New York prepares to strip federal funding for 'anarchy': $ 7 billion a year at stake

The Justice Department has threatened to cut federal funding for three American cities, including New York. To prevent this from happening, local authorities must establish order in their territories and ensure the safety of the population. This is stated in a press release published on September 21 https://www.izakayasushilounge.com departments. However, it is unclear whether the president has the power to strip the cities of funding allocated by Congress.

The US Department of Justice has threatened three cities - Seattle, Portland and New York - with funding. The department said that the authorities of these cities allowed "anarchy, violence and destruction", and threatened to cut federal funding if they did not take measures to restore law and order.

“When state and local government leaders obstruct their own law enforcement agencies and agencies from doing their job, it puts innocent citizens who deserve better protection, including those trying to hold peaceful meetings and protests, at risk,” said Attorney General William P. Barr. “We cannot allow federal taxes to be wasted when citizens' safety hangs in the balance. I hope these cities start to take their core function of government seriously and start protecting their own citizens. ”

Mayors of Seattle, Portland and New York called the federal actions "politicized and unconstitutional." New York Mayor Bill de Blasio, Portland Mayor Ted Wheeler and Seattle Mayor Jenny Dercan issued a joint response - a statement. “This is an absolutely politicized and unconstitutional step. The President is playing cheap political games with funds from Congress, their joint statement said. “Our cities bring people together, our cities are moving forward since the pandemic and are facing the worst financial crisis since the Great Depression.”

Also, mayors of the largest cities in America accused President Donald Trump of "evading responsibility and shifting blame to cover up their failures."

On the subject: Trump wants to strip New York of federal funding: Cuomo is furious

The Justice Department released the list in response to a Sept. 2, 2020 memorandum from President Trump, entitled "Memorandum to Review Funding for Recipients of State and Local Governments That Allow Anarchy, Violence, and Disruption in American Cities." It includes cities that meet the criteria set out in the above memorandum. The list will be updated periodically.

New York made this list due to the fact that its crime rate has increased significantly in recent years. The city is faced with an increase in unrest, gun violence and property damage. Protests in many American cities began over the death of African American George Floyd in Minneapolis when he was detained by police on May 25.

As of July 2020, the number of shootings here increased from 88 to 244, which is 177% more compared to the same period in 2019. In August 2020, the number of shootings increased from 91 to 242, up 166% compared to August 2019.

Amid rising crime, New York City Council has cut the budget of the New York police by $ 1 billion. This has led to the abolition of recruitment of new police officers, a reduction in overtime costs and the transfer of some police functions, including school safety, from the NYPD.

On the subject: NYPD budget cuts nearly $ 1 billion, but protests continue

Later, City Mayor Bill de Blasio and State Governor Andrew Cuomo vehemently rejected federal law enforcement support.

The White House's Budget Office is due to issue guidance on funding cuts for these cities, including New York, in less than two weeks. Although it is unclear whether the president has the authority to do so, the newspaper writes. Forbes.

Earlier this month, Harvard law professor Laurence Tribe questioned the legality of the move, tweeting: "Obviously, the president has no right to choose which cities to cut off from Congressional funding."

If New York is still deprived of money, it risks losing a huge part of the budget - 7 billion, which it receives annually in the form of federal funding.