Gov. Cuomo announced an $11.5 million plan Sunday to combat the notorious MS-13 gang by enrolling at-risk youth in social and educational programs.
The proposal aims to expand after-school programs and vocational training and provide gang-prevention education to students.
“MS-13 is a scourge all across the country,” Cuomo said on WNYM/970 AM radio’s “The Cats Roundtable.” “The gang sells belonging, identity — a poor, cheap substitute for that family belonging — and we have to have an alternative that is a positive one.”
The state began pouring law enforcement into MS-13 strongholds on Long Island in April, including 25 state troopers to perform patrols and undercover operations.
Cuomo’s announcement, made in anticipation of his State of the State address, would include $2 million for after-school programs to target parts of Long Island that are deemed high-risk, $5 million for individualized vocational training and $3 million for comprehensive case management for at-risk young people.



