ALBANY, N.Y. (WKBW) — A state senator and an assemblyperson are launching a bipartisan effort to determine why people are leaving New York state.
Senator Jim Tedisco (R-Glenville) and Assemblyman Angelo Santabarbara (D-Rotterdam) are investigating why New York's population decreased by 75,000 people in 2019.
Since 2010, New York's population has decreased by 1.4 million, making the Empire State the fourth largest in the country.
“Let’s reach out to New Yorkers to find out what’s happening,” said Assemblyman Santabarbara. “More than 80 percent of New York State is made up of rural communities with around 3.3 million residents in 44 rural counties, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. If this continues we could face the possibility of losing a seat in the 2022 redistricting, reducing our representation in Washington DC. New York State must address the needs, interests, and concerns of these communities if we are serious about stopping the population decline.”
Tedisco and Santabarbara mention that the majority of people leaving the state are from the middle class and upper class.
“This bipartisan initiative can provide valuable information about the issues facing our upstate families and identify the significant factors that can lead to population decline.” Assemblyman Santabarbara added. “From here we can assess the impact of existing laws and regulations on the unique needs of upstate in areas like agriculture, energy needs and opportunities, healthcare, economic development, the environment, education, and mandate and tax relief.”
