Governor Hochul's Budget Included $25 Million For Securing Communities Against Hate Grant, Providing Security Funding for Houses of Worship, Religious Schools and Other At-Risk Sites
Governor Hochul: “We don't tolerate any forms of hate, whether it's Islamophobia, antisemitism, racism, homophobia – that's not who we are as New Yorkers.”
Earlier today, Governor Hochul delivered remarks at the Islamic Center of Melville.
AUDIO of the Governor's remarks is available here.
PHOTOS of the event will be available on the Governor's Flickr page.
A rush transcript of the Governor's remarks is available below:
Good afternoon, everyone.
I just had a really impactful conversation with the leadership of the Islamic Center here in Melville and just wanted to convey our values as New Yorkers that we do not tolerate hateful incidences as occurred here just a few days ago and let them know – with our Superintendent of State Police who's joined me, Superintendent James – that we will continue to deploy our State resources to protect religious facilities, institutions, centers like this mosque.
And make sure that they know that there's money available: I've increased money for Securing Communities it’s called, and there's $25 million in grants that are available to be applied for now to enhance their security. And let them know, especially as we're approaching Ramadan, that will be enhancing security patrols here as needed. They're working closely with the Suffolk Police as well.
So, I just want to convey to them that we're here to support them, that we don't tolerate any forms of hate, whether it's Islamophobia, antisemitism, racism, homophobia – that's not who we are as New Yorkers. And so we had a very good conversation.