Support for legislation that would expand protections for immigrants in New York has steadily grown as opposition to the actions of federal immigration agents has hit a fever pitch. The New York for All Act now counts the state Senate majority leader and a slew of congressional representatives as supporters. But even as she has backed two new measures meant to protect undocumented immigrants, Gov. Kathy Hochul still hasn\u2019t indicated she will push for the increasingly popular legislation.<\/p>\n
State Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins offered her support for the New York for All Act for the first time last week during her opening day remarks. Near the end of her floor speech, Stewart-Cousins said her conference was committed to \u201cadvancing the goals\u201d of the legislation. The phrasing still hedged a little, but she used similar language when first expressing support for the \u201cprinciples\u201d of the Good Cause Eviction bill not long before it became the law of the land.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Speaking to reporters on Monday, Stewart-Cousins said it was necessary to specifically mention the legislation \u201cbecause of this moment.\u201d She also suggested that Hochul would serve as a partner on the issue. \u201cWe have had conversations about it, and I think everybody is alarmed on some level about what is happening in our country,\u201d Stewart-Cousins said.\u00a0<\/p>\n
But a spokesperson for the governor wouldn\u2019t offer any hints as to where the governor may stand on the specific bill. \u201cThe Governor will review any piece of legislation that passes both houses of the Legislature,\u201d spokesperson Kara Cumoletti said. She otherwise referred back to comments Hochul made on MSNOW about a measure allowing New Yorkers to sue Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents for violating their civil rights. \u201cI’m going to stand up to defend rights, at least what I can do in New York,\u201d Hochul said last week.<\/p>\n