States, Cities and Counties
Here's a look at documents covering state government, cities and counties
Featured Stories
N.H. A.G. Formella: Nicholas Colarusso Indicted for Unemployment Compensation Fraud
CONCORD, New Hampshire, Jan. 24 -- New Hampshire Attorney General John Formella issued the following news release:
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Nicholas Colarusso Indicted for Unemployment Compensation Fraud
Attorney General John M. Formella and Department of Employment Security Commissioner Richard J. Lavers announce that the Rockingham County Grand Jury has returned indictments against Nicholas Colarusso, age 36, in connection with alleged unemployment compensation fraud.
The indictments charge Colarusso with Unemployment Compensation Fraud (Class A Felony), Theft by Deception (Class A Felony), and Attempted Unemployment
... Show Full Article
CONCORD, New Hampshire, Jan. 24 -- New Hampshire Attorney General John Formella issued the following news release:
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Nicholas Colarusso Indicted for Unemployment Compensation Fraud
Attorney General John M. Formella and Department of Employment Security Commissioner Richard J. Lavers announce that the Rockingham County Grand Jury has returned indictments against Nicholas Colarusso, age 36, in connection with alleged unemployment compensation fraud.
The indictments charge Colarusso with Unemployment Compensation Fraud (Class A Felony), Theft by Deception (Class A Felony), and Attempted UnemploymentCompensation Fraud (Class A Felony).
According to the indictments, from April 2020 to June 2021 Colarusso allegedly submitted false unemployment claims to the New Hampshire Department of Employment Security. The indictments allege that he failed to disclose his full-time employment with Make a Difference Landscaping LLC and/or Groundhog Landscaping and Property Maintenance Inc., and that as a result he allegedly received more than $36,000 in unemployment compensation, including enhanced federal COVID-19 benefits, while continuing to work.
Colarusso is scheduled to be arraigned on February 20, 2026, in Rockingham County Superior Court. Each Class A felony offense is punishable by up to 7 1/2 to 15 years in state prison, a fine, or both.
The investigation was conducted by the Department of Employment Security's Benefit Payment Control Unit. The Department provides unemployment benefits to eligible individuals who are unemployed through no fault of their own and investigates allegations of fraud to protect New Hampshire's unemployment trust fund. The New Hampshire Department of Employment Security receives program funding and grant awards from the U.S. Department of Labor.
To report possible unemployment fraud, call (603) 228-4019, or email the Department of Employment Security at NHES.BPC@NHES.NH.GOV.
The charges and allegations against Mr. Colarusso are merely accusations, and he is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
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Original text here: https://www.doj.nh.gov/news-and-media/nicholas-colarusso-indicted-unemployment-compensation-fraud
Maine Gov. Mills Radio Address: Standing Up for the Rule of Law
AUGUSTA, Maine, Jan. 24 -- Gov. Janet Mills, D-Maine, issued the following radio address:
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Standing Up for the Rule of Law
Hello, this is Governor Janet Mills, and thank you for listening.
You know, as governor of this great state, I took an oath to uphold the Constitution. Embodied in that sacred document is the idea that our country is not governed by any single individual, but by that great equalizer, the rule of law.
A few decades ago, you'll remember that principle was in great danger. Our nation watched as the moral compass of the law was diverted from its North Star by the pranks
... Show Full Article
AUGUSTA, Maine, Jan. 24 -- Gov. Janet Mills, D-Maine, issued the following radio address:
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Standing Up for the Rule of Law
Hello, this is Governor Janet Mills, and thank you for listening.
You know, as governor of this great state, I took an oath to uphold the Constitution. Embodied in that sacred document is the idea that our country is not governed by any single individual, but by that great equalizer, the rule of law.
A few decades ago, you'll remember that principle was in great danger. Our nation watched as the moral compass of the law was diverted from its North Star by the pranksand practices, the crimes and cover ups, of those who valued political loyalty over their duty to the court and their duty to the Constitution. The President of the United States was forced to resign. Prominent lawyers lost their license to practice law, their very livelihood; and the Attorney General of the United States actually went to prison, all because of the national scandal we refer to very simply today as "Watergate."
Lawyers and law firms are again under tremendous pressure to bow to the demands and financial threats from political powers in D.C. The administration issued executive orders that targeted various law firms by name. Those executive orders suspended security clearances for employees of the firms, barred access to government buildings, and contact with government officials, and terminated government contracts with those firms -- all because they once represented clients with whom the president disagreed.
The Administration attacks the court itself when it fails to get its way, using name calling and accusing individual judges of "hating America" and of suffering from a "sick ideology." This is a danger to the separation of powers and to the judiciary itself. Governing by intimidation by any party or person is not what the founders meant when they wrote the Constitution. It is, in fact, the very thing they most feared when they divided power among three co-equal branches of government.
Reagan appointee Judge Harvie Wilkinson III described the assault on the legal system and the rule of law with some eloquent but disturbing words: "Now the branches come too close to grinding irrevocably against one another in a conflict that promises to diminish both," he wrote. "... The Executive may succeed for a time in weakening the courts, but over time, history will script the tragic gap between what was and all that might have been, and law in time will sign its epitaph."
Now, in addition to law firms and lawyers, there have been many other threats targeted against businesses, colleges, scientists and researchers; unions, and veterans; threats to social security, health care, medical research, and education. Threats towards cities, states and countries, large and small.
You know, the law is neither red nor blue. It is not owned by any political party, and it is not the tool of any one individual in power. The law, simply, is the greatest achievement of our society. It's the thing that protects all of us, especially the weak and the vulnerable, those who cannot stand up for themselves. And if we stop believing in that great equalizer, the Constitution, if we give up, if we lose faith, then we lose the very thing that protects every one of us at a time when we need it most.
We all must be vigilant to preserve the Constitution of the United States and of this state. We have got to stand up for the rule of law. And whenever and however you do stand up, believe me, you will count for more than you think. Our country will stand taller, our country will be stronger, and the rule of law will thrive.
This is Governor Janet Mills, and thank you for listening.
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Original text here: https://www.maine.gov/governor/mills/news/radio_address/standing-rule-law-2026-01-23
HAWAII A.G. DEPT.: EIGHT ENDANGERED MISSING CHILDREN SAFELY RECOVERED ON OAHU DURING MULTIAGENCY OPERATION SHINE THE LIGHT
HONOLULU, Hawaii, Jan. 24 -- The Hawaii Department of the Attorney General issued the following news release:
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EIGHT ENDANGERED MISSING CHILDREN SAFELY RECOVERED ON O'AHU DURING MULTIAGENCY OPERATION SHINE THE LIGHT
The Hawaii Department of the Attorney General, the Hawaii Department of Human Services (DHS) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) announced the results of a multiagency child recovery operation conducted over the past weekend, known as Operation Shine the Light.
The state agencies and FBI worked jointly with the Honolulu Police Department, Department of Law Enforcement,
... Show Full Article
HONOLULU, Hawaii, Jan. 24 -- The Hawaii Department of the Attorney General issued the following news release:
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EIGHT ENDANGERED MISSING CHILDREN SAFELY RECOVERED ON O'AHU DURING MULTIAGENCY OPERATION SHINE THE LIGHT
The Hawaii Department of the Attorney General, the Hawaii Department of Human Services (DHS) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) announced the results of a multiagency child recovery operation conducted over the past weekend, known as Operation Shine the Light.
The state agencies and FBI worked jointly with the Honolulu Police Department, Department of Law Enforcement,U.S. Secret Service, U.S. Marshals Service, U.S. Army Criminal Investigation Division, Hale Kipa, the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC), and other community partners to locate, recover and provide emergency services to endangered "runaways" across Oahu.
The operation was conducted during National Human Trafficking Awareness Month (January) and resulted in the safe location and recovery of eight children between the ages of 13 and 17. Two children recovered in the operation had been reported as runaways over one year ago. Investigations are ongoing.
"Operation Shine the Light aims to proactively identify and recover endangered youth who are at an elevated risk of assault, kidnapping, exploitation and trafficking while missing and bring them to safety," says Amanda Leonard, coordinator of the Missing Child Center-Hawaii and MAILE AMBER Alert Coordinator.
"The recent completion of our Shine the Light initiative marks a significant step forward in strengthening our collective ability to identify, protect and support our keiki at risk of trafficking. Through close collaboration between our agency and other partner agencies, this initiative demonstrates the power of coordinated action, shared expertise and unified commitment to child safety and well-being," said Elladine Olevao, acting administrator for the DHS Social Services Division.
"The FBI is proud to stand alongside our state and federal law enforcement partners, to be the voice for those who cannot speak for themselves and the shield for those who cannot protect themselves," said FBI Honolulu Special Agent in Charge David Porter.
"While we are proud of our collective successes during this operation, our work to protect the vulnerable never stops. We remain committed to bringing light into the darkest places and ensuring every keiki in our community has the chance to grow up safe."
According to NCMEC, one in seven of the more than 32,000 cases of children reported missing to NCMEC in 2025 were likely victims of child sex trafficking. Of the children reported missing to NCMEC in 2025, who had run from the care of child welfare, 17% were likely victims of child sex trafficking. See, https://www.missingkids.org/theissues/trafficking.
The Preventing Sex Trafficking and Strengthening Families Act of 2014 requires state social service agencies to report any missing or abducted child or youth in state care to both law enforcement and NCMEC. The law further mandates that such reports be made immediately -- and no later than 24 hours -- after receiving information regarding a missing or abducted child. Agencies must also maintain regular communication with law enforcement and NCMEC to support the safe recovery of the child or youth. Citation: 42 U.S.C. Sec. 671(a)(35)(B). See, https://uscode.house.gov/view.xhtml?req=granuleid:USC-prelim-title42section671&num=0&edition=prelim
The Hawaii Department of the Attorney General's Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force and Missing Child Center-Hawaii originally initiated Operation Shine the Light in 2020 as a cooperative effort between county, state and federal agencies and nonprofit organizations, centered on the recovery and protection of endangered missing foster youth who are at high risk of abuse, exploitation and trafficking.
Community members can help to combat child abuse/neglect and child trafficking by contacting the Hawaii Department of Human Services' hotlines available 24 hours a day, seven days a week:
* Child Abuse and/or Neglect: 808-832-5300 (O'ahu)
* Child Abuse and/or Neglect: Toll-free 1-888-380-3088 (Hawaii Island, Maui, Moloka'i, Lana'i, Kaua'i)
* Child Trafficking: 808-832-1999 (O'ahu)
* Child Trafficking: Toll-free 1-888-398-1188 (Hawaii Island, Maui, Moloka'i, Lanai, Kaua'i)
Anyone with information regarding missing children or the exploitation of children is encouraged to contact your local police department or the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children at 1-800-THE-LOST (1-800-843-5678).
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Original text here: https://ag.hawaii.gov/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/News-Release-2026-05.pdf
Gov. Shapiro Administration Completes Successful Bond Issuance and Refinancing, Increasing Savings for Pennsylvania Taxpayers to More Than $205 Million Thanks to the Commonwealth's Strong Fiscal Management
HARRISBURG, Pennsylvania, Jan. 24 -- Gov. Josh Shapiro, D-Pennsylvania, issued the following news release on Jan. 23, 2026:
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Shapiro Administration Completes Successful Bond Issuance and Refinancing, Increasing Savings for Pennsylvania Taxpayers to More Than $205 Million Thanks to the Commonwealth's Strong Fiscal Management
The recent refinancing of $192 million in General Obligation Bonds will save Pennsylvania taxpayers more than $14 million over the life of the bonds, driven in part by two credit rating upgrades secured during Governor Shapiro's first three years in office.
The Commonwealth
... Show Full Article
HARRISBURG, Pennsylvania, Jan. 24 -- Gov. Josh Shapiro, D-Pennsylvania, issued the following news release on Jan. 23, 2026:
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Shapiro Administration Completes Successful Bond Issuance and Refinancing, Increasing Savings for Pennsylvania Taxpayers to More Than $205 Million Thanks to the Commonwealth's Strong Fiscal Management
The recent refinancing of $192 million in General Obligation Bonds will save Pennsylvania taxpayers more than $14 million over the life of the bonds, driven in part by two credit rating upgrades secured during Governor Shapiro's first three years in office.
The Commonwealthhas achieved its highest credit rating in over a decade and is ranked as the Northeast's only growing economy, thanks to the Shapiro Administration's commitment to responsible financial management, a strong economy, and the Governor's three bipartisan budgets.
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Today, Shapiro Administration Secretary of the Budget Zachary Reber announced the successful sale of approximately $1.57 billion in new General Obligation Bonds, along with a refunding issuance of $179.9 million to refinance approximately $192 million of outstanding bonds. This latest sale and refunding issuance come after Moody's and Fitch re-affirmed the Commonwealth's credit rating at its highest rating in over a decade last week.
Bond refinancing of prior year debt will save Commonwealth taxpayers millions in debt service over the remaining life of the bonds. This year's issuance alone will generate $14.4 million in gross debt service savings and $11.9 million in net present value (NPV) savings - and when combined with the refunding of bonds executed during the current term of the Shapiro Administration, Commonwealth taxpayers will benefit from $207.4 million in savings over the next 10 years.
Debt service cost-savings are estimated to be between $18-36 million resulting from the improved credit ratings secured by the Shapiro Administration in 2023 and 2024 and their affirmation for this issuance continue to accrue benefit to Commonwealth taxpayers - allowing the Shapiro Administration to invest that money in key priorities.
"For two years in a row, our responsible fiscal management has saved the Commonwealth and Pennsylvania taxpayers millions of dollars," said Secretary Reber. "The Moody's upgrade has many benefits - lower borrowing costs and allowing us to direct more funding toward essential programs that Pennsylvanians rely on to educate our kids, keep our communities safe, and grow our economy. The Shapiro Administration will continue to be prudent stewards of the Commonwealth's resources."
The Commonwealth utilized a multi-tranche sale approach to the debt issuances, selling the bonds across three separate bid groups to broaden participation and strengthen competition, allowing for improved participation and competition amongst bidders and investors. Across the three tranches, the Commonwealth received a total of 15 bids, comprising 7 different bidding entities. The NPV savings from the bond refinancing equal to 6.214 percent of refunded par, more than double the Commonwealth's target of 3.0 percent as established in its Debt Management Policy.
This bond sale follows a 2024 ratings upgrade to Aa2 from Aa3 and subsequent affirmation by Moody's citing the Commonwealth's "large and diverse economy," "strong reserves," and "steady economic growth." That upgrade marked the second in less than two years, following a similar upgrade to AA from AA- in 2023 and affirmation by Fitch Ratings, and a stable outlook on the Commonwealth's A+ long-term rating from S&P Global Ratings.
Additionally, improved credit ratings on Pennsylvania's long-term debt is expected to have a positive impact across the Commonwealth -- including on the School District Intercept Program, benefiting over 150 Pennsylvania school districts by lowering their borrowing costs, resulting in more funds and resources available for students in their classrooms.
By locking in these savings and reducing financial risk, the Shapiro Administration continues to deliver long-term value for Pennsylvania taxpayers while making smart investments in the Commonwealth's future.
For more information on the 2025-26 budget, visit here (https://www.pa.gov/governor/newsroom/2025-press-releases/gov-shapiro-signs-2025-26-budget-into-law).
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Original text here: https://www.pa.gov/governor/newsroom/2026-press-releases/shapiro-administration-completes-successful-bond-issuance-and-re
CareerTech Awards $3.14 Million in Lottery Grants
STILLWATER, Oklahoma, Jan. 24 -- The Oklahoma Department of Career and Technology Education issued the following news release:
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CareerTech awards $3.14 million in lottery grants
The Oklahoma Department of Career and Technology Education awarded more than $3.14 million in lottery funds to K-12 schools and technology centers in two rounds of grants for fiscal year 2026.
Oklahoma CareerTech moved to awarding the grants in the current fiscal year rather than after the fiscal year ended, so that schools and tech centers can receive funds earlier, said Cori Gray, director of student success.
... Show Full Article
STILLWATER, Oklahoma, Jan. 24 -- The Oklahoma Department of Career and Technology Education issued the following news release:
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CareerTech awards $3.14 million in lottery grants
The Oklahoma Department of Career and Technology Education awarded more than $3.14 million in lottery funds to K-12 schools and technology centers in two rounds of grants for fiscal year 2026.
Oklahoma CareerTech moved to awarding the grants in the current fiscal year rather than after the fiscal year ended, so that schools and tech centers can receive funds earlier, said Cori Gray, director of student success.The change allows schools and tech centers to invest in innovative equipment for the FY26 school year, she explained.
Seventeen tech centers received $819,190.88 in the second round, while 87 K-12 schools received $1,593,551.97.
In the third round, eight tech centers received $730,619.64.
"The third round for technology centers placed an emphasis on Oklahoma's critical occupations list, with additional consideration given to technology centers serving rural areas and the level of state funding received for operations," Gray said.
Technology centers receiving grants are investing in a wide range of equipment, including for programs in health science, HVAC, welding, construction, mechanical trades and electrical trades.
The K-12 districts receiving grants are using them for classroom resources including laptops, 3D printers, software and other computer equipment; landscaping, greenhouse and other agricultural education equipment; welding equipment; shop equipment; video production equipment; virtual reality systems and software; culinary arts equipment; textile arts equipment; health science equipment; family and child care equipment; aviation simulators; and robotics.
"Through the lottery grants, Oklahoma CareerTech supports schools and tech centers investing in innovative equipment that enhances learning and gives students access to high-quality hands-on training that helps them prepare for workforce success and builds a pipeline of skilled talent in the state," said Brent Haken, Oklahoma CareerTech state director.
Oklahoma CareerTech receives 5.5% of the Oklahoma Education Lottery Trust Fund, which it uses to help CareerTech programs upgrade equipment and to provide scholarships to educators to continue their own education to fulfill CareerTech teacher certification and credential requirements. Ten percent of the money is used for scholarships, and 45% each goes to K-12 grants and tech center grants.
The FY27 lottery grants cycle opened this month for approved CareerTech programs in K-12 schools and technology centers.
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Oklahoma CareerTech: Oklahoma's Workforce Leader
The Oklahoma Department of Career and Technology Education provides leadership and resources and assures standards of excellence for a comprehensive statewide system of career and technology education. The system offers programs and services in 29 technology center districts operating on 63 campuses, 394 PK-12 school districts, 20 Skills Centers campuses that include three juvenile facilities and 49 adult education and family literacy providers.
The agency is governed by the State Board of Career and Technology Education and works closely with the State Department of Education and the State Regents for Higher Education to provide a seamless educational system for all Oklahomans.
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Original text here: https://oklahoma.gov/careertech/media-center/press-releases/2026/careertech-awards--3-14-million-in-lottery-grants.html
Audio & Rush Transcript: Governor Hochul is a Guest on WDKX Rochester With Mayor Evans
ALBANY, New York, Jan. 24 -- Gov. Kathy Hochul, D-New York, issued the following news release:
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Audio & Rush Transcript: Governor Hochul is a Guest on WDKX Rochester With Mayor Evans
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Earlier today, Governor Kathy Hochul was a guest on WDKX Rochester with Mayor Evans.
AUDIO: The Governor's remarks are available in audio form here.
A rush transcript of the Governor's remarks is available below:
Mayor Malik Evans: Welcome Governor, you're always in the City of Rochester but welcome to WDKX.
Governor Hochul: Great to be here. This is the premier number one radio station I'm told
... Show Full Article
ALBANY, New York, Jan. 24 -- Gov. Kathy Hochul, D-New York, issued the following news release:
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Audio & Rush Transcript: Governor Hochul is a Guest on WDKX Rochester With Mayor Evans
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Earlier today, Governor Kathy Hochul was a guest on WDKX Rochester with Mayor Evans.
AUDIO: The Governor's remarks are available in audio form here.
A rush transcript of the Governor's remarks is available below:
Mayor Malik Evans: Welcome Governor, you're always in the City of Rochester but welcome to WDKX.
Governor Hochul: Great to be here. This is the premier number one radio station I'm toldin the universe. That's what you guys are telling me.
Andre Langston, WDKX Rochester: So word is spreading.
Governor Hochul: Word is spreading. I'm so happy to be here. This is great. And I love your mayor. I absolutely love this guy.
Andre Langston, WDKX Rochester: We do too. But I didn't know there was a storm coming. You told me there's a bad storm coming our way?
Governor Hochul: Yeah, a storm. It will be really cold though -the wind chills are going to be bitter, so dress up when you go outside. I'm supposed to warn everybody about hypothermia and frostbite and all the bad things that can happen -but this is going to be all over the State. In two more days, there will not be a single part of New York State that does not have wind chills below zero. New York City, Long Island, all the way up to the North Country and Buffalo and Rochester and in between. So, we're just letting people know it's going to be not as much snow -you can handle the snow. I'm from Buffalo, we can handle anything -Rochester won't even notice it. But the extreme cold is what we're really worried about. So I want to get the warning out.
Mayor Malik Evans: That's right and that hypothermia sets in and the Governor declared a State of Emergency, so we want everyone to be safe and bundle up. But the Governor was here announcing Dre some huge news as it relates to universal childcare. All of us that are parents know how hard it is to have children and then do the childcare thing. It's hard enough having a child. So, Governor talk about childcare -universal childcare that's a part of the State budget.
Governor Hochul: And you've been a great champion for this and I'm New York State's first mom Governor. And I know because I had to leave a job I love because I couldn't find childcare when my babies were little. And now those babies are having their own babies and they're having trouble. But think about this, the average cost of childcare in the Rochester area is $18,000 per child per year.
If you're making minimum wage, it doesn't work. So we are going to provide universal, full day childcare for every child, we're on a path to get to that. But I wanted to do an experiment first. I trust this mayor and our County Executive here so much that we're giving only three places in the entire state $20 million to find out how we can scale up a program from babies to three year olds. And I'll take care of the 4-year-old program, to make sure it's universal across the state. The state is requiring that in two years and so that's how we start getting there.
Andre Langston, WDKX Rochester: That's right.
Governor Hochul: And then parents -the next baby that comes along won't have to worry and have this incredible pressure when they're trying to pay the rent and the car insurance and everything else. It just seems like it's never ending.
Mayor Malik Evans: Never ending, so this gives parents that lift. It makes things more affordable, it helps people to work. A lot of people don't take jobs because they can't find childcare. We know that's an issue in Rochester, we know that's an issue in Monroe County and the Governor understands that. The County Executive has these lists of people that are waiting to be able to get childcare. And we believe that this will be able to help and we're thankful for the Governor for choosing Rochester as a demonstration project. Rochester, Monroe County.
Andre Langston, WDKX Rochester: One thing I think of and I've got a question. I always think about the money. Where's the money coming from to put this together?
Governor Hochul: Luckily your state has a Governor who knows how to manage budgets. I don't have to raise taxes to do this.
Andre Langston, WDKX Rochester: Thank you.
Governor Hochul: There you go, you can keep your money in your pockets. I'm trying to put more there, not take more out. Let me tell you, we benefit from having Wall Street and when they're doing well, we actually increased unexpectedly our revenues by $17 billion over two years because the Wall Street bonuses get taxed and they're doing great.
So I am allocating some of that money to help cover this cost for the next couple years. Because I don't want to raise taxes on New Yorkers, life is expensive enough.
And so we have found a path to meet our obligations to fund education and Medicaid, but also have the money to start expanding something that I think is really important for our families, but also our local businesses so they can have the workforce they need.
Andre Langston, WDKX Rochester: As our first mom Governor, did you ever think you had to deal with bullies?
Governor Hochul: Oh, I've dealt with bullies since I was in school.
Mayor Malik Evans: And I think I know the bully you're talking about. Are you talking about the bully that's suing me and we're suing him?
Andre Langston, WDKX Rochester: I think that's the bully I'm referring to. We don't usually say his name on the air.
Governor Hochul: Then we won't.
Andre Langston, WDKX Rochester: It's like candyman you know you say it three times that he appears.
Mayor Malik Evans: But he knows what I'm talking about.
Andre Langston, WDKX Rochester: I guess did you ever think you'd be in this position again fighting people who are basically trying to stop the way of life or not improve the way of life?
Governor Hochul: Yeah no, without a doubt. It comes with the turf when you're in politics. It's become a blood sport from when I started. I ran for local office -I used to work for elected officials when I was just like this nerdy high school kid who volunteered at Democratic headquarters and helped other candidates.
I was always going to be the staffer behind the scenes. I never thought I'd run for office, women didn't do that at my age. But I ran, my kids were little. I ran for local office, then county, and went to Congress representing many of the suburbs of Monroe County. I represented this area and now I'm Governor and I still have to fight the bullies.
That's what elections are about and people try to bully me into positions as Governor. And i'll tell you something about me. If you grew up in Upstate New York, Western New York -you are tough, you have to be.
Mayor Malik Evans: That's right.
Governor Hochul: And I can take it, I know how to dish it out too -because I'm not going to be pushed around by anybody.
Mayor Malik Evans: Right and I think the other thing too that the Governor does and what I appreciate is that you keep the focus to stand up to the bully -so that way they don't hurt the people that can't fight for themselves. The Governor and I, we can do just fine right? But there are many people whose voices are not being heard or feel like they're being cast aside or cast out because of -pick the category -X, Y, or Z. And what we've said is we are going to stand up. In Rochester we say we're standing rock solid, New York State is standing rock solid. And the Governor has been very clear that she's not going to allow anyone from Washington to change our way of life. And I think that is what we want the community to understand and I hope that they stand with us as we continue to fight for them.
Andre Langston, WDKX Rochester: For folks listening, I know they're not used to WDKX doing what we're doing. We normally like having our mixes going, but when things like this happen Governor and you came to town. I'm like thank you for coming up to the studios because that shows me something. This isn't a performative art that some politicians tend to use. And I love this guy because I've known him since -did you know he was an intern here?
Governor Hochul: He was bragging about that to me. He was acting like he's a big shot.
Mayor Malik Evans: He was a tough boss. Listen, he was a tough boss when I was an intern here. I get privileges sometimes to be able to come in to talk about issues that are of mutual concern. And what is going on in our country is that people are concerned and they need to be able to hear that their local leaders, that their state leaders give a darn about what is happening to them. And that's why I felt as though it was so important for the Governor to interrupt DJ Wizz the Wax Cutter -for her to come talk about what's happening right now.
Governor Hochul: What I want to say is, I appreciate this opportunity because I know you are the voice of the people. And if I can talk to you and listen to you when you ask me a question -I know your voice is reflecting, as you mentioned, those who do not have access to ask a Governor a question. So I am proud to be here, I love doing this. And so fire away.
Mayor Malik Evans: The last thing I wanted to mention that Dre is the Governor's being modest. Whenever the Governor comes, she comes with some announcement to help Rochester, Monroe County. She announced in her budget and she can talk more about $300 million for Rochester for transformational projects.
It's called the Rochester Monroe County Transformational Initiative to boost economic development to boost growth in Rochester as a part of her budget. So Governor, we're very thankful.
Governor Hochul: I want to support your vision and the County Executive's visions on how to expand opportunity. Let's invest in some downtown businesses and build more housing that's affordable so our young people who grow up here in the city don't have to leave when it comes time to start their own families. I've lived in Buffalo and I know how hard it is to keep families here and so I'm so invested in this. And for you to be able to take the lead here and I trust you, I trust Adam Bello the County Executive to work together to put it toward transformational projects that people will, "say wow, that's really cool."
And I said, "don't ever bet against Rochester, Monroe County." This is a place where I come to test ideas. When I'm talking about testing childcare, to scale it up statewide. I'm coming because I have trusted partners and we've done this. Whether it's poverty initiatives or ways we can deal with the benefit cliff from people who can't take a full-time job because they'll lose life-saving healthcare benefits they desperately need. So I come here a lot, I love coming to this community. It's got a vibe to it that I just so embrace -gritty and tough. But also, you have great elected leaders here -and I thank you for having me on to be able to just share some time and talk about my belief in this community.
Andre Langston, WDKX Rochester: Speaking of time, what's the timeframe for this to be initiated. For the young people in first, second, third -the babies?
Mayor Malik Evans: Governor, what's the timeline -it's in this budget. It's in this current budget right?
Governor Hochul: Yes this $20 million is the start of a pilot here in Monroe County. And I just have to get it through this budget. I announced it last week in the State of the State. We have until -supposedly it's due April 1st. Sometimes we're a little late,
Mayor Malik Evans: But that's okay.
Governor Hochul: But I always get what I want.
Andre Langston, WDKX Rochester: Okay -alright -she's very clear on that.
Governor Hochul: And I want this.
Mayor Malik Evans: But this is not one of these things that is a theoretical exercise. This is about people.
Andre Langston, WDKX Rochester: You mean a concept?
Mayor Malik Evans: This isn't a concept of a plan. This is an actual plan that will be implemented in this coming budget cycle and that's why the Governor is making that investment. And this is something that you will see, not that you will hear about.
Andre Langston, WDKX Rochester: There's a couple things I got to think about and I know I shouldn't have done this. But I'm going to think of property taxes. Will they be going up?
Governor Hochul: No.
Andre Langston, WDKX Rochester: Okay, now my second point is we're not going to become Minnesota, are we?
Governor Hochul: No.
Mayor Malik Evans: Not if we have anything to do with it.
Governor Hochul: No because we have such tight controls against abuse and we have a fraud alert hotline. We have all kinds of rigorous inspections that we do. I make sure that every dollar that the taxpayers give to us because they earned that with their own sweat, their own hard work, their long hours -- I treat that as if it's my own. And so we are very vigilant about not having our dollars wasted, that we spend it on programs that are impactful.
And that's why when I want to go big, I first take a bite off and say, let's find out what's really going to work instead of just throwing taxpayer dollars at problems. Let's come to Rochester and try it out -when it works and find out what adjustments we have to make before we put the real money behind it to scale it up.
Mayor Malik Evans: I can tell you the Governor trusts, but she also verifies. I'll give you a perfect example on public safety, our Gun Involved Violence Elimination program. She knows the numbers just as well as I do. Because she wants to make sure that those dollars -Rochester is one of the biggest cities that get that investment -that they're [dollars] being used.
Same thing with our STRIVE program that the Governor has supported us in, which is about domestic violence and gun issues. New York State -they trust us -but they verify. And with the daycare dollars that are coming, you better believe they're going to be on us to make sure that we spend it wisely and that we're affecting the most people.
Andre Langston, WDKX Rochester: I appreciate you and to hear that you guys are fighting too for not only Rochester, Monroe County -but the State of New York with all that's going on, I really appreciate you. I know Malik's been through it for a while. We've talked about this on our show, on the Wake Up Club, but I just want to make sure that we've got fighters because it's time to fight.
Governor Hochul: Indeed it is, Indeed it is.
Mayor Malik Evans: And we will not back down and you know how I feel about bullies. So we're not backing down.
Governor Hochul: You think about the legacy of this area built on people like Frederick Douglas. I remember proudly announcing that we had a mural dedicated to him at the airport.
And I know his history -I've been to his grave site for inspiration. Because we think about how we're going to be judged by future generations on how we stand up to the bullies in Washington. And those who are trying to knock down our people and take away healthcare and education. I had to sue this federal government to return $3.8 billion that they took from childcare programs that they had previously funded and social safety net programs -so they're going after our people.
I have to stand up and honor the legacy of a Frederick Douglas who used his eloquent voice to speak for the people. I honor that legacy and I must be part of that continuing on into the future.
Mayor Malik Evans: And remember when we're standing up to get the resources from the federal government, we're not going on our knees begging, we're asking for money that belongs to us anyway. Remember over the last 10 years, New York State has sent more money to the federal government than it gets back except for maybe during the COVID year. So we are producers in this State. We shouldn't have to beg for things like childcare to make sure that we get the resources that we need for Medicaid, Medicare, and all these other issues right? We should not have to do that and the Governor has made very clear that she's not going to stand for that. And same in Rochester, Monroe County.
So you have a fighter, you have a fighter.
Andre Langston, WDKX Rochester: We need one now more than ever. Thank you Governor.
Governor Hochul: Thanks Andre.
Andre Langston, WDKX Rochester: I don't have an exit song for you because I know his group is Mint Condition, so I'm going to be playing Mint Condition.
Mayor Malik Evans: That's good, that's a good exit song. Yeah but we played her song on the morning [show] last Saturday. We played the Bills Shout song and we played a different version. You have to play that version for her.
Andre Langston, WDKX Rochester: That didn't work out too well.
Mayor Malik Evans: But you have to let her hear that version. The T-Wills version.
Governor Hochul: I played the Bill's Shout song at the end of my State of the State address before the game.
Mayor Malik Evans: Oh, that's right.
Governor Hochul: I played it, I had my cap on and I went across the stage. I made people from all over the State -
Mayor Malik Evans: And the Bills won that one.
Governor Hochul: I made them sing the shout song. Whether you are a Bills fan or not, you're in my audience and you're going to sing the bill song.
Contact the Governor's Press Office
Contact us by phone:
Albany: (518) 474-8418
New York City: (212) 681-4640
Contact us by email:
Press.Office@exec.ny.gov
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Original text here: https://www.governor.ny.gov/news/audio-rush-transcript-governor-hochul-guest-wdkx-rochester-mayor-evans
Attorney General Paxton Issues Opinion Confirming the Comptroller Office's Full Authority to Stop Taxpayer Funds from Going to Schools Illegally Tied to Terrorists or Foreign Adversaries
AUSTIN, Texas, Jan. 24 -- Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton issued the following news release:
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Attorney General Paxton Issues Opinion Confirming the Comptroller Office's Full Authority to Stop Taxpayer Funds from Going to Schools Illegally Tied to Terrorists or Foreign Adversaries
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Attorney General Ken Paxton has issued an opinion in response to a request regarding the authority of the Texas Education Freedom Accounts ("TEFA") administrator, Kelly Hancock. The opinion raises the question of the administrator's authority to determine eligibility of certain private schools to participate
... Show Full Article
AUSTIN, Texas, Jan. 24 -- Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton issued the following news release:
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Attorney General Paxton Issues Opinion Confirming the Comptroller Office's Full Authority to Stop Taxpayer Funds from Going to Schools Illegally Tied to Terrorists or Foreign Adversaries
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Attorney General Ken Paxton has issued an opinion in response to a request regarding the authority of the Texas Education Freedom Accounts ("TEFA") administrator, Kelly Hancock. The opinion raises the question of the administrator's authority to determine eligibility of certain private schools to participatein the TEFA program.
The requester notes: "The people of Texas deserve the highest assurance that no taxpayer dollars will be used, directly or indirectly, to support institutions with ties to a foreign terrorist organization, a transnational criminal network, or any adversarial foreign government." This is without question. To that end, Attorney General Paxton has now issued a legal opinion confirming the full, exclusive statutory authority of the Comptroller's Office to prohibit schools from TEFA participation under the "other relevant law[s]" provision of Senate Bill 2. For example, any educational institution violating laws barring it from providing material support to a designated terrorist organization would be ineligible for the program under the "other relevant law[s]" provision.
"Let me be crystal clear: Texans' tax dollars should never fund Islamic terrorists or America's enemies," said Attorney General Paxton. "The Comptroller's Office has always possessed exclusive authority under the TEFA framework to stop any school illegally tied to terrorists or foreign adversaries from accessing taxpayer dollars, and this opinion affirms that authority. There is no question that the Comptroller's Office is statutorily charged with ensuring that our school choice program is protected from abuse by terrorists or the Chinese Communist Party."
Attorney General Paxton stands ready to vigorously defend legal challenges to any lawful determination by the Comptroller's Office aimed at preventing terrorists or our Nation's enemies from abusing the TEFA program. Public reporting has also noted that the approval for eligibility for certain Christian and private schools that are unrelated to this opinion has been delayed. The statutory authority to make such determinations, including on the timing of the approval process, rests solely with the Comptroller's Office-not the Office of the Attorney General.
To read the full opinion, click here.
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Original text here: https://www.texasattorneygeneral.gov/news/releases/attorney-general-paxton-issues-opinion-confirming-comptroller-offices-full-authority-stop-taxpayer
