Skoufis praises public safety wins in state budget

James Skoufis

Originally published in Mid Hudson News on .

State Senator James Skoufis (D- Cornwall) has been critical of Governor Kathy Hochul’s final state budget, but he is applauding several significant public safety initiatives in the plan.

 
Negotiations went into overtime, with much of the discussion focused on these key areas: discovery reform, involuntary commitment, and increased penalties for criminal conduct while masked. While frustrated with the Governor’s last-minute, chaotic strong-arming of the budget process, Skoufis held firm on elements that would best serve the interest of public safety, first responders, and all New Yorkers, including:
  • Essential Reforms to the Discovery Process: The budget includes critical changes intended to reverse the high rates of cases, particularly those involving domestic violence and driving while intoxicated, being dismissed on minor technical errors. Roughly half of all 2023 domestic violence cases outside New York City were dismissed on technical grounds. This year’s revisions to discovery reform will ensure justice is served in a balanced and timely manner.
  • Involuntary Commitment: This budget expands options to provide mentally ill New Yorkers with the help they need, allowing for those who present a substantial risk of physical harm to themselves or others, or who are unable to meet their own basic needs, to be committed for treatment.
  • Masked Harassment: This budget includes a provision sponsored by Skoufis, which will add a second criminal charge when an individual commits a crime while wearing a mask for the sole purpose of hiding their identity from law enforcement. This has been a major issue in recent years as New Yorkers have been incessantly harassed by masked perpetrators.
     
    While Skoufis hailed these meaningful steps toward increased public safety for all New Yorkers, he acknowledges there is still work to be done. Among that work is the designation of EMS as an essential service. Skoufis fought hard for this, but despite wide support, the Governor opposed the measure during negotiations.

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