Latest news with #NewYorkStateLegislature
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Health
- Yahoo
Readers sound off on a sex consent bill, traumatic childbirth and Zohran Mamdani
Buffalo: An Albany bill (A.101/S.54) intended to make it easier to prosecute certain sex offenses, including rape and sexual misconduct, is once again making its way through the New York State Legislature's houses. At first glance, the 'Rape Intoxication Bill' appears to seek to provide greater protections for victims of certain sex offenses. However, it not only duplicates existing protections but will increase the risk of unjust and wrongful prosecutions and convictions. It does not enhance protections of victims to any degree whatsoever. The bill purportedly makes proving lack of consent easier and removes a loophole in the penal law. But it does not specify what this loophole is. In fact, no loophole exists. Instead, the bill not only broadens what may constitute a lack of consent but also allows for the prosecution of vague, undefined conduct. It will sweep innocent acts into criminal conduct. Without notice as to what may constitute lack of consent, a person who may have initiated a sexual encounter but later regrets it could claim that he or she was 'temporarily incapable of giving consent.' Our current laws already protect those who are incapable of giving consent, whether due to physical or mental capacity. In fact, even voluntary intoxication when it renders a person incapable of giving consent can still result in a conviction for rape. The vague language contained in the proposed bill merely provides police officers and prosecutors with too much discretion to enforce this law, which creates too much of a risk for racially disparate enforcement that will result in wrongful convictions. Kevin M. Stadelmaier St. Albans: To Voicer Richard Warren, who writes that Miguel Jiraud savagely beat victim Diana Agudelo and should have been put away for life: I agree. During my time with the NYPD, I was assigned to the Sex Crimes Unit, now the Special Victims Unit. None of my cases were 'run-of-the-mill' rapes. All sexual assaults are serious, especially ones involving children. If your loved one was assaulted, would that be run-of-the-mill? Stephanie Revander Manhattan: I understand that they are trying to keep the rats out of the garbage by putting these bins in the street, but I think they are taking up much-needed parking spaces that are already scarce! Not to mention the outdoor sheds for restaurants. Clyde Wallace Bloomfield, N.J.: I'm heartened by the variety of letters that appear in the Voice of the People. Recent ones praised a special graduate and the joy of seeing Johnny Mathis perform. Voicers have contributed witty one-liners and marked anniversaries. What a great chance to thank a mentor and an opportunity for young people to clarify their perspectives. This is also space to wish someone well, even belatedly. When Lori Stokes retired a few years ago after a respected television career, I looked for letters congratulating her but didn't find any. The esteemed journalist brought a graciousness to TV you don't see every day. Stokes had a down-to-earth kindness, like the gal most likely to nudge you if you had spinach in your teeth. Wish it would have dawned on me to write the letter I wanted to see. Christine Sparta Jamaica: My heart goes out to the parents of the poor baby who perished ('Tragic infant in Queens not killed by dog as first feared,' May 29). I'm also concerned for the poor puppy that did not cause the infant's death. An earlier version of the article mentioned that the parents planned to train the dog to be a service animal. Was there a plan to contact a certified Assistance Dogs International member program? No mention of it was made. I hope further investigation clears the dog completely and the puppy gets adopted by a loving family. Abby Frank Manhattan: On Friday night, I was standing at my local pharmacy counter. There was a somewhat irritated woman in front of me. As she was being helped, another worker started to help me. This customer was irritated at things taking so long. She muttered under her breath, not realizing we all heard her, 'Man, I've done drug deals faster than this!' We all burst out laughing. Lucky for us, no cops were in the pharmacy. Charles Adrian O'Connor Los Angeles: As a fan of Mexican cuisine and a regular customer at my local Mexican restaurant, Fiesta Mexico, would all social media users please stop using the 'TACO' acronym when referring to you-know-who? It really diminishes the enjoyment of this Mexican food favorite when I order a few at the bar during happy hour and two-for-Tuesdays. Otis Criblecoblis Clearwater, Fla.: In the event Sean 'Diddy' Combs is convicted, my sincere hope is that President Trump doesn't pardon him. One of the charges against Diddy is the physical abuse of his former girlfriend, Cassie Ventura. The 2016 video that was caught on hotel surveillance showing Diddy brutally assaulting Ventura (dragging and kicking her) is painful to watch. Pardoning Combs would send the wrong message by saying that it's OK to beat up on women. And being that Trump is adamantly against biological males in women's sports due to the unfairness, I don't see how he can justify physical abuse against women. Allowing Combs to take his lumps if found guilty is a message of virtue. JoAnn Lee Frank Charlotte, N.C.: What's up with Trump and Harvard University? Did they deny him admission in the 1960s and this is part of his revenge campaign? Barbara Haynes Staten Island: I am writing to shed light on an often overlooked yet deeply personal and impactful experience: traumatic childbirth. As a mother who recently endured a traumatic birth, I have come to realize how isolating and emotionally overwhelming it can be. While childbirth is commonly celebrated as a joyful milestone, for many women, including me, it can be marked by fear, complications and lasting psychological effects. Unfortunately, the silence surrounding traumatic births leaves many mothers feeling alone in their pain. It is not just about physical recovery, but also the mental and emotional healing that can take far longer, and often goes unsupported. I believe it's time to break the silence and normalize conversations about birth trauma. By sharing our stories and standing together, we can create a stronger, more supportive community for all mothers. Alexsis A. Gilles Hartsdale, N.Y.: I love the new LaGuardia Airport but hate the cell phone parking lot. Last Friday night, I had the unenviable opportunity to pick up my daughter and kids visiting from Chicago. Friday nights are a zoo at the airport, so I planned to arrive early. As I approached Terminal B, I was grateful to see signs for a cell phone lot where I could wait until she called to be picked up. When I arrived, I was greeted by a sea of black TLC Chevy Suburbans in this tiny lot. Every spot was taken, most without drivers sitting and waiting. These cars are obviously using it as a free parking lot. Now I understand why I see dozens of cars parked along the side of the road waiting to be called. Please put some controls in place. This parking lot is not meant for private limo services' convenience. Daniel Brea Manhattan: With due respect to Voicer Dennis Dunleavy, my word choice to describe Scott Stringer is 'nebbish' — that nasal, whiny voice is almost humorous when he tries to talk tough. All I remember of his time in office is having his city car chauffeur Mrs. Stringer to work. Robert J. Katz Manhattan: Thanks to Harry Siegel's column on the subject ('Mamdani's moment for momentum,' June 1), the core issue with the enthusiastic young candidate was made clear: Zohran Mamdani is dreaming the possible dream — a city all cleaned up with a whole lot of freebies and just a few problems. I hope that this time, we elect a realist with prior relevant job experience. Frankie Turchiano
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Health
- Yahoo
Readers sound off on a sex consent bill, traumatic childbirth and Zohran Mamdani
Buffalo: An Albany bill (A.101/S.54) intended to make it easier to prosecute certain sex offenses, including rape and sexual misconduct, is once again making its way through the New York State Legislature's houses. At first glance, the 'Rape Intoxication Bill' appears to seek to provide greater protections for victims of certain sex offenses. However, it not only duplicates existing protections but will increase the risk of unjust and wrongful prosecutions and convictions. It does not enhance protections of victims to any degree whatsoever. The bill purportedly makes proving lack of consent easier and removes a loophole in the penal law. But it does not specify what this loophole is. In fact, no loophole exists. Instead, the bill not only broadens what may constitute a lack of consent but also allows for the prosecution of vague, undefined conduct. It will sweep innocent acts into criminal conduct. Without notice as to what may constitute lack of consent, a person who may have initiated a sexual encounter but later regrets it could claim that he or she was 'temporarily incapable of giving consent.' Our current laws already protect those who are incapable of giving consent, whether due to physical or mental capacity. In fact, even voluntary intoxication when it renders a person incapable of giving consent can still result in a conviction for rape. The vague language contained in the proposed bill merely provides police officers and prosecutors with too much discretion to enforce this law, which creates too much of a risk for racially disparate enforcement that will result in wrongful convictions. Kevin M. Stadelmaier St. Albans: To Voicer Richard Warren, who writes that Miguel Jiraud savagely beat victim Diana Agudelo and should have been put away for life: I agree. During my time with the NYPD, I was assigned to the Sex Crimes Unit, now the Special Victims Unit. None of my cases were 'run-of-the-mill' rapes. All sexual assaults are serious, especially ones involving children. If your loved one was assaulted, would that be run-of-the-mill? Stephanie Revander Manhattan: I understand that they are trying to keep the rats out of the garbage by putting these bins in the street, but I think they are taking up much-needed parking spaces that are already scarce! Not to mention the outdoor sheds for restaurants. Clyde Wallace Bloomfield, N.J.: I'm heartened by the variety of letters that appear in the Voice of the People. Recent ones praised a special graduate and the joy of seeing Johnny Mathis perform. Voicers have contributed witty one-liners and marked anniversaries. What a great chance to thank a mentor and an opportunity for young people to clarify their perspectives. This is also space to wish someone well, even belatedly. When Lori Stokes retired a few years ago after a respected television career, I looked for letters congratulating her but didn't find any. The esteemed journalist brought a graciousness to TV you don't see every day. Stokes had a down-to-earth kindness, like the gal most likely to nudge you if you had spinach in your teeth. Wish it would have dawned on me to write the letter I wanted to see. Christine Sparta Jamaica: My heart goes out to the parents of the poor baby who perished ('Tragic infant in Queens not killed by dog as first feared,' May 29). I'm also concerned for the poor puppy that did not cause the infant's death. An earlier version of the article mentioned that the parents planned to train the dog to be a service animal. Was there a plan to contact a certified Assistance Dogs International member program? No mention of it was made. I hope further investigation clears the dog completely and the puppy gets adopted by a loving family. Abby Frank Manhattan: On Friday night, I was standing at my local pharmacy counter. There was a somewhat irritated woman in front of me. As she was being helped, another worker started to help me. This customer was irritated at things taking so long. She muttered under her breath, not realizing we all heard her, 'Man, I've done drug deals faster than this!' We all burst out laughing. Lucky for us, no cops were in the pharmacy. Charles Adrian O'Connor Los Angeles: As a fan of Mexican cuisine and a regular customer at my local Mexican restaurant, Fiesta Mexico, would all social media users please stop using the 'TACO' acronym when referring to you-know-who? It really diminishes the enjoyment of this Mexican food favorite when I order a few at the bar during happy hour and two-for-Tuesdays. Otis Criblecoblis Clearwater, Fla.: In the event Sean 'Diddy' Combs is convicted, my sincere hope is that President Trump doesn't pardon him. One of the charges against Diddy is the physical abuse of his former girlfriend, Cassie Ventura. The 2016 video that was caught on hotel surveillance showing Diddy brutally assaulting Ventura (dragging and kicking her) is painful to watch. Pardoning Combs would send the wrong message by saying that it's OK to beat up on women. And being that Trump is adamantly against biological males in women's sports due to the unfairness, I don't see how he can justify physical abuse against women. Allowing Combs to take his lumps if found guilty is a message of virtue. JoAnn Lee Frank Charlotte, N.C.: What's up with Trump and Harvard University? Did they deny him admission in the 1960s and this is part of his revenge campaign? Barbara Haynes Staten Island: I am writing to shed light on an often overlooked yet deeply personal and impactful experience: traumatic childbirth. As a mother who recently endured a traumatic birth, I have come to realize how isolating and emotionally overwhelming it can be. While childbirth is commonly celebrated as a joyful milestone, for many women, including me, it can be marked by fear, complications and lasting psychological effects. Unfortunately, the silence surrounding traumatic births leaves many mothers feeling alone in their pain. It is not just about physical recovery, but also the mental and emotional healing that can take far longer, and often goes unsupported. I believe it's time to break the silence and normalize conversations about birth trauma. By sharing our stories and standing together, we can create a stronger, more supportive community for all mothers. Alexsis A. Gilles Hartsdale, N.Y.: I love the new LaGuardia Airport but hate the cell phone parking lot. Last Friday night, I had the unenviable opportunity to pick up my daughter and kids visiting from Chicago. Friday nights are a zoo at the airport, so I planned to arrive early. As I approached Terminal B, I was grateful to see signs for a cell phone lot where I could wait until she called to be picked up. When I arrived, I was greeted by a sea of black TLC Chevy Suburbans in this tiny lot. Every spot was taken, most without drivers sitting and waiting. These cars are obviously using it as a free parking lot. Now I understand why I see dozens of cars parked along the side of the road waiting to be called. Please put some controls in place. This parking lot is not meant for private limo services' convenience. Daniel Brea Manhattan: With due respect to Voicer Dennis Dunleavy, my word choice to describe Scott Stringer is 'nebbish' — that nasal, whiny voice is almost humorous when he tries to talk tough. All I remember of his time in office is having his city car chauffeur Mrs. Stringer to work. Robert J. Katz Manhattan: Thanks to Harry Siegel's column on the subject ('Mamdani's moment for momentum,' June 1), the core issue with the enthusiastic young candidate was made clear: Zohran Mamdani is dreaming the possible dream — a city all cleaned up with a whole lot of freebies and just a few problems. I hope that this time, we elect a realist with prior relevant job experience. Frankie Turchiano
Yahoo
09-04-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
New York bills aim to reform parole and sentencing
ALBANY, N.Y. (NEXSTAR) — Two proposed bills advancing through the New York State Legislature sparked debate over public safety and fairness in the criminal justice system on Tuesday. The bills could reshape how the state handles parole and good behavior, letting some sentences be reduced by as much as half. S159/A127 would change how parole works for people incarcerated at state prisons, granting supervised release by default unless the Parole Board can prove that they clearly still pose a danger to the public. More Local News S342/A1085, the Earned Time Act, is more complex. It would let inmates earn time off their sentence. Credits could total up to one-half of their sentence, whereas current credits for good behavior get capped at lower levels. Earned time credits would accumulate each year based on behavior like participation in education, work, or treatment programs. And those credits would not be removable once earned. Critics warned that passing the bills would put dangerous criminals on the street, which they called particularly galling because it's National Crime Victims' Rights Week. The ranking member on the State Senate Committee on Crime Victims, Crime and Correction, Republican State Senator Rob Rolison, blasted what he called the 'bad bills' on Wednesday. He said Earned Time will reward incarcerated people with credit that can't be taken back whenever their good behavior ends. His counterpart on that committee—the chair, Sen. Julia Salazar—sponsored the parole reform in the Senate and cosponsored Earned Time. Here's Rolison on Tuesday connecting the conversation about reform back to the correction officers strike: More Local News And other critics have referenced other criminal justice reforms—like bail and discovery—as part of a larger pro-crime agenda favored by Albany Democrats to undermine public safety. Republican State Sen. Mark Walczyk said the legislation 'tells convicts that their rights and comfort outweigh the safety of law-abiding citizens.' Republican State Senator Jim Tedisco agreed that the legislature should focus on making prison facilities safer for correction officers. 'These bills are a deliberate slap in the face to all New Yorkers who care about law and order, and especially to the victims of violent crime,' he said. But the new measures are supposed to replace vague, discretionary decisions made by corrections staff. Noting that the measures use transparent, precise formulas, supporters say new standards create a more consistent, predictable process. They say the reforms will lower prison populations, correctional costs, and recidivism so incarcerated people can improve their lives once they've repaid their debt to society. In support of the bills, the Center for Community Alternatives argued that New York's current sentencing laws have led to mass incarceration and disproportionately affected Black and brown communities. 'At a time when New York's prison system is in crisis, the Earned Time Act offers a real solution to change prison culture, support successful reentry, and reunite families,' said Tomas Gant, a CCA community organizer. CCA pointed to a 2006 report from the Department of Corrections and Community Supervision showing that earned time credits reduced recidivism. Still, Republicans and law enforcement insist the changes are dangerous. They claim Earned Time would let inmates reduce their sentences by up to 75%, regardless of how serious their crimes. 'Senator Cooney should be ashamed of himself for putting criminals ahead of his constituents,' said a representative from the Locust Club police group about Democratic State Senator Jeremy Cooney, who sponsored Earned Time. In a statement distributed in the Greater Rochester area, they urged residents to contact their legislators to complain. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
30-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Chemung County Legislator calls for special investigation into NYSEG
CHEMUNG COUNTY, N.Y. (WETM) — A Chemung County Legislator has called for a bipartisan investigation by the New York State Legislature into New York State Electric & Gas (NYSEG) for what he says are issues with the company that have arisen over the past several months. Rodney Strange, legislator for Chemung County's 15th District, announced on Facebook late Saturday, March 29, a call to action against NYSEG for many issues around the company's practices toward customers. 'It is clear that people don't trust NYSEG, and they have no faith in the NYS Public Service Commission,' Strange said in the post. 'What needs to happen is for the State Legislature to conduct a Bipartisan, Comprehensive, Independent Investigation into the many issues that have arisen over the past several months with NYSEG,' he said. DEC to review wildlife protection and enforcement process after seizure of Peanut the squirrel Some of those issues Strange mentioned include billing practices, operating procedures, electric costs, delivery costs, supply charges, smart meters, and other issues brought to light by customers around the state. 'This has to be the focus because nothing has happened since these problems started, and there is no solution in sight,' Strange said. Strange is asking the public to contact their local state senator and assembly member and tell them to work on solving these problems that he says are financially cropping New Yorkers. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
