Hochul to pitch term limits, ethics rules in State of State

ALBANY — Gov. Hochul’s plans for New York include proposing term limits and capping outside income for the state’s top elected officials.

Hochul offered a glimpse of her policy priorities Monday as she gears up to deliver her first State of the State address Wednesday, unveiling a pair of proposals that present a clean break from her predecessor.

According to her plans, Hochul will introduce a constitutional amendment that would set limits of two consecutive terms for the governor, lieutenant governor, attorney general and state comptroller.

She is also pitching legislation that would impose a ban on outside earned income for statewide elected officials, with an exception for teaching or academic positions that receive approval from the ethics board.

“I want people to believe in their government again,” Hochul said in a statement.

“With these bold reforms, we will ensure New Yorkers know their leaders work for them and are focused on serving the people of this state.”

The proposals come six months after the departure of disgraced former Gov. Andrew Cuomo, who resigned amid sexual harassment allegations in August. Cuomo was preparing to seek a fourth, fouryear term as governor and sparked controversy with a $5 million book deal signed at the height of the COVID crisis.

A state ethics panel voted last month to rescind approval of the deal, concluding Cuomo improperly received help from state employees in writing and promoting the pandemic-themed memoir. Attorney General Letitia James’ office, however, has said more information is needed before it can force Cuomo to give up his earnings from the book.

Hochul will provide more details about the proposals as she outlines her priorities for the coming legislative session during her address.

The Buffalo native has repeatedly said she wants to make ethics reforms and transparency top priorities of her administration.

“On day one as governor I pledged to restore trust in government, and I have taken steps every day to deliver the open, ethical governing New Yorkers deserve,” she said.