24 Burst results for "Andrea Stewart Cousins"
Max & Murphy on Politics
"andrea stewart cousins" Discussed on Max & Murphy on Politics
"Thank you so much for having me on. So I just touched on a few things. I didn't even get into things like various other education policies, the two biggest pieces of the state budget are local education funding and Medicaid funding, there's a lot on climate and the environment that will hopefully touch on. So just for listeners here, we're going to get into a bunch of stuff, but we're not going to be able to touch on nearly everything because there is so much that goes into state budget negotiations both on the spending front and on the policy front. So we'll get to what we can get to here. Describe for people where we are in the process and what comes next right after we're recording this discussion here, you're heading to the next phase of the discussion. So where are we in the process and what comes next? Right. So the governor puts out her executive proposed budget, we then kick start our budget hearings on every major section of the budget where her agency heads are invited into answer questions about her budget and then the public are invited into testify about their concerns of what's in the budget. And what's not in the budget. That's about 17 separate hearings over the course of 13 full days and nights. Then we get going on each house, drafting what we call our one house budget resolutions, where we take the information that we gleaned from both the executive budget, the hearings, testimony submitted by constituents, people lobbying us from all over the state, the opinions of all our members. It's quite the challenge to narrow that down into an actual sort of summary of what our budget would support and not support in the governor's budget, what we would add, what we would subtract and what we would replace. So it's fairly complex and we come up with a very long laundry list of things we agree and disagree with. So those we passed in each house last Thursday, the assembly and the Senate, yes, of course, because we're both democratic houses. We talked during the process we sat side by side during the hearings. So it's not that surprising that there are many places where we agree in our one house budgets, but not on everything. Now we start the process after the kick-off of the mothership meeting where again, Carl hasty from the assembly, Andrea Stewart cousins from the Senate, name people to what's called the mother ship central committee. That's the ultimate, I guess, determine her where we're negotiating. And then also issue groups of the assembly in the Senate to work together to narrow down from the one houses where we really do agree, don't agree what we're willing to fight to the death for what maybe we aren't.
Max & Murphy on Politics
"andrea stewart cousins" Discussed on Max & Murphy on Politics
"Is Ben max from gothic gazette, a publication of citizens union foundation. Thanks very much for tuning in here for the show. We're speaking on Thursday, February 23rd, 2023. On this episode of the show, we are talking about black political power in New York. We can and have pegged this conversation to it being black history month, but this is obviously a conversation for any time of year and any year in New York and beyond. It's a conversation that entered a new phase in recent years with the Ascension of a long list of black political leaders in New York, including, of course, the city's second ever black mayor Eric Adams winning election in 2021 and beginning his tenure in 2022. That list includes the state's attorney general, letitia James of Brooklyn, the lieutenant governor Antonio Delgado, the state's two legislative leaders assembly speaker Carl hasty of The Bronx and state Senate majority leader Andrea Stewart cousins of Westchester. It includes New York City public advocate germani Williams, New York City council speaker Adrian Adams, Manhattan district attorney Alvin Bragg, Bronx borough president Vanessa Gibson, queensborough president Donovan Richards, and others and others and others. The list is, of course, incomplete without the newly minted U.S. House of Representatives minority leader, congressman Hakeem Jeffries of Brooklyn, he's poised. You never know in politics, but he's poised now to potentially be the next democratic Speaker of the House an immensely powerful position. He is also now a leader of New York's House delegation that includes other top lack officials like congresswoman yvette Clark of Brooklyn, Gregory meeks of queens, several of the individuals I mentioned, including Jeffries, are the first black person to ever hold their position. They've joined an important registry and legacy and list that includes my guest today, Keith Wright, as well as figures like mayor David dinkins, governor David Patterson, congressman Charlie rangel, and others and others. Those names, including Keith Wright, my guest today. Some of them were products and producers of Harlem politics as a county party leader Keith Wright is also one of four black officials who lead the city's county parties outside of Staten Island on the democratic side. He's joined by Brooklyn leader assembly member Rodney Bassett, queen's leader, the aforementioned congressman Gregory meeks, Bronx leader, state senator Jamal Bailey.
77WABC Radio
"andrea stewart cousins" Discussed on 77WABC Radio
"This is Rita Cosby, with John also judge Weinberg, Ernie anastas, and former governor David Patterson. Great to have you with us. Tell us what happened in Albany. Thanks for having me. A real Dream Team over there. So today was the much awaited hearing and Suffolk county Supreme Court on a lawsuit filed last week by a Republican state senator that initially aims to force a floor vote on centrist Court of Appeals. Chief judge nominee Hector LaSalle. Now, earlier this week, things really took an interesting turn when state Senate majority leader Andrea Stewart cousins suddenly announced that in fact her chamber would bring this nomination to the floor after weeks of saying that a judiciary committee votes ten 9 against LaSalle last month were sufficed legally speaking to formally reject the nominee, governor Kathy hochul, disagreed with that, but did very little in the ensuing weeks to really push her nominees. She didn't sue she really said very little at all, except when answering questions where she said, you know, she was keeping all her options open. In steps, the Republican state senator, not exactly doing hoku a favor because on the one hand, they could just get a judge if they want a relative centrist on the other hand, this lawsuit stirs a little trouble with the Democrats. But today was the big day in Democrats by bringing this state southern Democrats by bringing this nomination to the floor, had hoped to make the lawsuit moot. You can't sue to bring a fuller vote if that floor vote already happened, right? That was part of a larger effort to avoid letting the courts make a real historic precedent setting decision that would forever more say that a judiciary committee vote was not good enough for judicial nominees. So there's a lot there to unpack, but long story short, this two months saga isn't quite over yet. Zack has said, Richard Wong. So what are the Supreme Court Justice do? Did he reserve decision on it? Well, he appeared very skeptical of the state Senate Democrats argument that in the state constitution, that the state constitution gives them enough leeway to make their own internal rules to basically let a committee vote suffice. Now, they didn't make a decision today. It could come as soon as Tuesday and remember today the Court of Appeals notified or was officially notified that there are officially notified the commission on judicial nominations that there was a vacancy this whole process to find a chief judge. Exactly. Zach and it's David Paris, and I think if the constitution wanted to give them leeway, they would have written it that way. And they didn't. It's plain language. It says it goes to the Senate, just like the U.S. Senate, and remember judge bork lost in the committee. In 1987, but they still sent it to the U.S. Senate for a vote. The governors have one correct. As a reporter, advancing the story, what are your sources tell you? What can we expect next? Where is this going to go? Well, as far as the lawsuit goes, all eyes are still in Suffolk county and decision that could come on Tuesday. That could probably won't be the end of it. No matter what happens, I would expect one side or the other would appeal. And this could go all the way up to the Court of Appeals. Ironically enough, might even go through the second department where LaSalle currently is the presiding judge of that appellate division. So let's see what happens then. I think in terms of the broader story here, I was existential fight that we were seeing between the executive and the legislative branches is starting to cool down a little bit this week. Andrea Stewart cousins and Kathy Oakley both made a point to say that this nomination and the two month fight around it would not affect state budget negotiations ahead of April 1st deadline. That may or may not be true, but when we talk about this years long, maybe escalating fight, you might say in all the new between the left and the center on the democratic side of the aisle at least. There's plenty of other fodder to fight over besides this nomination. But one key thing, this is where it gets really fun. It gets really fun here. Is the commission has in the past worked relatively fast. Now, they have a 120 days to find 7 candidates for the governor to choose. But that, in the past, a few years ago, they got through it in 36 days. Now, in 36 days, just like a week or two out from that state budget deadline. So depending on who the governor might pick, you know, the timing is going to be really tight because she once nominees come through. She has
Max & Murphy on Politics
"andrea stewart cousins" Discussed on Max & Murphy on Politics
"For the time this redistricting process is underway. The new york state senate has some of the worst gerrymandered districts Anywhere as you. Well know yet. There's a independent body. That that's crafting maps we've been covering this very closely got Of course but i'm wondering if you as a as a senate leader and having been through what you've been through seeing gerrymandering trying to keep you out of power. Are you looking at this. As an opportunity for the senate to secure and strengthen its democratic majority how are you thinking about the redistricting process. that's underway ker. And when i first ran for senate in two thousand four there was sixty two senators iran against the republican incumbent and the district that i ran for the thirty. Fifth district was a rectangle. It made sense now. Especially after the last redistricting effort that the republicans were able to do after the twenty ten election. My thirty fifth senate district lit is these smiling profile of an old man with the scraggly beard. I named him. Oscar white rock green. I share with senator shelley mayer of most of westchester. But we have three cities between us and it's become kind of laughable. What's happened. They also added a a seat again. There are now sixty three senators. So obviously you know. People have played lots of games and lots of things in order to keep power. Frankly we don't believe we need to do that again. I think if we do the right thing in the right way the right thing will happen with all of those machinations. I have a super majority of forty three members. I have no reason to think that if we just did the right thing in the right way Because of the that new york being new york because we are good at governing and because we have a statewide approach we will continue to grow our majority. So that's my prediction and we will be able to do it in a way. That is respectful of our voters. All right we will leave it there and we will indeed check back in with you in the coming weeks and months but State senate majority leader andrew cousins. Thanks very much again for the time. It's been a pleasure thank you..
Max & Murphy on Politics
"andrea stewart cousins" Discussed on Max & Murphy on Politics
"And to the extent we can legislate we do and again. We do a lot of work with the assembly. Clearly we've been able to pass more bills together on a variety of things over the past few years the mean usually between eight hundred thousand bills that we agree on. So it's not like we're not talking and we're not on the same page for a lot of things but this has always been our priority. And i think we've made a clinton continues to be especially since in so many ways. The ethics of of people in government is being questioned the challenge. We're on our last few minutes here on max politics with a state senate majority leader under stewart cousins. Thanks so much again for taking the time here. I'm just a couple more questions There's so many so many issues. I wanted to ask you about the. We'll we'll talk to you more down the lineup back. I'm glad you also just gave us speaker. Hastier reminder to come on the show in may because will will be extending that invitation again to him So be one other thing. I wanted to ask you about under that umbrella. That i just mentioned was. There's there's a number of bills related to gender based violence harassment workplace issues. There's many but one specifically is extending the the human rights law to all of the staff of elected and appointed officials and making sure that all all are covered by that law. Is that something. That's on your radar. Is that something. That's on your agenda. Had the scandals that have occurred You know put that bill which in chambre believe as senator Higher on your on your to do list at all have been any discussions around that you know Instead there's always discussions about making sure that the human rights laws and the protections wherever they way with sexual harassment toxic workplaces. That there's always the conversation about how to make sure that people are respected in the workplace and protected in the workplace. Exactly what to do and where to go so they feel that this is not happening for them and so i can assure you that we will continue to look at that any other Appropriate legislation that continues to underscore that we value people's work we value workplace that allows for you to do your best work and when you do your best work and when you were regardless of a of who you are you will be protected so yes there will be continued conversations on that and we're obviously talking just after as you mentioned very early in this conversation the devastation from hurricane ida that new york There's there's been talk for either of course about next steps on climate policy resiliency questions about following up the Landmark climate leadership and community protection. Act of twenty nineteen Is the state senate planning anything. There's obviously bills ready exists. But but anything that you can tell us about..
Max & Murphy on Politics
"andrea stewart cousins" Discussed on Max & Murphy on Politics
"And so i am looking at the the j. cole and and whether or not it should remain and and you know how how it agency quote unquote like or how a body like. That should really work in. Serve the public in the best possible way. Is i on our list of priorities. So yes sir. That has has really continued to be something that we are focused on. And i think you're going to see changes. I mean you've already seen changes in terms of j. cole roof alarm and and you know member appointments. And we're we're we're really really very very much interested in making sure that people trust government man. I believe our behavior around these issues will make a difference and as the result of these these other investigations. As you said. There's the book deal there. The the bridge deal is the priorities in terms of testing. There's all these other things that are out there now. Of course the attorney general is looking into his still other jay talking so we will continue to monitor these findings. And to the extent that legislatively we can put forward some solutions and some safeguards and and and guardrails. We will continue to do that. I think people have come to to find the senate. Is that body that that does it and we do earrings along the way right you. Just a hearing jacob the joint commission on public ethics that you mention and what you just said actually ties into my next question on the subject which is state senate majority did pass. Major jacob performs this past session. The assembly did not. There was no Legislative you know agreement on that and then there was obviously no three way agreement with the executive branch. What are you know. And this seems to be a pattern where the state senate is a little ahead or a a lot of head of the assembly on on ethics and other reform issues. How do you get the assembly You know sort of up to speed more on on some of these issues. Well you know. I mean i have enough to get the Work that we have to get done done. I believe that the speaker is You know working with the assembly in order to get what what they feel our priorities. I really suspect band that you be having this conversation with the speaker you can so that if you wanted an answer to that question you would be able to get that but for me again. We were well together Our our senate even when we were in the minority remember have always certain things that we that really is our brand and these kind of transparency issues the ethics reform me when you talk about hearings and sexual harassment. I mean when we looked at the fact that nobody even done any earrings like learning decades. Mean that's what we do so we're very very proud of our brand and and we're proud of the fact that we don't say one thing and do something else because that's of a brand as well that we we say we mean we mean what we say..
Max & Murphy on Politics
"andrea stewart cousins" Discussed on Max & Murphy on Politics
"Several of the former governor cuomo's top. Aides have have left with him but a number of of his closest members of his inner circle. Top advisors People implicated in the attorney. General's reported on the sexual misconduct allegations in the toxic workplace. Several of them remain. They are clearly part of this review. That governor hogan he's doing are there any of those top officials that you're most concerned about staying in state service Of course thinking about jim. Trust the chancellor of sunni Robert mujica the budget director and doctors sucker as the health commissioner. Any any major concerns there for you in terms of people you really want to sort of publicly raise a flag about continuing given given some of those of that past where i think you probably know me well enough at this point to know that i would publicly raise a flag Before i privately know shared my my sentiments about any of those individuals. Frankly i've been immersed in in doing this work with the eviction moratorium with the kobe situation back to school. The things that we're doing at. I know that she has made it very clear that people who appeared in that that report and had an active role in creating some of what we unfortunately experienced have no place in her administration. She is absolutely correct in that for people other than men in terms of their professional handling of their work. I mean i think that's why it's he's taking the time that she's taking in order to determine whether or not their their abilities. are suitable for the task at hand. So are there. Are there things about the area scandals there. There are more than than the name. There's obviously things related to the book deal in the nursing home Transparency in reporting and and still more nine but are there things related to of these these scandals that have put legislative priorities on your agenda or move them to the top of your agenda. You know there's calls for additional changes to state sexual harassment laws. There's questions about the future of state ethics enforcement Are there are there top priorities right now. That you're buying ethics is always the really top priority for us. I mean we. We have been very very clear about what What we feel government should look like in terms of transparency in terms of really living up to the highest ethical standards..
WNYC 93.9 FM
"andrea stewart cousins" Discussed on WNYC 93.9 FM
"Um, and usually they're white men. But right now there's a white woman in the governor, a black woman and Andrea Stewart cousins and a black man. Carl Hasty. Um, how do you think the three of them are going to work together and again? How significant was that meeting and that it was the first meeting that chance I think it is really important that she, you know, and both in terms of in terms of the work they actually have to do, but also obviously the symbolism of making clear that she wants to have a partnership. With these letters with this legislative branch. Um you know, New York. Its Constitution has a very strong executive. Um, the governor has a very has has a lot of power in the budget process. And that's a process that starting and so I think there is something significant about doing that. I think You know the the idea of That adage of three men in a room has certainly been evolving. Um, before Governor Hogle ascended to her position, But, you know, I think we need to come up with something new because it's really out. You know, it really doesn't work anymore. Uh, but I think there is something there is something very significant about the fact that she made that decision to sit down with these leaders. They are, you know, with her at her swearing in ceremony this morning. Um and you know, at least they are starting on solid footing. Now that could change. You know, the first moment they have to, you know, make a contentious decision that that could change. But, um, we're starting on the right foot. Finally lives in our last minute here, Uh, we will have a new mayor in New York City very soon likely to be Eric Adams. What do you think The relationship between Eric Adams and Kathy Hotel is going to look like? So at a huddle with reporters yesterday. Um you know the word that the words he used to describe Hogle was steady hand and he used the same exact term in a press statement that he released about her today. You know, it's going to be very, very interesting to watch their relationship because, you know, given all the factors that I stated earlier. The fact that you know she's She has 10 months before you know, she faces a primary and they're going to likely going to face a very wide cast of competitors who have you know New York City routes given all of that? You know? This would give would seem to give Adams some kind of leverage. You know, Adams Adams has won won the Democratic mayoral primary with a large base of support from black and Latino voters. You would think that Kathy Huckle would kind of want, you know, access to those, you know, basically his supporters that you know how often does he appear with her for, for example, in places like Southeast Queens or the Bronx or central Brooklyn? So this relationship and how it develops is going to be something that we want to watch. We're going to everyone's going to watch very closely along with what are atoms is policy priorities, right? You know, he's made it very clear from the beginning that crime prerequisite to prosperity. But aside from that, what else is he going to ask Albany for? Yeah, Well, thank you so much. Bridget Bergen and Elizabeth Kim from the W N my seat Politics Team. Thank you so much Do you both coming up on 93.9 FM? We are joining the takeaway in progress. It's the BBC news hour on am We'll have more on a governor Huckle and what she plans to do for New York state coming up and all things considered. That's at four o'clock this afternoon. You've been listening to special coverage of Kathy Locals first address to New Yorkers. As governor of the state. It's w N Y. C. 3 30. I'm Melissa Harris Perry and this is the takeaway. We turned out to Oklahoma, where Julius Jones is still on Death row in July of 1999 businessman Paul Howell was shot and killed during a Carjacking in Edmond, Oklahoma. At the time of the murder. Julius Jones was an honor student at the University of Oklahoma. He was 19 years old, and he had an alibi, which was never presented in court. Instead, Julius Jones was convicted in a trial where he was defended.
WNYC 93.9 FM
"andrea stewart cousins" Discussed on WNYC 93.9 FM
"I'm also immediately directing the Department of Health to Institute Universal masking for anyone entering our schools. Yes. So that's the governor there, giving a little bit more detail about her plans to combat covid in schools when they start opening up in a few weeks. Bridget. One of the things that we were watching for was whether or not hopeful would bring the Legislature back for a special session to tackle some of these things, Uh, before they would normally come back. What's the word on that? She didn't really touch on that too much, huh? Yeah. You know, she had just had that meeting with, UH, Speaker Carl Hasty and majority leader. At Andrea Stewart cousins following her second ceremonial swearing in, Um and we are still waiting to get some of the details about what happened in that meeting. I think one of the things as Liz mentioned, you know, the four now qualifying of her announcement regarding masking in schools was also then couple followed by You know, signaling that she plans to release more school policies later this week, which you know, I think is interesting and also maybe a signal that we will see a lot see a little bit more action and Albany than you normally do in August. It's usually a pretty dead time there obviously. Things are pretty lively these days, and I think we don't know exactly all of what potentially could be happening based on her first day in office, Um, I thought it was also really interesting is her comment about How she spoke with Dr Fauci last week. Um, you know, I think that is signaling. I think to us similar to her comments this morning about how she talked to President Biden last night. That, you know, this is someone who is. You know, she does not need to ease into this position she is, you know, jumping in, you know, full steam ahead. And in that particular case, she was talking to Dr Fauci of boosters, and she also signaled that she is prepared to do whatever is necessary. Similarly, it's really interesting to hear reflect on the time of that New York has been through Covid because we know that She was not someone who was sitting in those briefings that people were tuning into that Governor Cuomo delivered on a regular basis. But instead she was out in localities across the state, hearing the concerns from local leaders who are trying to implement some of those policies and so there I think is a potential. There is room for optimism that when she announces some of her new covid policies that potentially it's based on some of the input she's heard from those localities, and therefore you know some of that role. It might go a little bit more smoothly. Yeah, Speaking of localities Uh, I think it's pretty fair to say that there's been no love loss between the former governor Andrew Cuomo and the current mayor, soon to be former Mayor Bill de Blasio. Uh, Liz, what did local say about That can we look forward to a less, uh, acrimonious relationship between the state and city. Well, you know, that's certainly the expectation and we've heard that you know, for days now in the lead up to her swearing in that, you know she was going to be more collaborative. And, you know, I think the language she used today that she's direct. She's a straight shooter. You know, earlier this morning, you know, she said, no more blindsiding. So that would be in fact, the big reversal, you know? Um, I think what's important to keep in mind is other than the fact that she's a different person than Andrew Cuomo. This is an unusual moment in New York politics. We have a new governor who's coming in who said she wants to run for a full term. She will be facing a primary in June. So while she'll have the advantage of incumbency, she'll also need support from downstate, particularly New York City voters. Huckle as we know is from Buffalo, and I don't know if you saw this little factoid. But the last time New York had a governor from outside New York City, and its immediate suburbs was Kind of Franklin Delano Roosevelt. That's a long time ago. Wow. Yeah, and like, I think you know, Bridget hit the nail on the head. I mean, this very much to me sounded like a stump speech. And I really you know, I'd be interested like Bridget. How do you feel like it is she's basically Is this the first day of her campaign effectively? Absolutely. I mean, I think that she she knew that this was a moment that she could both introduce yourself to New Yorkers and then lay out an agenda. That's pretty clear, and I think Probably largely achievable. She didn't you know, set some new target that any any of us would you know? Expected? Uh, that took any of us by surprise. And so I think what she's said. Ultimately is she wants to. She wants to get government working now, her challenges she needs to make sure that you know, she does do that that she is able to effectively govern. Because one of the advantage that cheap potentially brings in a re election or in a primary fight is the ability to make the argument that look at what I've done. And she's got about 10 months to actually do something, because that's when we've got another primary contest. And obviously, we all know that the primary season will begin probably in about November, right after the next general election, so We know there are people who are trying it. We know it's likely she'll get a primary. We know she has a budget due in January so that you know, whatever whatever meeting she had with legislative leaders today. Those conversations are going to move very quickly into the negotiating negotiating stage as she prepares to present her first budget and go through that process in the spring, and that's something she'll have to juggle on top of running for. A full term in office. Um, and you know, we know that she is considered a more moderate Democrat than some of the more progressive leaders here in New York City. And will be. I think we'll have to watch how she negotiates that. I think the fact that she made getting direct aid to excluded workers. Among the priorities, she said in her first day is a strong signal that she wants to reach out to some of those folks. That is something that is very important. To some of those people and also ethics reform. You know, that is something In addition to you know the direct aid issue, Senator State Senator Alessandra Biaggi, someone who is, you know, toyed with the idea of running for governor herself, she and her congratulatory statement to local said. She wants, you know, not just to see the players change in Albany, but she wants to see ethics reform prioritized And you know the strengthening of this oversight and ethics agency. There's been a lot of criticism. Jacob is Being sort of a toothless or oversight agency and the fact that Huckle spoke to that. In her very first address to New Yorkers, I think is it sends a pretty powerful statement. Yeah. Well, one of the things that is obvious, and she herself notes it and is in and of itself. A big change in Albany is that she is the first woman to be governor of New York. And she did address that in her into speech today, she said that she's mindful of her role in history. But one of my favorite inspirations is from a speech by Teddy Roosevelt. It speaks to the man in the arena, whose marred by dust and sweat and blood. And stark contrast to the timid souls on the sidelines. Today. For the first time in New York history. A woman will enter that arena as governor. So Pritchard. Um it's worth noting when we talk about state government and legislature. In the past. We talk about the three men in the room, right? It's the governor. It's the head of the heads of the Legislature..
WNYC 93.9 FM
"andrea stewart cousins" Discussed on WNYC 93.9 FM
"Uh, but there are bigger problems here. There are you know, structural issues with this agency and One of the bigger challenges is, you know we have these types of conversations after elections. Unfortunately, far too often, and there's a lot of energy and you know, seeming momentum towards making some changes until you get to the point of, actually. You know, doing what needs to be done to reimagine this agency. Um and you know, there is legislation that has been proposed by State Senator Liz Krueger, an assembly member, nearly Rozic that would do some make some changes that could help professionalize the agency really delineating the powers between What the commissioners are deciding versus what a new co executive director structure would decide and who gets to appoint those executive directors in the accountability there also ensuring that these People who are working at the agency are required to be trained in election administration. Um, you know, we often talk about this being something of a patronage mill, where A lot of people are able to get positions because of their political connections. The role of the county party leaders slash party bosses in Taking commissioners who then? In theory could be disapproved. You have to go through approval from the City Council, but, um it feels like a pretty de facto approval. So ultimately to really overhaul the agency. You would have to get into reform of the state constitution and you know we had an opportunity to do. Reform through a constitutional convention in 2017, a lot of the same people who are supporting, um and are advocates of Frank Choice voting or people who were concerned about the constitutional convention because of You know the views that that process could get over taken by people who would, you know, try to take away workers' rights and other protections for the environment that currently exist in the state Constitution. But the flip side of that is that's an opportunity that was a path that is now closed for a certain number of years. And then the other way to change. The Constitution is through the lens of the Legislature. But that requires passage through to legislative sessions and then a voter referendum. And so that is that is a lengthier process. But it's one that you know one that if there is political will and energy to actually see this change, you know that is the path to do it. Well, you certainly can see why an agency charged with doing something as complicated and important as running elections. Um, probably shouldn't be left to patronage appointees. It's like if you needed a plumber to fix the leak in your shower, and instead of hiring somebody who's a plumber for a living. You hire somebody because he's your landlord's brother in law, So so he gets the call, Um, that that maybe that's an analogy for where we are. But on the mistaken release of sample ballot results as real results on Tuesday, Who are the human beings who made this mistake? Can we name names? I don't. I don't think we can name individual names at this point. Um, the board, I think Probably has identified the individuals involved. Um and it sounds like It was You know it was this just the most poorly timed air human error to not have reset their, uh, the Cast but record in the tabulation system to be able to do this rank choice tally without these, you know, dummy votes in the system. I think there will be a question going forward about the accountability here. Um, you know, it's one of these things were. I think a little bit of everything that we're saying is right, Brian. You don't want people who are not trained elections professionals to be The only people overseeing these elections at the same time. There are people who are working at this agency Now who are working very hard. They're working, You know, tremendous hours, seven days a week to try and get this count done. Um And, you know, I think we want to acknowledge that work and that some of these people are very good at what they're doing. But the problem is, there is a lack of Overall oversight and the challenge associated with decisions being made by this bipartisan 10 headed board that You know, make things extremely challenging and the fact that the accountability for when errors when when people do make a really, you know significant mistake. Falls to these people who have political ties. Um and so I think going forward. It is a very fair question to get to the bottom of what happened who is responsible and what's the accountability? But I think for now, uh, the effort is going to be focused on let's get through the end of this election, right and then longer term, something has to be done. Listen to some of you may remember when Brigid famously uncovered a case in Brooklyn a few years ago of thousands of people mistakenly being taken off the voter rolls. Before a major election. Um, that caused new scrutiny of the board of elections. There was the case. Uh, Few months ago. Um what was it in the sorry in the presidential primary? We talked about this on the show this week where the Board of elections. Mistakenly sent absentee ballot envelopes, Um, with our absentee ballots with the wrong envelope, so it seemed like they were coming from elsewhere. So that was a big snafu involving 100,000 voters. Um, and our colleague David Cruz has an article on Gothamist called Ranked Choice. Voting Software Company says Board of elections ignored offer to help carry out citywide election Um, this is gonna be the last of it for today. But can you describe it all what happened there? Yeah, That is, um, an instance where the software company that you know made the universal ranked choice Voting tabulator had extended an offer to the city Board of elections to try and help. Get them ready for this, Uh, you know, first citywide primary with ranked choice voting, and, um, really one of the largest tests of Of the system in the country and, you know wanted to try to make sure that their employees at the board were trained that they could potentially run a parallel count. Um, you know, a series of safeguards that you know, in 2020. Hindsight probably could have spotted what had happened in this particular instance. Um, the board reportedly did not respond to those emails, Voicemails and, um, offers of assistance from the company. Um, you know, I can tell you that what was happening at the same time was they were running, um, special elections in other parts of the city and the state Board of elections was doing a pretty comprehensive test of this software. So that it could be certified in time for this citywide primary. Um, that is by no means an excuse, but goes to explain some of what was happening there. And you know it is, as it has been reported there. The agency is dealing with some changes in personnel. Their executive director is currently on medical leave, and the deputy executive director has been essentially running the agency for the past several months. Um and you know she has stepped in Don Sando. She has stepped in as the executive director previously during leadership changes at the agency. But You know, there's I think going to be a lot, um, of re examining of the agency. The state Senate has vowed to hold hearings about this election the state Senate had since the Democrats took majority control. Has done probably the most work to pass election reforms. That's where you know, we finally saw early voting and automatic voter registration and some of these changes to our absentee ballot laws. Um, get you know the support they needed by getting pushed through the Senate and along with support in the assembly, um so there should be more that we learn this summer and into the fall about Um What actually happened here how this agency could potentially be changed and then ultimately, it really will fall on state lawmakers to to make some of these changes. Um, since this is an agency that is ultimately Governed by state election law, the state Senate majority leader Andrea Stewart Cousins said yesterday. The board of Elections is an embarrassment and makes New York and embarrassment when we should be a model. Of running good elections in the United States, so hopefully something will be done, Brigid. I guess you told us you'll be covering my wildest first press conference since the election coming up in a little while, so we'll be listening. For what she says later in the day you're reporting on that and I have a feeling we will talk again before too long right here. I think we will. And we've got our whole elections team out there doing it. Actually, Liz Kim is going to be there with my a wily today, but We will bring you the latest I am Larry on W N Y C coming up next by the Delta variant matters to people who are vaccinated as well as unvaccinated. Stay with us. I'm tired of.
710 WOR
"andrea stewart cousins" Discussed on 710 WOR
"Thing. I'm Joe Biden. President Biden wants to spend trillions of dollars on infrastructure and American families going to outline his plans during the speech to a joint session of Congress tonight Price Tank for President Biden's American family Plan $1.8 Trillion a trillion would go to spending on programs things like Universal preschool and free community College, while 800 billion will go to tax cuts for middle and The big question. How will this be paid for the Biden White House says it would raise the income tax rate on the top 1% of earners increased the capital gains tax for households making over one million close inheritance loopholes and increased tax audits for the wealthy. Karen Travers, ABC NEWS Washington You could hear the president's address live on Wfor beginning at nine o'clock tonight. Albany lawmakers going to strip Governor Cuomo of some of his emergency powers to deal with the pandemic. And it's good news for bar No more drinking with food now just drank the state Senate plans to suspend the governor's executive order requiring food sales with alcoholic beverages. Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart cousin says it's time to remove restrictions and regulations that are no longer necessary, including making people who volunteer for pandemic related government work. Public officials, subjecting them to disclosure and transparency rule. Was and repealing outdated compliance rules for vaccine suppliers. The governor says he was going to announce the same changes tomorrow. Alice stacked in Rossini, WR War News former intern is accusing Comptroller Scott Stringer of groping her and she's going to speak out later today. A woman who has not come forward yet, says Scott's during her repeatedly touched her sexually without her consent. Stringer, who's running third in a number of Democratic mayoral polls, says the allegations against him are not true and do not. Reflect his interactions with any members of the staff the accuser expected to make herself known during a press conference outside the comptroller's office later this morning. No one Laden w O R NEWS Jessica Bo Vase faces up to 15 years in prison for that alleged drunk driving crash that killed New York City Police officer Ana Stasio Sarcos. She was arraigned yesterday on 13 counts and apologized as she was being led away in handcuffs. Are you.
Rick Roberts
Cuomo says "there is no way I resign" amid harassment allegations
"New York Governor Andrew Cuomo again says he will not resign if you're growing allegations of sexual harassment. Fox's Brian Eunice, with Maura governor today, attempting business as usual touring a mass vaccination site, despite two of New York's top state Democrats, calling on him to step down after new allegations of sexual harassment over the weekend, New York State Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart cousins writing We need to govern without daily distraction for the good of the state Governor Cuomo must resign over the week. And former aide. Analysts accused Cuomo of inappropriate behavior. Like kissing her hand. Former aide Karen Hinton said Cuomo hugged her inappropriately in a hotel room. Now Cuomo called Hinton's claim false and dismissed her as a political adversary. Several lawmakers were calling for Cuomo to step
Dennis Prager
Cuomo refuses to resign as new allegations surface
"Of New York Senate Is calling on Governor Andrew Cuomo to resign amid new allegations of inappropriate behavior from women who worked for him. Andrea Stewart cousin says between the sexual harassment allegations and undercounting covert death in nursing homes, Cuomo's gotta go wasn't elected by politicians. I'm not going to resign because of allegations almost as wait for the state attorney general's investigation. So far, five women told newspapers she's been inappropriate or sexually harassing in actions or words, something he's denied. My Way of doing friendly banter, one of the latest to come forward, former staffer analyst told The Wall Street Journal. He kissed her hand and ask personal questions. They never met the field make anyone feel any uncomfortable. Julie Walker, New York not on walls for
Democracy Now! Audio
"andrea stewart cousins" Discussed on Democracy Now! Audio
"The presidency of saw in equatorial guinea. At twenty people were killed and hundreds injured and series of explosions near a military barracks. The blast created a chaotic scene sending massive plumes of smoke into the air ripping roofs off buildings as wounded. People were carried away to the hospital. The blasts were caused by the negligent handling of dynamite. According to president teodoro obiang the gema who has ordered an investigation and appeal for international assistance to rebuild in somalia. At least twenty people were killed and thirty injured after a suicide car. Bomb detonated outside a restaurant near the port and the capital. Mogadishu on friday the attack led to the cancellation of a protest over the indefinite postponement of elections amidst ongoing constitutional crisis in burma witnesses say two protesters were killed by live fire today. During ongoing anti coup protest burma's main labor unions have launched a general strike mass protests and the violent crackdown on peaceful demonstrators intensify. Five weeks after the february first military coup. An official from the party of overthrown civilian leader aung san suu. She died over the weekend while in police custody at least fifty people have been killed since the start of protests. Soldiers have begun camping out in rangoon hospitals and university campuses and what. A local group says an effort to terrorise residents in the philippines. Local rights group has accused security forces of killing nine activists during a series of raids. Sunday rates came just two days after president rodrigo detaille ordered forces to quote kill and finish off communist rebels unquote human rights groups say the order part of deteriorates campaign of state terror to stifle descent in switzerland. Muslim advocates are condemning. The passage of a far-right proposal that bans wearing face coverings in public places opponents are calling the new rule. Sexist and slama phobic. The far-right campaign flooded the streets with posters that read stop radical islam and stop extremists and featuring woman wearing a black and cobb veil worn by muslim women that covers the lower half of the face. Rights vowed to challenge the new rule. Pope francis concluded stark three day tour of iraq becoming the first leader of the roman catholic church to visit iraq his trip which came amidst ongoing violence and the pandemic included stops in mosul and other areas decimated by slavic state fighters pope francis capped office visit sunday with a mass and kurdistan's capital erbil. They lavar equal mooney juice. I pray that the members of various religious community together with all men and women of good may work together to forge bonds of fraternity ity and solidarity in the service of the common good and peace alum alone. Sonam back in the united states. California congressman former house impeachment manager. Eric swallow is suing former president. Trump rudy giuliani and others quote for the injury and destruction caused by the deadly january six. Us capitol insurrection. Swallowtail says they called for the violence then quote watched approvingly as the building was overrun. Calls are mounting for new york governor andrew cuomo to step down as new accounts of sexual harassment and workplace misconduct surface on saturday to move former. Aides accused cuomo of sexual harassment including asking invasive personal questions and making unwanted physical contact. One of new york state's most powerful democrats senate majority leader andrea stewart. Cousins joined the chorus of coals for cuomo to resign in a bombshell interview with oprah winfrey meghan markle and prince harry revealed shocking details about life as royals including the racism suffered by meghan markle which also extended her unborn child when she was pregnant with their son. Archie concerns conversations. About how dark skinned might be when he's born. What and who. Who is having that conversation with you. Meghan markle also known as the duchess of sussex also shared. She had suicidal thoughts and was able unable to get help she needed from within the royal institution. Markle told oprah winfrey quote. I just didn't want to be alive anymore. Today marks the fiftieth anniversary and event that exposed fbi abuses and mass surveillance under former director chair. Go hoover on march eighth. Nineteen seventy-one group of activists broken into an fbi in media pennsylvania where they stole and later leaked documents detailing the secret cohen tell pro that's counter intelligence program to monitor infiltrate and disrupt social and political movements in two thousand fourteen. Democracy now spoke with three members of the citizens commission to investigate the fbi just after. They made their identities public for the first time. Kaethe who served as designated lock picker during the caper was hoping to speed the end of the vietnam war. The war was escalating de escalating And i think what really pushed me over. The edge was Shortly after the invasion of cambodia There were four students killed. It can't state and two more killed at At jackson state. And i'm sorry. I think i'd have this down after all these years and That really pushed me over the edge. That it was it was time to do more than just Than just protests than just march with assigned to see our interviews with those who broke into the offices in media pennsylvania you can go to our two thousand. Fourteen shows that democracy now dot org here in new york. Hundreds of workers shut down the brooklyn and manhattan bridges friday to demand justice for undocumented workers and others excluded from government pandemic relief funds many of the workers deliver essential services in the food industry cleaning and construction or have lost their jobs in the pandemic. The proposed invest in our new york. Legislation would raise taxes on wealthy new yorkers to generate fifty billion dollars for excluded workers among other things. Meanwhile immigrant women and domestic workers marched in new jersey sunday calling on governor phil murphy and lawmakers to fund a just recovery for all we are essential but we are also included. Women were excluded from all types of relief. Since the beginning of the pandemic the federal and state governments have failed us. This is unacceptable and cruel and millions of women around the world or taking to the streets today tomorrow this international women's day in a year where women have been disproportionately impacted by rising poverty. Unemployment and violence during the pandemic in the philippines. Hundreds of women lead a rally outside the presidential palace in manila chanting. Stop killing us. Protesters are demanding. The resignation of president do take. This is an advocate with the women's rights group. Gabriela underlying the fact that we are in the deeper crisis and you're facing vita who sparked that the whole face and foreign interest fasciest matchel fascist presidency.
Hugh Hewitt
Cuomo says "there is no way I resign" amid harassment allegations
"State Senate Democratic leader adding her voice to the chorus of those demanding the governor, Andrew Cuomo resigned as more women accused Cuomo of sexual harassment. Andrea Stewart cousin says between the sexual harassment allegations and undercounting covert death in nursing homes, Cuomo's gotta go elected by politicians. I'm not going to resign because of allegations almost as wait for the state attorney general's investigation. So far, five women told newspapers she's been inappropriate or sexually harassing in actions or words, something he's denied. My Way of doing friendly banter, one of the latest to come forward, former staffer analyst told The Wall Street Journal. He kissed her hand and ask personal questions. They never met the field make anyone feel any uncomfortable. Julie Walker, New York president,
Think 100%: The Coolest Show
"andrea stewart cousins" Discussed on Think 100%: The Coolest Show
"Know came here to make a better life and i'm just the product i think of. They're really hard work. i'm a h. I didn't i actually did know that. Lag who names like corinne. Such a typical caribbean. Not nazis set it. The nazis set. It looks like you know hours go by rev but my first name is lenox or lenox. They would say people on the caribbean arts. That's amazing so like now you gotta go hold strong like sorority fraternity. And now like jackie. Paterson i hold strong caribbean connection. That's wonderful. I didn't know that. Actually that's just a lot though. I'm sorry keep going so you right. That is i. I grew up in the midwest. I grew up right outside of chicago in evanston and I'm so proud that i can say this that like my elementary school. Principal made sure that all of us black white latino knew the words to lift every voice in saying and we would sink every black history month in those kinds of pride in blackness. Where was something that. I was exposed to really young I went to fisk university for undergrad. And that's you know a really important prestigious school that's connected to the civil rights movement. So that's like diane nash. And you know. I've always been kind of drawn to political word. I've done stuff on campaigns and Really excited that. I got that experience. Campaigning is hard. But it really teaches you how to push yourself and become a jack of all trades And i helped a elect andrea stewart. Cousins who i believe is the first black woman to now lead new york state senate and you know just really proud to have had those kinds of experiences. I did fundraising for her and for candidates raising money the biggest part in for black candidates. Especially that's such a difficulty and so learning. That skill was something you know. I've tried to you know really just kind of hone in even just communicating and in finding commonalities with people's that they can support your issue in money as a way to support so. That was an experience that i've had but While i was at law school fan you college of law. I know so. See what the to doubled now. But i went to a like a talk about Farmworker us in florida. And all of the women who were talking about being exposed to pesticides were lacking latino and all of the lawyers were white men and house. I are the black lawyers you know and that my law school professor for civil procedure abrahams professor abrahams..
Hugh Hewitt
Cuomo says "there is no way I resign" amid harassment allegations
"The Democratic leader of New York Senate, is calling on Governor Cuomo to resign amid new allegations of inappropriate behavior from women who have worked for him. Andrea Stewart cousin says between the sexual harassment allegations and undercounting covert death in nursing homes, Cuomo's gotta go elected by politicians. I'm not going to resign because of allegations almost has wait for the state attorney general's investigation. So far, five women told newspapers he's been inappropriate or sexually harassing in actions or words, something he's denied. My Way of doing friendly banter, one of the latest to come forward, former staffer analyst told The Wall Street Journal. He kissed her hand and ask personal questions. They never met the field make anyone feel any uncomfortable. Julie Walker, NEW
Ben Ferguson
Cuomo says "there is no way I resign" as top N.Y. leader calls for him to step down
"Or even face impeachment are growing. We know that Andrea Stewart cousins, she is the state Senate majority leader. Now she's seeing a very firm stance after these new allegations against Governor Andrew Cuomo, and she included this statement writing for the good of the state governor. Cuomo must resign New Now. Assembly Speaker Carly Hasty is echoing that opinion. Governor Cuomo addressed these new accusations, as well as calls from lawmakers to resign. I wasn't elected by politicians. Uh, I'm not gonna resigned because of allegations five women accused the governor of harassment or inappropriate behavior to male aides say he would berate them with expletives. That's Fox's Alex Hogan reporting. America is listening to Fox
Pat Thurston
New York Senate advances bill to repeal Cuomo's emergency powers
"The $1.9 trillion Covert rescue bill in New York State Senate lawmakers voting today on a measure to strip Governor Andrew Cuomo's emergency powers under the pandemic, Cuomo was facing multiple investigations of sexual misconduct allegations and a federal probe into his handling of the nursing home deaths in the state 43 days. 20 bill is passed along party lines, The state Senate passed a bill that stops Governor Cuomo from issuing any new pandemic directives. Without the Legislature's approval. It is clear That we need to move toward a system. Of increased oversight. Democratic Majority Leader Andrea Stewart cousins Republicans, like Daniel Step called for a full repeal, calling Cuomo somebody that has been caught. Lying and covering up to us. The check on the governor's power followed accusations he
WNYC 93.9 FM
"andrea stewart cousins" Discussed on WNYC 93.9 FM
"Is always in the detail, and so much of what we have been trying to do, in addition to making sure that we have an educational component around, you know, certainly drug use and you know, abuse and all of that is making sure that Again Communities. Certainly communities of color that have been desperately and negatively impacted by the unequal enforcement of these laws will get some benefit from not only the revenue but the industry and being able to get, you know, business opportunities section So we are trying to, um You know, make it, uh, makes sense for in all of these different ways, and I do believe that we have the votes. Andrea Stewart, cousin for the right, you know, for the right package. State senator from Westchester and the New York State Senate Majority Leader. Thank you very much keep coming on with us during the session. I know look you in your audience. Some listeners know some dark. There's so much action every year between January and April, 1st so come on back as that. Going on. Thank you so much. This is w n y C FM HD and AM New York WN J T F M 88.1 Trenton, WN J P 88.5 Sussex WN J. Why 89.3. NET Kong and W. N J 0 90.3 Toms River We are New York. And New Jersey Public Radio off full re airing of Amanda Gorman's poem from the Order of the inauguration and more coming up in our second hour after the latest news with David First, David, What's happening? Thanks. Brian. President Biden is putting into play his national covert 19 strategy to ramp up vaccinations and testing, reopen schools and businesses and increase the use of masks, including a requirement that Americans mask up for travel. He'll sign 10 virus related executive orders today. New York state judge has ordered the corrections Department to vaccinate a 65 year old incarcerated man with chronic lung disease for covert 19. W N. Y. C is Glen Hogan reports. Advocates are calling it a landmark decision that could push the state to begin to vaccinate other vulnerable inmates. Though the ruling applies just to the man who sued So far, the Corrections Department has said it's working on a plan with the Health Department to vaccinate incarcerated people but hasn't said when it would begin. Meanwhile, covert outbreaks in prisons are ballooning with more than 1000 new infections in the last two weeks. Ah, spokesman for the Corrections Department says they're reviewing the judge's decision. Congresswoman Alexandria Cossio. Cortez is backing striking workers at the Hunts Point produce market in the Bronx. At a rally last night, she said, they deserve better. I think that's.
WNYC 93.9 FM
"andrea stewart cousins" Discussed on WNYC 93.9 FM
"W N. Y c independent journalism in the public interest, 93.9 FM and AM a 20 NPR News and the New York conversation. Brian later on w N. Y. C and almost lost in the inauguration day news coverage was Governor Cuomo announcing what's being described as a doomsday budget. If the state of New York doesn't get a lot of new aid from Washington, according to The New York Times summary, the doomsday budget scenario would cut about $2 billion from funding for schools. $600 million from Medicaid and more, and it would raise income taxes up to 2% points on the wealthiest New Yorkers, those with taxable incomes of $5 million and up Talk about that and the state running out of covert vaccines and opportunities for the new Democratic Party Super majority in the state Senate. With the Senate majority leader now Andrea Stewart cousins. Her own Westchester district, covers the Hudson River towns from Yonkers to a little north of the Tappan Zee Mario Cuomo Bridge. And Easter, Scarsdale, White plains and towns to the Hutchinson River Parkway leader. Cousins. Always a pleasure. Welcome back to W. N. Y. C. It's always good to be with you. Can I start with the inauguration of Joe Biden and Kamila Harris? Some of your reaction yesterday, personally and politically. I think you know it was just a relief. Really Woz. I exhaled and I do believe so many people around the country and around the world exhaled as well. It was amazing reaffirmation. Of what our values should be. What our ideals our and I believe it was just I mean, obviously was very Unique because of the situation that we're in. But still, you know, the cohesive message of unity of rebuilding and again the reaffirmation and, of course, the incredible of sight of seeing the very first woman. Vice president gets sworn in First Woman of African descent of South Asian descent and you know, kind of I felt like I was walking them that You know, Pennsylvania Avenue with her, And I'm so sure So many people kind of felt that and then this amazing poet laureate who exist um Think blew everybody away with her. Her wonderful poem and only 22 being able to capture in everything in her essence, in her words, and in the magnificence of even that yellow jacket that she wore, You know the sun, you know, finally rising on what Could be on could be the greatest nation in the world for all to kind of take a look at and follow, But obviously we've had our issues. We will have our issues, but, um, you know, I think these are ideal for its fighting for so I was very, very Very, very relieved by and also just kind of briefly. We talked about Dr Martin Luther King, you know, because we celebrate King Day, and so I offered a resolution on King Day and just kind of tying in the Right. The king had for all these rights, including our voting rights and how how the hope and the promise and what he fought for. And what actually happened was manifested. In the election results and certainly the participation of African Americans to the point where you know we have. We do have a new day dawning. So it was quite a day. You mentioned the poet Amanda Gordon Gorman. I should tell our listeners, of course. Yes. Everybody was blown away by her and her poem And because of that, we're going to re air Full poem. At around 11 30 this morning, So listeners heads up if you want to hear it again, and we have a very special guest to discuss it with the poet and essayist Elizabeth Alexander. Who did the reading at Obama's first inaugural. Similarly poignant moment and she's now head of the Mellon Foundation. So Elizabeth Alexander joining us at 11 30. To listen along with the rest of us, and then discuss the full reading by Amanda Gorman from yesterday, which we will re air We are with Andrea Stewart Cousins right now the New York State Senate majority leader on what you just said about the resolution pertaining to King Day and everything that's going on in the country. A resolution is kind of an expression of a sentiment. It's not a bill that enact something into law. So is that what you proposed? And what concretely are you doing? With this new Senate supermajority to advance voting rights and racial justice in general. Yes, well, the resolution is something that we offer every year. The course is just an important acknowledgment off the work that Dr King has done so No, it's not legislation, but it definitely Is a sentiment that we continue to adhere to. But every year, Brian Since I've been the majority leader, I have begun the session with some again reaffirmation. Of voting some some enrichment of the enfranchisement because, you know, we pay homage to how we got there. So this year was no different. And it was part of looking at the elections of, you know, November etcetera and the fact that we were still Counting absentee ballots long after you know other people had finished, so we passed legislation that would allow for the counting of ballots. It's the same in the same way that we count the mail in ballots. And so that will ease up. A lot of the suspense will be able to start counting our absentee ballots sooner. Just so so, your listeners now we weren't able to do that until about seven days. After, uh you know, Election day, so that going to be changed as well as the absentee ballot Dropbox, you know, making sure that there will be absolutely Bella drop boxes and secure locations. That will be more accessible to people. We also Re, um way want to do a constitutional amendment. We, You know, for the very first time I had this male and no excuse kind of absence, he boating But it is actually amendment to our constitution that has to happen. We were able to do it because of Cove it and and past sort of temporary legislation to allow this this, you know pandemic to allow for the mail in voting. We want to see No excuse Mail in voting is part of what we do. And so we passed it last sessions. It's a constitutional amendment changes constitutional change, so you have two person in two consecutive sessions. We passed it a second time this session. It will then go to our voters in November on if they agree, which I do hope they will that we should have, um, you know, male and no excuse absentee voting. It will become part of what we do in this state. So we were continuing to press to make sure that people are able to vote in New York and exercise their franchise. Very good New Yorkers. We can take some phone calls for your state. Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart cousins 646435 70 to 80. Call your Senator 646435 70 to 80 called the Senate majority leader, 646435 70 to 80 or tweet a question at Brian Lehrer. In light of what happened at the Capitol and the muted response by law enforcement there, at least at first, there's a question nationwide, obviously about extremist and white supremacists. People with those leanings within the ranks of our law enforcement. Are you concerned about that? And if so, what can legislators and other public officials do to root it out? To the extent that it exists if it does in New York. Yeah, well, we had We obviously have to be concerned, and you know, it's part of. I think our majorities thrusts. And so we've been in the majority of taking a look at a lot of the systems and the policies and the practices and quite honestly. So much of the opposition in our last election, which I'm happy to say, Um, it's in most cases, uh, were, you know overcome But part of it was because we have done so much. Whether it's bail reform. Whether it's please reform after the Tragic murder of George Floyd, New York State Woz, probably the first in the nation. Pass, comprehensive police reform bills saying, Okay, fine. There don't seem to be any boundaries as to what you can or cannot do..
WNYC 93.9 FM
"andrea stewart cousins" Discussed on WNYC 93.9 FM
"C. Brian, this like lead and exactly what I was going to say and happy New Year. I actually, uh Two things with the press. You have a question that comment number one when Mark, I can't remember your last name. I apologize when you talk about citizens going, Mr Fisher. When you talked about citizens going back to the happy ignorance, we can't afford to do that. And I think the last administration taught young people black and brown folks immigrants that we have to advocate for ourselves in every Every aspect of being in this country in order for us to live and that my friend is what is gonna make us not look for a savior like we did for Obama because one man is not Big enough to fix this mess. This is a something we all have to do, just like with clothes that we have to stay and tried to take care of others. We have to take care of other people throughout one's civic action. My question is, what is the press going to do? Because it's a beginning? Yes, you're saying that you're gonna hold Biden accountable and Jen Psaki did say yesterday, but it's the honeymoon will be over. I'm keeping my eye on the press because the press it's it if it believes it leaks and as soon as the press was very responsible in making money to create Trump during the 2016 Election in what? What? How they did not. And they do not hold white men accountable the way that they do people of color the way that they do women the way that they covered Hillary Clinton and the way the press room there is not representation that is fair and tells the stories of black and brown people from our perspective, you Nate Silver even got Is getting pushed back because the data that she is creating it's from a white male perspective that is shifting. This country is shifting to a multicultural democracy. So my question is how and I don't know what your responsibility is. And what power that you have. But what will the press do? What will be organizations in an economy that is struggling? And you're trying to make money? What challenges will you do that actually tell the actual authentic truth. And be advocates and be advocates for the people so that we do know what is going on in a better way that you did. You started doing it towards the under Trump, but y'all need to do it. Now with the conservative with the lives that they're spouting on all of these other media organizations that are popping up better going to be contributing to the lives. It's not going to get better unless The press the media right now you guys step up, so I'm asking. What are you gonna do this stuff up and I'll take my answer off mine. Thank you, John. Thank you, Janie. Um, you know, it s so that's a great question. And obviously there was a bump that you know what people call that Trump bump that many news organizations experienced during the trump years in audience because people were much more involved across the country with whichever side they were on in following politics. S O. That perversely enabled news organizations like the Washington Post to hire a lot more reporters and be much more aggressive than our investigations and other reporting. On day, So you know it's It's a weird sort of Eunyoung relationship there. Where, uh, you know, sudden story that people some people may have thought we were over covering actually contributed to our ability to be a better watchdog over of the administration and other institutions in society. So that Zeus we're glad to have that. Well, that audience now go away remains to be seen. Which takes me to the listeners. Other point about Participation. Obviously, everybody, It's good for everyone good for democracy if we have a more active and involved electorate, but my point about Being able to sit back and ignore. Politics comes actually, from my experience as a foreign correspondent back in the final days and months of communism in Eastern Europe, when many people who had suffered under that system told me that they were jealous of Americans because they said Americans didn't have to care about politics. Because their lives weren't in jeopardy. And that is a luxury that Americans often don't realize we've had through the years and so if now, with Trump and the dangers that he opposed being removed from the calculus, if that enables some people to go back to not caring about politics, it's not a great thing for our democracy, but it isn't healthy. Reflection of the fact that we have a society where people can trust enough in institutions that they are able to sit back. Sometimes one more caller in this segment Susan in Chatham. In New Jersey. You're on w, N Y C. Hi, Susan. Susan, you there. Do we have Susan in Chatham, New Jersey. Not shot in New York, which is near Albany. Susan and Chart of New Jersey. Once. Twice. All right, so I'll wrap up with you this way, I guess, um The well. We're expecting 10 executive orders related to the coronavirus today, including use of the Defense Production Act to speed up vaccine delivery. Kentucky confirmed last night. Are there specific set of how that might work? Well, I think what your overall going to see is a shift in responsibility from the states back to the federal government exactly what Trump refused to do from the beginning. Trump didn't want to be blamed for the virus. And so he's he put it on the governor's across the country who obviously did not have the infrastructure, the money the capacity. To deal with this a nationwide problem. So you're going to see the federal government resuming some of that responsibility and forcing private sector companies to produce the supplies that air slows the supply chain that is so slowing down the vaccine roll out at this point, producing the glass vials, syringes, the packaging all of that stuff. On And let me bring up. And go back to really one thing you brought up earlier in the conversation as a closer and that is comprehensive immigration reform. Which As you noted, both Obama and Bush took a shot out in a similar way more border security in exchange for a path to citizenship for law abiding people already here illegally. But he would need about 10 Republican votes in the Senate. Conservative media is already reporting on a new caravan coming from Central America on the belief that Biden will let them in after Trump didn't and Biden is signing an executive order maybe already did yesterday, ending construction of Trump Sport of Wall. So what does real border security Biden style purport to look like? In a way that could bring 10 Republicans to thinking this deal is real. Yeah, it's it's gonna be a tough deal to make because a lot of Republican politicians are under tremendous pressure from their base, which now will be riled up once more by the fox and friends about These caravans and the dangers of illegal immigration. And all of that s O you know, is the time ripe for that kind of a deal that Bush and Obama tried to make, Maybe not, And a number of people in the bite administration are saying we need to not repeat the mistakes of Clinton and Obama and go hard on an unpopular issue. As those administrations did on healthcare early on, which created made it really difficult for them to get the rest of their agenda done, so there is some hesitation about really going for the big, comprehensive Approach on immigration. But I think Biden is going to try to move there and take advantage of this civil war within the Republican Party, because really, the big story of the next couple years politically is going to be the redefinition of the Republican Party, and it's not at all clear which side will prevail. Obviously, the impeachment trial will give us a first window onto that. What the biting folks do believe that there are somewhere between five and 15 Republican senators who they can work with on any number of tough issues and and we'll see just how many There really are. Washington Post Senior editor Marc Fisher. Appreciate it. Thank you very much. Great to be with you. Brian Lara and W N Y C Andrea Stewart Cousins is up next stay with us..
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"andrea stewart cousins" Discussed on WNYC 93.9 FM
"This crisis has allowed for us to figure out how we can make our democracy even better. Ah, we saw a number of issues in November around the counting of absentee ballots, how long it takes to do so. And so yesterday we passed. Senator Mike generous is Bill that would help speed up the processing of absentee ballot. You know if we were a swing state We would have been the source of national scandal. Many of our elections were not called until many weeks after, and we unfortunately have the dubious distinction of having the only house race in the entire country. That is yet to be called in the New York 22nd. And so we passed some things to make the absentee ballot process start earlier. We made permanent some changes that were temporary due to covert last year, so you can apply for an absentee ballot via email. You can apply for it earlier in the election season. And we're also going to be doing some second passes on Constitutional amendment resolutions that would allow for same day registration and no excuse absentee ballots. Let me get your reaction to some breaking news from the governor's news conference. Just now. I don't know if you've heard this yet, but Apparently, according to our news room three governor is now opening vaccine sign up to anyone over 65 immuno compromised people of any age. According to the new CDC guidelines, which he's decided to follow. However, we're still at a supply rate of 300,000 doses per week so it could take six months at that rate just to get through the currently eligible New Yorkers and also they need to come up with a list of who counts is immuno compromised. So is this news to you? And what's your reaction to it? On first blush? It is news to me, I think I welcome um ah, more access to the vaccines. Ah, this is clearly I think one of the primary ways we're gonna see our way through this crisis. On and you know, in a zit pertains to getting us out, Um, in giving as many people access to it as possible. I think this is a good step. Um, I think any sort of objective analysis around the vaccine rollout, um, would arrive at the conclusion that things have not been as efficient as they should have been. Ah, we've had a lot of time to prepare for this moment. On. So you know, I I look forward to working with the governor in the Department of Health to ensure that the vaccine is given out in an equitable way on done so in a way that makes sense for his many New Yorkers is possible. Let's take a phone call Theo and Harlem. You're on w n my sea with state Senator John there, Marie. Hi, Theo. Brian House owner. Thanks, guys. I'm just calling to check in about the Heroes Act and see if the same. You knew anything about the hazard pay that had been sort of dangled out there for us essential workers in the city. Yeah. Thank you. For the question. Theo and ah, for for the listeners. That heroes act is a bill of sponsored by Senator John Ears and the Senate. I believe Assembly member Corinne is Ray s in the assembly that would provide extra protections for our essential workers. It is a bill that I support. Um, I believe that we are going to be having serious discussions. About this going forward and the session and I look forward to doing so I remember at the height of our pandemic us, you know, clapping at 7 P.m. every night, four hour a central workers. Ah, And while that may have dissipated, I think, um, it's important for arrest him, not just remember them and applause, but to do so in policy, and I look forward to trying to get it across the finish line. Craig and Queens. You're on w N. Y. C was Senator Mayer E. Hi, Craig. Hey, Good afternoon, Bryant. Morning. Um, I'm I want to know. Is it possible for the states and in a tow eminent colleagues to get ready this tax abatement that I'm giving for real estate for new construction? Um Some of it is 10 years. Some of it is 50 years and different areas. I think right now the city needs the income with all the development going on you. No way. Need the income. This Way gave abatements when we needed people to move to the city. Now we have people living here. Um, and everybody should say this bullshit Bullshit. I saw that in Long Island City. In the basement was up. Um and people have to pay the Justin tax rate. It was a protest because people felt like they shouldn't have to pay the rate. And you know, I purchased my house along, you know, 15 years ago. In a community that was challenging. I didn't get a tax abatement. I paid my property tax every day, and I think Instead of taxing the rich and everybody for a full share. Well get born with less. Great. Thank you, Senator. Craig. I think that's Ah, It's excellent point that you raised. You know, one of the premier tax abatements that we give us something called 4 21 8. At last session, I introduced a bill to repeal That tax abatement for some of the very reasons that you were putting forward. We don't give our home owners the same incentives and tax credits and tax abatements to upkeep their homes and to build the very communities. At these large developments now take advantage of being in and so Ah, hi. I'm in support of that. I think the framing is also very important for this conversation that we're having around revenue. Well, what we're talking about is individuals paying their fair share. Ah, and ah, this is not just, um Ah, an attack on any one class. Of individuals, but really in a state of pain that we're in in New York. It's important that that pain be shared equally by all. Um and for those who can afford to pay more. We should do that on. I think that applies in the tax abatement for developers spaces well, and so, um, you know, I'll be pushing for that. And I think At this Democratic majority by way of our leader, Andrea Stewart. Cousins has expressed that we're going to be having some action on that front. Well, what do you think you're going to pass, or what do you want to pass with respect to tax is one thing that was notable in the governor's state of the state address yesterday. Was that he did not express support for raising income taxes on people with $1 million a year or more incomes. These so called millionaire's tax. Uh, I know that You're also considering $3 tax on many online order deliveries and you're considering Raising taxes on stock transfers. So which of those do you think will go through now that you have a super majority in the Legislature and which would you like to see go through one or two or all? You know, I think we are in a ah, a serious crisis, and it requires a crisis response. And so I think everything should be on the table. Ah and AH Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart Cousins is Had publicly that it's important for.
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"Hake. The New York state Senate has passed a Bill that would make undocumented students eligible. For state financial aid Senate majority leader Andrea Stewart cousins spoke about her. Yes. Vote on the Senate floor saying the state's dream act would provide upward mobile mobility for young immigrants. We understand that education is imperative for us to get ahead. And we understand we have to make it affordable. We have to find ways to forgive loan. We don't wanna leave anyone behind the assembly also passed the measure yesterday and governor Cuomo is