Kathy Hochul on Crime

	Kathy Hochul on Crime

Stop the rinse and repeat cycle of offenders being released

We're working with law enforcement to apprehend and prosecute rapists and keep guns out of abusers' hands. And when it comes to repeat offenders, I want them off the streets. And I want judges statewide to use all the powers under our recent bail law changes to stop the rinse and repeat cycle of offenders being released over and over without consequences only to commit crimes again. And I'll fight to finally close the loopholes that were created in our discovery laws that delay trials. Source: 2025 State of the State Address to the New York legislature , Jan 14, 2025

Strengthen penalties for assaulting a retail worker

But now the Supreme Court is poised to possibly overturn a law that keeps guns away from the abusers. We need to strengthen protections. We're dedicating $20 million so district attorneys can gather evidence to prosecute abusers and take their guns away. And we're committing more funding so police can protect those most at risk of abuse and clamp down on repeat offenders because every survivor should have the same chance to break the chain of violence and build a new life.

For the very first time, we're launching a joint operation between federal, state, and local law enforcement, along with the brand new state police unit, to crack down on organized retail theft. I'm also proposing to help those business owners with a tax credit to help them cover the additional security costs. And I'll work with the legislature to strengthen penalties for assaulting a retail worker or fostering the sale of stolen goods online.

Source: 2024 State of the State Address to New York legislature , Jan 10, 2024

I stand by bail reform but there's room for improvement

First, the size of someone's bank account should not determine whether they sit in jail, or return home, before they have even been convicted of a crime. That was the goal of bail reform. It was a righteous one, and I stand by it. Second, bail reform is not the primary driver of a national crime wave created by a convergence of factors, including the pandemic. And third, that the bail reform law as written now leaves room for improvement. Source: 2023 State of the State Address to the New York legislature , Jan 10, 2023

Jails-to-Jobs: get incarcerated people training for jobs

We know that incarcerated people who participate in correctional education programs are far less likely to reoffend and 13 times more likely to obtain employment after returning home. So today I'm announcing a new "Jails-to-Jobs," initiative, so incarcerated people with have the support they need to find employment during re-entry. We're also going to restore the Tuition Assistance Program for incarcerated people-ending a 30-year ban. Source: 2022 State of the State Address to the New York legislature , Jan 5, 2022

Signed "Less is More Act" to reform parole system

Support by ACLU (6/10/21): The Less is More Act will prevent most people accused of technical parole violations from being put behind bars, & provide protections to ensure people are not incarcerated while their alleged parole violation is adjudicated. [The bill] brings our state's inhumane practice of detaining New Yorkers for non-criminal technical parole violations to an end.

Opposition by Finger Lakes Daily News (9/20/21): Opponents argue that actions like encouraging parole leniency and a 2020 law eliminating cash bail, ongoing prison closures, and a growing "defund the police" movement--have helped drive a pro-criminal agenda that over the past few years has been a major contributor to making the state less safe. Violent crimes in numerous cities across New York have jumped over the past few years.

Legislative Outcome: Passed Assembly 85-64-1 on Jun/10/21; passed Senate 38-25-0 on Jun/10/21; signed by Gov. Hochul on Sept/17/22.

Source: ACLU on NY State Legislature voting record S1144 , Jun 10, 2021

Spearheaded campaign against college sexual assaults

Hochul became Cuomo's running mate in 2014, when he won his second term. She's been lieutenant governor ever since, warding off primary challenges that year and in 2018.

As lieutenant governor, she has spearheaded a campaign to combat sexual assault on college campuses.

Source: LoHud Journal News on 2022 New York gubernatorial race , Mar 2, 2021

Created transitional home for victims of domestic violence

In 2006, Kathy joined her mother and aunt in establishing the Kathleen Mary House, a transitional home for victims of domestic violence and currently serves on the Board of Directors. She has also served as a member of the Board of Trustees at Immaculata Academy and a local library, as well as co-founded the Village Action Coalition to help local businesses. Source: 2012 House campaign website, kathyhochul.com, "Meet Kathy" , May 24, 2011

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