ALBANY, New York — Schools are facing budget cuts, and taxpayers might bear the brunt of increased costs to support the surge of migrants, leading Republicans to point fingers at Democrat Tom Suozzi.
House Republicans and their campaign arm are capitalizing on Governor Kathy Hochul’s $233 billion budget proposal, which allocates an additional $500 million for migrant-related aid but could result in spending cuts for numerous school districts, especially those in pivotal House seats.
The National Republican Congressional Committee (NRCC) seeks to associate Suozzi, a moderate running for the vacant Queens and Long Island district, with Hochul’s budget decisions. The NRCC alleges that these budget cuts would impact schools adversely, linking them to the ongoing border crisis.
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State-level policies have proven effective in recent election cycles for Republicans, particularly in races where state decisions affect local concerns. GOP House candidates in 2022 successfully criticized criminal justice policies enacted in Albany, influencing key races.
In defending four seats on Long Island and in the Hudson Valley, Republicans are leveraging concerns over migrants and school funding, particularly targeting suburban voters.
The potential cut in school aid, a consequence of Hochul’s proposed redistribution formula, is a politically sensitive issue. This unexpected turn has disrupted Democrats’ plans for a relatively quiet year in Albany during a critical election period.
Democratic consultant Hank Sheinkopf notes the effectiveness of the attack, emphasizing the suburban sentiment that New York City tends to overshadow their needs. The Republicans aim to capitalize on this perception.
The upcoming Feb. 13 special election between Suozzi and Republican candidate Mazi Pilip is seen as an early indicator of each party’s strength in these crucial suburban areas.
Suozzi dismisses the attack as “political talk” and emphasizes the need for compromise between Republicans and Democrats to strengthen border security. He attributes the situation to the federal government’s failure on immigration issues.
New York Democratic Chair Jay Jacobs downplays the Republican criticism, suggesting voters are sophisticated enough to discern irrelevant claims.
Suozzi has outlined a plan to address the migrant influx, supporting border security measures and funding immigration enforcement agencies. His campaign emphasizes his commitment to stronger immigration enforcement.
Hochul’s budget, while increasing overall education spending by over $800 million, proposes changes to how direct aid is sent to school districts. This shift, factoring in enrollment reductions, could lead to $167 million in spending cuts for more than half of the state’s school districts.
The additional $500 million for the migrant crisis comes from a surplus unrelated to school aid. Hochul defends the proposal, citing the outdated funding formulas and the surplus funds held by many impacted schools.
While Democratic state lawmakers have criticized the school funding plan and urged Hochul to reconsider, the Republican approach has frustrated Democrats in Washington and Albany. The past animosity between Hochul and Suozzi adds complexity to the situation, as both Democrats publicly set aside their differences late last year.
Republicans are not limiting their criticism to Suozzi alone; several GOP representatives have condemned Hochul’s proposals, framing them as prioritizing migrants over the needs of New Yorkers. The debate over immigration policies and school funding is likely to remain a focal point as the election year progresses.
