Press Releases

Washington, DC – U.S. Rep. Marc Molinaro (NY-19) today released the following statement on Governor Hochul reportedly attending political fundraisers in Washington, DC as Upstate New York deals with a migrant crisis:

“Our communities have significant concerns regarding the ongoing movement of migrants from New York City to Upstate New York. Instead of meeting with New Yorkers in these communities – Governor Hochul is in Washington, DC attending political fundraisers and meeting with Members of Congress representing Democrat districts only.

“Governor Hochul must provide answers to the following questions:

1). New York State’s budget stole one billion dollars in federal Medicare dollars from local governments. It also changed state law to permit Medicaid dollars to be used on non-citizens. Are these federal Medicaid dollars being used to transport and house migrants?

2). Amid reports that migrants are being bussed Upstate in the dead of night, will Governor Hochul commit to notifying federal, county, and local leaders before sending migrants to their communities?

3). If counties do not agree to accept migrants due to a lack of resources, will Governor Hochul commit to respecting their decision?

4). Will the Governor push President Biden to adopt stronger border security measures to address the root cause of New York’s migrant crisis?

“We are facing a crisis that impacts communities represented by Democrats and Republicans. Our solution must be bipartisan. I urge Governor Hochul to work with leaders at all levels of government and across party lines on this issue. Upstate New Yorkers want transparency, communication, and above all else, for this to stop.”