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Video, Audio, Photos & Rush Transcript: Governor Hochul Rallies With New York Labor Leaders and Delivers Remarks
ALBANY, New York, March 8 -- Gov. Kathy Hochul, D-New York, issued the following news release:
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Video, Audio, Photos & Rush Transcript: Governor Hochul Rallies With New York Labor Leaders and Delivers Remarks
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Earlier today, Governor Kathy Hochul rallied with New York labor leaders and delivered remarks at the "Fix Tier 6" rally in Albany.
VIDEO: The event is available to stream on YouTube here and TV quality video is available here (h.264, mp4).
AUDIO: The Governor's remarks are available in audio form here.
PHOTOS: The Governor's Flickr page will post photos of the event here.
... Show Full Article
ALBANY, New York, March 8 -- Gov. Kathy Hochul, D-New York, issued the following news release:
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Video, Audio, Photos & Rush Transcript: Governor Hochul Rallies With New York Labor Leaders and Delivers Remarks
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Earlier today, Governor Kathy Hochul rallied with New York labor leaders and delivered remarks at the "Fix Tier 6" rally in Albany.
VIDEO: The event is available to stream on YouTube here and TV quality video is available here (h.264, mp4).
AUDIO: The Governor's remarks are available in audio form here.
PHOTOS: The Governor's Flickr page will post photos of the event here.
A rush transcript of the Governor's remarks is available below:
Oh, my brothers and sisters in labor. Wow, what a tremendous show of solidarity.
Let's start with a roll call. Let's start with a roll call right now. First of all, any Bills fans in the house? I just had to get that little bit of business out of the way. Go Bills. Any health care workers in the house? Any state, county, municipal employees in the house? Any public sector employees in the house? Any first responders in the house? Transportation workers in the house? Clerical workers in the house? Last but not least, do we have any teachers in the house? Then I am in the right place.
I want to acknowledge the hardworking men and women who are the unsung heroes of our state. Whether you're molding young minds or responding to emergencies, filling potholes, the work you do makes an enormous difference for our communities and it keeps New York moving forward. And those of you who took time off this afternoon or came from your families -and some of you traveled four, four and a half hours, and you got a little bit of a ride home -I am so grateful to see all of you right here, right now.
I have union blood running through my veins and, especially during the month of St. Patrick, I like to acknowledge my very impoverished Irish immigrant grandparents who came here and started life as migrant farm workers and domestic servants. And Grandma eventually went and made parts for airplanes at a plant for World War II; Grandpa worked at a steel plant, so when I know I have to be tough on this job, I have steel running through my veins.
But also, I saw what that union card did to my family. They started out so poor, struggling so much like so many who have come here looking for that American Dream. And you know what? The union movement lifted my family from poverty into the middle class, and that is why we are the most unionized state in America because it's lifting people up. It's making a difference in their lives.
And you know what? The jobs give you dignity -the dignity of hard work, and knowing they're making a difference. And that journey still launches me where I am today -to honor all of you. And for 32 years, I've been working shoulder to shoulder with members of public sector unions from back when I was a town board member, a county official, all the way up to governor, and I could not be prouder to do that every single day.
Now, we also need -no, we needed some wins. You needed some wins because you know what? For too long, your service was taken for granted, right? No one seemed to give a damn, and I'm so proud that we've been able to score some major victories for those of you in this room. We raised the minimum wage and indexed it to inflation because anyone who works 40 hours a week should not be living in poverty in the greatest state in the nation.
We paid off $7 billion in debt to be able to raise the unemployment benefit by nearly $1,500 more a month. And why did we do that? Because when you want to go on strike or you lose your jobs, your family should not have to suffer. So we got that done.
We also launched a nation-leading paid parental leave. Now, it seems like there's a baby boom going on because I can't find anybody in my offices these days -everybody's having babies, but that's a good thing because you shouldn't have to choose between raising your family and earning a paycheck. And remember when we lifted the state hiring freeze and waived civil service exam fees because you want to recruit and empower the next generation of public workers by doing those measures.
We also wanted to make sure our health care workers were taken care of with bonuses after COVID. Let's hear it for our health care workers again. Never forget what our nurses did during that pandemic. They showed up and literally saved lives. And working with people like Melinda Person and others -I want to thank her for what she did, helping us ban cell phones in schools so people are listening to the teachers and making sure that we continue to support them, and making school breakfast and lunches free so no little child has their tummy growling in school.
Now, here's what I want to say: One thing we have on our side is extraordinary labor leadership, right? I mean, there's no other state that can touch what we have, and I'm just going to run through some names and you let me see some love for all of them. Mario Cilento, our head of AFL-CIO; Melinda Person, President of NYSUT; Randi Weingarten, our National President of AFT; Michael Mulgrew, the President of UFT; Mary Sullivan, the head of CSEA; Pat Kane, the President of NYSNA; and Sam Fresina, the President of the Fire Fighters; and Wayne Spence, who's the head of PEF.
Okay, that's a lot of love. That's a lot of love. They deserve it. But contrast that, that firepower that we have in those incredible leaders, with the fights we have to have with Washington, what Donald Trump did to us and Elon Musk. Remember the Doge Boys?
Remember all the people they just disposed of? I'll tell you what. Just a year ago when they said, "you're fired," here in New York, we said "you're hired," and we brought many more of those people that have been thrown out of their jobs and their careers to be part of our New York family. Because you know what? In New York State, we don't vilify public servants, we value you. We cherish your contributions and we'll always make sure you feel valued as part of our family.
So that's why when you asked us before to reform Tier 6, we listened. You told us you were struggling to recruit nurses and teachers and other hardworking individuals, and we listened. And after years of neglect, we said we have to lead the charge and make some changes. So now, instead of taking the average of five years, we're taking the average of your three consecutive years. We're taking a shorter vesting period from 10 years down to five. And also, I'm fighting for a fairer pension plan because it's essential that we continue recruiting people.
Because I'll tell you what, my friends: I have always believed that public service is a noble calling. There's a lot of grief you take, and especially those who are on the front lines -believe me, I used to run a DMV and my people used to take a lot of crap from the customers and I stood up for them. So I have seen firsthand, but I want people to understand when you're doing something for your neighbors and your friends or strangers, you're making a profound difference in their lives, and that's why I've always viewed myself as nothing more than a public servant, like all of you, because we're doing it for the right reasons, and I want more people to have that love of service that every single person in this room and across the state has.
So I'm fighting for a stronger pension system because the more we attract people, we'll be stronger overall. We'll protect you from burnout too. We need to have more people working shoulder to shoulder with you because you work so damn hard every day -and make sure you have what you need.
So at the end of the day, a fairer pension is about dignity. It's all about dignity. Dignity is knowing that after decades of hard work -sacrificing yourself and making sacrifices for your family -that a whole new chapter awaits for you. Dignity is knowing that when you've been fairly compensated after all those long days and nights, you can rest easier. You can spend some money on the grandkids, right?
Any grandparents out there? Okay, I got two little ones. But dignity is knowing someday you will be able to travel and live life the way you wanted because you sacrificed all those years. And I'll tell you what: We're in the session time, we're about to start to roll up my sleeves for the Budget, but I'm going to keep fighting to make sure you get what you deserve.
Thank you, everybody. Thank you.
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/video-audio-photos-rush-transcript-governor-hochul-rallies-new-york-labor-leaders-and-delivers
Statement by Gov. Sherrill on N.J. Board of Public Utilities Actions to Expand Affordable Energy Supply
TRENTON, New Jersey, March 7 -- Gov. Mikie Sherrill, D-New Jersey, issued the following statement on March 5, 2026, on the N.J. Board of Public Utilities actions to expand affordable energy supply:
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Statement by Governor Sherrill on NJBPU Actions to Expand Affordable Energy Supply
"When I signed Executive Order No. 2, I made a commitment to act with urgency and yesterday's actions by the NJBPU deliver on that promise.
States that invest in energy infrastructure today will have lower costs and greater reliability tomorrow -- and New Jersey is going to lead the way.
By investing in battery
... Show Full Article
TRENTON, New Jersey, March 7 -- Gov. Mikie Sherrill, D-New Jersey, issued the following statement on March 5, 2026, on the N.J. Board of Public Utilities actions to expand affordable energy supply:
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Statement by Governor Sherrill on NJBPU Actions to Expand Affordable Energy Supply
"When I signed Executive Order No. 2, I made a commitment to act with urgency and yesterday's actions by the NJBPU deliver on that promise.
States that invest in energy infrastructure today will have lower costs and greater reliability tomorrow -- and New Jersey is going to lead the way.
By investing in batterystorage, solar, and grid modernization, we're building an energy system that is ready for the future, and more affordable and reliable for New Jersey families and businesses."
Full details of the initiatives approved by the NJBPU can be found in the release here (https://www.nj.gov/bpu/newsroom/2026/approved/20260305.html).
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Original text here: https://www.nj.gov/governor/news/2026/approved/20260305a.shtml
Statement From Governor Kathy Hochul
ALBANY, New York, March 7 -- Gov. Kathy Hochul, D-New York, issued the following news release:
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Statement From Governor Kathy Hochul
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"Today, our state mourns the loss of Major Sorffly Davius, who died on March 6 at Camp Buehring in Kuwait while serving his country. Major Davius was the "Citizen Soldier" in every sense. A dedicated NYPD officer and decorated Army veteran, he spent his career protecting others. Before his overseas deployment, he served with distinction on Joint Task Force Empire Shield, defending the state's most high profile locations from threats.
"His life is a powerful
... Show Full Article
ALBANY, New York, March 7 -- Gov. Kathy Hochul, D-New York, issued the following news release:
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Statement From Governor Kathy Hochul
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"Today, our state mourns the loss of Major Sorffly Davius, who died on March 6 at Camp Buehring in Kuwait while serving his country. Major Davius was the "Citizen Soldier" in every sense. A dedicated NYPD officer and decorated Army veteran, he spent his career protecting others. Before his overseas deployment, he served with distinction on Joint Task Force Empire Shield, defending the state's most high profile locations from threats.
"His life is a powerfulreminder of the extraordinary sacrifices made by our National Guard members, who balance their roles as citizens, first responders, and soldiers. Major Davius was a devoted husband and father. I personally conveyed my deepest condolences to his wife and will keep his family, colleagues, and all who knew him in my thoughts. We continue to pray for the safety of every service member and first responder protecting us at home and abroad."
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Original text here: https://www.governor.ny.gov/news/statement-governor-kathy-hochul-150
New Hampshire Insurance Department Issues Consumer Guidance on Flood Insurance Coverage and Flood Risk
CONCORD, New Hampshire, March 7 -- The New Hampshire Department of Insurance issued the following news release on March 6, 2026:
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New Hampshire Insurance Department Issues Consumer Guidance on Flood Insurance Coverage and Flood Risk
The New Hampshire Insurance Department (NHID) is reminding consumers that flooding can occur in every part of the state and that standard homeowners insurance policies do not cover most flood-related losses. Through newly released consumer guidance, the NHID is encouraging residents to better understand their flood risk, review their current coverage, and consider
... Show Full Article
CONCORD, New Hampshire, March 7 -- The New Hampshire Department of Insurance issued the following news release on March 6, 2026:
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New Hampshire Insurance Department Issues Consumer Guidance on Flood Insurance Coverage and Flood Risk
The New Hampshire Insurance Department (NHID) is reminding consumers that flooding can occur in every part of the state and that standard homeowners insurance policies do not cover most flood-related losses. Through newly released consumer guidance, the NHID is encouraging residents to better understand their flood risk, review their current coverage, and considerwhether a separate flood insurance policy is needed to protect their homes, belongings, and financial security.
"The reality is that flooding is not limited to coastal properties or homes located near rivers and lakes," said Insurance Commissioner DJ Bettencourt. "Flooding can impact communities across the Granite State as a result of heavy rain, snowmelt, ice jams, overwhelmed drainage systems, and other sudden events. Consumers should understand that a standard homeowners policy typically does not cover flood damage, and preparing before a storm is the best way to avoid costly surprises after one."
The NHID's consumer guidance explains that flood insurance is generally purchased separately from homeowners insurance and is available through FEMA's National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), as well as through private insurers. In New Hampshire, most communities participate in the NFIP, making flood insurance broadly available even for properties outside high-risk flood zones.
The guidance also outlines the differences between NFIP coverage and private flood insurance options. While NFIP policies can provide important protection for both buildings and contents, private flood insurance may offer higher coverage limits, broader protections, and additional flexibility depending on the insurer and the property. Consumers are encouraged to speak with a licensed insurance agent to compare available options and determine what level of protection is appropriate for their circumstances.
In addition, the NHID is emphasizing that all properties carry some degree of flood risk. Flooding may result from severe storms, river overflow, blocked drainage systems, broken water mains, and other conditions that can affect areas far from visible bodies of water. The Department's guidance notes that a meaningful share of flood insurance claims come from areas classified as low-to-moderate risk, underscoring the importance of evaluating flood exposure even when coverage is not required by a mortgage lender.
The consumer guidance also explains how FEMA flood maps are used to identify flood zones and outlines the role of Risk Rating 2.0 in determining NFIP pricing. Under that system, a property's individual characteristics, such as elevation, proximity to flooding sources, and construction type, may affect the cost of coverage. The guidance further reminds consumers that flood damage to personal vehicles is generally covered only if comprehensive coverage has been purchased under an auto insurance policy.
"Flood insurance can play a critical role in helping families recover more quickly after a loss, especially because federal disaster assistance is often limited and may not fully cover the cost of repairs," said Deputy Insurance Commissioner Keith Nyhan. "The NHID wants Granite Staters to have clear, practical information so they can make informed decisions about protecting their property before the next flood event occurs."
Consumers can review the NHID's full flood insurance consumer guidance at https://www.insurance.nh.gov/news-and-media/blog/flood-insurance-what-granite-staters-need-know-about-protecting-their-homes-and.
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The New Hampshire Insurance Department Can Help
The New Hampshire Insurance Department's mission is to promote and protect the public good by ensuring the existence of a safe and competitive insurance marketplace through the development and enforcement of the insurance laws of the State of New Hampshire. Contact us with any questions or concerns you may have regarding your insurance coverage at 800-852-3416 or 603-271-2261, or by email at consumerservices@ins.nh.gov. For more information, visit https://insurance.nh.gov/.
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Original text here: https://www.insurance.nh.gov/news-and-media/new-hampshire-insurance-department-issues-consumer-guidance-flood-insurance-coverage
MoDNR Looks to the Future With a New State Energy Plan for the State
JEFFERSON CITY, Missouri, March 7 -- The Missouri Department of Natural Resources issued the following news release on March 6, 2026:
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MoDNR Looks to the Future with a New State Energy Plan for the State
This week, the Missouri Department of Natural Resources embarked on an intensive six-month project to develop Missouri's next State Energy Plan.
Guidehouse, the contractor for the new plan, will work with the department's State Energy Program to conduct economic and power sector modeling, and demand forecasting. The team will also develop policy recommendations.
"Missouri's energy landscape
... Show Full Article
JEFFERSON CITY, Missouri, March 7 -- The Missouri Department of Natural Resources issued the following news release on March 6, 2026:
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MoDNR Looks to the Future with a New State Energy Plan for the State
This week, the Missouri Department of Natural Resources embarked on an intensive six-month project to develop Missouri's next State Energy Plan.
Guidehouse, the contractor for the new plan, will work with the department's State Energy Program to conduct economic and power sector modeling, and demand forecasting. The team will also develop policy recommendations.
"Missouri's energy landscapehas changed dramatically over the past 10 years, and state policymakers sit at a crossroads as to how they can shape Missouri's energy resources to benefit Missourians for decades to come," said Kurt Schaefer, director of the Missouri Department of Natural Resources.
Missouri's current electricity generation portfolio is a diverse mix of fossil fuels, nuclear and renewable energy sources, with a recent significant shift to natural gas. The new plan will address Missouri's drift away from net electricity exporting to becoming increasingly reliant on imported electricity. In 2025, Missouri relied on generation from other states for over 15 percent of its electricity needs.
Furthermore, massive growth in energy demand driven by data centers and manufacturing onshoring poses a new challenge, but a potentially unmissable opportunity for local Missouri economies.
"The ambitious new plan will go above and beyond previous plans," said Schaefer. "It will forecast future demand and model multiple tailor-made scenarios for the state to evaluate the costs and benefits of meeting Missouri's energy needs. This includes investments in specific energy technologies and correcting Missouri's reliance on electricity imports."
The department's State Energy Program has conducted various forms of statewide energy planning and analysis since the 1990s to recommend plans for Missouri's energy future to policymakers. The last Comprehensive State Energy Plan was published in 2015.
Learn more about MoDNR's vision of the energy future at Division of Energy | Missouri Department of Natural Resources (https://dnr.mo.gov/content/division-energy).
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Original text here: https://dnr.mo.gov/communications/news/modnr-looks-future-new-state-energy-plan-state
Calif. Gov. Newsom Announces Major Transformation of Six Vacant Buildings in Los Angeles County Into Mental Health and Housing Communities
SACRAMENTO, California, March 7 -- Gov. Gavin Newsom, D-California, issued the following news release on March 6, 2026:
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Governor Newsom announces major transformation of six vacant buildings in Los Angeles County into mental health and housing communities
What you need to know: A Proposition 1 investment of $65 million for mental health services in Los Angeles County will help convert vacant state-owned property into 162 housing and mental health treatment beds.
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As part of his comprehensive approach to get people off the streets and into treatment and housing, Governor Gavin Newsom
... Show Full Article
SACRAMENTO, California, March 7 -- Gov. Gavin Newsom, D-California, issued the following news release on March 6, 2026:
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Governor Newsom announces major transformation of six vacant buildings in Los Angeles County into mental health and housing communities
What you need to know: A Proposition 1 investment of $65 million for mental health services in Los Angeles County will help convert vacant state-owned property into 162 housing and mental health treatment beds.
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As part of his comprehensive approach to get people off the streets and into treatment and housing, Governor Gavin Newsomtoday announced the groundbreaking of Los Angeles County Care Community, a state-of-the-art behavioral health campus that will transform six vacant buildings into a unified mental health and housing community providing 162 housing and treatment beds.
The project is supported by a $65 million investment through the Behavioral Health Infrastructure Bond Act under Proposition 1. The effort advances Mental Health for All, California's initiative to build a stronger behavioral health system. This comes as Governor Newsom announced earlier this week $291 million in funding for housing and behavioral health services statewide, and California's recent 9% drop in unsheltered homelessness.
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"Californians voted for action to address our mental health crisis with Proposition 1 -- and we're delivering. We're turning vacant buildings into places of care, adding treatment and housing beds, and helping people get off our streets and into the support they need. "
- Governor Gavin Newsom
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Rendering of Los Angeles County Care Community campus
The campus will include:
* Two subacute psychiatric facilities (32 beds) funded by the Behavioral Health Continuum Infrastructure Program (BHCIP) for young adults ages 18-25 with significant mental health needs.
* A 70 bed interim housing facility with wraparound mental health services.
* Two permanent supportive housing buildings with 60 apartments for adults exiting homelessness.
* A shared community building for case management, wellness services, and onsite supports.
"Today marks a critical milestone in our commitment to transforming California's behavioral health system," said California Health and Human Services Agency Secretary Kim Johnson. "Through these investments, we are creating bold, community-driven solutions that expand access to care, promote equity, and meet people where they are. These projects reflect our values and vision for a healthier, more compassionate California."
In 2024, Governor Newsom signed SB 1336 by Senator Bob Archuleta (D-Pico Rivera), allowing Los Angeles County to lease vacant buildings at Metropolitan State Hospital and clearing the way for this critical project.
"This campus will bring care closer to home for Los Angeles County residents," said Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) Director Michelle Baass. "This facility, and soon, many more like it, will provide thousands of new opportunities for treatment, stability, and a coordinated place for people to get the support they need."
"This is exactly the type of project voters want us to be doing," said Los Angeles County Supervisor Janice Hahn, who proposed and championed the project. "These buildings are doing no one any good sitting empty. By locking arms with the state, Los Angeles County is transforming them into a mental health care village where people can get the safe, professional, and compassionate treatment and housing they desperately need."
"This project represents a long-term, 30-year investment in expanding treatment and recovery-focused care," said DHCS Community Services Division Chief Marlies Perez. "It ensures that this site continues to evolve with the community, offering support, stability, and opportunity for the people who need it most."
The project also supports California's Path and Purpose initiative, which supports mental health, connection, and opportunity for young men and boys. One of the campus' secure subacute facilities will specifically serve young men ages 18-25.
Expanding community mental health supports
Los Angeles County faces significant behavioral health needs, particularly among young adults. According to a RAND evaluation, in 2024, 37 percent of youth ages 14-25 reported experiencing moderate to serious psychological distress, underscoring the need for expanded treatment capacity and community-based supports such as those provided by the Los Angeles County Care Community.
To address these gaps, DHCS has awarded $1.7 billion in BHCIP grants since 2021 to expand behavioral health facilities and crisis services. Following voter approval of Proposition 1 in 2024, DHCS has awarded an additional $2.9 billion across 111 projects in 41 counties, which will create thousands of new residential and outpatient treatment slots. More than $1.18 billion in Bond BHCIP Round 2: Unmet Needs funding will be announced this spring.
Bigger picture
California is building a comprehensive continuum of behavioral health care, offering a full range of supports, from prevention and early intervention to treatment, crisis response, and long-term recovery. This approach is designed to ensure that every Californian - especially those who have historically faced the greatest barriers to care - can access high-quality mental health and substance use treatment when and where they need it.
Backed by significant investments, new policies, and strong partnerships, California is expanding treatment services and supportive housing while strengthening and diversifying the workforce. By prioritizing prevention, early support, and services tailored to individual needs, California is helping people get the right care at the right time, leading to better health outcomes and stronger communities statewide.
Repairing California's behavioral health system
In 2019, during his first State of the State, Governor Newsom announced that addressing the homelessness and mental health crises would become a new state priority -- making him the first Governor to launch a statewide strategy to address these challenges.
The Governor began repairing a system that had suffered from decades of neglect, beginning with then-Governor Reagan's administration, when state hospitals were closed and no adequate alternative was provided, leaving people most in need of help to fall into the criminal justice system or homelessness. This created a generational impact.
Today, across California, individuals with untreated psychosis are 10 times more likely to experience homelessness and 16 times more likely to be incarcerated.
Through Governor Newsom's work, California is repairing its behavioral health continuum - building new treatment facilities, expanding the workforce of care, establishing new programs to address unique needs and get people help and shelter, providing vital funding to communities, and creating stronger accountability measures and expectations to ensure everyone is doing their part.
Reversing decades of inaction on homelessness
Governor Newsom is creating a structural and foundational model for America:
* Creating shelter and support -- Providing funding and programs for local governments, coupled with strong accountability measures to ensure that each local government is doing its share to build housing, and create shelter and support, so that people living in encampments have a safe place to go. This week, through a $77 million investment from California's cap and invest program, Los Angeles announced the expansion and redevelopment of the largest public housing project in the region, the Jordan Downs Project.
* Addressing mental health and its impact on homelessness -- Ending a long-standing behavioral health bed shortfall in California by rapidly expanding community treatment centers and permanent supportive housing units. In 2024, voters approved Governor Newsom's Proposition 1, which is transforming California's behavioral health systems. When fully awarded, funding from Proposition 1 bonds is estimated to create 6,800 residential treatment beds and 26,700 outpatient treatment slots for behavioral health care.
* Creating new pathways for those who need the most help -- Updating conservatorship laws for the first time in 50 years to include people who are unable to provide for their personal safety or necessary medical care, in addition to food, clothing, or shelter, due to either severe substance use disorder or serious mental health illness. Creating a new CARE court system that creates court-administered plans for up to 24 months for people struggling with schizophrenia and other psychotic disorders, often with substance use challenges.
* Streamlining and prioritizing building of new housing -- Governor Newsom made creating more housing a state priority for the first time in history. He has signed into law groundbreaking reforms to break down systemic barriers that have stood in the way of building the housing Californians need, including broad CEQA reforms.
* Removing dangerous encampments -- Governor Newsom has set a strong expectation for all local governments to address encampments in their communities and help connect people with support. In 2024, Governor Newsom filed an amicus brief with the Supreme Court defending communities' authority to clear encampments. After the Supreme Court affirmed local authority, Governor Newsom issued an executive order directing state entities and urging local governments to clear encampments and connect people with support, using a state-tested model that helps ensure encampments are addressed humanely and people are given adequate notice and support.
In 2025, just a year after he issued an executive order urging local governments to better address encampments, the Governor announced his SAFE Task Force to address encampments in California's 10 largest cities. In just a few months, the task force has addressed encampments in San Francisco, Los Angeles, Long Beach, Sacramento, and Fresno -- connecting dozens of people with shelter. Since 2021, Caltrans has removed more than 19,000 encampments on state right-of-way and collected approximately 354,000 cubic yards of litter and debris.
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Original text here: https://www.gov.ca.gov/2026/03/06/governor-newsom-announces-major-transformation-of-six-vacant-buildings-in-los-angeles-county-into-mental-health-and-housing-communities/
Ariz. A.G. Mayes Announces Misuse of Public Funds and Forgery Convictions Against Former Yuma Elementary School District Employee
PHOENIX, Arizona, March 7 -- Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes issued the following news release on March 6, 2026:
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Attorney General Mayes Announces Misuse of Public Funds and Forgery Convictions Against Former Yuma Elementary School District Employee
Attorney General Kris Mayes today announced that a former Yuma Elementary School District employee, Mercedes Brena (a.k.a. Mercedes Ruiz) has been convicted of two felonies -- Misuse of Public Monies, a Class 4 Felony, and Possession of a Forgery Device, a Class 6 Designated Felony -- for stealing nearly $86,000 in public funds.
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"When
... Show Full Article
PHOENIX, Arizona, March 7 -- Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes issued the following news release on March 6, 2026:
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Attorney General Mayes Announces Misuse of Public Funds and Forgery Convictions Against Former Yuma Elementary School District Employee
Attorney General Kris Mayes today announced that a former Yuma Elementary School District employee, Mercedes Brena (a.k.a. Mercedes Ruiz) has been convicted of two felonies -- Misuse of Public Monies, a Class 4 Felony, and Possession of a Forgery Device, a Class 6 Designated Felony -- for stealing nearly $86,000 in public funds.
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"Whenpublic funds meant for the education of Arizona's children are stolen or misused, there must be accountability," said Attorney General Mayes. "My office will always stand up for the students, families, and taxpayers who deserve their tax dollars being spent appropriately."
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From November 2021 to October 2022, the defendant used her position as a Human Resources Specialist to steal from the district by forging and submitting fraudulent timesheets to a third-party payroll processing company, stealing money orders intended for the school, and using school district credit cards to purchase gift cards for personal use.
Brena pleaded guilty to the charges and her sentencing is scheduled for April 15, 2026, at 8:30 a.m. in Maricopa County Superior Court. The plea agreement includes a stipulated minimum restitution of $85,988.70.
The Arizona Auditor General's Office investigated this case and the Fraud and Special Prosecutions Section of the Arizona Attorney General's Office prosecuted the case.
A copy of the indictment is available (https://mcusercontent.com/cc1fad182b6d6f8b1e352e206/files/9b3d4ccd-e16c-6ea3-9def-dc00c30c660a/8_18_2025_Signed_True_Bill_1_.pdf). A copy of the plea agreement is available (https://mcusercontent.com/cc1fad182b6d6f8b1e352e206/files/a5ae08ba-b722-b2b9-982b-55158b6ab0e1/Signed_Plea_Agreement_CR2025_0077454_001.pdf).
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Original text here: https://www.azag.gov/press-release/attorney-general-mayes-announces-misuse-public-funds-and-forgery-convictions-against
