Cuomo’s Stance on Criminal Justice Reform
Andrew Cuomo seems to have a complicated relationship with the prohibition law. He claims he’s proud to end what he calls “injustice,” yet oddly distances himself from it, suggesting it was someone else’s doing. It’s like he’s pretending it never even existed.
The former governor has been vocal about his record on criminal justice reform recently.
Last week, Cuomo firmly stated, “There’s no cashless bail,” despite President Trump’s recent executive order aimed at cutting federal funds for jurisdictions implementing such reforms.
But maybe he should talk to 94-year-old Audrey Hawkins. In June, she was attacked on the E-Train by Edwin Wright, who got a quick release because his charges didn’t warrant a serious response.
Cuomo’s narrative also includes claims that the state legislature warped his vision. He insists he wanted “judicial discretion,” but lawmakers didn’t support it.
It’s frustrating!
The bail measures included in the state budget followed extensive negotiations. If the governor—who had significant influence in these discussions—really wanted something, it would involve some give and take. It feels like he wanted it all without the necessary compromises.
Let’s not forget, this son of Mario and Matilda, once backed cashless bail and eventually signed it into law.
Back in 2019, his Justice Agenda promoted legalizing recreational marijuana and claimed it would help address fraud in the criminal justice system. Central to that was the overhaul of the cash bail system.
It doesn’t seem like he was forced into these decisions. Perhaps he jumped on popular progressive ideas as he eyed a potential run for the Democratic nomination in 2020. He definitely took the initiative then.
In the previous year, Cuomo famously said, “If you can’t make bail, you’re stuck in prison… If you can make bail, you’re free. That’s not justice.”
Why is it so hard for him to admit, “I was wrong,” or even that he has reconsidered after seeing how things have played out?
Cuomo seems keen to position himself against the current mayor, regardless of how many “alternative facts” he needs to put forward.
Yes, he’s actually imagined that his policies have made crime worse, even while asserting that these reforms would lead to better outcomes.
He backed these measures, likely believing they served his political ambitions while simultaneously trying to negotiate support for other power-related interests. But it’s clear he’s making choices that don’t prioritize the safety of law-abiding New Yorkers, leaving him far from being a candidate focused on public safety.
