New York Assembly to release report on Cuomo investigation

The New York State Assembly on Monday announced plans to release its final report from an investigation into outgoing Gov. Andrew Cuomo (D) and the allegations of sexual misconduct against him.

NBC affiliate WGRZ reported that New York State Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie (D) and Assembly Judiciary Committee Chairman Charles Lavine (D) released a joint statement laying out the next steps.

“The Assembly Judiciary Committee will continue to review evidence and issue a final report on its investigation of Governor Cuomo,” the two lawmakers said.

“In doing so, the committee will take all appropriate steps to ensure that this effort does not interfere with various ongoing investigations by the United States Attorney concerning nursing home data; the attorney general concerning the governor’s memoir; and local law enforcement authorities in five jurisdictions – Manhattan, Albany, Westchester, Nassau and Oswego – regarding possible criminal incidents of sexual misconduct,” they added.

The Assembly said last week it would suspend impeachment proceedings against Cuomo after he announced his resignation.

Heastie said in a statement that he believed articles of impeachment would have been drawn up based on the Assembly’s findings.

Cuomo later asserted that he would have beaten an impeachment trial, but said his decision to resign was the “right thing” to do for New York.

Lt. Gov. Kathy Hochul (D) on Sunday said she is eager to bring about change when she replaces Cuomo.

“I want people to know — particularly young women, like I was once a young intern working in Buffalo and Democratic politics — I want them to know that this is a place they’re welcome, they’ll feel safe, they’ll know that their ideas are valued. So I don’t think it’s going to take a lot for that tone and change on day one, and I’m excited about that,” Hochul said on CNN’s “State of the Union.”