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  • Governor Hochul Invests $10.1M in Capital Region Police Technology, Citing 45% Drop in Shootings

    Governor Hochul Invests $10.1M in Capital Region Police Technology, Citing 45% Drop in Shootings

    NY News New York Katy Hochul NY Police

    Governor Kathy Hochul highlighted more than $10.1 million in New York State funding to upgrade law enforcement technology across the Capital Region, spotlighting a $387,000 award to the East Greenbush Police Department for radios, drones, night-vision gear, and dispatch center improvements. The Governor said these investments—part of $127 million in statewide tech grants—are helping departments modernize operations, boost officer safety, and better link and investigate crimes. She also pointed to a 45% decline in shooting incidents in GIVE jurisdictions year over year and underscored a broader safety strategy that includes GIVE, SNUG, youth employment, and Project RISE. The message: targeted funding, modern tools, and community programs are reducing crime and strengthening public safety in New York’s Capital Region.

    A rush transcript of the Governor’s remarks is available below:

    I’m going to take a moment to shift gears and talk about our efforts to drive crime down — not just all over the State, but particularly here in the Capital Region.

    And I’m really proud to be here today with members of the East Greenbush Police Department. We have our great Chief of Police — been chief for seven years, a member of the force for 31 years — Chief Elaine Rudzinski. Let’s give her a round of applause. Our Supervisor, Jack Conway — appreciate all he did, and we had our shared experience about what it’s like on a town board. I spent 14 years as a town board member, and I understand the power of local government to do good for people’s lives, and I want to thank him for his years of public service as well.

    And also, we have our District Attorney, Mary Pat Donnelly. We have been through a lot of battles, on the same side, as we worked to change discovery laws and make sure that we had common sense policies so they could do their jobs and protect our communities. She also is the president of the statewide District Attorneys Association. I want to thank our District Attorney for joining us as well.

    And also, the men and women of this police force, second to none. I had a chance to meet a number of them. Dedicated. Some, fairly new on the job. Some, been here as long as 40 years. That, to me, is the ultimate in public service. And I thank them and all their colleagues for making sure that they work hard to keep us safe.

    Keeping safe people safe is my number one priority — I’ve said it a thousand times and I’ll say it again. And I also believe that dollars, investments make a real statement about your commitment. It’s not just words, it’s real dollars to support that. Last year, we delivered $127 million in grants to help local agencies upgrade their police technology with the most advanced tools that money could buy.

    Again, I was on the town board. We would have loved to have the state government help us fund needed technology improvements, but we had to do it on our own. I vowed to change that dynamic when I became the Governor, and to be an ally and support local governments in particular, who are on the front lines of keeping communities safe.

    I want them to be able to investigate and link crimes, put dangerous people behind bars. And here in the Capital Region, we allocated over $10 million, including $387,000 for the East Greenbush Police Department.

    So earlier today, Chief Elaine Rudzinski — the first female Chief of Police here in Rensselaer County, way to go — showed me how the funding is already working. An upgraded radio console, three radios for their Shared Services [Response] Team. I was just in the vehicle that is the one that’s there when the crises are the most frightening, and the technology that they can use to launch drones from there. New computers and monitors in the dispatch center. And as I mentioned, the drones we saw on display here, the night vision goggles and helmets, just to name a few. And it’s already played a critical role in keeping our region safe, with better communication between departments and people here on the ground.

    But technology alone is not enough to keep a region safe. Since I’ve taken office, four years, we’ve invested over $3 billion in State and local law enforcement, $21 million here in the Capital Region for key programs. It’s all about not just money for technology, but you have to create a whole ecosystem of safety and security. That meant $5 million for our GIVE initiative, which is directly responsible for getting guns off the streets. $2 million for our SNUG program, which is violence disruptors who are literally on the ground, in the streets, creating connections, particularly with young people, showing them an alternative path. $2.7 million for youth employment because the best crime fighting tool is a job, no matter your age. And $2 million for Project RISE, supporting community organizations that offer mentorship, mental health services and proven interventions to reduce crime. And I’m here to say, it’s working.

    Shooting incidents in the Capital (Region) GIVE jurisdictions have declined by 45 percent since last year alone. That’s extraordinary. If we fund our police, give them the support they need, the respect they deserve, connect people to the resources they need, we can effectively fight crime — and the numbers bear that out.

    Now, unfortunately, we’re seeing a different dynamic in Washington where the administration has gutted billions of dollars intended to go for law enforcement. Here, they’ve cut almost a million dollars — a million dollars less because of those cuts here for our law enforcement community. And they’re threatening the slash funding from critical programs such as Hazmat, tactical teams, canine teams and search and rescue.

    That money’s not being used to protect hard working Americans, instead, it’s being used for other purposes: beefing up ICE instead of supporting these initiatives. And what is ICE spending more of their time on? I wish they’d spend all their time on going after the worst of the worst, the heinous criminals that we were told they were going to devote their energy to. And I said, “I’ll help you. I will always help you do that.” But instead, we’re splitting up families, terrorizing people just doing their jobs.

    Yesterday I was on the phone with a CEO of a small power bar company where they just endured a raid of 70 individuals. I don’t know when the trauma’s going to leave that family and those individuals who were separated, still trying to find the whereabouts of a number of moms who had infants, including one that was nursing.

    My friends, we can do better than that. Let’s get that money back where it belongs in places like this. Let’s continue making a difference. Because that’s cruelty. It has nothing to do with public safety.

    So here, we know our crime fighting strategies are working in the Capital Region. But as I always say, there’s no such thing as a mission accomplished sign for me. We will not take our foot off the gas. More work to do, continue focusing on what they do. And again, I’m going to say this again and again, I’m so grateful to everyone who goes to the rigors of training, puts on a uniform, knows they can be a target, not sure they’re going to make it back to their families at the end of the day, and they do it anyhow. I’m in awe of their courage. I’m in awe of their public service. And as the Governor of the great State of New York, I’m proud that you are doing what you do, because it lets me sleep better at night as well. So thanks to all of you.

    And with that, let me turn it over to Chief Rudzinski to speak more about how we’re fighting crime here in East Greenbush.

    September 12, 2025

    Albany, NY

    SOURCES: Governor.NY.gov , Midtown Tribune News
    Big New York news BigNY.com

    Midtown Tribune Independent USA news from New York

  • NY schools go phone-free from bell to bell this fall (Video)

    NY schools go phone-free from bell to bell this fall (Video)

    Cellphones phones NY Stste News New York state BigNY Hochul Law

    On Aug. 25, 2025, in Albany, Gov. Kathy Hochul and Western New York school leaders said K-12 schools will limit smartphones all day, from first bell to last. The statewide rule bans unsanctioned use in class, lunch and study hall, while letting each school choose a simple way to store phones and giving parents a clear way to reach their kids. Families can check their district’s plan at ny.gov/phonefree, which already lists policies for about 99% of schools. The state set aside $13.5 million to help buy storage and built in common-sense exceptions: basic phones, school-issued devices for lessons, and access for medical needs, IEPs, translation, caregiving or emergencies. Niagara Falls and Lackawanna are already doing it—the goal is less scrolling, more learning, and better mental health.

    Governor Hochul and Western New York School Leaders Highlight Plans to Implement Bell-to-Bell Smartphone Restrictions This Fall

    Follows State Law for Smartphone Restrictions in K-12 Schools Statewide. Students, Parents and Teachers Can Find Their School District’s Distraction-Free Policy at ny.gov/phonefree

    Website Includes Policies Published by 99 Percent of Schools Covered by Statewide Requirement.

    Governor Kathy Hochul today held a roundtable with Western New York school leaders, parents and students to highlight their plans for implementing bell-to-bell smartphone restrictions when school resumes this fall. The roundtable included representatives of the Niagara Falls and Lackawanna School Districts — both of whom have distraction-free policies in place. Today’s event follows previous roundtables held by the Governor this summer in New York City, the Capital Region, Central New York, the Hudson Valley and the Finger Lakes.

    “Our kids succeed when they’re learning and growing, not clicking and scrolling — and that’s why New York schools are ready for bell-to-bell smartphone restrictions this fall,” Governor Hochul said. “My team will continue working with school districts across the state as they implement distraction-free learning and deliver the best results for students, parents and teachers.”

    Governor Hochul also encouraged students, parents, and teachers to use ny.gov/phonefree as a resource to review their schools’ distraction-free learning plan and prepare for the upcoming school year. The website includes detailed plans for 1,070 public school districts, charter schools and BOCES across New York State that have published their distraction-free policy — representing around 99 percent of the public school districts, charter schools and BOCES covered by the statewide requirement.

    Niagara Falls City Schools Superintendent Mark Laurrie said, “It was an honor to have the governor in Niagara Falls to kick off such a critical policy for the mental health of our students. Her leadership on this topic is paving the way for a great start to the school year.”

    Lackawanna City School District Superintendent Nadia Nashir said, “‘Bell-to-bell’ gives students a healthy disconnection from social media and teaches them that there is a time and a place for everything. “When you are in school, the focus must be on teaching and learning, and families can trust that once students and staff are safe, our immediate priority is to communicate quickly, transparently, and in a language they understand. Parents and students also know how to reach one another at any time — through email, a call to the main office, the Remind App, or by visiting the school.”

    State Senator April N.M. Baskin said, “The bell-to-bell law is a significant benefit to both students and teachers. With devices out of sight, students maximize learning and critical thinking, have more active discussions and better engagement with classmates and teachers. Even a few hours away from social media reduces the potential for cyber bullying and negative online messages. Teachers now have a consistent daily plan, resulting in fewer classroom disruptions and enhanced communication with their students.”

    “Our kids succeed when they’re learning and growing, not clicking and scrolling — and that’s why New York schools are ready for bell-to-bell smartphone restrictions this fall.”

    Governor Kathy Hochul

    Assemblymember Jon D. Rivera said, “Classrooms should be spaces where students are fully engaged in learning, and that’s become increasingly difficult in an era in which students are distracted by the constant pull of their phones. The new smartphone restrictions will help ensure that teachers can teach and students can focus. By creating consistent, distraction-free environments across our schools, we are setting our youth up for academic success, supporting educators in their work, and addressing the mental health challenges that can come with excessive smartphone use. I am proud to stand with Governor Hochul in supporting a commonsense measure that will benefit students and families in every classroom across New York State.”

    Assemblymember Bill Conrad said, “I’ve long stood in support of a transition to bell-to-bell, distraction-free learning. As a former teacher and the father of four young children, I know how detrimental excessive cellphone use can be; our young people are bombarded by notifications, exposed to online bullying, and left with difficulties socializing and sleeping. I was pleased to participate in the Governor’s earlier listening tour as we began crafting a school-day phone ban, and I certainly appreciate that this is a big change for everyone, not just the students. I am thankful for the collaboration of my fellow educators, and I am hopeful that with the right support from the state, this will prove itself a most significant policy, not just for its positive impacts on kids’ academic performance but on their overall wellness, too.”

    The Distraction-Free Schools law signed by Governor Hochul requires bell-to-bell smartphone restrictions in K-12 school districts statewide, starting this fall for the 2025-26 school year.

    Governor Hochul’s policy creates a statewide standard for distraction-free schools in New York including:

    • Prohibiting unsanctioned use of smartphones and other internet-enabled personal devices on school grounds in K-12 schools for the entire school day (from “bell to bell”), including classroom time and other settings like lunch and study hall periods
    • Allowing schools to develop their own plans for storing smartphones during the day — giving administrators and teachers the flexibility to do what works best for their buildings and students
    • Securing $13.5 million in funding to be made available for schools that need assistance in purchasing storage solutions to help them go distraction-free
    • Requiring schools to give parents a way to contact their kids during the day when necessary
    • Requiring teachers, parents and students to be consulted in developing the local policy
    • Preventing inequitable discipline

    Governor Hochul’s policy allows authorized access to simple cellphones without internet capability, as well as internet-enabled devices officially provided by their school for classroom instruction, such as laptops or tablets used as part of lesson plans.

    Additionally, the Governor’s policy includes several exemptions to smartphone restrictions, including for students who require access to an internet-enabled device to manage a medical condition, where required by a student’s Individualized Education Program (IEP), for academic purposes or for other legitimate purposes, such as translation, family caregiving and emergencies.

    Governor Hochul pursued this initiative after engaging in a statewide listening tour with teachers, parents and students. Her report “More Learning, Less Scrolling: Creating Distraction-Free Schools” underscores the following:

    • Smartphones distract students and inhibit learning and creativity
    • Phone-free environments do not compromise student safety
    • Phone-free environments support the mental health of students and teachers
    • Open communication and direct guidance for all stakeholders is key for successful implementation
    • Schools must address any parent concerns about staying in contact with their children during the day
    • An effective distraction-free policy must focus on the entire school day, rather than solely on time in the classroom
    • Schools can strengthen their distraction-free environment by connecting more students with in-person engagement like clubs, sports, arts and other programming

    August 25, 2025

    Albany, NY

    Sources: Governor.ny.gov , Big New York news BigNY.com
    Midtown Tribune New York State News

    Midtown Tribune Independent USA news from New York

  • Gov. Kathy Hochul’s four-year report: lower taxes, safer streets, stronger schools, 812,000 jobs, and clean-energy gains

    Gov. Kathy Hochul’s four-year report: lower taxes, safer streets, stronger schools, 812,000 jobs, and clean-energy gains

    Albany NY News New York state BigNY Katy Hochul

    ALBANY, N.Y. — Aug. 25, 2025: Gov. Kathy Hochul’s four-year memo highlights middle-class tax cuts at 70-year lows, a minimum wage tied to inflation, a tripled Child Tax Credit, an insulin copay ban, and a $25B plan to create or preserve 100,000 affordable homes. Public safety steps include $2.6B for law enforcement, tighter gun laws, a 53% drop in shootings since the pandemic peak, and transit crime below pre-COVID levels. Schools see record aid, universal free meals, a distraction-free learning policy, and free community-college pathways for adults. The economy added 812,000 private-sector jobs since August 2021, powered by Micron’s $100B chip campus, the Empire AI initiative, and a $1B Chobani expansion. Rights protections cover reproductive health and the Equal Rights Amendment. Infrastructure advances include Grand Central Madison, the Interborough Express, Second Avenue Subway progress, and the nation’s first congestion pricing. Energy moves hit New York’s 6-GW solar goal early, launched a utility-scale wind farm, and directed a new advanced nuclear plant.

    Memo: Four Years of Governor Hochul,
    Four Years of Delivering for New Yorkers

    Putting Money Back in Families Pockets by Cutting Middle Class Taxes, Tripling Child Tax Credit and Increasing Minimum Wage. Keeping New Yorkers Safe Through Landmark Legislation and Investments in Law Enforcement and Public Safety. Fighting for New York’s Families With Record Investments in Education, Universal Free School Meals and Distraction-Free Learning. Generating New Economic Opportunities for New Yorkers With More Than 812,000 Jobs Created Since August 2021. Protecting New Yorkers’ Fundamental Rights Through Nation-Leading Legislation. Transforming the State’s Infrastructure To Modernize Transportation Landscapes, Limit Congestion and Make Public Transit More Accessible. Securing New York’s Energy Future by Making the State a National Leader in Solar Power; Advancing Nuclear Power Plant To Power One Million Homes and Businesses.

    On August 24, 2021, Governor Kathy Hochul took her oath of office as the 57th Governor of New York. In Governor Hochul’s inaugural address, she laid out a clear vision: make New York more affordable, safer, and fairer for every family. The Governor pledged to take on the State’s toughest challenges head-on and invest in what makes New York, New York.

    Four years later, Governor Hochul has delivered on that promise, putting money back in New Yorkers’ pockets, keeping communities safe, defending fundamental rights from Washington’s attacks, and fighting for hardworking families. And she’s just getting started.

    Making New York More Affordable

    Keeping New Yorkers Safe

    Fighting for New York’s Families

    Creating New Economic Opportunities

    • Secured Micron’s $100 billion investment in Central New York — the largest private investment in New York’s history, creating 50,000 jobs
    • Launched Empire AI, a first-of-its-kind partnership with New York’s top universities coming together to establish a world-class AI computing center
    • Landed a $1 billion investment from Chobani, the largest food manufacturing investment in the nation
    • More than 812,000 private sector jobs since August 2021

    Protecting New Yorkers’ Fundamental Rights

    Transforming New York’s Infrastructure

    Securing New York’s Energy Future

    August 25, 2025

    Albany, NY

    Sources: Governor.ny.gov , Big New York news BigNY.com
    Midtown Tribune News New York

    Midtown Tribune Independent USA news from New York