New York City Mayor Eric Adams met with Governor Kathy Hochul in Albany on Tuesday, pushing for stronger measures to address the city’s ongoing mental health crisis, among other critical issues, as reported by The New York Post.

In a one-hour meeting inside Hochul’s state capitol office, Adams urged the governor to support expanded authority for involuntary removals of mentally ill individuals from public spaces, a move he argues is vital to ensuring public safety.

Jan 17, 2022; New York, New York, USA; New York City Mayor Eric Adams addresses the crowd prior to the game honoring Martin Luther King Jr. between the Charlotte Hornets and New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Wendell Cruz-Imagn Images

The mayor’s agenda also included advocating for a tax break for low-income families and revisions to a controversial evidence law. Speaking with Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie and Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins, Adams emphasized the importance of policies that prioritize working-class families.

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“What I was pleased with was the governor and the speaker both took the posture of what I’ve been saying is we need to put the money back in the pockets of working-class people,” Adams said during an interview with The New York Post Editorial Board.

A major focus of Adams’ lobbying efforts was expanding the authority to commit severely mentally ill individuals. Currently, only psych ward doctors have the power to make such commitments. Adams argued that additional authority is necessary to protect both the individuals in crisis and the public.

Jan 10, 2022; Bronx, New York, USA; New York City Mayor Eric Adams speaks to the media at the Twin Parks North West apartment building in the Bronx Jan. 10, 2022. Seventeen people died in a fire in the building on Sunday. The fire was believed to have been caused by a defective space heater which caused heavy smoke conditions throughout the building. Mandatory Credit: Seth Harrison-USA TODAY

This push comes on the heels of several tragic incidents. Last month, 51-year-old homeless man Ramon Rivera, suffering from severe mental illness, allegedly stabbed and killed three New Yorkers. The case reignited debate over how to handle the city’s growing mental health crisis.

Further fueling the conversation is the recent acquittal of Marine veteran Daniel Penny in the chokehold death of Jordan Neely, a homeless man and Michael Jackson impersonator who was known for erratic behavior on the subway.

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Adams defended Penny’s actions while lamenting Neely’s death, saying, “When you look at this young man who went repeatedly through our system, he needed help.”

“He needed help. And we did not give him help.”

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Adams’ calls for change were echoed by Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie, who acknowledged the need to address involuntary commitment during the next legislative session. However, Heastie emphasized that jail is not a suitable solution for individuals with severe mental health issues.

The mayor also pressed lawmakers to revisit “discovery” rules that mandate quick evidence-sharing between prosecutors and defense attorneys. Critics argue the rules have led to a surge in cases being dismissed.

While Heastie noted progress in creating more uniformity in the process, he stated he hadn’t received specific proposals for changes to the law.

Adams’ visit to Albany also included his participation in the procedural Electoral College vote, led by Hochul. Yet, it’s clear the mayor’s primary goal was to advocate for policies he believes will strengthen New York City’s safety and stability.

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