Good evening,
Wednesday afternoon, Governor Andrew Cuomo issued another Executive Order during this COVID-19 crisis. Similar to Executive Order 203, this Executive Order does not address the COVID-19 emergency but instead, seeks to address race relations in New York State. Specifically, Executive Order 204 declares “Juneteenth” a holiday for New York State employees for this year. A copy of Executive Order 204 can be found here.
Juneteenth is a holiday celebrated annually on June 19. It commemorates June 19, 1865, when Union general Gordon Granger read federal orders in Galveston, Texas, that all previously enslaved people in Texas were free and the Civil War was over. This year is the 155th anniversary of Juneteenth. Given this moment in time in the United States and in New York with the refocus on race relations, Governor Cuomo determined that it was appropriate to formally celebrate Juneteenth in New York State.
Pursuant to Executive Order 204, Governor Cuomo formally recognizes June 19, 2020 as Juneteenth, which will be a holiday for state employees, who if not required to work, shall be entitled to leave at full pay without charge to existing accruals and for those employees who are required to work, they shall receive one day of compensatory time. Governor Cuomo, has noted that he will propose legislation next year to make Juneteenth an official state holiday.
Also noteworthy at Governor Cuomo’s press briefing this afternoon was his declaration that his daily COVID-19 briefings will cease on Friday, June 19. Governor Cuomo noted that with the COVID-19 pandemic on the downturn in the New York State, the need for daily briefings is unnecessary. Governor Cuomo did note, however, that he will do briefings when necessary, observing that “they will be necessary”.
This said, Long Point Advisors will continue to remain vigilant during this crisis to ensure that you are protected and informed in these uncertain times. As always, Long Point Advisors is a steady conduit to New York government officials, both state and local, on matters that are crucial to your business. A copy of this alert and all previous alerts can be found on my website at www.longpointadvisors.com. Feel free to pass along this e-mail and if you know anyone who wants to be added, please let me know. And again, if you wish to be removed from my e-mail list, please let me know.
Please stay safe.