Gov. Andrew Cuomo called on Republican elected officials in New York to “stand united” and voice support for state funding in the next federal coronavirus stimulus package.
Senate Republicans are expected to unveil a revamped $1 trillion aid package this week after the proposal was abruptly pulled back just days ago.
Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin said the legislation includes a fresh round of $1,200 stimulus checks as well as the restoration of unemployment benefits — though at a substantially smaller amount.
What remains unclear, however, is whether states and local governments will get additional federal funding to help stabilize budgets ravaged by the COVID-19 pandemic.
“We have about a $14 billion loss of revenue and about a $5 billion cost of this COVID virus. We know that we'd have to have drastic budget cuts if we don't get aid,” Cuomo said during a coronavirus conference call with reporters Sunday morning. “So I'd ask the Republican congresspeople, put your politics aside. Stand up, call on your colleagues to actually do the right thing and represent the people of the state rather than your political party, and do it as loudly as you play politics for your party.”
The $3 trillion House coronavirus aid package, which was passed by Democrats more than two months ago, includes funding for state and local governments.
This story was written by WPIX and comprises reporting from The Associated Press.
