“While there were aspects of Gov. Hochul’s state budget presentation I agreed with—directing funding toward mental health care and the fight against the fentanyl and opioid crisis—it’s disconcerting funding spent on migrants in New York City has doubled when so many New York families continue to struggle. Dipping into reserve funding to build up this funding to support incoming migrants only adds insult to injury. In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic and throughout the recession we currently find ourselves in, New Yorkers are looking for a solid budget that will address their needs. Once again placing the needs of migrants over the needs of New York citizens is a slap in the face to our constituents.”