Assemblywoman Michaelle Solages, Chair of the Black, Puerto Rican, Hispanic, and Asian Legislative Caucus, issued the following statement on passage of the Public Protection and General Government budget bill:
“Today’s passage of the Public Protection and General Government budget bill reflects New York’s continued commitment to keeping communities safe while protecting the rights and freedoms that define our state.
This legislation responds to emerging challenges by advancing public safety measures and strengthening accountability across government. As ghost guns continue to become more prevalent in communities across New York, we are taking steps to address the growing threat posed by unserialized firearms and eliminating pathways that allow illegal weapons to enter our neighborhoods.
At the same time, public protection must also mean protecting people. This budget advances transparency and accountability when government actions affect civil liberties and reinforces New York’s commitment to ensuring that all residents are treated with dignity and respect.
For immigrant families across our state, safety includes the ability to access schools, participate in community life, and seek opportunity without fear. New York continues to affirm that our public institutions should remain places of trust and access for all who rely on them.
The Public Protection and General Government budget is ultimately about more than policy, it is about values. Today, New York took another step toward building communities that are safer, more transparent, and more reflective of the principles of fairness and opportunity for everyone.”