Gov. Kathy Hochul signed the
new state budget and celebrated what she calls a "major step forward" to improving public safety. The $772 million investment into public safety included in the budget is what she says will be a holistic approach to crime. The biggest chunk of that money, $347 million, is going to fighting gun violence and sending resources to communities that are the most impacted. The number of state police embedded in communities will be increased as well, with more money for recruiting and training classes. The state will also look to invest in youth employment, career development and extracurricular activities. Another $70 million will be going to help communities deal with the aftermath of gun violence, including mental health services, and $170 million will go to district attorneys. A further $100 million more goes to public prosecutors and defenders.