Common Cause NY Statement in Response to 2026 State of the State

NEW YORK, NY (01/13/2026) (readMedia)-- Common Cause New York Executive Director Susan Lerner released the following statement in response to today's State of the State Address by Governor Hochul:

"In this time of extraordinary and extreme stress on American democracy, Common Cause New York is pleased that Governor Hochul is supporting necessary measures to protect New Yorkers from federal threats and abuses. In her 2026 State of the State address today, Governor Hochul announced her support for two of Common Cause's 2026 legislative priorities: protecting sensitive locations like schools, hospitals and houses of worship from federal overreach and creating a state-level civil rights framework to safeguard New Yorkers against federal abuses of power. We look forward to the quick passage of measures that will add these necessary safeguards to state law.

We are also heartened by Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins' public support of the NY For All Act's goals, which provides important and complimentary protections for immigrant New Yorkers. New York has the right to ensure that state and local resources are not being diverted to assist federal actions that are against the state's public policies. We urge the governor to join the Senate majority leader in crafting a measure that will keep all New Yorkers and our communities safe."

Background: Common Cause New York has identified defending New York's right to self-governance and resisting federal overreach as a primary area of focus for its 2026 Legislative Priorities. An explanation of Common Cause New York's 2026 Legislative Priorities can be found at https://www.commoncause.org/new-york/common-cause-new-yorks-2026-legislative-priorities/.