New York Governor Kathy Hochul revealed a groundbreaking $233 billion state budget for fiscal year 2025, proposing $2.4 billion to be allocated to New York City’s migrant crisis – a $500 million rise from the previous fiscal year’s allocation.

“Companies won’t do business in New York if there are thousands of people sleeping on the streets or the quality of life is dramatically impacted because the city is forced to cut essential services,” Hochul said. She further stressed the importance of supporting New York City to avert adverse effects on the economy and state revenues.

The budget, exceeding last year’s by about $4 billion or 1.8%, still requires approval from the state legislature. Despite the increased funding for asylum-seekers, Hochul pointed out the dependency on federal government action to effectively manage the influx of migrants. She announced plans to visit Washington, D.C., to advocate for immigration and border reform and additional funding for New York.

New York City Mayor Eric Adams thanked Governor Hochul for the increased funding but echoed her concerns regarding the federal government’s role. “Costs continue to grow. We need them to do more,” Adams said, highlighting the city’s disproportionate financial burden.

So far, the Biden administration has provided $150 million in migrant aid to the city, which contrasts sharply with the $10 billion projected cost of the migrant crisis from spring 2022 through 2025. The state’s total projected assistance for Gotham’s migrant issues across 2024 and 2025 totals $4.3 billion, covering just under half of the city’s estimated costs.

Coinciding with the state budget announcement, Mayor Adams unveiled the city’s 2025 budget of $109.4 billion, which, thanks to increased tax revenue, avoided expected cuts to city agencies. Adams’ budget allocates $4.9 billion for the migrant crisis, slightly up from the $4.2 billion in 2024.

Governor Hochul’s state budget plan also includes over $40 million to combat retail theft, $10 million to tackle hate crimes, and a four-year extension of mayoral control over New York City’s schools. Additionally, the budget promises no tax increases and dedicates $650 million for housing communities, with a focus on affordable units.

The budget also foresees a 10.9% increase in Medicaid spending, reaching $30.9 billion in 2025. Other notable allocations include $3.8 million for flood resiliency, $50 million for poverty initiatives in Buffalo, Rochester, and Syracuse, and $100 million for campaign financing programs.

(YWN World Headquarters – NYC)