(New Rochelle, NY) — New York State Governor Andrew Cuomo held a press conference at The College of New Rochelle on May 10, 2012 to announce ground-breaking legislation to protect people with special needs and disabilities.
More than 200 representatives of local community organizations, members of the CNR Community, press from all the major news outlets, and government officials filled the College’s Maura Ballroom for the event.
CNR President Judith Huntington welcomed the Governor, praising him for the legislation, which she said sets a “new standard of care and protection for our most vulnerable populations. This important legislation resonates with the mission at The College of New Rochelle which for more than 100 years has been committed to service and ensuring social justice for underserved populations.”
According to the press release issued by the Governor’s office, “the legislation will create a new Justice Center for the Protection of People with Special Needs, an initiative that will transform how the state protects over one million New Yorkers in State operated, certified or licensed facilities and programs. The Justice Center will have a Special Prosecutor and Inspector General for the Protection of People with Special Needs who will investigate reports of abuse and neglect and prosecute allegations that rise to the level of criminal offenses.