GOP Sen. Marty Golden is floating a bill aimed at curbing street gangs that is something of a shot across the bow to progressive Democrats.
Dubbed the New York State Criminal Street Gang Act, the measure has two major focuses — criminalizing the activity of street gangs, and educating youths through training and curriculums and activities in schools.
The funding would come through not for profit agencies that work with at-risk youths.
“As a former New York City Police Officer, I know that gangs on our streets destroy communities, schools, and families,” said the Bay Ridge lawmaker.
“In the wake of the heroin and prescription drug crisis that is taking too many young lives, this is definitely the time to create stricter penalties and education programs to reduce gang violence,” Golden added.
Among the bills co-sponsors are maverick Boro Park Sen. Simcha Felder, a registered Democrat that caucuses with the Republicans, and up-and-coming Staten Island GOP Sen. Andrew Lanza.
