New NY Gov. Kathy Hochul vows tradition change after Cuomo resigned over sexual harassment scandal

New York Gov. Kathy Hochul on Tuesday vowed to foster a “dramatic change in tradition” in Albany, a message she delivered a day after her predecessor, Andrew Cuomo, resigned over a sexual harassment scandal.

Hochul, the primary feminine governor in New York’s historical past, in a video deal with highlighted her new administration’s high priorities: combating the unfold of the Covid-19 delta variant, effectively sharing pandemic aid funds and getting New York’s authorities “targeted, with out distractions.”

“And that begins with a dramatic change in tradition, accountability, and no tolerance for people who cross the road,” stated Hochul.

The brand new governor introduced she is ordering an overhaul of the Empire State’s sexual harassment and ethics insurance policies, “beginning with requiring that each one coaching be performed stay, as an alternative of permitting individuals to click on their means by a category.”

Hochul dedicated to main an administration that may “deal with open, moral governing that New Yorkers will belief.” She additionally vowed to signal an government order “requiring ethics coaching for each worker of New York State authorities, which shockingly just isn’t required throughout the board.”

Her name for ethics reforms got here quickly after CNBC reported that her daughter-in-law is a high lobbyist for Biogen, a pharmaceutical agency that has sought to affect New York state lawmakers. Hochul’s husband, in the meantime, is an government of a playing and hospitality firm that’s headquartered in Buffalo, New York.

Hochul’s speech didn’t point out Cuomo by title. In a farewell deal with Monday afternoon, Cuomo stated he believed that Hochul, a fellow Democrat who had served as lieutenant governor earlier than being elevated to governor, will “step as much as the problem.”

Cuomo made the stunning announcement of his resignation two weeks earlier, as he handled the fallout of a bombshell report from the workplace of New York Lawyer Basic Letitia James, through which 11 ladies accused him of sexual harassment.

Hochul stated on the time she believed Cuomo’s accusers. Earlier than leaving workplace, Cuomo remained defiant about a number of the claims towards him. “The reality will [come] out in time, of that I’m assured,” he stated.

Hochul on Tuesday additionally directed the New York state well being commissioner to implement a common masks requirement in all faculties, private and non-private, if decided essential. She can even pursue choices for mandating vaccines for varsity workers.