Senator Mike Nozzolio Calls for a Halt to a Multi-billion Unfunded Federal Mandate Following President Obama’s Immigration Order

Michael F. Nozzolio

December 5, 2014

New York State Senator Mike Nozzolio, today urged federal officials in Congress to block any attempts by President Obama’s Administration to initiate changes in immigration policies that could cost New York State’s taxpayers over $2 billion annually.
 
“Establishing this change in immigration policy ordered by President Obama could result in a massive unfunded federal mandate on New York taxpayers of unprecedented proportions,” Senator Nozzolio said in opposing this measure. 
  
New York State has made tremendous progress through lowering property taxes and creating a more sustainable economic climate, allowing families to stay in the state to work and raise families. Senator Nozzolio warned of the effects that President Obama’s actions could have on that progress.  
 
“This executive action taken by President Obama could severely strain New York State’s finances, by adding over 300,000 new enrollees to New York’s already overburdened Medicaid program,” said Senator Nozzolio. “My colleagues and I have worked hard to reduce spending and cut taxes in New York State, and without increased federal assistance, this unfunded mandate could be a potential setback to those efforts.”