NY State Assemblyman John McDonald sits down to discuss Retail Organized Crime

In this interview with Assemblyman John McDonald on "What Just Happened," the focus is on his bill addressing organized retail crime in New York. The bill proposes the creation of a retail organized crime task force, acknowledging the widespread issue of organized retail theft, amounting to $100 billion nationally and $4.4 billion in New York alone. The task force, with a bipartisan composition, aims to bring together various stakeholders, including representatives from the governor's office, Retail Council, Retail and Wholesale Union, and law enforcement, to collaboratively address the problem.
Assemblyman McDonald emphasizes the impact of organized retail theft on businesses, taxpayers, and employees, underscoring the need for a comprehensive approach. The bill seeks to bridge the gap between different levels of government and stakeholders, fostering communication and cooperation to find effective solutions. McDonald also addresses concerns about the urgency of action and the potential effectiveness of proposed measures, highlighting the importance of evidence-based decision-making.
The fate of the bill hinges on Governor Hochul's decision to sign it by the week, with McDonald advocating for a thoughtful and comprehensive approach to address organized retail crime in the state.