Governor Kathy Hochul

New York State announced the American Rescue Plan Act, which awarded $501.5 million in federal funds through the State Small Business Credit Initiative (SSBCI). The initiative is managed by the U.S. Department of Treasury and provides funds to support programs for small businesses, with emphasis on those still struggling from the economic impact of the […]

Yesterday, Governor Kathy Hochul announced a $150 million expansion of the state’s Tuition Assistance Program (TAP) to include part-time students. The program will now be open to approximately 75,000 additional students who are taking at least six credits per semester. Governor Hochul stated: “TAP has always been there to bridge a gap between what you […]

At the end of last week, Governor Kathy Hochul signed two bills to enhance street safety, prevent traffic-related fatalities, and crack down on hit-and-runs incidents. These new laws will allow municipalities to reduce speed limits to 25 mph and increase fines for those who leave car crash scenes without reporting them. Governor Hochul stated: “Every […]

Yesterday, Governor Hochul signed a legislative package geared to promote what she calls greater fairness for those in the prison system. One bill in the package would allow those on parole to attend required treatment and other programs as part of their parole including nights and weekends. The other bill removed the term “inmate” from […]

Governor Kathy Hochul signed a new bill that changes the name of an individual serving time to give them more opportunities. The Governor said they are doing everything in New York State to show “justice and safety go hand-in-hand”. The bill will remove the term “inmate” from all sate laws and instead will use “incarcerated […]

Governor Kathy Hochul announced that $682 million in bonds and subsidies were awarded to create or preserve more than 1,600 affordable, sustainable, and supportive homes across the state. $70 million for Tailor Square in the city of Rochester. The project will convert the historic four-story manufacturing building home to Hickey Freeman into 134 affordable apartments, including […]

Yesterday, the State University of New York (SUNY) Board of Trustees approved the criteria for allocating $113 million in direct funding from the state to support campus programs designed to increase services to SUNY students, bolster enrollment, and support college completion rates. $60 million of the budget will be distributed across SUNY campuses for investing […]

A bill that has been proposed for several weeks now is now in the hands of Governor Kathy Hochul, who must make the executive decision if she’s going to sign or veto on selling cats, dogs, and rabbits in stores. Those in favor say the measure will prevent puppy mills or kitten factories that treat […]

Yesterday, New York State announced the launch of a new hotline, 1-800-HARASS-3 (1-800-427-2773), for issues of workplace sexual harassment. This confidential hotline will be operated by the New York State Division of Human Rights and will connect workers who have faced sexual harassment with experienced pro-bono attorneys to advise them. Governor Kathy Hochul stated: “Every […]

Yesterday, New York State announced that they will be awarding grants totaling $12 million through February 28, 2026, to fund family opportunity centers, which are community-based or school-based programs that provide services that strengthen families and improve safety and wellbeing of children and families. This initiative is a collaboration between the New York State Office […]