In recent days, there has been a shift in the issues discussed in Albany. This week Assembly Majority passed a series of bills (Liberty Act) to give preferential treatment to illegal immigrants at taxpayer expense. While I support immigration, it needs to be done through our country’s legal process. If we continue to pass legislation protecting illegal immigrants, then we are incentivizing them to break the law. I’m concerned that many of my colleagues are more focused on minimizing the effects of the President’s immigration ban than helping to improve the lives of New Yorkers.

After each of the five immigration bills were passed by the Assembly, it became clear that the Assembly Majority don’t have their priorities in order. The bills are essentially an attempt to make New York a sanctuary state, encouraging more illegal immigrants to flow in and benefit from our system. Senate members are currently passing legislation that will benefit law-abiding residents of the state while the Assembly is absorbed in legislation for illegals. I firmly oppose these new bills and urge the Assembly to refocus on the issues that matter most to our residents.

The President has said that if this type of legislation continues to pass in New York State he will cut our federal funding. If cuts are made to our federal funding, every hard-working resident of the state will pay the price. There will be cuts to school funding, local governments and even health services. With less federal funding and more incentives for illegal immigrants to come in, taxpayers will end up being forced to pay higher taxes as a result. Regardless of their opinions about our current President, many of my colleagues need to modify their thinking and put New York residents first.

The Assembly needs to prioritize straightforward issues like taxation, health care and infrastructure to improve New Yorkers’ lives. It is my hope that the Assembly will follow the Senate’s lead and work to pass legislation that directly benefits New York families, instead of illegal immigrants.

I want to hear your thoughts on the Liberty Act, sanctuary cities and any other legislative matters that come to mind. Please contact me by emailing blankenbushk@nyassembly.gov or by calling my office at 493-3909.