Statement From Senator Patty Ritchie

“Today, Governor Cuomo outlined his agenda for the future of New York State. While it is a starting point for the upcoming session, two priorities are clear to me.

First, we must roll back the disastrous criminal justice reforms, which went into effect at the start of the year. Already, they have resulted in far too many instances of potentially dangerous criminals being released back into our communities.  Public safety has to be a priority. 

Second, with the state facing a difficult and growing budget—the result of overspending by downstate-led majorities in both houses—we must work together in a bipartisan way to address the state’s finances.

While we wait to learn the specific details of the Governor’s plan, I am committed to working to ensure that these two items are at the top of the agenda.”