Griffo statement on COVID-19 relief package

New York State Sen. Joseph Griffo, R-I-C-Rome, released the following statement today regarding the federal COVID-19 relief package that was recently agreed to by Congress:

“While Washington has agreed to a coronavirus relief package, it is disappointing and frustrating that government-to-government assistance has not been included. I recognize that structural problems exist in each state – particularly New York – and that these problems should be addressed by New York. However, governments, including local and school districts, have experienced new and extraordinary expenses related to the coronavirus pandemic. What has Congress really done? Have they truly made a difference after much bickering, partisan posturing and dragging their feet?

The plan agreed to by Congress will provide for a short-term economic boost, but it also will lead to future financial difficulties for New Yorkers and Americans for years to come. Yes, Americans will have more money in their pockets thanks to a stimulus check, but they will bear additional burdens as local governments and school districts may still raise taxes to balance their budgets and maintain services. There will be more for unemployment, but additional people will be laid off because communities will not be able to pay firefighters, police, teachers and other essential personnel. More businesses that are barely making it now will close as people have less and less disposable income to spend. 

It is puzzling and perplexing that Congress would rather give people money now just to see it taken right back when higher-than-normal tax bills come in the mail. We should be trying to help as many people as we can during the pandemic and into the future – not setting them up for failure down the road. Unfortunately, this plan, without government-to-government assistance, does just that. 

While we have continued to see a reluctance from the Cuomo administration to release previous federal pandemic funding, it is the state’s responsibility to deliver these funds promptly. The federal government must come up with a method to disperse any new and additional funding directly to local governments, schools and others in need.

I am hopeful that Washington will soon take a breath, come together and put forth a sensible plan that will help Americans now and into the future. Common sense should be a guiding principal and ultimately prevail in the end.”

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