ALBANY, NY (Erie News Now)--Tuesday, Gov. Kathy Hochul unveils her budget plan for the 2025 fiscal year totaling at $233 billion. The Governor said the budget comes at a time when the state continues to face significant challenges such as the migrant crisis. 

Within the Governor's budget plan, she proposes $2.4 billion to combat the migrant crisis. She also proposes utilizing $500 million from the states reserves. 

 “Until we see a change in federal policy that slows the flow of new arrivals, we’re going to be swimming against the tide,” said Hochul. 

SOME DEMOCRATIC LAWMAKERS SUPPORT THIS PROPOSAL, SAYING THIS COULD HELP PREVENT THIS ISSUE FROM CAUSING FINANCIAL BURDENS FOR COUNTIES ACROSS THE STATE.  

“You know, reserves, rainy day funds are supposed to be for difficult times, I think this is a difficult time. So, using reserves for this, I think it actually fits the criteria,” said Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie (D-Assembly District 83).

WHILE SOME REPUBLICAN LAWMAKERS SAid THEY ARE NOT ENTHUSIASTIC ABOUT SPENDING MORE MONEY ON THE MIGRANT CRISIS, AFTER SPENDING NEARLY two BILLION DOLLARS ON THIS ISSUE IN LAST YEARS BUDGET.  

“I’m not thrilled to spend any money on the migrant crisis, I don’t think using our rainy-day fund is the right idea. I would join her in trying to advocate for the federal government to pick up the tab,” said Assembly Minority Leader Will Barclay (R-Assembly District 120).

THE GOVERNOR SAid HOUSING 70,000 MIGRANTS WILL NOT BE SUSTAINABLE LONG-TERM AND THAT THE SOLUTION WILL HAVE TO COME FROM WASHINGTON, D.C.  

“Congress, the House of Representatives in particular and the White House, must remain at the negotiating table until they restore the rule of law in our border, fix our asylum system and provide relief to states like New York,” Hochul said.  

The Governor said she plans to travel to Washington, D.C. later this week to advocate for immigration reform and further aid. 

Following the Governor's unveiling of her proposals, the legislature is now tasked with coming up with their own budget proposals to bring to the negotiating table.