Governor Hochul Announces Historic Investment in Public Safety to Keep New Yorkers Safe

Every New Yorker deserves to feel safe and be protected, Governor Kathy Hochul began by saying this Wednesday before a room full of supporters and other authorities such as Mayor Eric Adams and several prosecutors.

“In total we will invest 772 million dollars in public safety, the first time in history with a holistic vision to keep everyone safe,” said the governor.

Part of that amount will be used to expand youth programs focused on reducing gun violence and gearing them toward future opportunities.

With employment programs for young people, giving them the skills and tools to achieve success and get by in life, he added.

“We will not rest until all parents are calm when their children walk home from school.

“We will not rest until we end the scourge of gun violence.

‘We will not rest until every New Yorker has the peaceful community they deserve.

“Together, we will work to keep New Yorkers safe,” the governor also wrote in a message on social media.

We won’t rest until every parent has peace of mind when their kids are walking home from school.

We won’t rest until we end the scourge of gun violence.

We won’t rest until every New Yorker has the peaceful community they deserve.

Together, we’ll work to keep New Yorkers safe. pic.twitter.com/Ph7VFOXX4j

— Governor Kathy Hochul (@GovKathyHochul) May 3, 2023

“There is more money in the budget that came out now in April, and then that way they will be able to employ more personnel to be on the streets protecting us,” said Carmen María Castro, a New Yorker who attended the event.

For his part, the mayor addressed the importance of combating the illegal sale of cannabis and supporting businesses that do have a license and are regulated.

Selling illegal cannabis goes further, since it generates robberies to the commercial premises of the city (and) generates some of the shootings, since it is a cash-only business, which generates an industry of violence, the mayor said.

Governor Houchul also stressed that the budget will improve the judicial system, giving judges bail discretion to keep violent criminals in jail and release those who commit minor offenses.

“People who are suffering when they see their children, their brothers, in cells without help, and perhaps with this reform there can be effective changes that can return to society and be included in our daily lives,” said María Luna, Democratic leader of the 71st district.

With the 772 million dollars that will be used directly to combat armed violence, it is expected to reduce the recidivism of those who have committed crimes.