Katz Responds To Cuomo’s Sexual Harassment Proposal
Queens Borough President Melinda Katz yesterday voiced support for Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s multi-pronged agenda that targets sexual harassment in the workplace.
Cuomo addressed the issue in his State of the State speech.
“A settlement should not compel silence in perpetuity and preclude further accountability for harassers enabled by that very silence. This multi-pronged proposal is a thoughtful, important step toward restoring legitimacy and control on the survivor’s terms, and is an unequivocal statement on New York’s zero tolerance for sexual harassment, at least in the workplace,” said Katz.
Addabbo Responds To Cuomo’s Speech
State Sen. Joseph Addabbo Jr. (D-Howard Beach, Ozone Park, Woodhaven, Glendale, Middle Village, Maspeth, South Ozone Park, Ridgewood, Woodside and The Rockaways) yesterday said he agreed with much of Gov. Cuomo’s State of the State address.
He also commented below on several issues that Cuomo addressed:
SEXUAL HARASSMENT – “I believe electeds should be held to a higher standard and be prohibited from using public funds to resolve harassment claims.”
HOMELESSNESS – “While improved outreach is critical to addressing the homeless crisis, locally we need a more detailed short- and long-term plan, which includes affordable housing, innovative dwelling ideas, improved services and elimination of the use of hotel rooms.”
ETHICS/PUBLIC TRUST – “Since I have removed myself from the practice of law ever since I was elected to the City Council in 2001, I believe being an elected official should be an individual’s primary occupation and would support a banning of outside income.”
OFF-SHORE WIND PROJECTS – “I believe our state is lagging behind other states when it comes to clean energy initiatives. I support off-shore wind projects, similar to the one progressing off the Rockaway beaches.”
OPIOID/DRUG OVERDOSE EPIDEMIC – “While the Governor’s strategy of targeting large corporations who cause the drugs to enter our communities could help address the issue, I also believe improved resources for law enforcement, expanded credible educational and community based programs and feasible proper disposal of unwanted drugs are some additional means that must be considered.”
ELECTION PROCESS INTEGRITY – “Our state should update its election process with improved access to the polls, early voting, an efficient public financing of campaigns, while taking measures to protect the integrity and security of election procedures.”
TERRORISM – “As the Ranking member of the Senate Committee on Veterans, Homeland Security and Military Affairs, I feel the state needs to increase its efforts to improve training and update equipment utilized in its efforts to guard against terrorism. Locally, working with other agencies and entities to protect highly populated areas, such as our airports, must be a priority.”
SUBWAY SYSTEM – “With our subway system in need of immediate improvement, any details in a funding plan must be examined to ensure that it actually goes towards directly improving our city’s transportation infrastructure, while not over-burdening or negatively affecting another aspect of our city.”
FEDERAL CUTS TO NYS – “I intend to work towards ensuring my constituents that their health care will be protected from the negative effects of federal cuts either through our state budget or legislatively. I agree with the Governor’s aggressive measures to safeguard our state from diminished health care coverage or increases in tax payments.”
BUDGET – “While the details of the problematic budget will be revealed over the coming weeks, I was pleased to hear the Governor will seek to protect the basic issues that matter to my constituents most, such as education, health care, transportation and job growth.”
Comrie Responds To Cuomo Speech
State Sen. Leroy Comrie (D-St. Albans, Cambria Heights, Jamaica, Hollis, Rosedale, Laurelton, Kew Gardens, Queens Village) yesterday gave the following reaction to Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s State of the State Address:
“Governor Cuomo presented a comprehensive and progressive agenda, and I look forward to working with my colleagues in the Senate and Assembly to partner with him to make crucial reforms to our State’s elections process, criminal justice system, M/WBE programs, and sexual harassment policies,” said Comrie.
“Moreover, I believe that passing legislation here in New York to protect working families from the harmful impacts of the newly enacted federal tax law will be a top priority in the upcoming legislative session. Over the next few months, it is imperative that the Governor and legislature work in tandem to push back against the discord coming out of Washington. As the Governor stated in his address, we need to make every effort to protect and enhance the lives of New Yorkers. I look forward to a productive session for the residents of the 14th Senate District and all of New York State.”
Peralta Focuses On State DREAM Act
State Sen. Jose Peralta (D-East Elmhurst, Corona, Elmhurst, Jackson Heights, Woodside) accentuated his happiness that Gov. Cuomo brought up his DREAM Act legislation in his State of the State Address this week.
“I support the progressive issues that Governor Cuomo set forth in his State of the State address. I am very glad he brought up my DREAM Act, and it is my hope this is the year we finally pass my bill to help DREAMers to ensure they have the opportunity to pursue a higher education degree. I look forward to working alongside the Governor and my colleagues in the Senate to make my DREAM Act a reality, as well as making sure his proposals for election reform, bail reform and modernizing the subway system advance.”
