The new initiative includes a proposal to enact a Domestic Terror Act as announced during the Governor’s visit on January 1 to Williamsburg.
Brooklyn, NY –Governor Cuomo announced his budget proposal for the coming year, which is to be passed in April. The Governor also announced several proposals to better fight hate crimes, including $20 million for a new round of grants for security funding as well as $25 million for the same in matching funds to protect institutions, schools, and community centers. Also included is $2 million earmarked for the Hate Crimes Task Force, which was established in 2018. The additional funding will help bolster the Hate Crimes Task Force activities so as to allow it to better monitor the threat of hate and violence, including that brought out through social media.
Additionally, the Governor is working towards having the legislature enact the Domestic Act of Terror Act to turn a hate crime into a felony. This means that the punishment of someone convicted of a hate crime can be life in prison without parole.
During his visit, the mayor also discussed his proposed legislation regarding domestic terrorists saying that terrorists shouldn’t have to arrive by airplane only to have to face these kinds of penalties. This type of punishment should also apply to domestic terrorists as well.
“I thank Governor Cuomo for taking decisive action to stop the rise in hate crimes, which has already, unfortunately, claimed lives,” says Rabbi David Niederman, UJO executive director and president.
