Gov Hochul sends open letter to NYers, highlights 45-Day achievements in office

New York State Governor Kathy Hochul has highlighted her achievements within her first 45 days in office as the first female governor of the state after the resignation of her predecessor, former governor Andrew Cuomo.

Details of her achievements are presented in the letter below.

“When I was sworn in as your 57th governor on August 24, 2021, I told you I wanted you to know that you are heard, and that I was ready to get to work as your Governor to solve the big problems this state faces.

“My highest priorities: combating COVID-19, getting aid to New Yorkers, and beginning to change the culture in Albany. I’m proud to report on day 45 – the end of our transition period – we have delivered on our promises to you.

“On combating COVID-19, I held firm on a nation-leading health care worker vaccine mandate to keep patients safe. I announced a mask requirement in schools so our kids, teachers and students could go back to school safely. And I invested $65 million to ensure the wide availability of COVID-19 booster shots for older and vulnerable New Yorkers. As a result of our efforts, the percent of New Yorkers ages 18 and older with at least one vaccine dose (CDC) as of Oct. 7 was up to 84.9%, compared to 78.7% on the day I was sworn in.

“On getting aid to struggling New Yorkers, we have nearly quadrupled the amount of rent relief going out the door since August 24, distributing over $800 million in rent relief. I convened an Extraordinary Session in the Legislature and worked with them to extend the eviction moratorium until January 15, 2022. And we made sure immigrant New Yorkers weren’t left behind, distributing more than $1 billion through the Excluded Workers Fund.

“And I’m ushering in a new era of transparency, enforcing high ethical standards in our Administration, and pushing for real, bold ethics reforms to restore trust in government.

“We’re also tackling some of the most pressing issues facing our state: fighting climate change and creating new jobs — including a first-in-the-nation air quality monitoring program, putting the full force of the White House behind New York’s recovery from Hurricane Ida, signing historic parole reform into law, and putting our state’s budding cannabis industry back on track.

“You can read my full 45 Day memo here. And my friends, we’re just getting started.

“I’m excited for more New Yorkers to get to know me and my direct, straight-talking and decisive style of leadership as I continue to work to deliver results to the people of this state.

“One of my favorite inspirations is from a speech by Teddy Roosevelt—it speaks of the man in the arena who is marred by dust, sweat and blood, stark contrast with the timid souls on the sidelines.

“For the first time in New York history, a woman is in that arena as Governor. As I undertake the weighty responsibilities before me, know that I have the confidence, courage and the ability to lead New Yorkers forward. And to make New York’s women proud.

“It’s our time to show the world that “ever upward” is more than just our State’s motto. It’s who we are. And where we are going,” said Governor Kathy Hochul.