Gov. Hochul declares budget emergency, then goes to Democrat fundraiser at Yankee Stadium
A swing and a miss!
Gov. Kathy Hochul attended a New York State Democratic Party fundraiser at Yankee Stadium Tuesday night while lawmakers were still in Albany debating and voting on the overdue $229 billion state budget that was approved with her emergency waiver.
Government watchdog groups slammed Hochul for making the declaration — and then leaving lawmakers little time to plow through the budget while she casually went to the Bronx Bomber fundraiser like nothing was going on.
“It was an emergency — she had to go to a Yankee game,” fumed John Kaehny, director of the watchdog group Reinvent Albany.
“It’s obnoxious that the governor had time to raise money at a Yankee game while she was busy abusing her emergency powers so the public doesn’t get a chance to see the bills.”
Hochul had issued emergency waivers — known as messages of necessity — so the legislature could immediately vote on the tax and spending bills while bypassing the three-day waiting period required by the state Constitution.
That provision is intended to give legislators and the public time to review bills before they get passed.
Said Blair Horner, executive director of the New York Public Interest Research Group, said, “Unless the emergency was to meet with wealthy donors at Yankee stadium, what’s the reason to short-circuit the three-day waiting period for lawmakers to read the bills?”
Hochul schmoozed with My Unorthodox Life star Julia Haart and donors with great interest in what was in the state budget — including the leadership of the powerful Transport Workers Union who represents city transit workers.
Haart posted photos of herself with Hochul on Facebook like they were besties.
“It was such an honor to spend the evening at @yankees game w @govkathyhochul,” said Haart, praising Hochul for approving laws to provide access to abortion pills.
She also praised state Democratic Party chairman Jay Jacobs, who co-hosted the event with Hochul.
The invitation said, “Please join Governor Kathy Hochul and Chairman Jay S. Jacobs
at the ballpark!”
The transit worker union leaders who attended had reason to be pleased with Hochul.
Hochul and lawmakers boosted revenues to stabilize the MTA subway, rail, and bus systems — increasing the payroll mobility tax on businesses to generate $1.1 billion annually, providing $300 million in one-time state aid, and dedicating up to $1.9 billion in new casino licensing fees and revenues. The MTA is boosting weekend service under the deal.
“We were there to say hello and demonstrate support for the governor,” said TWU national president John Samuelsen, who was joined at Yankee Stadium by TWU Local 100 leader Richard Davis and his predecessor, Tony Utano.
“There was a chunk of money in the budget for the MTA. There was a good-faith effort to fund the transit system.”
Asked about criticism regarding the fundraiser, Hochul spokeswoman Hazel Crampton-Hays said, “Governor Hochul is proud to have worked with the legislature on a budget that makes New York safer, more affordable, and more livable, and we look forward to continuing to deliver for New Yorkers on the issues they care about.”
Hochul has previously denied her fundraising affects government decisions.
Jacobs declined comment.
Tickets fetched $5,000 for an individual ticket, $25,000 for four tickets and $50,000 for 8 tickets.
Political party contribution limits are more lax than for statewide candidates. The Republican and Democratic parties can accept donations of up to $117,300 from individuals, partnership members, political action committees and labor unions.
