Griffo statement on proposal by socialist New York City senators to raise taxes to address illegal migrant crisis

New York State Sen. Joseph Griffo, R-C-Rome, released the following statement today regarding a report that state Sen. Julia Salazar and state Sen. Jabari Brisport, New York City legislators who characterize themselves as Democratic Socialists, have called for tax increases to deal with illegal migrant issue: 

“At a time when we continue to see a mass exodus of people and businesses from our state because they are overtaxed and overburdened, these two legislators are absurdly calling for raising taxes to address the illegal migrant crisis here in New York. We need to stop this mindset of tax and spend. I remain troubled by the state’s excessive spending and the impact it will have on this year’s budget, especially with a projected multi-billion-dollar budget gap through the 2026-27 fiscal year as the state Comptroller recently reported. 

As I have urged repeatedly, it is imperative that the federal government step up, do its job and overhaul the nation’s problematic immigration policy. Mayor Eric Adams, who declared New York City a sanctuary city and has already taken $1 billion in state funding to address this problem, should not force illegal migrants to other parts of the state because of his ineffective leadership and political posturing. No upstate community should have the additional burden of caring for these individuals when they do not have the resources to do so. I applaud the county leaders who have taken a stand for those they represent.” 

###