New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo revealed the coronavirus outbreak has left his state “basically bankrupt.”
Cuomo made his remarks in a Thursday radio interview on WAMC.
“I represent New York,” he said. (President Donald Trump) wants to make sure he’s responsive to New York. He knows that it’s his responsibility. And in this situation if he delivers for New York. I’ll say it. If he doesn’t, I’ll say it.
“By the way, it’s just not him. That’s with the Congress with that $2 trillion (stimulus) bill (the Senate) passed, disregarding that New York state is basically bankrupt.
“And when a state is bankrupt either I have to raise taxes or slash education funding. And you’re going to see education cut all across this state.”
Cuomo noted he is days away from the April 1 budget deadline.
“The funding they (senators) provided for the state was only for COVID-19-related expenses,” he said. “You know I have no income… Where would you think I’m going to fund education, which is one of the largest parts of the budget.”
The Times-Union newspaper in Albany, New York, said the state is facing billions of dollars in revenue shortfall ahead of the budget deadline. It noted Cuomo is pushing for a reduced spending package that he would be able to adjust throughout the year.