CPC applauds the State’s rapid mobilization to the first positive Coronavirus case confirmed in New York, particularly in waiving the cost of tests and opening hotlines for the price gouging of necessary precautionary supplies. However, CPC is concerned that in the haste to respond, the Governor’s Office has attempted to politicize a public health emergency by pressuring the Legislature to choose between protecting their constituents and allowing the Executive to permanently expand emergency powers.

Historically, executive directives have been used to harm Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders (AAPIs), immigrant, low income communities, and communities of color, resulting in increased surveillance, monitoring, and internment. The vague and broad language included in the bill allows the Governor’s Office to issue a directive in a variety of scenarios unrelated to public health. Currently, the Governor’s Office has the power necessary to rapidly respond to protect New Yorkers in the case of an epidemic in the state.

We urge the Legislature to pass the bill with an amendment that does not expand Executive powers.