Albany (WSYR-TV) - Governor Andrew Cuomo will deliver his State of the State address Wednesday in Albany and while the state’s economy is sure to be a priority, it’s some recent events here in New York and across the nation that are expected to take the spotlight.
A TV station in New York City is reporting that a deal to give New York one of the toughest gun control laws in the nation is being worked out as we speak between Cuomo and other legislative leaders. Sources say Cuomo hopes to announce the plan during his address.
The package is said to include:
- New restrictions on assault weapons
- Stiffer penalties for using a gun to commit a crime
- And new limits on the number of bullets in a magazine
Despite $1-billion plus deficit and continuing fiscal problems resulting from Superstorm Sandy, the Governor will vow to not raise taxes and renew a call for raising the state’s minimum wage, according to the NY Post.
Cuomo is also expected to renew a call to decriminalize the possession of small amounts of marijuana during stop and frisk seizures. As it stands now, anyone caught with 25 grams of marijuana or less is charged with a misdemeanor. Cuomo wants it to make it a violation.
Cuomo’s approval rating is hovering at just above 70 percent. A presidential run is not out of the question either.
We also expect to find out how New York City can prepare for another disaster, like Sandy. An expert panel is out with a 205 page report, calling for flood gates, another rail track and two more tunnels. The full report hasn’t been released yet, but it’s expected to be a topic at Wednesday’s address.
NewsChannel 9’s Jeff Kulikowsky will be in Albany for the Governor’s address. He’ll have live coverage beginning on NewsChannel 9 at 5 p.m.
You’ll also be able to watch the address live on 9WSYR.com.
