NEW YORK (1010 WINS) -- Gov. Kathy Hochul said Monday that she backs a two-term limit for New York governors and that she will unveil a plan to institute the reform at her first State of the State address on Wednesday.
Hochul’s office said she will propose that governors serve a maximum of two consecutive four-year terms in office. New York is one of about a dozen states without term limits for governors.
Hochul’s proposed term limits would apply not only to the governor but also to the statewide elected positions of lieutenant governor, attorney general and comptroller.
Both the state legislature and voters would need to approve the proposal, which would require a constitutional amendment, according to the New York Times.
Hochul will also propose a ban on outside income for statewide elected officials while they serve in office, with an exception for academic positions that must receive ethics board approval.
In a press release, Hochul said the proposals were aimed at “increasing accountability and trust in the integrity of state government.”
Hochul’s predecessor, Andrew Cuomo, was elected to three terms in office, but he resigned last August amid a sexual misconduct scandal after 10 years as governor.
Hochul’s proposed ban on outside income comes after Cuomo earned roughly $5.1 million for a memoir he wrote about the pandemic while serving as governor. Last month, the state ethics commission gave Cuomo 30 days to turn over all money he was paid by a publisher for the book, “American Crisis: Leadership Lessons from the COVID-19 Pandemic.”
In a statement Monday, Hochul said she was taking steps “to deliver the open, ethical governing New Yorkers deserve.”
“I want people to believe in their government again,” Hochul said. “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.”
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