In State Addresses, Cuomo Must Announce Plans to Make New York a Progressive Leader

Governor Andrew Cuomo will lay out his vision for New York this week during a series of State of the State addresses beginning today. With just days before President-elect Donald Trump takes office, the New York Civil Liberties Union urges Gov. Cuomo to put forth a plan that will safeguard New Yorkers from the threats to freedom posed by the incoming administration.

“New York should be the most progressive state in the nation, but our laws still have a long way to go,” said NYCLU Executive Director Donna Lieberman. “The next presidency poses real threats to our civil rights, and New York should be a leader for the rest of the country. Change must begin now.”

The NYCLU urges Gov. Cuomo and the legislature to take the following actions this session:

• Enact public defense reform that ensures the constitutional right to effective counsel
• Protect reproductive freedom by reforming New York’s abortion law to codify Roe v. Wade
• Fight hate by protecting New Yorkers, including immigrants, Muslims, LGBTQ people, people of color and students from discrimination and harmful government actions
• Protect New Yorkers’ privacy by limiting surveillance and securing or destroying government databases
• Promote police accountability and transparency by publicly reporting street stops, arrests and police misconduct

“We hope that lawmakers and the governor will take this year’s legislative session as an opportunity to make New York a safe haven from the dangers posed by President-elect Trump’s agenda,” said Robert Perry, legislative director at the NYCLU. “We must stand up against hate and protect New Yorkers who could find themselves targeted by the new administration.”