Hochul Marks Trump’s Influence on NY in 100 Turbulent Days
TL/DR –
Governor Kathy Hochul has criticized President Trump’s first 100 days in office, stating that his policies have caused turmoil and could negatively impact New York’s economy. She pointed to tariffs that could cost the state’s economy over $7 billion and result in the loss of over 280,000 jobs, as well as federal funding cuts that could impact over $1.3 billion for New York. Governor Hochul also mentioned the impact of these policies on several areas including public safety and immigration, economy and tourism, transportation, families, energy, housing, healthcare, education, and environment and agriculture.
Governor Hochul Summarizes Turmoil Triggered by Trump’s First 100 Days Policies
Governor Kathy Hochul today highlighted the disruption caused by President Trump’s initial 100 days in office, pointing out that his administration’s retaliatory policies, substantial federal cuts and unilateral tariffs are likely to adversely affect New York’s economy, environment, and hardworking families. Last week, New York joined a multi-state lawsuit challenging the constitutionality of Trump’s global tariffs. Independent estimates reveal Trump’s tariffs could cost the state’s economy over $7 billion, result in the loss of over 280,000 jobs and hit New York families with an average cost increase of $6,400.
Negative Impact of Trump Administration’s Policies
“The initial 100 days of the Trump Administration have been characterized by chaos and uncertainty, resulting in New Yorkers bearing the brunt,” stated Governor Hochul. “President Trump pledged relief from inflation, yet his policies are exacerbating the difficulties faced by working-class New Yorkers and are simultaneously slashing services they depend on.”
Implications of Trump Administration’s Policies for New Yorkers
- $1.3 billion in cuts to funding for state programs with more anticipated cuts to local governments, universities, and other organizations delivering critical services.
- Fluctuations in the stock market due to changing tariff policies have resulted in the shrinking of 401(k)s and 529 college savings plans, potentially increasing living costs for New Yorkers.
- Manufacturers and small businesses are grappling with significant cost increases on products due to tariffs, leading them to abandon shipments in customs or cancel orders.
- Canadian and European travel to New York has declined and hotel stays and trips in regions such as the North Country and Western New York have been cancelled.
- Pause of construction of Empire Wind, which could negatively impact jobs and energy production.
- Millions in funding that allowed school districts and food banks to purchase produce from local farmers have been slashed.
Public Safety and Immigration Concerns
The Trump administration has withdrawn over $325 million in crucial resiliency funding from the Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities program, potentially impacting several critical infrastructure and community resilience projects in New York State. The Albany National Weather Service Office was forced to suspend weather balloon launches due to limited resources and budget constraints.
Economic and Tourism-Related Consequences
Unstable stock markets due to President Trump’s inconsistent tariff policy has caused retiree’s 401(k)s and student’s 529 savings plans to shrink. Additionally, consumer confidence plummeted to 50.8 percent in April from 71.7 percent in January. A dollar has weakened, hitting a three-month low in April.
Impacts on Hardworking Families
The Trump administration has reduced the federal workforce by over 120,000 people nationwide resulting in more than 1,200 federal workers in New York filing for unemployment. Additionally, cuts in the U.S. Department of Agriculture funding impacted schools’ ability to buy fresh food from local farms.
Setbacks on Energy and Environmental Front
The Trump administration’s halt on the construction of Empire Wind could put thousands of construction jobs at risk. The administration has also threatened to roll back the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) and repeal tax credits, which could result in increased project costs in excess of $20 billion.
Education and Health Care at Risk
Trump’s decision to eliminate the Department of Education may jeopardize $5.5 billion of annual funding received by New York. His administration also endorsed over $1 trillion in cuts to critical safety net programs like Medicaid and SNAP.
Implications for Environment & Agriculture
The executive order by the Trump administration aims at dismantling strong environmental protections of New York State. Also, the cuts in funding for the Local Food Purchasing Assistance Program and the cancellation of the New York Connects: Climate Smart Farms and Forests Program could impact New York’s agriculture sector.
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