WHITE PLAINS CITIZENETREPORTER SETS RECORD VISITS FOR YEAR 7,017,658 VISITS! 2,098,003 VISITORS MADE 6 VISITS A DAY EVERY DAY. 63,330 UNIQUE VISITORS MADE 133,730 VISITS IN DECEMBER. WPCNR AVERAGED 17,284 VISITORS A WEEK, VISITING 31,270 TIMES.

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Governor Kathy Hochul released this statement yesterday:

“For far too long, this country has been plagued by an epidemic of mass violence, taking the lives of members of our own community in Buffalo and innocent school children in Uvalde, Texas. 

“I applaud President Biden, Speaker Pelosi, Senate Majority Leader Schumer and the New York Delegation for their work to pass the most significant federal gun safety legislation in nearly three decades. While the bill does not take every action we need, it is an important step in the right direction. Strengthening federal background checks, criminalizing straw purchasing and gun trafficking, closing the boyfriend loophole, and investing in our children’s mental health are significant steps that will immediately save lives. 

“I will do everything in my power to protect New Yorkers. Just weeks after the white supremacist act of terror in Buffalo, we moved swiftly to pass a landmark, nation-leading legislative package to strengthen our gun safety laws. The comprehensive, 10-bill package prevents those under the age of 21 from purchasing semiautomatic rifles, expands the Red Flag Law, puts restrictions on the sale of body armor and provides new tools for law enforcement. 

Following this week’s flawed decision by the U.S. Supreme Court, my team is working around the clock to explore every possible action, and we are convening an extraordinary session of the New York State legislature on June 30 to pass new gun safety legislation.

“I urge Congress to follow our lead, and take further actions to make the nation safer for all.”

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WPCNR ALBANY ROUNDS. From the Office of Governor Kathy Hochul June 24, 2022:

ABORTION ACCESS ALWAYS: GOVERNOR HOCHUL ANNOUNCES ROBUST, MULTI-PLATFORM PUBLIC EDUCATION CAMPAIGN FOR ALL SEEKING REPRODUCTIVE HEALTHCARE 

Following SCOTUS Decision to Overturn Roe v. Wade, Paid Media Campaign Highlights New York State’s Commitment to Protecting Abortion Access and Reproductive Healthcare for All 

Website with Abortion Education, Provider Information and More Available in 12 Different Languages, Expanding Awareness of Options for Care Available in New York Here 

View Public Awareness Campaign Images Here 

Following the U.S. Supreme Court’s ruling in Dobbs v. Jackson, Governor Kathy Hochul and the New York State Department of Health today announced a robust, multi-platform, paid public education campaign to ensure New Yorkers—and all Americans—know that in New York State, abortion remains safe, legal, and accessible, always. The statewide campaign includes multi-platform advertising efforts and a new website, providing a single destination for information about abortion rights, providers, supports, and payment options in New York. 

“We feared this dark day—but New York did not hesitate to prepare for it,” Governor Hochul said. “The Supreme Court has dealt a crushing blow to all who value the ability to make decisions about their own bodies. Let me be clear: the Supreme Court has failed us, but New York State will not. Our Abortion Access Always campaign builds on efforts to ensure that everyone knows that abortions remain safe, legal, and accessible here. As long as I am Governor, this State will protect you.” 

“The Supreme Court’s decision to overturn decades of precedent and turn back the clock on equality and a woman’s right to have control over her own body, shocks the conscience beyond measure.  The decision is appalling and an affront to everything we have fought to overcome in perfecting our union as a country. Make no mistake about it, the fight to live up to our founding ideals continues, and here in New York, we will lead that fight.   Here in New York, abortions will remain safe, accessible and legal,” said Lieutenant Governor Antonio Delgado. “And New York will continue to be a safe haven for women across this country.” 

The integrated media and advertising campaign will run statewide in both English and Spanish, featured at high-traffic destinations such as mass transit hubs, shopping centers, airports, and through radio and digital channels. Led by NYSDOH, the advertisements are displayed in four different colors—black, green, pink, and purple—reinforcing the importance of abortion access as a public health issue that impacts everyone. Safe abortions help protect an individual’s physical and medical well-being, while ensuring that the choice and ability to start a family, and consider their own physical and mental health, remains their own. 

“Forty million women—more than half of the population of reproductive age in this country—live in states already rolling back abortion rights,” State Health Commissioner Dr. Mary T. Bassett said. “Many of these states will not permit exceptions for pregnancies that result from rape, incest, or those that threaten the life of the mother. The devastating judgement delivered by the U.S. Supreme Court is a public health travesty and a human rights crisis that threatens the health of us all. Individuals must have the basic right to choose the medical and social determinants that will impact their health outcomes and drive their life course, and this must include access to safe abortions. Thanks to Governor Hochul and our team at NYSDOH, we’re going to ensure every New Yorker, and every individual coming to our State seeking care, knows it.” 

To expand access to education, the State has launched a new website to provide the public with a single source of information about abortion access and reproductive healthcare. The new website includes details on abortion rights, providers, treatment options, and resources for mental health support and payment. Built on the State’s commitment to equity, the website is available in more than twelve languages and can be accessed via a smartphone or computer. Downloadable assets, including signage, readymade messaging, and social media graphics are available for public health partners and community-based organizations looking to disseminate messaging to their communities. 

Governor Hochul has already taken unprecedented action to further preserve, protect, and strengthen reproductive rights and abortion access in New York State. This includes a nation-leading $25 million dollar Abortion Provider Support Fund, overseen by the State Department of Health, to expand capacity and ensure access for patients seeking abortion care in New York. The Governor also announced $10 million for reproductive healthcare centers to access security grants through the Division of Criminal Justice Services to help ensure the safety of the providers performing this vital care.   

On June 13, Governor Hochul signed a comprehensive, six-bill package to further preserve, protect, and strengthen abortion rights for patients and providers in New York. The legislation takes specific actions to address a variety of legal concerns, including the establishment of a cause of action for unlawful interference with protected rights and the inclusion of abortion providers and patients in the Address Confidentiality Program. The new bills also prohibit misconduct charges against healthcare practitioners for providing reproductive services to patients who reside in states where such services are illegal and disallow medical malpractice insurance companies from taking adverse action against an abortion provider who provides legal care. 

All New Yorkers—and those coming to New York seeking care—should know that abortion rights are enshrined into New York State law. Governor Hochul and the State’s Department of Health will always ensure the State provides safe abortion access and the continuity of reproductive care. 

Abortion services in New York must be completely confidential. Providers are not allowed to disclose any information to anyone other than individual receiving the abortion without the individual’s permission. This includes medical records as well as any information about the appointment or procedure. Confidentiality applies to the other biological parent of the fetus, parents of the individual, where the patient is a minor, and anyone else who has not been identified as having the individual’s express permission to receive information about the abortion.  

In New York, Medicaid covers the cost of an abortion, and other health insurance options may as well. For those who need help with payment or travel, there are resources, funds, and organizations available to help cover costs. 

To learn more about abortion care in New York, including abortion providers, options for services, mental health support, or resources on payment options, visit here. 

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The Associated Press reported at shortly after 9 A.M. this morning the U.S. Supreme Court issued a ruling that the Right to Abortion is not guaranteed by the Constitution. The decision leaves the question of legal abortion up to the state governments to decide.

“Today, the Supreme Court took away the right of millions of Americans to make decisions about their own bodies. This decision is a grave injustice. 

“I want everyone to know that abortion remains safe, accessible, and legal in New York. Just last month, in anticipation of this decision, I made an historic $35 million investment to support our state’s network of abortion providers. Last week, thanks to the partnership of Majority Leader Stewart-Cousins and Speaker Heastie, I signed a landmark, nation-leading package of legislation that further protects the rights of patients and empowers reproductive healthcare providers.

“The right to reproductive healthcare is a fundamental human right. History shows us that when abortion is banned, abortion becomes unsafe for women. Low-income individuals and people of color will be harmed the most. 

“New York has always been a beacon for those yearning to be free. Our state will always be a safe harbor for those seeking access to abortion care. To anyone who is working to deny abortion access, our message is clear: not here, not now, not ever.”

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WPCNR CAMPAIGN 2022. Analysis by Professor Stephen R. Rolandi June 23, 2022

WPCNR Political Analyst

Primary Day is next Tuesday for statewide offices and the Assembly; as a result of successful legal challenges to the initial redistricting plans for Federal offices and the State Senate, a second primary will be held on August 23.

The main event is the primary races for Governor and Lt. Governor. Gov. Kathy Hochul is being challenged for the Democratic nomination by U.S. Representative Tom Suozzi and NYC Public Advocate Jumaane Williams, who have waged spirited campaigns.

The Governor’s relatively strong approval ratings, large campaign war chest and support from upstate and women voters will carry her to victory. Rep. Suozzi should do well on Long Island and Mr. Williams’ strength will be in the City.

Governor Hochul’s coattails should be strong enough to bring her new Lt. Governor running mate along with her.

The GOP race is more fluid with the official party (and Conservative Party/Parents Party nominee) designee Rep. Lee Zelden battling three strong candidates, including former Westchester County Executive Robert Astorino. The GOP organization should be able to pull this one out for Mr. Zelden.  Andrew Giuliani, son of the former Mayor, will make this close, on his strength among Republican voters in NYC.  Here are my pre-primary calls:

Democratic Primary:

Governor:                                  Lt. Governor:

Hochul*       49%                       Delgado*    43%

Suozzi          31%                       Reyna          35%

Williams      20%                       Archila        22%

Republican Primary:

Governor:

Zelden          34%

Giuliani        31%

Astorino       21%

Wilson          14%

*incumbent

Note: There are no primaries for Lt. Governor, Controller and AG on the GOP side; nor primaries for Controller and AG on the Democratic ballot.

(Professor Stephen Rolandi previously served as Deputy Commissioner for the New York State Division of Human Rights, and the New York City Department of Records and Information Services. A political scientist, he is an Adjunct Professor of Public Administration at Pace University and John Jay College of Criminal Justice, CUNY. His views do not necessarily reflect those of his current/former employers).

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EXCLUSIVE! STORY OF HOW MR. FEINER LEARNED OF THE CHANGE.

HE IS THE ONLY PUBLIC OFFICIAL SPEAKING OUT ON THE SECRET CHANGE