Albany County Republican & Conservative Conference Agenda 

As Migrant Crisis Continues in Capital Region, Democratic Majority in the County Legislature Fails to Responsibly Prepare for New Arrivals

ALBANY, NY – The Democratic Majority in the Albany County Legislature today voted down a common-sense proposal pushing for transparency and fiscal planning on the arrival of nearly 700 hundred migrants from New York City. The bill would have helped the County responsibly lead and prepare for new arrivals, especially as the school year and County budget process begin in the coming weeks and months.

“Since Memorial Day weekend earlier this year, Albany County has faced a state of emergency with the arrival of almost 700 hundred migrants from New York City. There’s been a total lack of communication, coordination or fiscal planning involved throughout this chaotic process. There’s even been allegations that the migrants – including at least 50 children in Colonie, and an unknown amount in Albany – have been malnourished and mistreated. Schools aren’t ready. Local governments aren’t ready. With the federal government nowhere to be found, it is our responsibility as local leaders to act in the best interests of Albany County. I am beyond disappointed that my colleagues failed to pass our bill to help our County prepare. The crisis isn’t going anywhere anytime soon. We must put aside the politics and work together to address it,” said County Legislator Paul J. Burgdorf, Deputy Minority Leader and Member of the Audit and Finance Committee.

“The Democratic Majority of the Albany County Legislature tonight chose to ignore the biggest humanitarian crisis we’ve faced in years. As hundreds of migrants continue arriving from New York City, the cost to County taxpayers will increase, and our government preparedness decreases. This federally created chaos isn’t our fault as local officials – but we need to be able to admit that the Biden administration is not coming to rescue us anytime soon. Counties and municipalities are the last line of defense in dealing with this emergency. For the sake of our taxpaying constituents, the buck has to stop somewhere,” said County Legislator Frank Mauriello, Minority Leader.

The proposed bill, introduced in June by Legislator Burgdorf and passed through committee meetings in July, would have required the County to track the fiscal impact of resettled migrants within Albany County. As New York City continues sending migrants to the County, the eventual effect on County taxpayers when New York City stops paying will be substantial – especially as it pertains to social services, public health services, costs of education and future County Budgets.

Over the past several weeks and months, there have also been allegations that the migrants have been exploited, malnourished, and mistreated by the New York City contractor for this program. In July, County Legislators Patty Lockart and Frank Mauriello were the first to call for an investigation into these reports.

There are now approximately 700 New York City-exported migrants in Albany County. Governor Kathy Hochul and New York City Mayor Eric Adams recently struck a deal to send an additional 1,200 migrant families to upstate New York. So far, Erie and Schenectady Counties have announced they are taking no additional migrants.

“We cannot ignore reality or pretend this crisis doesn’t exist, because it’s only going to get worse. Transparency and fiscal responsibility should be non-partisan issues. County taxpayers are starting to feel public health and education costs right now. Regardless of tonight’s vote, our Conference will not be deterred. We will continue fighting for accountability,” said Legislators Burgdorf and Mauriello.