News Summary
New York Governor Kathy Hochul is expressing concern over a recent $187 million reduction in federal counterterrorism funding, which she argues endangers public safety. The cuts, spanning multiple critical programs, are seen as hypocritical, especially by state leaders who emphasize the necessity of these funds for homeland security. With local jurisdictions facing significant resource losses, officials warn that these funding reductions could impair their ability to respond to potential threats, raising alarms regarding the overall safety and security of New Yorkers.
New York Governor Kathy Hochul is raising alarm over the recent $187 million cut in counterterrorism funding from the federal government, a move she claims poses serious risks to the safety and security of New Yorkers. The reduction affects critical resources allocated for homeland security at a time when vigilance is paramount.
Hochul has directed her criticism at President Trump and Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem for what she views as a hypocritical action of cutting funding that supports law enforcement and public safety. The governor has expressed her belief that any New York House Republican who does not advocate for the restoration of this funding is essentially complicit in weakening the safety of their constituents. The funding cut signifies a 40 percent reduction compared to the previous year, with specific losses including $64 million from the Urban Areas Security Initiative Program and $23 million from the State Homeland Security Program.
The impact of these cuts is widespread across Hudson Valley counties, with local officials indicating they could face significant losses that will hinder their ability to respond to potential threats. The State Homeland Security Program is pivotal in supporting essential areas like planning, equipment purchases, training, and various other homeland security initiatives. Ulster County Executive Jen Metzger has labeled the funding cuts as reckless and politically motivated, expressing concerns about their potential undermining of public safety in Ulster County and the broader state. Similarly, Westchester County Executive criticized the reductions as outrageous, especially in light of the recent remembrances of the events of September 11.
Yonkers City Mayor Mike Spano has also weighed in on the issue, stating that the timing couldn’t be worse for public safety officials, who depend on adequate funding to protect their communities. The reductions not only jeopardize local law enforcement capabilities but threaten to dismantle programs like the NYPD’s intelligence units and the Empire Shield program, which involves the deployment of National Guard members to key transit hubs and airports across the state.
Jackie Bray, the commissioner of Homeland Security and Emergency Services in New York, has emphasized that New York is the number one terrorist target in the U.S., suggesting that these funding cuts could compromise not only the safety of New Yorkers but also the security of the entire nation.
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has defended the cuts by arguing that New York has historically received a considerable share of federal funding for counterterrorism efforts. They have pointed out that there are unspent funds available across the nation, suggesting that it may be time for states to manage their existing resources more effectively.
Despite the challenges posed by these funding reductions, Governor Hochul has affirmed that New York will continue to seek ways to maintain public safety and security for its residents. However, she has emphasized that federal support remains vital for comprehensive protection against potential terrorist threats and that the state’s efforts could be significantly constrained without this financial assistance.
As the situation unfolds, local leaders and law enforcement agencies throughout New York are bracing for the implications of these funding cuts on their operations and community safety. With growing concerns over effective counterterrorism measures, the discourse surrounding public safety funding is likely to remain a focal point for both state officials and residents alike.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
- The New York Times
- Wikipedia: Homeland Security
- Mid Hudson News
- Google Search: Counterterrorism Funding New York
- CBS 6 Albany
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Counterterrorism
- Politico
- Google News: New York Terrorism Funding
- Sun Community News
Author: STAFF HERE NEW YORK WRITER
The NEW YORK STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERENewYork.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in New York, the five boroughs, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as New York Fashion Week, Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, and Tribeca Film Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater New York Chamber of Commerce and United Way of New York, plus leading businesses in finance and media that power the local economy such as JPMorgan Chase, Goldman Sachs, and Bloomberg. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBuffalo.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into New York's dynamic landscape.
