Assemblyman David G. McDonough (R,C,I-Merrick) is outraged at Assembly Majoritys’ efforts to block a tax cut for veterans, yet they authorized $2.1 billion in the form of stimulus checks for illegal immigrants. The Majority legislators blocked the proposed tax cut in committee, before it could even reach the Assembly floor for a vote.

“Just days after the Majority approved refund checks for $15,600 payments to illegal immigrants, the Assembly Ways and Means Committee blocked an Assembly Minority effort to provide tax relief to American veterans. What was the proposal deemed unworthy by the Majority legislators, you might ask? A $71 per-veteran tax cut.

“The fact that the Majority in the Assembly have no problem allocating a $2.1 billion relief package for illegal immigrants yet can’t offer a $71 tax cut to our veterans, is preposterous. It seems as if rational thought has left New York, joining the high earners and taxpayers who have already fled the Empire State.

“These same legislators passed a budget that harms small businesses, the working-class and marginalizes veterans, in favor of preferential treatment for lawbreakers, convicted felons and illegal immigrants. They are now fighting vigorously to block a proposal to provide income tax exemptions to New York state veterans.

“The Majority has made it abundantly clear their political victories outweigh the immediate needs of New York taxpayers. Their priorities are pushing radical programs in a pandemic, and not the immediate needs of New Yorkers and our nation's heroes. Instead of losing sleep over $71 for those who risked their lives for this country, they prefer to award $15,600 to those who enter it illegally. The hypocrisy in Albany is sickening.”