»Gov. Kathy Hochul excludes Eric Adams’ immigration crisis funding in State of the State«
Tuesday’s State of the State address delivered by Governor Kathy Hochul did not include any funding for the $1 billion migrant problem in the city of New York.
Hochul forgot to mention support for the tens of thousands of migrants in her 47-minute lengthy statement, indicating that his call for state funds to help cover lodging, food, and other migrant-related expenses appeared to fell on deaf ears in Albany.
On page 198 of her 277-page briefing book, the governor buried a two-sentence passage guaranteeing financing for the state-run “Enhanced Services to Refugees Program,” which assists with the “successful establishment of migrants and asylum seekers in communities and local economies” throughout New York.
The fiscal year 2023 spending plan authorized a total of $6 million for this program, but Tuesday neither a price tag nor a mention of city-specific funds was provided.
Since the spring, over 38,700 migrants have landed in New York City, with over 26,100 asylum seekers residing in city-run shelters, according to the most recent data from City Hall. The city has opened 71 emergency motels and four megashelters to accommodate the influx of new residents.
Although New York is expected to get almost $8 million from the federal government, this is a small portion of Adams’ overall request of $1 billion.
Tuesday, in her 2023 State of the State address, Extra York Governor Kathy Hochul did not mention any new cash for the immigration problem.
AP
The actual cost of the crisis could be three times as high. In the absence of federal or state financing, City Comptroller Brad Lander, a fellow Democrat, recently estimated that New York City may spend $1 billion yearly over the next three years.
Adams applauded Hochul for including essential housing, mental health, and criminal justice policies despite the absence.
Adams stated in a statement released shortly after Hochul ended her address, “Governor Hochul’s State of the State outlined an ambitious agenda that would make New York City stronger, safer, and more affordable for working families.”
“The governor’s proposals on housing, mental illness, and public safety reflect New York City’s priorities and build on our administrations’ partnership and collaboration over the past year.”
Despite ignoring the migrant situation, Mayor Adams commended Hochul’s State of the State address for its “ambitious agenda.”
In addition, she promised to construct 800,000 new homes over the following decade to alleviate the housing shortfall.
The announcement followed Adams’ Tuesday introduction of an 11-point proposal that would facilitate the conversion of vacant commercial office space into residential apartment buildings.
Previously, Mayor Bloomberg had planned to build an additional 500,000 residences in New York City over the next decade.
In addition, the governor stated that she intends to invest $1 billion in inpatient psychiatric care, including the addition of 1,000 new beds and 3,500 housing units, to assist individuals battling with mental illness.
The action complements Mayor Bloomberg’s November declaration that he wants the NYPD, city employees, and hospital staff to be properly trained on the state and city’s involuntary commitment program when dealing with mentally ill homeless individuals who may require psychiatric assessments.
To address the immigration situation, New York City sought $1 billion from FEMA.
Every day, New Yorkers are confronted with escalating mental health crises, a problem that must be addressed by all levels of government. Adams praised the governor’s extensive efforts in the continuum of care in New York City.
Our united efforts will make New York safer and enhance the lives of thousands of people with serious mental illness.
Hizzoner also complimented the governor’s public safety program, despite the fact that her proposal to repeal the “least restrictive” means requirement would only offer judges a modest increase in discretion when setting bail for defendants accused of committing serious crimes.
“Finally, Governor Hochul has increased the investment and creativity required to ensure the safety of New Yorkers. At the same time, expenditures to avoid recidivism and provide wraparound services would help address the roots of criminal activity – a crucial prevention step, according to Adams, who has sought for additional assistance from Albany, including how to deal with stealing repeat offenders.
»Gov. Kathy Hochul excludes Eric Adams’ immigration crisis funding in State of the State«