New Yorkers, it’s 4:44 AM—and we have got ourselves a budget.

It was an honor to preside over the Senate until almost 5am this morning, working until we closed the book on a state budget for all New Yorkers.

With Félix V. Matos Rodríguez Matos Rodríguez at the CUNY Caucus Luncheon today. I’m proud that our just-passed state budget is making transformative investments in CUNY and SUNY.

Thank you to the Westchester Black Women’s Political Caucus for letting me join you today in honoring a dear friend and mentor, Dr. Hazel Dukes.

Thank you Dr. Hazel Dukes for guiding and supporting me from the beginning! I wouldn’t be Lt Governor today without your love and assistance.

New: Former NY LG Brian Benjamin is bringing on a new legal team as he fights federal bribery charges: Barry Berke and Dani James of Kramer Levin. Berke represented Bill de Blasio in fundraising probes and served as counsel for both impeachments of Donald Trump. 1/2

Berke/James say the case is "an unprecedented attempt to criminally charge an upstanding state leader for routine fundraising and support of a non-profit." Add they are "shocked and dismayed" that prosecutors would bring such "flimsy" charges so close to June's Dem primary. 2/2

Here’s the full statement from Berke and James >>

OPINION | Crime, punishment and true justice: Brian Benjamin on fairness in public safety We must be vigilant in evaluating data to ensure that we are balancing fairness with public safety, writes Brian Benjamin trib.al/BA9BTBc

A set back is often a set up for our comeback. Don't give up.

Crime, punishment and true justice: Brian Benjamin on fairness in public safety nydailynews.com/opinion/ny-ope…

Lawyers for the ex-Lt. Gov. Brian Benjamin filed a new brief on Friday making the case that Democracy itself hangs in the balance. @_RebeccaCLewis has the scoop. cityandstateny.com/politics/2023/…

We just filed our US Supreme Court petition. I will continue to fight to vindicate the truth and my innocence in this case, as I have been doing for the more than two years since these wrongful charges were brought. supremecourt.gov/DocketPDF/24/2…

I would like to thank the present leadership at US Attorney SDNY for reviewing this case and deciding to dismiss the charges in its entirety today. I want to thank my legal team, family, friends and community for all of their unwavering support. nytimes.com/2025/01/17/nyr…

Brian Benjamin followed a different playbook than Adams, Trump, and other electeds charged with crimes. I talked to him for his first interview since the former lieutenant governor’s case got dropped. politico.com/newsletters/ne…

I know we live in a world where it is hard to separate facts from allegations/opinions. Influential voices are more focused on clicks than vetting, thoughtful analysis and perspective. With that said, thanks to Rebecca Lewis for sharing my full interview: cityandstateny.com/personality/20…

NEW POD: deray Don Calloway @pharaohrapture • Dems veer right in new playbook • Trump-Zelensky heated exchange in Oval Office • Curry J. Hackett use of AI in art & design • DeRay interviews former Lieutenant Governor Brian Benjamin Listen: crooked.com/podcast/brian-…