'Stay out of Long Island.' Romaine, Blakeman blast state gov't at LIA state of the region event

Over 1,000 people came to listen to elected officials, again, from all levels of government.

News 12 Staff

Jan 5, 2024, 5:59 PM

Updated 135 days ago

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The push and pull between federal, state and local governments - Republicans and Democrats - was on full display at the Long Island Association's annual state of the region event. 
Over 1,000 people came to listen to elected officials, again, from all levels of government.
During the event, both Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman and Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine talked about how they feel Long Island does not get its fair share from the state government.
“We get short-changed. We shouldn’t be short-changed. We are a tremendous economic engine for this state. We need to get full funding,” said Romaine.
"Stay out of Long Island basically ... I think that the state should realize that Long Island is the goose that lays the golden egg," said Blakeman.
Hochul responded with her own thoughts.
"Two of my favorite county executives are in the room ... I walked in I hear somebody doesn't want New York on Long Island, I'm like I don't know - should I just walk off the stage right now? You don't want me to take all the money with me though, right? So Bruce, Bruce - Long Island is here! And I'm with Long Island, because New York cares about Long Island immensely," said Hochul.
The event kicked off with remarks from Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, who focused his short speech on bipartisanship.
The two county executives and the governor also said they are willing to reach across the aisle, but it was clear that there are several key issues where the gap is wide.   


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