Law enforcement banned from wearing masks; ICE kept from ‘sensitive locations’ without a warrant

Press Release, Gov. Kathy Hochul

Governor Kathy Hochul announced a sweeping set of laws to protect New Yorkers against aggressive federal immigration enforcement as part of the FY27 Enacted Budget.

These new laws will keep local law enforcement focused on keeping our communities safe instead of doing ICE’s job, protect the constitutional rights of New Yorkers from federal overreach, and hold federal agents accountable.

“From day one, I have been clear: Flagrant abuses of power by ICE will not stand in New York. That is why we have enacted a comprehensive set of policies to hold ICE accountable, protect the constitutional rights and safety of every New Yorker, and ensure there’s no sanctuary for criminals in our state,” Governor Hochul said. “States like New York can and must be a guardrail and national leader against ICE overreach, and I’m proud to enact these strong, common-sense protections for New Yorkers.”

Measures included in the Enacted Budget build on the Governor’s previously introduced proposals to protect New Yorkers amid an unprecedented escalation in aggressive federal immigration enforcement.

Local Cops, Local Crimes

Prohibits local governments, state and local police, and state and local corrections from entering into 287(g) Agreements or similar agreements with the federal government that allow for state and local law enforcement personnel and facilities to be used for civil immigration enforcement purposes.

Local governments would also be barred from paying or otherwise contributing to the costs related to constructing, owning, or operating an immigration detention facility. They would also be prohibited from changing zoning to allow for construction or use of buildings as immigration detention centers without public input.

Bans Law Enforcement from Wearing Masks

Prohibits state, local, and federal officers from wearing face covering while interacting with the public. This excludes necessary tactical equipment, sunglasses, or medical masks from the definition of face covering. Willfully violating the statute would be an infraction, and subsequent willful violations would be a misdemeanor.

Holds Federal Law Enforcement Accountable for Constitutional Violations

Currently, New Yorkers can sue state and local government officials for a violation of their constitutional rights under federal civil rights law but actions against federal officials are much more limited under federal law. This would establish a state law under which New Yorkers can bring a lawsuit against federal, state, and local government officials for a violation of their constitutional rights.

Safeguards Interactions With Public Employees

Prohibits the use of state and local civilian agencies and public school resources, including employee time, for civil immigration enforcement activities. This includes a ban on questioning or investigating individuals solely for civil immigration purposes unless required by a federal judicial warrant or by law.

Also prohibits officials from disclosing personally identifying information to immigration authorities, granting them access to non-public areas of public facilities, or using immigration officers as interpreters, and would prohibit the release or transfer of a student into immigration custody even if a parent has been detained, unless specifically mandated by a judicial warrant or court order.

Keeps Immigration Authorities Out Of Sensitive Locations

Prohibits all civilian state, local, and school employees (including higher ed and K-12) from permitting access to any non-public area of a state-owned or operated facility to immigration authorities without a judicial warrant, meaning any state or municipally owned or operated facility including housing accommodations, parks, childcare facilities, preschools, hospitals, schools, dorms, healthcare facilities, community centers, libraries and shelters, cannot grant or facilitate access to any non-public areas of their facilities to immigration authorities without a warrant.

Also protects against voter intimidation and interference at polling locations by denying immigration authorities access to such sites without a judicial warrant, and empowers privately owned or operated sensitive locations, including hospitals, daycares, schools, housing accommodations, and houses of worship to do the same.

Protecting Every Student’s Right to Free Public Education

Ensures immigrant students can access education, codifying the right to a free public education regardless of immigration status. Prohibits various practices, particularly around data collection and disclosure regarding immigration status, that could chill the exercise of that right by undocumented students.

Payments will range from $100 to $200

Press Release, Gov. Kathy Hochul’s Office

Governor Kathy Hochul signed new legislation on Thursday as part of the FY27 Enacted Budget to hold the line on rising utility bills and make historic investments in New York’s sustainable future.

With this budget, Governor Hochul is standing up for utility ratepayers with $1 billion in one-time energy rebates, strict accountability measures on utility companies and aggressive measures to increase New York’s clean energy supply to help keep the lights on and costs down.

As the Governor enacts measures to combat skyrocketing utility costs, she continues making record investments in New York’s nation-leading environmental protection initiatives, flood mitigation efforts and community preparedness amidst frequent extreme weather events.

“Dangerous policies coming out of Washington have sent the costs of power skyrocketing and New Yorkers need relief,” Governor Hochul said. “This Budget not only means enhanced protections and direct financial relief for ratepayers today, it prepares us for an even stronger tomorrow thanks to our historic investments in sustainability, grid reliability, infrastructure and resiliency. In this budget, we are proving that we can prioritize affordability without compromising our New York values.”

$1 Billion in One-Time Energy Rebate Checks

With New Yorkers struggling with high energy costs and record gas prices at the pump thanks to bad federal policies, the new budget includes one-time $1 billion Protecting Our Wallets Energy Rebate (POWER) checks to help provide needed relief.

The POWER program will provide $200 to joint filers with incomes under $150,000 and $150 to joint filers with incomes between $150,000 and $300,000. Single filers with incomes under $150,000 will receive $100. The rebates will be issued as advanced credit checks and will be mailed out between September and December.

Who’s Eligible for a POWER Check?

You are eligible for a rebate credit check if, for tax year 2024, you:

• Filed a timely New York State Resident Income Tax Return for Tax Year 2024
• Were a full-time resident for New York State for Tax Year 2024
• Reported income within the qualifying thresholds and
• Were not claimed as a dependent on another taxpayer’s return.

American Patriot docked in Rochester, Buffalo

Provided photo: American Patriot is first cruise ship in decades to dock in Buffalo.

A cruise ship will be passing near Orleans County as part of a Great Lakes & Thousand Islands cruise. The ship went from Rochester along Lake Ontario to Buffalo on Thursday.

The American Patriot, a 130-passenger cruise ship, is owned by American Cruise Lines. It docked in Buffalo on Thursday after leaving Rochester and will be Buffalo until Saturday at the Erie Street dock, near Erie Basin Marina.

This map shows 9-day Great Lakes & Thousands Islands Cruise from Syracuse to Buffalo with tickets beginning at $8,395.

It is the first cruise to visit Buffalo in decades. Passengers aboard the American Patriot are expected to tour the Buffalo AKG Art Museum, the Buffalo and Erie County Naval & Military Park, the Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Garden, Frank Lloyd Wright’s Martin House and experience Niagara Falls.

Gov. Kathy Hochul praised cruise ship and its impact on tourism in New York.

 “As we welcome the American Patriot, we are bringing new visitors, new revenue, and a new sense of pride to Buffalo,” Hochul said in a news release. “This is the first of many arrivals that will showcase our world-class cultural institutions like the AKG and the Darwin Martin House to travelers from across the country. We are proving once again that Buffalo is a premier destination, and with our future cruise terminal on the horizon, the best is yet to come for the Great Lakes.”

This announcement marks the first time in decades that an American-built and flagged cruise ship will offer domestic cruises in the growing Great Lakes cruise market, Hochul’s office said.

Without the need to cross borders, the new cruises are a completely unique experience apart from all other cruise lines currently on the Lakes. Where other ships dock at ports intended for foreign ships and international entry, American Cruise Lines can dock in the heart of small towns, city parks and private marinas for an authentic and exclusive experience not available with any other cruise line, the governor’s office said.

American Cruise Lines President & CEO Charles B. Robertson said, “American Cruise Lines is looking forward to calling on Buffalo with our small ship, American Patriot. Buffalo’s investment in its waterfront inspires us to continue investing in our fleet on the Great Lakes. We are honored to be the first U.S. cruise line to visit Buffalo regularly and look forward to a growing partnership with the city.”

This year, American Cruise Lines is running seven cruises that embark or disembark from Buffalo:

• The 9 day/8 night Great Lakes & Thousand Islands Cruise that operates between Syracuse and Buffalo and explores the Thousand Islands, Lake Ontario and Lake Erie
• An 800-mile, 14 day/13 night American Great Lakes Cruise that operates between Buffalo and Milwaukee, Wisconsin and explores Lake Erie, Lake Huron and Lake Michigan.

Most dates in 2026 are already sold out. Dates for 2027 and 2028 have already been set and are available to book now.

Visit Buffalo President & CEO Patrick Kaler said, “The arrival of cruise ships to Buffalo harkens back to the city’s past, when passenger steamboats ferried thousands of passengers between Buffalo, Cleveland, and Detroit in the early 1900s. The return of cruise ships to Buffalo emphasizes the resurgence of interest in the city as a tourist destination. These passengers will experience the Queen City’s cultural institutions and culinary offerings and share the word once they’re back home.”

About American Cruise Lines

American Cruise Lines is the largest river cruise line in the U.S.A., with 28 small ships and 50-plus domestic itineraries on the Mississippi River, the Columbia and Snake Rivers, the Great Lakes, and protected waterways around the country, from Alaska to Florida.

Ortt, Hawley say ‘bloated’ budget doesn’t address affordability crisis

Gov. Kathy Hochul signed off on a $268 billion state budget today, a budget that was nearly two months past the April 1 deadline.

 Hochul hailed the spending plan for putting New York on a path to statewide universal childcare. She also touted $1 Billion in one-time energy rebate checks.

Some other highlights from the governor include a record high $900 million investment in public safety funding, legislation to ban 3D-printed ghost guns and DIY machine guns, measures to reduce insurance rates for drivers, and no tax on tips.

“Working with my partners in the Legislature, we delivered an ambitious agenda that will lower costs for hardworking families, keep New Yorkers safe and create opportunity for all,” Governor Hochul said. “While Washington continues to make life more difficult for New Yorkers, I’m doing everything in my power to make real, tangible progress on the issues New Yorkers are facing and I will always fight for the people who call this great state home.”

State Senate Republican Leader Rob Ortt issued this statement:

“This budget not only failed miserably on timeliness and fiscal responsibility, but it also does nothing to address the real affordability crisis facing New Yorkers.

“It fails to rein in skyrocketing energy costs. It refuses to roll back unrealistic and expensive so-called “green” energy mandates that are driving up utility bills for families and businesses alike. It also fails to crack down on the fraud, waste, and abuse that continue to plague New York’s Medicaid system.

“Instead of addressing the issues that matter most to hardworking taxpayers, Albany Democrats remain focused on spending more of your money on giveaways, freebies, and politically driven handouts that do little to help the vast majority of New Yorkers struggling to make ends meet.

“This is a great budget for those who are in this country illegally. But it will do nothing to stop families, seniors, young professionals, and small businesses from continuing to leave our state in search of greater opportunity, affordability, and common sense elsewhere.”

State Assemblyman Steve Hawley issued this statement:

Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C-Batavia) is criticizing the newly enacted New York state budget, which spends over $268 billion, calling it another example of Albany’s out-of-control spending habits that continue to burden hardworking taxpayers while driving residents and businesses out of the state. The enacted budget represents a $13.7 billion increase over last year and has grown by over $100 billion over the last decade.

“Albany is living beyond its means while hardworking New Yorkers are paying the price,” said Hawley. “This budget continues a dangerous pattern of reckless spending while nearly one million people have already left New York this decade, and more are on their heels. Seniors relying on pensions, hardworking families and businesses both large and small cannot continue to carry the burden of the Majority’s misguided priorities. We should be focused on lowering costs, restoring affordability and making New York a place where people want to stay and grow.”

Hawley pointed to states like Florida and Texas, both of which have larger populations than New York, yet operate with substantially leaner state budgets. Hawley said New York’s growing tax burden and cost of living continue to put the state at a competitive disadvantage while families struggle with rising costs for groceries, energy, housing and insurance.

“I see families across New York tightening their belts, yet the Majority in Albany continues to spend money like there is no limit,” Hawley said. “Taxpayers deserve a government that lives within its means, prioritizes kitchen-table issues and respects the people footing the bill for this bloated budget.”

Press Release, Catholic Daughters of the Americas Court #953

The Catholic Daughters of the Americas Court #953 will award one academic scholarship in the amount of $500 to a graduating senior that resides within the ONE Catholic Family of Parishes.

Preference will be given to an active parishioner of the ONE Catholic community and/or to a graduate pursuing a career in human services (social work, nursing, education, etc).

The application is now open and closes on Monday, June 15 at 7 p.m. The winner will be notified before the end of June.

To apply, click here and fill out a simple form. Any questions or concerns can be directed to CDA.Court953@gmail.com.

Formed in 1903, the Catholic Daughters of the Americas (CDA) is one of the oldest and largest organizations of Catholic women in the Americas. We provide local spirituality, sharing, and activity under the support of a vibrant national organization.

Members donate to charities, administer scholarship programs, and strive “to be helping hands where there is pain, poverty, sorrow or sickness.” They embrace the principle of faith working through love in the promotion of justice, equality and the advancement of human rights and human dignity for all.