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STATEMENT FROM GOVERNOR KATHY HOCHUL

“Another day, another denial of critical federal assistance for New York by the Trump Administration.

Just one day after calling out President Trump and Secretary Mullin for continuing to withhold $87 million in counterterrorism funding, my Administration was informed today that FEMA has officially denied our appeal for a Major Disaster Declaration following the February blizzard that caused more than $168 million in damages and placed a serious financial burden on communities across New York City, Long Island and the Mid-Hudson.

“This storm met every FEMA threshold for federal assistance, yet the Trump Administration continues to play political games and betray every New Yorker who believes that the federal government is there to protect and support them.

By refusing to intervene and grant our request, President Trump has told every New Yorker who weathered this major storm and the first responders, utility crews and emergency management staff who worked tirelessly to keep our communities safe that you do not matter to him.

“But let’s be clear, Republican members of Congress across New York are also enabling this neglect. Their continued silence and refusal to break with the President is a direct betrayal of the communities they were elected to serve. It is past time these members of congress demand that the President grant this disaster declaration and deliver every dollar of relief their constituents are owed.

“While President Trump continues to turn his back on his home state, I will always fight on behalf of every New Yorker to ensure they have the support from their government that they deserve.”