Members of the New York Republican delegation in the U.S. House of Representatives have formally invited Governor Kathy Hochul to Washington, D.C., for an in-person meeting. This invitation aims to address various challenges facing the state and enhance collaboration between state authorities and federal lawmakers. The letter, dated February 18, 2023, was prompted by recent claims from the governor’s office, suggesting there had been no request for a meeting with the delegation.
According to the office of U.S. Representative Mike Lawler, the governor’s assertion that she had not received a request is inaccurate. The Republicans emphasized that Governor Hochul has not engaged with them since February 2023. The letter critiques the governor’s approach since she took office in 2021, stating, “You have made no serious efforts to work with the New York Republican congressional delegation, and instead have spent your time engaging in public attacks and a corrupt effort to gerrymander our congressional map on three separate occasions.”
The tensions between Governor Hochul and the state’s House Republicans have been apparent, particularly over issues like the influx of migrants to New York and changes to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) during the Trump administration. In their letter, the delegation extended a formal invitation for a meeting to discuss critical topics, including health care, energy policy, housing, transportation, public safety, immigration enforcement, state spending, and congressional redistricting.
The Republican lawmakers also highlighted their ongoing efforts regarding state and local tax payments, commonly referred to as SALT, and the need for lifetime funding for the World Trade Center Health Program. They expressed urgency in scheduling this meeting, stating, “As the only New Yorkers working in the majority in Washington, we have a real opportunity to affect policy change.”
The invitation underscores a growing need for dialogue between state and federal officials as New York navigates complex issues impacting its residents. By reaching out to Governor Hochul, the New York Republican delegation aims to foster constructive discussions that could lead to meaningful policy improvements for the state.
