SENATOR BIAGGI ISSUES STATEMENT REGARDING THE INAUGURATION OF GOVERNOR KATHY HOCHUL

“Congratulations to Governor Kathy Hochul, New York’s 57th Governor and the first woman to hold our highest office. I am confident Governor Hochul has the opportunity and ability to reinvent the office of the Governor, transform the culture in Albany, and swiftly take the reins to address the pressing needs of this moment.

First and foremost, our new administration must address New York’s soon to expire eviction moratorium and ensure relief payments from the COVID-19 Emergency Rental Assistance Program and the Excluded Workers Fund are released in a timely manner. Hundreds of thousands of New Yorkers are still waiting to receive desperately needed relief. Governor Hochul must tackle this crisis with urgency. 

Additionally, I urge Governor Hochul to prioritize implementing ethics reform to ensure New York State has an ethics and oversight body that holds those in powerful positions accountable, and to strengthen legislation and protections against sexual harassment and misconduct. 

In order to truly usher in a new era in New York, we must change the culture of Albany and ensure that our government fosters a collaborative and supportive environment that works for the people of New York. I am optimistic that Governor Hochul will be able to fulfill this responsibility. I wish Governor Hochul success as she takes on this new role, and I look forward to working in partnership with her administration to restore integrity in Albany and deliver for the people of New York.” 

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