I am a GIANT Fan of New York Governor Andrew Cuomo because the indefatigable New York Governor has consistently bypassed state politics and governed outside of political agendas but instead, led by acting for the greater good of the citizens of New York State.
The ability to actually get things done ... a budget, a equality-of-life via gay marriage, peace on the education front ... the list can go on and on. Bravo Andrew Cuomo.
And now the New York Governor takes aim at what, in my opinion, is the most important agenda of his entire political life: the creation, passage, and implementation of serious gun control laws that will protect lives.
God speed Governor Cuomo. God Speed!
New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo called for tougher state bans on assault weapons and high-capacity magazines of ammunition as part of a progressive agenda in a sometimes fiery State of the State speech Wednesday.
"No one hunts with an assault rifle. No one needs 10 bullets to kill a deer," Cuomo said. "End the madness now!
"The tragic events of just the last few weeks in Newtown, Conn., and West Webster, N.Y., have indelibly taught us guns can cut down small children, firefighters and policemen in a moment," Cuomo said.
The state already has among the most restrictive gun control laws in the nation, and the governor noted that New York passed the nation's first handgun permit law, in 1911.
A deal is expected soon that could make New York one of the first states to pass gun control laws following the Dec. 14 shooting, in which 20 first-graders and six educators were gunned down with a powerful weapon at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Connecticut. The shooter also killed his mother and himself.
New York's effort was hastened further by the Christmas Eve killings of two firefighters in western New York by a man who set his neighborhood on fire, lay in wait with a high-powered rifle for responders, shot them and killed himself. Webster residents related to the firefighters were honored guests at the State of State address.
"Let's lead the way once again in saving lives," Cuomo said in an often rousing speech that some observers said better positioned the Democrat for a 2016 run for president.
Cuomo would also require follow-ups for owners of handgun licenses to make sure they are still qualified to possess a gun based on criminal and other records. He would increase sentences for gun crimes including for using guns on school property and for gang activities.
Legislators were working Wednesday behind closed doors to reach agreement on the governor's demand for tighter controls on assault weapons and high-capacity ammunition magazines.
Democratic Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver and Republican Sen. Martin Golden agreed the closed-door talks have brought all sides to within 95 percent of a deal, which could be announced and acted on this week.
"New York leads the nation, it's time New York lead the nation in this," Silver said. His priorities are bans on assault rifles and high-capacity magazines of ammunition.
"Our goal is to try to get something done by the end of this week," said Senate Republican leader Dean Skelos.
