Kathy Hochul in 2024 Governor's State of the State speeches


On Civil Rights: Expand eligibility for prosecution as hate crimes

I will not rest until every Jewish and Muslim child feels safe going to school or entering a house of worship. So we propose to make more than two dozen additional offenses, from gang assaults to graffiti, eligible for prosecution as hate crimes. This means enhanced liability sentences, and ultimately, it means we're standing up for what's right. We'll protect the people of this state.

We'll carry this fight until every New Yorker feels safe at home, at prayer, and at work.

Source: 2024 State of the State Address to New York legislature Jan 10, 2024

On Crime: Strengthen penalties for assaulting a retail worker

But now the Supreme Court is poised to possibly overturn a law that keeps guns away from the abusers. We need to strengthen protections. We're dedicating $20 million so district attorneys can gather evidence to prosecute abusers and take their guns away. And we're committing more funding so police can protect those most at risk of abuse and clamp down on repeat offenders because every survivor should have the same chance to break the chain of violence and build a new life.

For the very first time, we're launching a joint operation between federal, state, and local law enforcement, along with the brand new state police unit, to crack down on organized retail theft. I'm also proposing to help those business owners with a tax credit to help them cover the additional security costs. And I'll work with the legislature to strengthen penalties for assaulting a retail worker or fostering the sale of stolen goods online.

Source: 2024 State of the State Address to New York legislature Jan 10, 2024

On Families & Children: Make New York the first state to offer prenatal leave

Last year, infant deaths were up for the first time in 20 years. And black and brown women remain three to four times more likely to die in childbirth. I won't let this continue on my watch. We must ensure moms have healthy pregnancies. So I want to make New York the first state in the nation to offer prenatal leave.
Source: 2024 State of the State Address to New York legislature Jan 10, 2024

On Health Care: Require hospitals to screen for mental health conditions

I'm proposing comprehensive reforms to our behavioral health system. Starting in 2024 we will require hospitals to screen patients with mental health conditions for risks like suicide, violence, substance abuse, and other complex needs. We'll also require that follow-up psychiatric care be coordinated before patients can leave the hospital. And let's significantly expand mental health courts, which are proven to reduce recidivism.
Source: 2024 State of the State Address to New York legislature Jan 10, 2024

On Technology: Tackle the scourge of social media that has harmed so many

According to the CDC, one in four teens have considered suicide. Double the figure just a decade ago. For teenage girls, the numbers is one in three. That's why we're going to tackle the scourge of social media that has harmed so many young minds. Attorney General James, the two of us together will continue demanding accountability from social media companies. We'll advance legislation to protect children's privacy and regulate the algorithms that target them on social media feeds.
Source: 2024 State of the State Address to New York legislature Jan 10, 2024

On Technology: Create consortium to purchase and share AI computing power

Now, in order to win this race of the future, we need this specific hardware. That's why I'm proposing the Empire AI Consortium to purchase and share AI computing power right here in New York. And we've already secured more than $125 million from philanthropic and university partners. And over the next decade, the state will commit up to $275 million to the consortium.

We will be the birthplace of countless new startups, spin-offs and the technological advancements that benefit everyone.

Source: 2024 State of the State Address to New York legislature Jan 10, 2024

The above quotations are from 2024 Governor's State of the State speeches.
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Page last updated: Sep 29, 2024