstrations. The people of this nation have made their voice heard. They are outraged after Mr. Floyd's murder. The formula that works is demonstration, protest, make your case, then make change, legislation, institutionalize the point that you were making, and then reconciliation. Demonstration, legislation, reconciliation. Reverend Sharpton was here yesterday, and those were his words. He's exactly right."

Cuomo: "Western New York is expected to move to Phase Three on this Tuesday. Capital Region should move to Phase Three on Wednesday. But as usual, we have to stay smart. Look around the nation and look at what is going on. We're not in a vacuum. This virus spreads. We learned the hard way through cases in California for weeks when this started before they came here. Look at the signs across the country and the signs across the country are frightening. The COVID virus is increasing in just about half the states. Half the states, it's going up. You have 14 states that have seen a 25% increase in the past week. Think about that. This is a frightening time. We thought that we were past it. Well, the beast is rearing its ugly head."

Cuomo: "Wear a mask... I say that to the protesters -- I also say to the police, wear a mask. It is the law, and the law is the law for the police, right? So, wear a mask. It is the state law. It's not an option."

  Governor Andrew M. Cuomo announced Western New York is expected to enter Phase 3 of reopening June 16 and the Capital Region is expected to enter Phase 3 of reopening on June 17 following a review of regional data by global public health experts. Business guidance for phase three of the state's reopening plan is available here.

The Governor also announced the state has reached the lowest number of hospitalizations and deaths since the pandemic began. The number of total hospitalizations was down yesterday to lowest level since March 20 to 1,734. Thirty-two people in New York passed away due to COVID-19, down from a record-high of 800 just nine weeks ago.  

The Governor also signed legislation (S.8275-A/A.10348) suspending the forfeiture of unemployment benefits during the COVID-19 state of emergency, aligning with the Executive Order issued by the Governor on May 14, 2020. Over 44 million Americans across the United States have applied for unemployment insurance during the COVID-19 pandemic, and this number is expected to grow as the pandemic continues. Individuals who have had forfeit penalties levied against them from past claims are currently unable to collect their unemployment benefits. This new law will allow those individuals to collect these critical benefits in their time of greatest need even if forfeit penalties have been enacted against them.

The Governor also signed legislation (S.8415/A.10446-A) repealing criminalization of wearing a mask in public. The Governor previously issued an Executive Order requiring that New Yorkers wear face coverings while in public to help stop the spread of COVID-19, and this new law will remove any legal conflicts with the outdated provision banning the wearing of masks in public and the Governor's Executive Order.

No. 203: New York State Police Reform and Reinvention Collaborative

No. 203

E X E C U T I V E  O R D E R

NEW YORK STATE POLICE REFORM AND REINVENTION COLLABORATIVE 

WHEREAS, the Constitution of the State of New York obliges the Governor to take care that the laws of New York are faithfully executed; and

WHEREAS, I have solemnly sworn, pursuant to Article 13, Section 1 of the Constitution, to support the Constitution and faithfully discharge the duties of the Office of Governor; and

WHEREAS, beginning on May 25, 2020, following the police-involved death of George Floyd in Minnesota, protests have taken place daily throughout the nation and in communities across New York State in response to police-involved deaths and racially-biased law enforcement to demand change, action, and accountability; and

WHEREAS, there is a long and painful history in New York State of discrimination and mistreatment of black and African-American citizens dating back to the arrival of the first enslaved Africans in America; and

WHEREAS, this recent history includes a number of incidents involving the police that have resulted in the deaths of unarmed civilians, predominantly black and African-American men, that have undermined the public’s confidence and trust in our system of law enforcement and criminal justice, and such condition is ongoing and urgently needs to be rectified; and

WHEREAS, these deaths in New York State include those of Anthony Baez, Amadou Diallo, Ousmane Zango, Sean Bell, Ramarley Graham, Patrick Dorismond, Akai Gurley, and Eric Garner, amongst others, and, in other states, include Oscar Grant, Trayvon Martin, Michael Brown, Tamir Rice, Laquan McDonald, Walter Scott, Freddie Gray, Philando Castile, Antwon Rose Jr., Ahmaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor, and George Floyd, amongst others,

WHEREAS, these needless deaths have led me to sign into law the Say Their Name Agenda which reforms aspects of policing in New York State; and

WHEREAS, government has a responsibility to ensure that all of its citizens are treated equally, fairly, and justly before the law; and

WHEREAS, recent outpouring of protests and demonstrations which have been manifested in every area of the state have illustrated the depth and breadth of the concern; and

WHEREAS, black lives matter; and

WHEREAS, the foregoing compels me to conclude that urgent and immediate action is needed to eliminate racial inequities in policing, to modify and modernize policing strategies, policies, procedures, and practices, and to develop practices to better address the particular needs of communities of color to promote public safety, improve community engagement, and foster trust; and

WHEREAS, the Division of the Budget is empowered to determine the appropriate use of funds in furtherance of the state laws and New York State Constitution; and

WHEREAS, in coordination with the resources of the Division of Criminal Justice Services, the Division of the Budget can increase the effectiveness of the criminal justice system by ensuring that the local police agencies within the state have been actively engaged with stakeholders in the local community and have locally-approved plans for the strategies, policies and procedures of local police agencies; and

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Andrew M. Cuomo, Governor of the State of New York, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the Laws of the State of New York, in particular Article IV, section one, I do hereby order and direct as follows:  

         

The director of the Division of the Budget, in consultation with the Division of Criminal Justice Services, shall promulgate guidance to be sent to all local governments directing that:

Each local government entity which has a police agency operating with police officers as defined under 1.20 of the criminal procedure law must perform a comprehensive review of current police force deployments, strategies, policies, procedures, and practices, and develop a plan to improve such deployments, strategies, policies, procedures, and practices, for the purposes of addressing the particular needs of the communities served by such police agency and promote community engagement to foster trust, fairness, and legitimacy, and to address any racial bias and disproportionate policing of communities of color.

Each chief executive of such local government shall convene the head of the local police agency, and stakeholders in the community to develop such plan, which shall consider evidence-based policing strategies, including but not limited to, use of force policies, procedural justice; any studies addressing systemic racial bias or racial justice in policing; implicit bias awareness training; de-escalation training and practices; law enforcement assisted diversion programs; restorative justice practices; community-based outreach and conflict resolution; problem-oriented policing; hot spots policing; focused deterrence; crime prevention through environmental design; violence prevention and reduction interventions; model policies and guidelines promulgated by the New York State Municipal Police Training Council; and standards promulgated by the New York State Law Enforcement Accreditation Program. 

The political subdivision, in coordination with its police agency, must consult  with stakeholders, including but not limited to membership and leadership of the local police force; members of the community, with emphasis in areas with high numbers of police and community interactions; interested non-profit and faith-based community groups; the local office of the district attorney; the local public defender; and local elected officials,  and create a plan to adopt and implement the recommendations resulting from its review and consultation, including any modifications, modernizations, and innovations to its policing deployments, strategies, policies, procedures, and practices, tailored to the specific needs of the community and general promotion of improved police agency and community relationships based on trust, fairness, accountability, and transparency, and which seek to reduce any racial disparities in policing.

Such plan shall be offered for public comment to all citizens in the locality, and after consideration of such comments, shall be presented to the local legislative body in such political subdivision, which shall ratify or adopt such plan by local law or resolution, as appropriate, no later than April 1, 2021; and

Such local government shall transmit a certification to the Director of the Division of the Budget to affirm that such process has been complied with and such local law or resolution has been adopted; and

The Director of the Division of the Budget shall be authorized to condition receipt of future appropriated state or federal funds upon filing of such certification for which such local government would otherwise be eligible; and

The Director is authorized to seek the support and assistance of any state agency in order to effectuate these purposes. 

G I V E N   under my hand and the Privy Seal of the State in the City of Albany this twelfth day of June in the year two thousand twenty. 

BY THE GOVERNOR         

Secretary to the Governor

Public Notice: NY AG James Holds Public Hearings on Police and Public Interactions During Protests Wednesday, June 17th @ 11:00AM

  The Office of the Attorney General has been designated by the Governor to investigate interactions between police officers and the public during recent protests. 

Attorney General James will be holding a public video hearing to examine the nature and details of these interactions. Members of the public are invited to provide written testimony relevant to this investigation.

Oral testimony for the video hearing will be subject to hearing scheduling constraints and witness availability. To be eligible for providing oral testimony at the hearing, testimony must be submitted in writing by 5:00 pm on Monday, June 15^th. Testimony may be submitted at the following web address: ag.ny.gov/hearing.

The Office of the Attorney General will review all testimony, both written and oral.

Hearing will be viewable via the OAG website at: ag.ny.gov/livestream.

This hearing is a public event, and all testimony is subject to public disclosure. Members of the public can submit non-public complaints relevant to the Attorney General’s investigation at: ag.ny.gov/nypd-protest-response.