NY Dems eye withholding federal funds if Trump, Congress do the same
Demonstrators at "Stand Up For Science" rally in Manhattan protest the Trump administration's recent cuts to federal scientific funding last month. Credit: Anadolu via Getty Images/Mostafa Bassim
New York Democratic lawmakers, looking for ways to defend against President Donald Trump’s intended funding cuts, have proposed legislation that would allow the state to keep the tax dollars it owes the federal government to fill the gaps.
The bill would allow the state to withhold payments, including state workers’ federal tax contributions, if the federal government fails to follow court orders to pay the funds it owes the state.
"This bill is about Democrats bringing a gun to a gunfight and about us doing what our charter lays out, which is our responsibility to protect New Yorkers," said State Sen. Jessica Ramos (D-Jackson Heights), the bill’s Senate sponsor. "As legislators, what we’re looking to do is ensure that there is no lapse in services to our most vulnerable population."
Pride on Long Island ... Babylon cooking lessons ... What's up on LI ... Get the latest news and more great videos at NewsdayTV
