Since Kathleen Courtney Hochul began her stint as governor of New York on August 24, 2021, she has worked tirelessly to gain the support of her constituents. To rebuild New York State post-pandemic, Hochul celebrated a key milestone this past week, announcing the Port Authority’s transformation of John F. Kennedy International Airport with the groundbreaking of a $1.5 billion privately financed expansion and modernization of Terminal 4, to be completed within two short years. “Today’s groundbreaking is a huge part in the story of New York’s comeback from the hardship we underwent during the pandemic,” Hochul said. “The economic impact of this transformation will be felt for decades, while solidifying our state’s global leading role in welcoming visitors from abroad and those returning home. I look forward to all this partnership with the Port Authority and Delta will bring to New York.” Plans are set to include a major concourse expansion to add ten new gates, the renovation of existing concourses, and roadway upgrades to improve access for vehicles.
The Jewish agenda and our healthcare needs were also on Hochul’s mind in recent days. The governor took time to visit the Village of Great Neck on the North Shore of Long Island to speak with lay leaders in the industry. At Colbeh Kosher Mediterranean Grill, Hochul met Ed Farbenblum, the board chairman of NuHealth, which runs Nassau University Medical Center; Ben Landa, CEO of Sentosa Care, a Woodmere-based group servicing NYS nursing facilities; Shimi Pelman, the politically connected District Leader from Kew Gardens Hills and CEO of Union Plaza Nursing Home, amongst other healthcare accolades; Jeremy B. Strauss, CEO of The Grand Healthcare System, a celebrated nursing and rehabilitation center in Great Neck; and other healthcare professionals. Their conversations put the Jewish rubric front and center for the 57th governor of New York State as she heads into her first official election for the position.