Governor Kathy Hochul assured that she is committed to doing what is necessary to stop hate crimes, which, according to the most recent state data, increased by 90% between 2020 and 2022.
For this reason, the state president presented her response this week to address this serious problem: an innovative proposal to strengthen the state’s laws against hate crimes, expanding the list of transgressions that can be prosecuted as hate crimes and announcing grants to strengthen the security measures in non-profit community organizations at risk of suffering attacks of this type due to their ideology, beliefs or mission.
The state executive was emphatic in stating during her presentation that the growing wave of hate “is abominable and unacceptable,” highlighting her commitment to keeping New Yorkers safe.
“Since the despicable Hamas attacks of October 7, there has been a disturbing increase in hate crimes against Jewish and Muslim New Yorkers,” Hochul said. “In recent years we have seen hate-fueled violence against Black Buffalo residents and disturbing harassment of AAPI and LGBTQ+ people on the streets of New York City. We will never rest until all New Yorkers feel safe, regardless of who they are, who they love or who they believe in.”
The governor’s initiative would add crimes such as graffiti, arson, gang assaults and sex trafficking to the list of those eligible for prosecution as hate crimes, increasing the current 66 to a total of 97.
The announcement, which is part of the ‘State of the State 2024’ agenda, comes as anti-Semitic and anti-Muslim incidents have increased throughout New York and the country.
Additionally, Hochul announced additional funding for the Securing Communities Against Hate initiative, for a combined total of $60 million over fiscal years 2024 and 2025. This record funding will allow eligible organizations to apply for up to $200,000 each for physical security projects and cybersecurity in your facilities.
Crimes on the rise
In 2022, police departments and sheriff’s offices reported 959 hate crimes to the State, the most reported in the last five years, and a 20% increase compared to 2021.
In the Big Apple, the New York City Police Department reported a 10% increase in hate crime incidents from 2022 to 2023, with such incidents more than doubling in the final quarter of the year, according to the Dashboard. agency hate crimes.
“New York State has a long and storied tradition of welcoming people of all cultures and walks of life; However, too many people, groups and organizations continue to be targets of crime due to the diversity they embody,” said Commissioner of the Division of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS), Rossana Rosado. “DCJS is proud to help protect our neighbors and communities from hate crimes by providing funding to organizations that know their neighborhoods best so they can continue to provide services and safe places for those who may be at risk.”
The Commissioner of the Division of Human Rights, María L. Imperial, reflected that unfortunately the need for greater security is being seen in religious and non-profit community centers that are becoming targets of hate.
“Everyone, regardless of their religion or national origin, should feel safe when connecting with their community, their family, their friends and their neighbors. I applaud Governor Hochul and the DCJS team for starting this vital program,” Imperial said.
Hochul Leadership
Several officials and advocates applauded the governor’s leadership in addressing this serious issue.
For State Senator Brad Hoylman-Sigal “it is critically important that New York close the dozens of loopholes in our hate crimes statute to send the urgent message that hate will not be tolerated in our state. “I am proud that Governor Hochul included the Hate Crimes Modernization Act (S7737), which I introduced with District Attorney Bragg and Assemblywoman Lee, in her Executive Budget.”
Along the same lines, Assemblyman Simcha Eichenstein stressed: “We cannot afford to turn a blind eye to the alarming rise in anti-Semitism and other forms of hate crimes. “I thank Governor Hochul for being proactive in ensuring the safety of all New Yorkers.”
The president and CEO of the Hispanic Federation, Frankie Miranda, said that the governor “is taking actions that will strengthen the rich diversity of New York and protect communities that have seen an alarming increase in hate crimes. “I thank Governor Hochul for prioritizing the safety of our communities and look forward to working with the legislature to continue fighting hate crimes in New York State.”
A program against hate crimes
Established in 2017, the state-funded Securing Communities Against Hate Crimes grant program seeks proposals for up to $60 million in grants to strengthen security measures and prevent hate crimes against nonprofit communities and civic centers , cultural museums, daycare centers, and other nonprofit organizations that may be vulnerable due to their ideology, beliefs, or mission.
Funds can be used to support interior or exterior security improvements, cybersecurity strengthening, and impact protection improvements.
The deadline for applications is noon on Friday, May 17. The Grants/Funding page of the DCJS website (https://www.criminaljustice.ny.gov/ofpa/index.htm) has information on eligibility requirements, instructions, guidelines, and additional information.
Financial assistance to victims
The New York State Office of Victim Services may provide financial assistance to eligible individuals for expenses resulting from being a victim of hate or other crimes. Visited ovs.ny.gov/connect to locate a program.
Statistics
Data on hate crimes reported by law enforcement agencies to the State is available online at https://www.criminaljustice.ny.gov/crimnet/ojsa/stats.htm.
2024-01-28 17:50:10
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