Searchable compilation of Press Conference Raw Transcripts (non-COVID-related subjects deleted)
New York State Governor Hochul 2021-08-24 to 2021-08-24

2021-08-24 NYS Gov. Hochul

Governor Kathy Hochul: Good afternoon. On a cold January day nearly seven years ago, I took the oath of office to become your Lieutenant Governor. I’m humbled that the people of New York twice put their faith in me to fill this role, which required me to be prepared if necessary to serve as your governor. And now, that day has come.

In my travels to all 62 counties every year, I’ve walked your streets, met you at diners, supported your small businesses, listened to farmers, engaged local officials, and worked to revitalize long neglected downtowns. I’ve been in the trenches with local health leaders and officials battling the pandemic day after day after day.

As a result of all this, I’ve embraced and internalized the hopes and dreams of 20 million people who share the name New Yorkers. And I want you to know you are heard, I’m ready to get to work as your governor to solve the big problems that this state faces. Your priorities are my priorities.

And right now, that means fighting the Delta variant. None of us want a rerun of last year’s horrors with COVID-19. Therefore, we will take proactive steps to prevent that from happening. Priority number one, we get children back to school and protect the environment so they can learn and everyone is safe. For months, I’ve been consulting with parents, elected officials, teachers, school boards, and superintendents. As a result, we need to require vaccinations for all school personnel, with an option to test out weekly, at least for now. To accomplish this in New York, we need partnerships with all levels of government and I’m working now on getting this done.

New York is launching a back to school COVID-19 testing program to make testing for students and staff widely available and convenient. I’m also immediately newly directing the Department of Health to institute universal masking for anyone entering our schools. Later this week, I’ll announce a series of school-related policies that will be concise and consistent, giving the school districts what they have been asking for, which leads me to priority number two, increased vaccination rates for New Yorkers.

Much progress has been made, but too many are yet not vaccinated, putting themselves and their communities at risk. With the FDA’s full approval of the Pfizer vaccine yesterday, New Yorkers can expect new vaccine requirements and more on that soon. Priority number three, prepare for booster shots and make sure they are available and distributed quickly and reliably. When I consulted with Dr. Fauci last week, we discussed the urgent need to ensure vaccinate individuals receive a booster dose at eight months. I’m prepared to do whatever is necessary, including reopening mass vaccine sites so a booster is available to all New Yorkers who meet that timetable.

These are my day one initiatives on COVID. There’ll be more regular updates and announcements in the near future. Now, let’s talk about the COVID assistance for New Yorkers that is long overdue. President Biden, and our federal delegation, led by Senator Schumer and Gillibrand worked hard to secure funds for renters, landlords, workers, and more, but I am not at all satisfied with the pace that this COVID relief is getting out the door. I want the money out now. I want it out with no more excuses and delays.

I met with the Senate Speaker Hasty and Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart Cosins just earlier today. And we are unified in our sense of urgency, that that money get out to the people in need. We’re launching a new targeted campaign to reach more New Yorkers on rental relief. And we’re forming a real partnership with legislators, the City of New York, other cities and counties to get the job done. I’m hiring more staff to process applications immediately. I’m also assigning a top team to identify and remove any barriers that remain.

New Yorkers should know if you apply and qualify for this money, you will be protected from eviction for a solid year. Let me repeat. If you apply and qualify, you will not be evicted for a year, and we will take the same focused approach to our excluded workers fund. The money is there and these people are just as impacted by COVID and they need help now.

You’ll find me to be direct, straight talking, and decisive. I will not be deterred and I’m willing to be bloodied and marred in the pursuit of doing what’s right for the people of this great state. My friends, I invite you to join me in this fight for our future. I only ask for your faith in me and for your prayers. God bless New York and God bless America. Thank you.