By Keith Brown
I support my fellow Assembly Republican Conference colleagues in calling for an immediate hearing. The purpose of this hearing is to address concerns and demand greater transparency regarding the humanitarian assistance funded by taxpayer dollars for the ongoing migrant crisis. It is time for New York City officials and contracted organizations to provide answers when it comes to the lack of oversight protocols that exist in dispersing funds for aid, which could result in the abuse of taxpayer dollars.
With $4.3 billion directed to migrant aid over the last two years, it is critical we address New Yorkers’ needs and be as transparent as possible with taxpayers. New York families do not want to hear their money is being spent in an irresponsible manner when it comes to migrant aid. Quite frankly, it is a slap in the face to many New Yorkers that so much money is going to migrants over New York citizens struggling to make ends meet. It is time to implement more oversight protocols to hold state leaders and organizations accountable if funds are misused in any way.
Members of the Assembly Republican Conference also renewed calls for the passage of a proposal that would require the governor to report to the Legislature how funds for humanitarian aid for migrants are being spent and would also require the state comptroller to audit those funds (A.7508, Ra).
I fully support the efforts of my colleagues to improve the process for dispersing humanitarian aid to incoming migrants. New York taxpayers must be properly informed and respected — they have a right to know where their money is headed.
Assemblyman Keith P. Brown (R.C-Northport) represents the 12th Assembly District, which includes parts of Suffolk County, encompassing the vibrant towns of Huntington, Babylon and Islip.