NEWYORK: Governor Kathy Hochul today called on President Trump and Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Markwayne Mullin to fully fund New York’s counterterrorism efforts by releasing the $87 million in federal funds still owed to New York.
Last year, the Trump Administration cut critical counterterrorism and homeland security funding in New York State by 86 percent, or $187 million.
Governor Hochul fought this reckless cut by appealing directly to President Trump, who promised to fully restore New York State’s funding. After nearly one year of waiting, New York State is still owed $87 million to support intelligence operations, transit hub security, and equipment, training, and preparedness for sheriffs and police departments across the state.
“By holding this funding hostage, the Trump Administration is defunding the police,” Governor Hochul said.
“New York State continues to be the nation’s number one terrorist target – and if President Trump and Secretary Mullin really care about public safety, they should stop playing games and fully fund our vital counterterrorism efforts.”.
The funding, provided by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) through its Homeland Security Grant Program (HSGP), supports local law enforcement and regional homeland security preparedness efforts, including intelligence operations, mass gathering security, planning, equipment purchases, and training critical to sustaining and improving community prevention, protection, response and recovery capabilities.
HSGP was created in 2003 in the aftermath of 9/11 and comprises three separate grants –– the State Homeland Security Program (SHSP), the Urban Areas Security Initiative (UASI) and Operation Stonegarden. Under SHSP and UASI, 80 percent of the funding is allocated to local entities while 20 percent is reserved for state projects. New York State received cuts to both its SHSP and UASI allocations.
