ALBANY, NY- Governor Kathy Hochul is calling on President Trump and Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Markwayne Mullin to fully fund New York’s counterterrorism efforts by releasing the $87 million in federal funds still owed to the state.
The Governor says the Trump Administration cut critical counterterrorism and homeland security funding in New York State by 86-percent, or $187 million.
It has been nearly a year since and yet Hochul says the state is owed that remaining balance to support intelligence operations, transit hub security, and equipment, training, and preparedness for sheriffs and police departments across the state.
“By holding this funding hostage, the Trump Administration is defunding the police,” she said.
“New York State continues to be the nation’s number one terrorist target – and if President Trump and Secretary Mullin really care about public safety, they should stop playing games and fully fund our vital counterterrorism efforts.”
The funding, provided by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) through its Homeland Security Grant Program (HSGP), supports local law enforcement and regional homeland security preparedness efforts, including intelligence operations, mass gathering security, planning, equipment purchases, and training critical to sustaining and improving community prevention, protection, response and recovery capabilities.
On the other hand, according to a separate publication via CBS News, the DHS has snapped back at Governor Hochul – accusing state leaders of “sitting on more than $300 million in UNSPENT federal homeland security funding.”
New York State Capitol image.
