Dear neighbors, 

We are so proud to share that today, the governor signed into law several of the police reforms we passed in the legislature this week. 

Year after year after year, black people in the United States have suffered from racist police brutality. Too many families have had their loved ones slain at the hands of police, only to see the same police who robbed their family of life walk away scot-free.

Being black in America means there is no shield from the danger of police brutality -- something I learned the hard way. When I attended a peaceful protest against police brutality, despite being a State Senator and alerting the police of my presence, I was pushed, shoved, struck, pepper sprayed, and handcuffed. The many deaths of black men at the hands loomed large in my mind as I was attacked and feared for my life.

I thought about my experience being brutalized by the police when, only days later, I stood on the floor of the New York Senate to vote ‘aye’ on this historic package of legislation. 

This truly is a watershed moment. With these bills, we begin the process of healing. With these bills, we finally begin to hold the police accountable. With these bills, we march toward justice. 

 

• CASES, HOSPITALIZATIONS, DEATHS: The state now conducts 50,000 tests per day, and in a good sign, the infection and hospitalization rate overall has continually declined. 24,495 people have died statewide after testing positive, with another 42 yesterday. 381,714 people have tested positive and 1,898 are currently hospitalized. 

• STATE ORDERS LOCAL POLICE REFORM: The governor issued an Executive Order mandating that local police departments develop reform plans with community input in order to be eligible for state funding. Plans will be due April 1 in order to receive state funding. 

• CITY ANNOUNCES AIR CONDITIONING CREDIT PROGRAM: The city announced the approval of a credit program aimed at ensuring the city’s most vulnerable residents can afford air conditioning. The city expects that 441,000 New Yorkers will save up to $140 through October as part of the program. 

• FIVE NY REGIONS ENTER PHASE THREE TODAY: The Mohawk Valley, central New York, the North Country, the Finger Lakes and Southern Tier all enter phase three, which will allow restaurants to open for inside dining, personal grooming services like hair and nail salons, and some other reopenings. 

• CITY TO PROVIDE RELIEF TO STORES DAMAGED DURING UNREST: The mayor announced that Signature Bank will donate $750,000 in funds to the Small Business Emergency Grant Program to further support small business owners who recently experienced damage to their storefronts during recent protests. 

In solidarity, 

Zellnor Y. Myrie