Trump and Mike Lawler's Homeland Security Department cuts millions in police funding, puts NY-17 residents at risk.

HUDSON VALLEY, NEW YORK - Today, Peter Chatzky blasted President Trump’s Department of Homeland Security cuts, which will reduce counterterrorism and homeland security funding in New York by 86%, creating a major security risk for millions of Westchester, Rockland, Putnam, and Dutchess County residents.

Peter Chatzky, candidate for NY-17 and Police Commissioner for Briarcliff Manor, stated, “Defunding the police is never the answer. Mike Lawler claims to support law enforcement and our first responders while he allows funding cuts like this to impact his district. Mike Lawler will continue to lie to our faces and fold to Trump’s hand, even when it puts his own constituents in danger.” 

These cuts to Homeland Security and Counterterrorism funding will impact police departments, fire departments, and bomb squads across the state, harming local communities and forcing counties and towns to make tough security choices. It is also highly likely that these cuts will lead to increases in state and local taxes so that local emergency departments can continue to operate at the level required to keep all residents safe. 

Westchester County is home to an airport, a nuclear powerplant, and thousands of residents who commute in and out of New York City daily.  With these cuts, Homeland Security and police funding in Westchester will be reduced by 90%, leaving a wholly insufficient budget of just $130,000. Rockland County will have their homeland security budget cut by $575,679, while Putnam will see a cut of $212,499.

Chatzky said, “These cuts are yet another example of Trump trying to defund and punish Democratic states with no regard for our safety and no respect for our essential workers. Democrats need to fight back against this recklessness, fueled by Trump and enabled by Mike Lawler, which puts millions of people at risk.”

Chatzky also urges NY-17 residents to call Mike Lawler’s office at (845) 201-2060 to make him reverse these reckless cuts.

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