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New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani with Gov. Kathy Hochul in November.
\nAP file photo<\/p>\n
New York state Gov. Kathy Hochul has again come to the rescue for a fiscally challenged city with its massive debt \u2014 and this one is downstate.<\/p>\n
On Monday, Hochul and New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani announced New York state will allocate an additional $1.5 billion in operating expenses over two years to help address New York City\u2019s fiscal challenges.<\/p>\n
\u201cA strong New York City means a stronger New York State. This investment protects services and puts the city on stable financial footing,\u201d Hochul said. \u201cNew Yorkers expect the state and the city to work together, and I\u2019m proud to partner with the Mayor to deliver for working families.\u201d<\/p>\n
This additional funding includes $510 million in recurring funding targeted towards costs that had shifted from the state to New York City under prior administrations, including about $300 million for youth programming, a restoration of $150 million in sales tax receipts that would have otherwise been retained by the state, and $60 million for public health. The remaining $500 million will be targeted to shared priorities to be determined in subsequent discussions.<\/p>\n
\u201cWorking New Yorkers did not create this budget crisis and they should not be the ones to pay for it. After years of staggering fiscal mismanagement under the previous administration, our city deserves responsible and collaborative leadership,\u201d Mamdani said. \u201cI am heartened by this budgetary progress and Governor Hochul\u2019s partnership at this critical moment. This is what it looks like to begin a new, productive, and fair relationship between City Hall and Albany \u2013 focused on delivering for working New Yorkers.\u201d<\/p>\n
Last June, Hochul bailed out the city of Dunkirk \u2014 that has a nearly $30 million budget \u2014 with a $13.7 million loan that is to be paid back with interest.<\/p>\n
State Republicans, specifically gubernatorial challenger Bruce Blakeman and comptroller candidate Joseph Hernandez, voiced their disapproval of the funding.<\/p>\n
\u201cKathy Hochul is happily handing billions to New York City while suburban and upstate taxpayers struggle to pay their bills,\u201d Blakeman said. \u201cIf Albany truly has a $1.5 billion surplus \u2014 or if the Governor simply has that much money just laying around \u2014 that money should be used to cut school taxes for hard-working New Yorkers, not parked in a bailout that rewards fiscal mismanagement.\u201d<\/p>\n
Hochul\u2019s office noted she has increased support for New York City every year since taking office. This investment builds on her recent commitment to expand universal child care in New York City.<\/p>\n
In recent weeks, the mayor reduced New York City\u2019s budget gap to $7 billion by deploying in-year reserves, committing to an agency savings plan, and incorporating higher-than-expected revenues.<\/p>\n
\u201cThere are no enforceable reforms attached to this money,\u201d Hernandez said. \u201cNo permanent spending controls. No structural changes. Just another billion-dollar transfer to protect political allies. This is exactly how one-party rule operates. When government overspends, they do not correct course. They demand more. New York already faces record Medicaid spending, mounting pension obligations, and serious structural deficits. Adding half a billion dollars in recurring commitments without reform only increases the likelihood of future tax hikes.\u201d<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ripley Central School Board of Education members approved motions at their meeting last month, preparing for a …<\/p>\n