Category: US State of New York

Source: US State of New York

overnor Kathy Hochul today announced that the State Police and local law enforcement agencies are increasing patrols next week to crack down on speeding. The campaign, which begins on Monday, August 3, and continues through Sunday, August 9, is the second Governor’s Traffic Safety Committee-sponsored (GTSC) high-visibility statewide enforcement effort this summer to curb speeding and prevent avoidable crashes caused by unsafe speed.

“These enforcement campaigns are crucial, as speeding continues to be a leading cause of fatal crashes each year in New York State,” Governor Hochul said. “As always, we have zero tolerance for those who endanger others by driving recklessly, so I urge everyone to do their part to keep our roadways as safe as possible by following the speed limits, avoiding distractions and never driving while impaired.”

New York State Department of Motor Vehicles Acting Commissioner Christian Jackstadt said, “Our message to drivers is simple: slow down and obey the posted speed limits. Speeding reduces a driver’s ability to drive safely and react to unexpected hazards, putting themselves and others at risk of being involved in a potentially deadly crash. We thank our law enforcement community for helping keep our roadways as safe as possible by removing dangerous drivers.”

The prior speeding crackdown, “Speed Week 1,” was conducted from Monday, June 8, through Sunday, June 14. During that period, state and local law enforcement statewide issued a total of 56,578 tickets including 14,005 for speeding, 2,220 for distracted driving and 1,386 for impaired driving.

Among counties, Nassau and Suffolk on Long Island led in the number of tickets issued with 6,158 and 5,367, respectively. Last year, GTSC launched the “Drive Safe Long Island” campaign to specifically address speeding and other dangerous driving issues in the region. That effort includes a partnership with the Long Island Ducks baseball team to promote traffic safety at their games.

New York State Police Superintendent Steven G. James said, “Enforcement campaigns like this demonstrate our shared commitment to raising awareness about the dangers of speeding and keeping New York’s roadways safe. Through this campaign, and our enforcement efforts year-round, we are working to reduce speed-related crashes and encourage safer driving habits. Together with our law enforcement partners, we will continue proactive enforcement to hold dangerous drivers accountable and help ensure everyone reaches their destination safely.”

Town of Brighton Police Department Chief and President of the New York State Association of Chiefs of Police David Catholdi said, “Every crash statistic represents a person, a family, and a community. The number of speed-related crashes, injuries, and fatalities we continue to see across New York serves as a powerful reminder that speeding has real and lasting consequences. By slowing down, obeying posted speed limits, and making responsible decisions behind the wheel, drivers can help prevent tragedies, save lives, and make our roadways safer for everyone.”

Ulster County Sheriff and President of the New York State Sheriffs’ Association Juan Figueroa said, “It’s time to slow down and enjoy summer. With longer days and nicer weather some people will be tempted to drive over the speed limit, even at levels that are dangerous and reckless. Getting to your destination a few seconds quicker is not worth the cost of a ticket, or the increased likelihood of being injured in a crash. The Sheriffs of New York State want you to be safe on the roads and obey the speed limit.”

Speeding-related fatalities affect communities nationwide every year. In 2024, according to the U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), there were 11,288 speed-related traffic fatalities, accounting for 29 percent of all traffic fatalities. NHTSA also says young drivers have a higher chance of being involved in speeding-related crashes. In 2024, 39 percent of male drivers and 20 percent of female drivers in the 15- to 20-year-old age group involved in fatal traffic crashes were speeding.

In New York in 2024, according to data from the Institute for Traffic Safety Management & Research’s (ITSMR) Traffic Safety Statistical Repository (TSSR), there were 34,042 police-reported, speed-related crashes, 315 of which involved a fatality, and more than 12,000 of which involved a personal injury. Preliminary TSSR data for 2025 shows more than 24,000 police-reported, speed-related crashes with 231 involving a fatality and 16,644 involving an injury.

Source: US State of New York

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Source: US State of New York

overnor Kathy Hochul today announced annual results from the New York Small Business Development Centers (New York SBDC), highlighting the strong support provided to small businesses and entrepreneurs throughout New York State. The centers empower entrepreneurs through one-on-one no-cost business advice, training, and research that fuels New York State’s economic growth. Last year, the New York SBDC served 27,414 businesses and entrepreneurs through one-on-one advisement and trainings, helped generate $218.8 million in new capital, supported the saving and retention of 31,282 jobs, and helped create 3,392 new jobs.

“Small Business Development Centers throughout New York State are helping New Yorkers turn good ideas into vibrant small businesses,” Governor Hochul said. “From Long Island to Niagara Falls, and the North Country to the Southern Tier, these centers are empowering New York small businesses and entrepreneurs to step up, achieve upward mobility, and serve as job creators within their local communities. I will continue to use every tool at my disposal to help New York workers and job creators thrive and prosper.”

The New York SBDC is administered by the State University of New York (SUNY) and hosted at 20 different institutions across New York State, helping to link learning institutions with an expansive statewide small business network. The SBDC provides comprehensive support across all industries — including technology, manufacturing, retail, agriculture, and artificial intelligence — guiding businesses through every stage of their lifecycle, from startup and expansion to succession planning. Throughout its over 40 years of service, Small Business Development Centers have served more than 550,000 entrepreneurs, helping generate nearly $9 billion in economic impact for New York State.

State University of New York Chancellor John B. King Jr. said, “Small Business Development Centers are engines of upward mobility for thousands of New Yorkers that provide vital support for budding entrepreneurs as they work to build the business of their dreams. Through the strong support of leaders like Governor Hochul, and federal and state partners, this program has had transformative impacts on entrepreneurs throughout the state. SUNY is committed to supporting economic development in communities across the state, and the Small Business Development Centers are a core part of our efforts to strengthen New York’s economy.”

The SUNY Board of Trustees said, “Across New York State, small businesses enrich their communities by providing economic development opportunities, career pathways, and services. At SUNY, we are committed to helping businesses thrive across our state, and commend our Small Business Development Centers for their work to support small businesses and entrepreneurs. We thank Governor Hochul for her leadership, and federal and state officials for continuing to invest in SUNY programs and initiatives, including Small Business Development Centers.”

Empire State Development President, CEO and Commissioner Hope Knight said, “Empire State Development and SUNY share a commitment to helping New York’s entrepreneurs and small businesses succeed. Under Governor Hochul’s leadership, we are strengthening the ecosystem that gives business owners the tools, guidance, and capital they need to start, grow, and create jobs. Together, we are expanding economic opportunity in every region and helping ensure more New Yorkers can turn innovative ideas into thriving businesses.”

State Director at New York SBDC Sonya Smith said, “SBDC clients have an 80% five-year survival rate, far above the national average. They grow faster, hire more, and outperform businesses that go it alone. For every $1 invested in the SBDC, the SBDC delivers $4 in measurable return. As a program funded in partnership with the U.S. Small Business Administration, we appreciate the SBA’s continued investment in and commitment to the SBDC program and its mission of helping entrepreneurs start, grow, expand, and succeed. We also appreciate Governor Kathy Hochul’s continued commitment to New York’s small businesses and we value our partnership with Empire State Development. We look forward to expanding our collaboration to increase the capacity and reach of the NYSBDC program so we can serve even more entrepreneurs and small businesses across the state. Thank you to all organizations that we partner with across the small business ecosystem, as well as our incredible staff, advisors, and directors across New York State, and my central office team for their strength, patience, and fearless creativity in pushing us forward. “

State Senator April N.M. Baskin said, “Small businesses are the backbone of our local economies, and New York’s Small Business Development Centers give entrepreneurs the tools, expertise, and individualized support they need to turn their ideas into successful businesses. I was proud to fight for $2.6 million in this year’s State Budget to support the SBDC network, and I will remain a strong advocate for these centers because of the vital role they play in strengthening our local economies and creating pathways to economic mobility for entrepreneurs across New York State.”

Assemblymember Marianne Buttenschon said, “As Chair of the Assembly’s Small Business Committee, it has been both an honor and a privilege to represent and support the people and small businesses that fuel our communities and drive our local and state economy. Small businesses make up a significant percentage of all businesses in New York, employing over 40 percent of our workforce and generating nearly $1 trillion in annual economic activity. That success does not happen by accident, but is made possible through many resources including the New York Small Business Development Centers, as well as, the local center partnered with Mohawk Valley Community College, which provide entrepreneurs with the no-cost guidance and capital access they need to start, grow, and sustain their businesses, and the never-ending hard work, determination, and perseverance of our state’s business owners. Impacting more than half a million entrepreneurs statewide and generating $218.8 million in capital investment this year is more than just a milestone – it is a testament to what this partnership between SUNY and our small business community can achieve and the growth that is to come when we continue to invest in the people building our economy from the ground up.”

About the New York Small Business Development Center

The New York Small Business Development Centers (NYSBDC) are New York State’s most expansive small business support network. The NYSBDC provides free, confidential 1-on-1 business advisement, training, and research to small business owners and entrepreneurs.  

Primarily funded by the U.S. Small Business Administration and the State of New York and administered by the State University of New York (SUNY), the NYSBDC operates 20 regional small business centers across all of New York’s ten economic development regions. These centers, hosted on the campuses of SUNY, CUNY, Pace University, and St. Thomas Aquinas College, link higher education with small businesses. The NYSBDC also has more than 70 satellite locations in partnership with community organizations, including chambers of commerce, economic development organizations, industrial development agencies, and incubators. Learn more at nysbdc.org.

About the State University of New York

The State University of New York is the largest comprehensive system of higher education in the United States, and more than 95 percent of all New Yorkers live within 30 miles of any one of SUNY’s 64 colleges and universities. Across the system, SUNY has four academic health centers, five hospitals, four medical schools, two dental schools, a law school, the country’s oldest school of maritime, the state’s only college of optometry, 12 Educational Opportunity Centers, more than 30 ATTAIN digital literacy labs, and manages one US Department of Energy National Laboratory. In total, SUNY serves about 1.7 million students across its portfolio of credit- and non-credit-bearing courses and programs, continuing education, and community outreach programs. SUNY oversees nearly a quarter of academic research in New York. Research expenditures system-wide are nearly $1.5 billion in fiscal year 2025, including significant contributions from students and faculty. There are more than three million SUNY alumni worldwide, and annually one in three New Yorkers who earn a college degree is a SUNY alum. To learn more about how SUNY creates opportunities, visit suny.edu.

Source: US State of New York

overnor Kathy Hochul and Attorney General Letitia James today announced that New York has sued KalshiEX, LLC (Kalshi) for running an illegal gambling operation in New York through its prediction market platform. Kalshi launched in 2021 as a service that allowed users to bet money on the outcome of a wide range of future events. In 2025, Kalshi launched sports “trading,” claiming it offered legal sports betting markets, accessible to Americans in all 50 states, and encouraging bettors to wager on the outcomes of major sporting events. Today, Kalshi offers users the ability to bet on events including sports, culture, and elections on its website and app. An investigation by the Office of the Attorney General (OAG) found that Kalshi’s prediction market is an illegal, unlicensed gambling operation. Kalshi’s illegal prediction market exposes New Yorkers – including those under the legal gambling age of 21 – to serious personal and financial risk. The lawsuit is seeking a court order stopping Kalshi from operating as an unlicensed gambling business and requiring the company to pay fines, forfeit all illegal gains, and pay restitution to users.

“Kalshi has chosen to ignore New York’s gaming laws, which exist to protect consumers, prevent problematic gambling, deliver funding for critical public services, and ensure that every company plays by the same rules,” Governor Hochul said. “This choice has consequences, and working closely with Attorney General James, New York is taking action to stop this illegal behavior and bring Kalshi into compliance, because no company is above the law.”

Attorney General Letitia James said, “New York’s gambling laws protect children from underage betting and help combat gambling addiction. No matter what they call themselves, prediction markets like Kalshi are gambling platforms, plain and simple. By ignoring our laws, Kalshi is running an illegal operation and harming New Yorkers in the process. We are taking them to court to uphold our laws and protect New Yorkers.”

The lawsuit alleges that Kalshi’s prediction markets meet the legal definition of gambling because the outcomes of the events on which its users are betting are uncertain and outside the control of the bettor or hinge on a game of chance. Despite this, Kalshi has failed to obtain a license from the New York State Gaming Commission (Gaming Commission), sidestepping its obligation to pay taxes like licensed casinos and mobile sports gambling platforms do. This tax revenue from gambling regulation funds public schools, sports programs for underserved youth, and problem gambling education and treatment.

Kalshi’s prediction markets are also available to users between the ages of 18-20, even though New York law requires a person to be at least 21 years old to participate in mobile sports betting. Exposing young people to online gambling can have damaging effects on their mental and financial wellbeing. Recent research has shown that gambling among young people is associated with psychological distress, financial difficulties, and increased risk of gambling-related harms in adulthood.

In the lawsuit filed today, OAG is asking the court to order Kalshi to forfeit all illegal gains, distribute restitution to consumers who were harmed, and pay fines equal to three times the gains the company made through its illegal actions.

This is the latest action in Governor Hochul and Attorney General James’ continued efforts to enforce New York’s gambling laws and protect New York consumers. Attorney General James has issued multiple consumer and industry alerts warning New Yorkers about the hazards of gambling and encouraging companies to comply with state laws. In April 2026, Attorney General James sued Coinbase and Gemini for running illegal gambling platforms. Also in April 2026, Governor Hochul signed an Executive Order banning state employees from engaging in insider trading using prediction markets like Kalshi. In January of 2026, Attorney General James sued Valve, a video game developer, for illegally promoting gambling through video games popular with children and teenagers. In October 2025, the Gaming Commission demanded that Kalshi cease and desist their ongoing operation of an unlicensed mobile sports wagering platform. June 2025, Attorney General James stopped 26 illegal online sweepstakes casinos that offered slots, table games, and sports betting using virtual coins that could be exchanged for cash and prizes.

Attorney General James urges New Yorkers to ensure gambling platforms are registered with the New York State Gaming Commission and report any misconduct or gaming fraud to OAG by filing a complaint online, which can be done anonymously, or calling 1-800-771-7755.

This matter is being handled by Assistant Attorneys General K. Brent Tomer, Alejandra de Urioste, Nina Varindani, and Senior Enforcement Counsel Tanya Trakht, with assistance from Data Scientist Michael Amadi and Legal Assistants Renata Bodner and Kalon Corrallo all of the Investor Protection Bureau, and Senior Detective Brian Metz of the Investigations Division. The Investor Protection Bureau is led by Bureau Chief Shamiso Maswoswe and Deputy Bureau Chief Kenneth Haim and is a part of the Division of Economic Justice, which is led by Chief Deputy Attorney General Chris D’Angelo and overseen by First Deputy Attorney General Jennifer Levy.

Source: US State of New York

overnor Kathy Hochul has formally appealed the denial of New York’s request for a Major Disaster Declaration for the February 22-23, 2026 blizzard and severe winter storm by sending a letter to President Trump urging him to reverse his administration’s decision. The Governor contends that FEMA’s decision was unsupported, inconsistent with its own standards, and failed to account for the true scope of the damage. New York State and local governments identified more than $168 million in damages caused by the storm, which would be more than four times the threshold amount established by FEMA. Governor Hochul is appealing the decision, requesting that the President reconsider the denial and approve federal funding to support recovery and future disaster preparedness.

“Despite the February blizzard causing unprecedented damage across our state, far exceeding FEMA’s own criteria for federal assistance, New York was denied the support our communities need to rebuild,” Governor Hochul said. “I am calling on President Trump to reverse this decision and ensure local governments have the funding necessary to recover and better prepare for future disasters. We owe that to the New Yorkers who weathered this historic storm and to the first responders, utility crews and emergency management staff who worked tirelessly to keep our communities safe.”

The full text of the letter is included below:

Dear Mr. President:

On July 2, 2026, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) denied the State of New York’s request for a major disaster declaration for the February 22 to February 23, 2026, severe winter storm and snowstorm without useful explanation. Pursuant to Section 401 of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act, 42 U.S.C. §§ 5121-5207 (“Stafford Act”), as implemented by 44 C.F.R. §§ 206.36 and 206.46, I ask for reconsideration of the denial and renew New York State’s request for a major disaster declaration for Public Assistance and Hazard Mitigation.

FEMA’s denial letter stated, “Based on our review of all of the information available, it has been determined that supplemental federal assistance under the Stafford Act is not warranted.” The letter did not elaborate on what information was reviewed or why it was insufficient. It remains unclear why the facts provided in the request, which met the statutory and regulatory requirements for a Major Disaster Declaration, were not sufficient to support the need for supplemental federal assistance. The decision to deny the requested assistance as not warranted appears to be arbitrary.

New York State’s request was carefully tailored to address the primary factor FEMA considers in making a recommendation to the President whether assistance is warranted.¹ Historically, FEMA has used the statewide and county per capita indicators as the primary, and often dispositive, factor when assessing major disaster declaration requests. Exceeding that threshold by twofold is compelling evidence of the fiscal strain imposed on the State and local governments by this storm. At the time of the request, the FEMA-State joint preliminary damage assessment teams (PDA teams) had validated $54.6 million in damages — which exceeds the State’s damage threshold for 2026 ($39.2 million) by approximately $15.4 million. Two days after submission of the request, FEMA completed its assessment having validated $79.03 million in damages — more than double the Statewide damage threshold.² Consistent with FEMA practice, the PDA teams stop validating once the State and local indicators are met. Therefore, the amounts validated by FEMA represent only a portion of the total amount of damage caused by this disaster. When FEMA stopped the validation process, it had validated 143 damage surveys, but another 210 damage surveys were pending validation review.³ Further, the PDA process does not capture damages from all applicants that would be eligible for reimbursement under the major disaster declaration. The State and local governments identified more than $168 million in damages caused by the storm. If all costs had been validated, it is likely New York State would have tripled, if not quadrupled, the threshold amount established by FEMA.

The Stafford Act and its implementing regulations and policies expressly authorize federal disaster assistance for damages resulting from a snowstorm. Notwithstanding, FEMA has widely communicated its position, in Agency memos and press statements,⁴ that declarations will not be issued for snowstorms as FEMA views these snow emergencies as routine and able to be managed by the State and its local governments. Despite their frequency, neither wildfires nor hurricanes are regarded as routine emergencies elsewhere in the nation, so it is unclear why FEMA has chosen this position for a hazard that predominantly impacts northeastern states. FEMA is inconsistently applying the law and policy based on the type of emergency that disproportionately affects certain parts of the country. Specifically, 44 C.F.R. § 206.227 provides “… major disaster declarations based on snow or blizzard conditions will be made only for cases of record or near record snowstorms, as established by official government records.” New York State’s initial request also meets this regulatory requirement wherein Bronx, Suffolk, Nassau and Richmond Counties met their snow of record indicator and Queens, Kings and Westchester Counties qualified under the contiguous county criteria, documented by the National Weather Service.⁵

This request was not made lightly. New York State routinely manages significant snowstorms at the State and local level using available resources that have been identified and budgeted for annually in advance of the winter season. Since 2011, it has snowed in New York State on 2,199 days, which represents snow affecting the State roughly 40 percent of the time. However, this blizzard was not a routine snowstorm or snowfall event, but rather a complex major winter storm. The storm produced strong sustained winds of 40 to 50 miles per hour with gusts as high as 84 miles per hour, which significantly contributed to the damages incurred by local governments during this event.

The impacts of this blizzard extended well beyond snowfall. Hurricane-force wind gusts and heavy snow caused widespread power outages and significant infrastructure damage across the affected region. FEMA validated more than $20 million in damages incurred by the Long Island Power Authority due to trees falling on power lines. More than 40,000 households lost power. Tragically, five New Yorkers lost their lives as a result of the storm. The blizzard also caused widespread disruptions to transportation and commerce, including the closure of 175 school districts, including the New York City public school system, business closures, disruptions to mass transit service, and hundreds of canceled flights at John F. Kennedy International Airport, LaGuardia Airport, and other regional airports. These widespread impacts imposed extraordinary burdens on local governments that exceeded their fiscal capacity to respond and recover without federal assistance.

Additionally, the timing of this event compounded its impacts. The affected region had experienced another significant snowstorm less than one month earlier, requiring local governments to expend substantial resources before this blizzard struck. The cumulative effect of these back-to-back storms further strained municipal budgets and emergency response capabilities.

New York State has consistently demonstrated its ability to respond to and recover from winter weather events without federal assistance whenever possible. In the past fifteen years, New York has declared 32 winter storm emergencies but has requested a Major Disaster Declaration for snowstorms only four times. This limited history demonstrates that the State seeks federal assistance only when an event is truly extraordinary and exceeds the capabilities of State and local governments.

For the reasons stated above, I respectfully request that you reconsider FEMA’s denial and approve New York State’s request for a Major Disaster Declaration for the February 22-23, 2026 severe winter storm and snowstorm. Federal assistance is essential to ensure affected communities can recover from this disaster and strengthen their resilience against future severe weather events.

Thank you for your consideration of this request.

Sincerely,

Kathy Hochul
Governor of New York

Source: US State of New York

overnor Kathy Hochul today announced annual results from the New York Small Business Development Centers (New York SBDC), highlighting the strong support provided to small businesses and entrepreneurs throughout New York State. The centers empower entrepreneurs through one-on-one no-cost business advice, training, and research that fuels New York State’s economic growth. Last year, the New York SBDC served 27,414 businesses and entrepreneurs through one-on-one advisement and trainings, helped generate $218.8 million in new capital, supported the saving and retention of 31,282 jobs, and helped create 3,392 new jobs.

“Small Business Development Centers throughout New York State are helping New Yorkers turn good ideas into vibrant small businesses,” Governor Hochul said. “From Long Island to Niagara Falls, and the North Country to the Southern Tier, these centers are empowering New York small businesses and entrepreneurs to step up, achieve upward mobility, and serve as job creators within their local communities. I will continue to use every tool at my disposal to help New York workers and job creators thrive and prosper.”

The New York SBDC is administered by the State University of New York (SUNY) and hosted at 20 different institutions across New York State, helping to link learning institutions with an expansive statewide small business network. The SBDC provides comprehensive support across all industries — including technology, manufacturing, retail, agriculture, and artificial intelligence — guiding businesses through every stage of their lifecycle, from startup and expansion to succession planning. Throughout its over 40 years of service, Small Business Development Centers have served more than 550,000 entrepreneurs, helping generate nearly $9 billion in economic impact for New York State.

State University of New York Chancellor John B. King Jr. said, “Small Business Development Centers are engines of upward mobility for thousands of New Yorkers that provide vital support for budding entrepreneurs as they work to build the business of their dreams. Through the strong support of leaders like Governor Hochul, and federal and state partners, this program has had transformative impacts on entrepreneurs throughout the state. SUNY is committed to supporting economic development in communities across the state, and the Small Business Development Centers are a core part of our efforts to strengthen New York’s economy.”

The SUNY Board of Trustees said, “Across New York State, small businesses enrich their communities by providing economic development opportunities, career pathways, and services. At SUNY, we are committed to helping businesses thrive across our state, and commend our Small Business Development Centers for their work to support small businesses and entrepreneurs. We thank Governor Hochul for her leadership, and federal and state officials for continuing to invest in SUNY programs and initiatives, including Small Business Development Centers.”

Empire State Development President, CEO and Commissioner Hope Knight said, “Empire State Development and SUNY share a commitment to helping New York’s entrepreneurs and small businesses succeed. Under Governor Hochul’s leadership, we are strengthening the ecosystem that gives business owners the tools, guidance, and capital they need to start, grow, and create jobs. Together, we are expanding economic opportunity in every region and helping ensure more New Yorkers can turn innovative ideas into thriving businesses.”

State Director at New York SBDC Sonya Smith said, “SBDC clients have an 80% five-year survival rate, far above the national average. They grow faster, hire more, and outperform businesses that go it alone. For every $1 invested in the SBDC, the SBDC delivers $4 in measurable return. As a program funded in partnership with the U.S. Small Business Administration, we appreciate the SBA’s continued investment in and commitment to the SBDC program and its mission of helping entrepreneurs start, grow, expand, and succeed. We also appreciate Governor Kathy Hochul’s continued commitment to New York’s small businesses and we value our partnership with Empire State Development. We look forward to expanding our collaboration to increase the capacity and reach of the NYSBDC program so we can serve even more entrepreneurs and small businesses across the state. Thank you to all organizations that we partner with across the small business ecosystem, as well as our incredible staff, advisors, and directors across New York State, and my central office team for their strength, patience, and fearless creativity in pushing us forward. “

State Senator April N.M. Baskin said, “Small businesses are the backbone of our local economies, and New York’s Small Business Development Centers give entrepreneurs the tools, expertise, and individualized support they need to turn their ideas into successful businesses. I was proud to fight for $2.6 million in this year’s State Budget to support the SBDC network, and I will remain a strong advocate for these centers because of the vital role they play in strengthening our local economies and creating pathways to economic mobility for entrepreneurs across New York State.”

Assemblymember Marianne Buttenschon said, “As Chair of the Assembly’s Small Business Committee, it has been both an honor and a privilege to represent and support the people and small businesses that fuel our communities and drive our local and state economy. Small businesses make up a significant percentage of all businesses in New York, employing over 40 percent of our workforce and generating nearly $1 trillion in annual economic activity. That success does not happen by accident, but is made possible through many resources including the New York Small Business Development Centers, as well as, the local center partnered with Mohawk Valley Community College, which provide entrepreneurs with the no-cost guidance and capital access they need to start, grow, and sustain their businesses, and the never-ending hard work, determination, and perseverance of our state’s business owners. Impacting more than half a million entrepreneurs statewide and generating $218.8 million in capital investment this year is more than just a milestone – it is a testament to what this partnership between SUNY and our small business community can achieve and the growth that is to come when we continue to invest in the people building our economy from the ground up.”

About the New York Small Business Development Center

The New York Small Business Development Centers (NYSBDC) are New York State’s most expansive small business support network. The NYSBDC provides free, confidential 1-on-1 business advisement, training, and research to small business owners and entrepreneurs.  

Primarily funded by the U.S. Small Business Administration and the State of New York and administered by the State University of New York (SUNY), the NYSBDC operates 20 regional small business centers across all of New York’s ten economic development regions. These centers, hosted on the campuses of SUNY, CUNY, Pace University, and St. Thomas Aquinas College, link higher education with small businesses. The NYSBDC also has more than 70 satellite locations in partnership with community organizations, including chambers of commerce, economic development organizations, industrial development agencies, and incubators. Learn more at nysbdc.org.

About the State University of New York

The State University of New York is the largest comprehensive system of higher education in the United States, and more than 95 percent of all New Yorkers live within 30 miles of any one of SUNY’s 64 colleges and universities. Across the system, SUNY has four academic health centers, five hospitals, four medical schools, two dental schools, a law school, the country’s oldest school of maritime, the state’s only college of optometry, 12 Educational Opportunity Centers, more than 30 ATTAIN digital literacy labs, and manages one US Department of Energy National Laboratory. In total, SUNY serves about 1.7 million students across its portfolio of credit- and non-credit-bearing courses and programs, continuing education, and community outreach programs. SUNY oversees nearly a quarter of academic research in New York. Research expenditures system-wide are nearly $1.5 billion in fiscal year 2025, including significant contributions from students and faculty. There are more than three million SUNY alumni worldwide, and annually one in three New Yorkers who earn a college degree is a SUNY alum. To learn more about how SUNY creates opportunities, visit suny.edu.

Source: US State of New York

overnor Kathy Hochul has formally appealed the denial of New York’s request for a Major Disaster Declaration for the February 22-23, 2026 blizzard and severe winter storm by sending a letter to President Trump urging him to reverse his administration’s decision. The Governor contends that FEMA’s decision was unsupported, inconsistent with its own standards, and failed to account for the true scope of the damage. New York State and local governments identified more than $168 million in damages caused by the storm, which would be more than four times the threshold amount established by FEMA. Governor Hochul is appealing the decision, requesting that the President reconsider the denial and approve federal funding to support recovery and future disaster preparedness.

“Despite the February blizzard causing unprecedented damage across our state, far exceeding FEMA’s own criteria for federal assistance, New York was denied the support our communities need to rebuild,” Governor Hochul said. “I am calling on President Trump to reverse this decision and ensure local governments have the funding necessary to recover and better prepare for future disasters. We owe that to the New Yorkers who weathered this historic storm and to the first responders, utility crews and emergency management staff who worked tirelessly to keep our communities safe.”

The full text of the letter is included below:

Dear Mr. President:

On July 2, 2026, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) denied the State of New York’s request for a major disaster declaration for the February 22 to February 23, 2026, severe winter storm and snowstorm without useful explanation. Pursuant to Section 401 of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act, 42 U.S.C. §§ 5121-5207 (“Stafford Act”), as implemented by 44 C.F.R. §§ 206.36 and 206.46, I ask for reconsideration of the denial and renew New York State’s request for a major disaster declaration for Public Assistance and Hazard Mitigation.

FEMA’s denial letter stated, “Based on our review of all of the information available, it has been determined that supplemental federal assistance under the Stafford Act is not warranted.” The letter did not elaborate on what information was reviewed or why it was insufficient. It remains unclear why the facts provided in the request, which met the statutory and regulatory requirements for a Major Disaster Declaration, were not sufficient to support the need for supplemental federal assistance. The decision to deny the requested assistance as not warranted appears to be arbitrary.

New York State’s request was carefully tailored to address the primary factor FEMA considers in making a recommendation to the President whether assistance is warranted.¹ Historically, FEMA has used the statewide and county per capita indicators as the primary, and often dispositive, factor when assessing major disaster declaration requests. Exceeding that threshold by twofold is compelling evidence of the fiscal strain imposed on the State and local governments by this storm. At the time of the request, the FEMA-State joint preliminary damage assessment teams (PDA teams) had validated $54.6 million in damages — which exceeds the State’s damage threshold for 2026 ($39.2 million) by approximately $15.4 million. Two days after submission of the request, FEMA completed its assessment having validated $79.03 million in damages — more than double the Statewide damage threshold.² Consistent with FEMA practice, the PDA teams stop validating once the State and local indicators are met. Therefore, the amounts validated by FEMA represent only a portion of the total amount of damage caused by this disaster. When FEMA stopped the validation process, it had validated 143 damage surveys, but another 210 damage surveys were pending validation review.³ Further, the PDA process does not capture damages from all applicants that would be eligible for reimbursement under the major disaster declaration. The State and local governments identified more than $168 million in damages caused by the storm. If all costs had been validated, it is likely New York State would have tripled, if not quadrupled, the threshold amount established by FEMA.

The Stafford Act and its implementing regulations and policies expressly authorize federal disaster assistance for damages resulting from a snowstorm. Notwithstanding, FEMA has widely communicated its position, in Agency memos and press statements,⁴ that declarations will not be issued for snowstorms as FEMA views these snow emergencies as routine and able to be managed by the State and its local governments. Despite their frequency, neither wildfires nor hurricanes are regarded as routine emergencies elsewhere in the nation, so it is unclear why FEMA has chosen this position for a hazard that predominantly impacts northeastern states. FEMA is inconsistently applying the law and policy based on the type of emergency that disproportionately affects certain parts of the country. Specifically, 44 C.F.R. § 206.227 provides “… major disaster declarations based on snow or blizzard conditions will be made only for cases of record or near record snowstorms, as established by official government records.” New York State’s initial request also meets this regulatory requirement wherein Bronx, Suffolk, Nassau and Richmond Counties met their snow of record indicator and Queens, Kings and Westchester Counties qualified under the contiguous county criteria, documented by the National Weather Service.⁵

This request was not made lightly. New York State routinely manages significant snowstorms at the State and local level using available resources that have been identified and budgeted for annually in advance of the winter season. Since 2011, it has snowed in New York State on 2,199 days, which represents snow affecting the State roughly 40 percent of the time. However, this blizzard was not a routine snowstorm or snowfall event, but rather a complex major winter storm. The storm produced strong sustained winds of 40 to 50 miles per hour with gusts as high as 84 miles per hour, which significantly contributed to the damages incurred by local governments during this event.

The impacts of this blizzard extended well beyond snowfall. Hurricane-force wind gusts and heavy snow caused widespread power outages and significant infrastructure damage across the affected region. FEMA validated more than $20 million in damages incurred by the Long Island Power Authority due to trees falling on power lines. More than 40,000 households lost power. Tragically, five New Yorkers lost their lives as a result of the storm. The blizzard also caused widespread disruptions to transportation and commerce, including the closure of 175 school districts, including the New York City public school system, business closures, disruptions to mass transit service, and hundreds of canceled flights at John F. Kennedy International Airport, LaGuardia Airport, and other regional airports. These widespread impacts imposed extraordinary burdens on local governments that exceeded their fiscal capacity to respond and recover without federal assistance.

Additionally, the timing of this event compounded its impacts. The affected region had experienced another significant snowstorm less than one month earlier, requiring local governments to expend substantial resources before this blizzard struck. The cumulative effect of these back-to-back storms further strained municipal budgets and emergency response capabilities.

New York State has consistently demonstrated its ability to respond to and recover from winter weather events without federal assistance whenever possible. In the past fifteen years, New York has declared 32 winter storm emergencies but has requested a Major Disaster Declaration for snowstorms only four times. This limited history demonstrates that the State seeks federal assistance only when an event is truly extraordinary and exceeds the capabilities of State and local governments.

For the reasons stated above, I respectfully request that you reconsider FEMA’s denial and approve New York State’s request for a Major Disaster Declaration for the February 22-23, 2026 severe winter storm and snowstorm. Federal assistance is essential to ensure affected communities can recover from this disaster and strengthen their resilience against future severe weather events.

Thank you for your consideration of this request.

Sincerely,

Kathy Hochul
Governor of New York

Source: US State of New York

EW YORK – New York Governor Kathy Hochul and Attorney General Letitia James today announced that New York has sued KalshiEX, LLC (Kalshi) for running an illegal gambling operation in New York through its prediction market platform. Kalshi launched in 2021 as a service that allowed users to bet money on the outcome of a wide range of future events. In 2025, Kalshi launched sports “trading,” claiming it offered legal sports betting markets, accessible to Americans in all 50 states, and encouraging bettors to wager on the outcomes of major sporting events. Today, Kalshi offers users the ability to bet on events including sports, culture, and elections on its website and app. An investigation by the Office of the Attorney General (OAG) found that Kalshi’s prediction market is an illegal, unlicensed gambling operation. Kalshi’s illegal prediction market exposes New Yorkers – including those under the legal gambling age of 21 – to serious personal and financial risk. The lawsuit is seeking a court order stopping Kalshi from operating as an unlicensed gambling business and requiring the company to pay fines, forfeit all illegal gains, and pay restitution to users.

“Kalshi has chosen to ignore New York’s gaming laws, which exist to protect consumers, prevent problematic gambling, deliver funding for critical public services, and ensure that every company plays by the same rules,” Governor Hochul said. “This choice has consequences, and working closely with Attorney General James, New York is taking action to stop this illegal behavior and bring Kalshi into compliance, because no company is above the law.”

“New York’s gambling laws protect children from underage betting and help combat gambling addiction,” said Attorney General James. “No matter what they call themselves, prediction markets like Kalshi are gambling platforms, plain and simple. By ignoring our laws, Kalshi is running an illegal operation and harming New Yorkers in the process. We are taking them to court to uphold our laws and protect New Yorkers.”

The lawsuit alleges that Kalshi’s prediction markets meet the legal definition of gambling because the outcomes of the events on which its users are betting are uncertain and outside the control of the bettor or hinge on a game of chance. Despite this, Kalshi has failed to obtain a license from the New York State Gaming Commission (Gaming Commission), sidestepping its obligation to pay taxes like licensed casinos and mobile sports gambling platforms do. This tax revenue from gambling regulation funds public schools, sports programs for underserved youth, and problem gambling education and treatment.

Kalshi’s prediction markets are also available to users between the ages of 18-20, even though New York law requires a person to be at least 21 years old to participate in mobile sports betting. Exposing young people to online gambling can have damaging effects on their mental and financial well-being. Recent research has shown that gambling among young people is associated with psychological distress, financial difficulties, and increased risk of gambling-related harms in adulthood.

In the lawsuit filed today, OAG is asking the court to order Kalshi to forfeit all illegal gains, distribute restitution to consumers who were harmed, and pay fines equal to three times the gains the company made through its illegal actions.

This is the latest action in Governor Hochul and Attorney General James’ continued efforts to enforce New York’s gambling laws and protect New York consumers. Attorney General James has issued multiple consumer and industry alerts warning New Yorkers about the hazards of gambling and encouraging companies to comply with state laws. In April 2026, Attorney General James sued Coinbase and Gemini for running illegal gambling platforms. Also in April 2026, Governor Hochul signed an Executive Order banning state employees from engaging in insider trading using prediction markets like Kalshi. In January of 2026, Attorney General James sued Valve, a video game developer, for illegally promoting gambling through video games popular with children and teenagers.  In October 2025, the Gaming Commission demanded that Kalshi cease and desist their ongoing operation of an unlicensed mobile sports wagering platform. In June 2025, Attorney General James stopped 26 illegal online sweepstakes casinos that offered slots, table games, and sports betting using virtual coins that could be exchanged for cash and prizes.

Attorney General James urges New Yorkers to ensure gambling platforms are registered with the New York State Gaming Commission and report any misconduct or gaming fraud to OAG by filing a complaint online, which can be done anonymously, or calling 1-800-771-7755.

This matter is being handled by Assistant Attorneys General K. Brent Tomer, Alejandra de Urioste, Nina Varindani, and Senior Enforcement Counsel Tanya Trakht, with assistance from Data Scientist Michael Amadi and Legal Assistants Renata Bodner and Kalon Corrallo, all of the Investor Protection Bureau, and Senior Detective Brian Metz of the Investigations Division. The Investor Protection Bureau is led by Bureau Chief Shamiso Maswoswe and Deputy Bureau Chief Kenneth Haim and is a part of the Division of Economic Justice, which is led by Chief Deputy Attorney General Chris D’Angelo and overseen by First Deputy Attorney General Jennifer Levy.

Source: US State of New York

overnor Kathy Hochul today announced nearly $26 million in funding to address and mitigate current wastewater limitations that are negatively impacting community development in Washington County. The funds will support projects in the Village of Fort Edward and the Town of Kingsbury’s Village of Hudson Falls, and are designed to alleviate sewer infrastructure challenges impeding the growth of local businesses and the creation of new housing and new jobs in the region.

“I’ve worked in local government and have seen firsthand just what additional state assistance can do for small towns and villages,” Governor Hochul said. “Our communities deserve to be heard, seen and uplifted, and this funding will help communities across Washington County continue to develop and make necessary infrastructure improvements to allow local businesses to grow and residents to prosper.”

Empire State Development President, CEO and Commissioner Hope Knight said, “Strong infrastructure is the foundation for communities’ sustained growth. This critical funding for Fort Edward and Kingsbury will remove barriers to new housing, business expansion, job creation, and unleash new economic opportunity in Washington County. Thanks to Governor Hochul’s leadership, New York continues to invest in the long-term potential of our diverse regions across the state.”

Village of Fort Edward: $14.5 million

The project includes relocating existing sewer lines, replacing water lines, separating stormwater, eliminating area combined sewer overflows, and delivering other improvements to support new commercial and residential developments. Currently, the absence of capacity at the Washington County plant – coupled with insufficient funds for system improvements — has stifled the growth of one of the largest local employers and further limited the growth of nearby businesses and housing.

This funding complements a nearly $4.74 million FAST NY grant awarded to the Counties of Warren and Washington IDA to support the redevelopment of Canalside Energy Park. This waterfront brownfield revitalization project will enable Fort Edward and Washington County to pursue strategic industries and create high-value jobs, while eliminating blight and growing the local tax base. The two grants will collectively open doors to new industrial, commercial and residential investments, and support the longevity and efficiency of local water and sewer systems.

Town of Kingsbury/Village of Hudson Falls: $11.4 million

This funding will support a major storm-sewer separation project that will allow future commercial and residential development. Design work was underway, but halted due to a lack of funding. Limited capacity at the Washington County wastewater plant has been a restrictive factor in Kingsbury, as at least one proposed housing development did not proceed due to a new sewer hookup moratorium. This project will remove wet-weather flows to the sewer system and create an inflow and infiltration offset, and deliver other improvements to encourage commercial and residential development.

These projects and funds reaffirm Governor Hochul’s commitment to community-driven economic growth. Additional investments like the County Infrastructure Grant Program, first launched in November 2024 and administered by ESD, awarded more than $36 million to 48 projects in the first round of funding. A second round of awards are expected to be announced in the coming weeks. Programs like FAST NY and POWER UP are creating shovel-ready and power-ready sites to attract next-generation employers and businesses in high-growth industries.

Assemblymember Carrie Woerner said, “I am grateful to Governor Hochul for delivering this truly significant financial investment to Washington County. I worked closely with her staff to advocate for these infrastructure projects which will lay the foundation for private investment to grow manufacturing jobs in a county where the economy is struggling with a lack of commercial investment. I am also grateful to Stephen Acquario, NYS Association of Counties, for lending his advocacy to my efforts to bring forward the request for this investment.”

Washington County Board of Supervisors Chair Robert Henke said, “Thank you to Governor Kathy Hochul, Assemblymember Carrie Woerner, and NYS Association of Counties for working together to provide these critical funds to Washington County. With their partnership, Washington County will be able to alleviate infrastructure challenges and position ourselves for positive economic development. These investments recognize, and realize, the potential for business and job growth within the region, and we look forward to seeing that come to fruition. Washington County welcomes this announcement and again extends our gratitude to Governor Hochul and Assemblymember Woerner for delivering.”

New York State Association of Counties Executive Director Stephen J. Acquario said, “Counties applaud Governor Kathy Hochul and Assemblywoman Carrie Woerner for their leadership and commitment to investing in the rural communities that are essential to New York’s economic future. These investments allow counties to undertake infrastructure projects that local resources alone cannot support and create the conditions for new housing, business expansion, and job creation while strengthening the infrastructure residents rely on every day. Rural counties like Washington provide the foundation for New York’s agricultural economy, outdoor recreation and tourism, and regional workforce. Investing in their success is an investment in the strength and resilience of the entire state.”

Source: US State of New York

overnor Kathy Hochul today directed that flags on all State government buildings be flown at half-staff in honor of Staff Sergeant Angel S. Rampersad, who died July 17, 2026, during an attack at Muwaffaq Salti Air Base, Jordan. Flags will be flown at half-staff on Friday, July 31 from sunrise to sunset.

“My heart is with the family, loved ones and the soldiers who stood beside Sergeant Angel S. Rampersad as they grieve this unimaginable loss,” Governor Hochul said. “Staff Sergeant Rampersad lived a life of courage and selflessness. New York, and our nation, are safer because of brave Americans like her who answer the call to serve. May we honor her memory, remember her sacrifice and keep all who loved her in our prayers.”

Staff Sergeant Rampersad was assigned to 1st Battalion, 57th Air Defense Artillery Regiment, 52nd Air Defense Artillery Brigade, 10th Army Air & Missile Defense Command, Ansbach, Germany. A lifelong resident of Ozone Park, Queens, Staff Sergeant Rampersad earned her degree in Criminal Justice from John Jay College of Criminal Justice following her graduation from Forest Hills High School. Throughout her distinguished military service, Staff Sergeant Rampersad has been recognized with numerous honors, including the Army Commendation Medal, the Army Achievement Medal with two Oak Leaf Clusters, the Army Good Conduct Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, and the Army Service Ribbon, and was posthumously promoted to Staff Sergeant.