Governor Kathy Hochul issued a firm defense of New York’s gun laws, warned about looming Medicaid cuts, and vowed support for cannabis dispensary owners in a wide-ranging interview on NY1’s Inside City Hall aired Wednesday.
Speaking in the aftermath of a mass shooting in Midtown Manhattan, Hochul emphasized New York’s strict firearm laws and pushed for nationwide reform. “We’ve banned assault weapons, there’s no high capacity magazines — but as long as other states do it and someone can cross our state lines by simply getting into a vehicle, we are not safe,” she said. The governor highlighted that New York has the lowest gun homicide rate among large states and attributed that to policies she strengthened following the Buffalo supermarket shooting.
“We now have 4,300 guns that have been taken out of the hands of people who could have used them to harm themselves or others,” she added, referencing expanded red flag laws.
Hochul also addressed redistricting battles across the country. Responding to a controversial Republican-led effort in Texas to redraw congressional maps mid-decade, she said New York must consider its own options. “What they’re doing is outlandish… You want to play by new rules, then we’ll get new rules,” she said, suggesting that Democratic-led states shouldn’t “sit down and just take this.”
On local elections, Hochul voiced support for aligning New York City municipal elections with presidential years, arguing it would increase turnout and reduce voter fatigue. “Let’s just simplify it and have one big election,” she said.
Hochul also warned of upcoming challenges related to Medicaid funding. Cuts tied to recent federal legislation could impact 700,000 New Yorkers and cost the state nearly $3 billion by 2027. “We don’t want people to go hungry… We want people to have health care,” she said, emphasizing that while there’s no immediate budget urgency, long-term solutions are needed.
Addressing issues within the state’s cannabis licensing program, Hochul acknowledged that dispensary owners have been wrongly penalized due to how distance from schools was measured under law. “We went in and did an audit… and this was uncovered,” she said, promising relief for affected businesses. “I don’t want them hurt… I don’t want them screwed.”
Finally, while she didn’t endorse a New York City mayoral candidate, Hochul stressed the importance of cooperation. “I can be your best friend or your worst enemy, you pick,” she said, citing ongoing support for the city through initiatives like subway safety and housing funding.
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