Governor Hochul Stands Up for Public Safety as President Trump’s Department of Homeland Security Defunds Police and Critical Counterterrorism Programs in New York

Department of Homeland Security Cuts Critical Counterterrorism and Homeland Security Funding in New York State by 86% or $187 Million

Funding Directly Supports Intelligence Operations, Transit Hub Security, as well as Equipment Purchases, Training and Preparedness Efforts for Counties, Sheriffs and Police Departments

New York Joins With Multi-State Coalition To Seek Injunction on Dangerous Cuts to Critical Counterterrorism and Homeland Security Funding

Governor Hochul Issues Letter to DHS Secretary Kristi Noem Demanding Transparency and Accountability

Governor Kathy Hochul today called out President Donald Trump and U.S. Department of Homeland Secretary Kristi Noem following $187 million in cuts to critical counterterrorism funding in New York that directly impacts the safety and security of New Yorkers, reducing New York’s allocation by 86 percent to $30 million. These unprecedented cuts will have a direct impact on public safety agencies throughout the state, including a projected $100 million cut to the NYPD, a projected $15 million cut to the FDNY, a projected $13 million cut to Joint Task Force Empire Shield, no projected funding for any of New York State’s 12 certified bomb squads and millions of dollars in cuts that directly support counties, sheriffs and police departments.

“A Republican administration literally defunding the police is the height of hypocrisy — and walking away from the fight against terrorism in the number one terrorist target in America is utterly shocking,” Governor Hochul said. “Any New York House Republican who doesn’t immediately act to get this funding restored is complicit in making their constituents less safe.”

In response, and through a partnership with New York State Attorney General Letitia James, New York joined a multi-state coalition of 11 other states in suing to stop the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) from illegally depriving states from hundreds of millions of dollars under the federal Homeland Security Grant Program for refusal to support the administration’s immigration agenda.

Additionally, the Governor issued a letter to Secretary Noem demanding transparency and accountability on these cuts, as well as their full restoration.

The funding, provided by the Federal Emergency Management Agency through its Homeland Security Grant Program (HSGP), supports local law enforcement and regional homeland security preparedness efforts, including intelligence operations, mass gathering security, planning, equipment purchases, and training critical to sustaining and improving community prevention, protection, response and recovery capabilities. HSGP is comprised of three separate grants –– the SHSP, UASI and Operation Stonegarden. Under SHSP and UASI, 80 percent of the funding is allocated to local entities while 20 percent is reserved for state projects.

Following an extended delay, DHS released the 2025 Notice of Funding Opportunity for HSGP giving states the ability to access this critical funding, however despite being the nation’s number one terrorist target, New York’s allocation was cut by 40 percent ($87 million). Then, without notice nor explanation, New York was cut an additional $102.7 million when DHS issued the awards on September 27.

These unprecedented cuts were contained within the State Homeland Security Program (SHSP) and Urban Areas Security Initiative (UASI) portions of the program and will have a direct impact on public safety agencies throughout the state, including:

• A projected $100 million cut to the NYPD including deep cuts to intelligence analysts and the NYPD’s counterterrorism unit.
• A projected $15 million cut to the FDNY including deep cuts to interoperable communication and radiological response.
• A projected $13 million cut to Joint Task Force Empire Shield which is the program that funds the New York National Guard presence in transit hubs.
• There is no projected funding this year for any of New York State’s 12 certified bomb squads.
• Millions of dollars in cuts that directly support equipment purchases, training, exercises and preparedness efforts for counties, sheriffs and police departments.

UASI Cut

In New York, UASI funding is reserved for jurisdictions within the New York City metropolitan areas to sustain and enhance critical anti-terrorism and intelligence sharing programs.

Under the FY 2025 awards, New York is set to receive $22,069,395 in UASI funding, representing an 85.9 percent cut from 2024’s award of $156,131,176. Allocations are determined by New York’s Urban Area Working Group which is comprised of New York City, Nassau County, Suffolk County, Westchester County, the City of Yonkers and the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey.

The funding at risk, based on 2024 funding levels, is as follows:

2024 UASI Local Allocations
Specific Allocation by Jurisdiction:
Nassau County	$2,314,373
Suffolk County	$2,314,373
Westchester County	$2,314,373
City of Yonkers	$2,314,373
Port Authority of NY & NJ	$9,313,368
New York City	$118,451,583

SHSP Cut

In New York, SHSP funding is directed to every county and the City of New York to support planning, equipment purchases, training, and other homeland security initiatives.

Under the FY 2025 awards, New York is set to receive $5,624,924 in SHSP funding, representing a 90.8 percent cut from 2024’s award of $61,229,940. Funding distributions are formula based and ensure funding goes to every county in New York State.

Van Cortlandt Park Alliance - So many ways to enjoy VCP

 

WANNA VOLUNTEER? 

Look for our September Volunteer Events email!

OCTOBER PROGRAMS 

 

Youth Run Farm Stand

Wednesdays thru October 29 • 2pm to 7pm

Stop by the Youth Run Farmstand, featuring fresh, local produce at affordable prices, healthy recipes, and a chance to chat with our awesome interns.

Corner of Orloff Avenue and Gale Place.

Concert: Irish Ghanian Fusion

Thursday, October 2 • 5:30pm to 7pm

Move to the music as we explore the liminal spaces between Irish traditional music and West African Ghanaian music. Revel in lively, blended compositions drawing from both traditions, as performed by renowned musicians. Watch! Learn! Join in! 

RSVP Now

Van Cortlandt House Museum Lawn

Super Seedlings

Saturdays, October 4, 11, 18, 25 • 10am to 12pm

Super Seedlings is a FREE, drop-in gardening program for kids ages 2-7 and their caregivers. Each session will have a fun seasonal theme to explore, crafts, plants to water, soil to dig into, and more!

RSVP Now

VCPA Learning Garden

Rising NYRR

Sunday, October 5 at 10am

Kids head to the scenic trails for a fun cross country event with our friends at NYRR! Registration for this event is FREE and open to participants of all abilities and age 2 to 18.

Register Now

Van Cortlandt Nature Group Walks

Wednesday, October 8 at 9:30am meets in Riverdale Stables parking lot

Sunday, October 19 at 9:30am meets in front of Nature Center

Take a slow walk in the park and learn about local flora and fauna with naturalist Debbi Dolan. Debbi has a wealth of knowledge about nature, plants, and wildlife that she enjoys sharing.

Register for 10/8 Walk

Register for 10/19 Walk

Canoemobile Community Paddles

Friday, October 17 • 4pm to 5:30pm

Wilderness Inquiry's Canoemobile will be offering FREE canoe rides in their 10-passenger 24-foot wooden canoes on Hester & Piero's Mill Pond! Waivers are required and will be available at the event.  Parent/guardian must be present to sign a waiver for those under 18.

RSVP Now

Van Cortlandt Golf House

REIMAGINING: Fall Get-Together

Saturday, October 18 • 1pm to 4pm

Create a meaningful homage to honor your own ancestors and craft a personal message to leave behind to commemorate the burial ground and those who are buried there. The event will feature live music highlighting traditional Afro-Caribbean rhythms and dances including bomba, plena, guaracha, and changüí.

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Enslaved Burial Ground

 

REIMAGINING: Chalk Art & Live Music Gathering  is part of Van Cortlandt Park Alliance’s Reimagining initiative. In partnership with the Design Trust for Public Space and Immanuel Oni, Liminal Sp, VCPA invites the community to reimagine the park’s Enslaved African Burial Ground site as a memorial space that fosters long-term healing and restoration. This project is supported by the Mellon Foundation.

Birding with NYC Bird Alliance

Saturday, October 25 - meet at 9am

Explore Van Cortlandt Park’s ecologically diverse grounds and celebrate a long tradition of birding in the park. Each walk will be led by a NYC Bird Alliance guide.

RSVP Required

Van Cortlandt Nature Center

 

Halloween: Wags to Witches

Sunday, October 26 - 1pm to 4pm

Van Cortlandt Park Alliance, Van Cortlandt House Museum, and the Urban Park Rangers invite you to a FREE fang-tastic afternoon of family and doggy fun. Get ready for creepy crafts, face painting, spine-chilling stories and more!

RSVP for Wags to Witches

 

Join us at 3pm for our Third Annual Pup Parade & Canine Costume Contest.

Register your pup day-of between 2pm and 2:45pm, or pre-register here.

Van Cortlandt House Museum Lawn

SAVE THE DATE!

Caribbean Connections: Tying History and Music Together

Saturday, November 1 from 1pm to 4pm

RSVP Now

Van Cortlandt House Museum 

 

Veterans Day Ceremony

Sunday, November 2 at 12pm

Memorial Grove

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Make a Donation

The park is really big. Our staff is really small. Only with your help can we grow our capacity, hire more staff, and take on projects to improve Van Cortlandt Park… for YOU!  Please consider a gift to Van Cortlandt Park Alliance today.

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Show your love for Van Cortlandt Park while supporting the Alliance!

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Our Contact Information Van Cortlandt Park Alliance 80 Van Cortlandt Park South, Ste. E1 Bronx, NY 10463 718-601-1460 http://vancortlandt.org

CONSUMER ALERT: The New York Department of State’s Division of Consumer Protection Issues Warning to Parents Due to Rise in Counterfeit Car Seats Online

Motor Vehicle Injuries are a Leading Cause of Death for Children

Critical Lifesaving Information to Help Parents and Caregivers Keep Children Safe

Secretary Mosley: “As New Yorkers look for ways to save, I urge parents and caregivers to avoid including car seats on the list of cost cutting expenses. 

VIDEO: New York State Police Show What to Look for in a Legitimate Car Seat 

As Baby Safety Month comes to a close, the New York Department of State’s Division of Consumer Protection warns parents to beware of the rising number of counterfeit car seats in the marketplace putting babies and children at risk. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), motor vehicle injuries are a leading cause of death among children in the U.S., but many of these deaths can be prevented by using car seats that meet federal safety standards and are properly installed. Counterfeit car seats put babies’ and children’s lives at risk due to lack of proper testing, inadequate safety features and poor construction.

 “The money saved on an illegitimate car seat is never worth the cost of a child’s life,” said Secretary of State Walter T. Mosley. “As New Yorkers look for ways to save, I urge parents and caregivers to avoid including the car seat on the list of cost cutting expenses. Before purchasing, be sure to look out for these red flags and read our consumer protection tips for buying a car seat that meet the federal safety standards.” 

New York State Police Superintendent Steven G. James said, “Car seats are a crucial element to assure individual safety whether traveling on a busy highway or on a quiet road. I urge all parents and guardians to become familiar with federal safety standards and to make sure car seats are properly installed by a certified child passenger safety technician.  We will be working diligently with our partners to promote proper child safety restraint usage, and reduce the senseless tragedies caused by counterfeit car seats and children not appropriately restrained in a vehicle.” 

NYS Department of Motor Vehicles Commissioner and GTSC Chair Mark J.F. Schroeder said, “It is important for parents and caregivers to know what to look for when shopping for a car seat and to understand the dangers of buying a counterfeit, which are often made with cheaper materials that will not hold up in a crash. The Governor’s Traffic Safety Committee has a network of Child Passenger Safety Technicians across New York State that can help parents and caregivers determine which seat is correct for their children, show them how to correctly install that seat in their vehicle and most importantly, ease their minds in just a few minutes by conducting an inspection to ensure they have a car seat that meets federal safety guidelines. I encourage all parents and caregivers to attend one of the many child safety seat check events that certified technicians hold year-round.”

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT CHILDREN’S CAR SEATS

New York State law requires all children to be restrained in an appropriate child restraint system while riding in a motor vehicle, until they reach a height of 4’ 9” or their eighth birthday. All children under the age of two must ride in a rear-facing car seat.

It’s important to install a car seat correctly and to understand the requirements based on your child’s age and size. To encourage the appropriate child restraint selection and proper installation, New York State (NYS) offers various resources for parents and caregivers including:

• Child Passenger Safety tips from the NYS Department of Health, including child car seat safety resources and detailed information on the right seat for each age, as well as infant seat installation instructions with videos.
• Free car seat events or inspections throughout New York State. Car seats can be checked by a certified child passenger safety technician who can also answer questions related to child passenger safety. To find a car seat event or inspection station in your area, check out the Governor’s Traffic Safety Committee site for more information. 

HOW TO IDENTIFY COUNTERFEIT CAR SEATS:

Here are the red flags to watch for when purchasing a car seat to help you identify fakes: 

Missing Labels: Labels on car seats provide critical safety information that is specific to the car seat. A legitimate car seat will have a label that includes the following information:

1. Verification of compliance with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards
2. date of manufacture
3. Car seat model information
4. Manufacturer contact information
5. Height and weight limitations, along with instructions for proper use

While not legally required, most car seats will also include labels with the car seat’s expiration date (yes, car seats expire). The labels will be in English and may also be in Spanish. Labels in other foreign languages, or those with significant grammatical errors, are red flags that the car seat may not be safe or compliant with U.S. standards. 

Missing Manual or Registration Card: Authentic car seats have high-quality professional packaging. Every car seat must come with a user manual with detailed instructions for installation and use of the product. Car seats must also come with a registration card which allows manufacturers to notify owners of product recalls. A postage-paid registration card must be attached to the product, allowing consumers to register for recall notices. An electronic registration option must also be available.

Missing Specific Warning Labels: Labels must include warnings, such as the danger of using a rear-facing seat in front of an active airbag.

Poor Construction: All car seats in the United States, must have specific parts to be compliant with federal guidelines. All car seats must have a chest clip, standard harness straps and a lower anchor connector to the base. Be cautious of car seats that are made from flimsy materials or plastic that can bend, have few (if any) strong metal parts, an unusually thin harness, uses a three-point contact harness instead of a five-point contact harness, or is missing a chest clip. These are all red flags that it may be a counterfeit car seat. 

Very Low Price: If the price seems too good to be true, it probably is. An unusually low price is one of the biggest red flags for a fake product. 

TIPS FOR BUYING A CAR SEAT:

Buy from reputable sources: Try to buy car seats from reputable sources, such as directly from the car seat manufacturer, or other major retailers. Be cautious when purchasing from businesses that operate third-party marketplaces (i.e.: Amazon and Walmart). Always verify the authenticity of the product by checking the manufacturer’s website.

Check for certification: Look for labels indicating compliance with the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards. Look for the statement, “This restraint system conforms to all applicable federal motor vehicle safety standards,” which indicates it meets federal requirements.

Verify authenticity by scanning the QR code: Many products have a Quick Response (QR) code on the packaging that links directly to information about the product through your phone or an app. QR codes on product packaging serve to improve transparency and link directly to a dedicated authentication portal on the manufacturer's website which has verifiable product details. 

Beware of Used Car Seats: Safety advocates do NOT recommend buying used child safety seats. There is no guarantee for safety when purchasing a used car seat at a garage sale, flea market or thrift store. These seats may be expired, have missing parts, be damaged, or may have been recalled. There is no way of knowing if these seats have been in a crash or if they received damage that can't be seen with the naked eye. To learn what steps to take before you decide to use a used car seat, check out the Governor’s Traffic Safety Committee (GTSC) Checklist for Used Car Seats.

Check for recalls: Always check the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration website for any recalls or notices related to children car seats by visiting nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Report counterfeit products: If you suspect a counterfeit car seat, report it to STOPfakes,org.

About the New York State Division of Consumer Protection

Follow the New York Department of State on Facebook, X and Instagram and check in every Tuesday for more practical tips that educate and empower New York consumers on a variety of topics. Sign up to receive consumer alerts directly to your email or phone here.

The New York State Division of Consumer Protection provides voluntary mediation between a consumer and a business when a consumer has been unsuccessful at reaching a resolution on their own. The Consumer Assistance Helpline 1-800-697-1220 is available Monday to Friday from 8:30am to 4:30pm, excluding State Holidays, and consumer complaints can be filed at any time at www.dos.ny.gov/consumerprotection. The Division can also be reached via X at @NYSConsumer or Facebook.