Cuomo Jousts with McConnell over ‘Blue State’ Bankruptcies

By KWAME PEREZ

New York  Gov. Andrew Cuomo in his daily briefing Thursday branded Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell’s idea that  state and local governments should file for bankruptcy as  “one of the really dumb ideas of all time.”

“ The entire nation is dependent on what the governors do to reopen,” he added. “We’ve established that … but then you’re not going to fund the state government , you think I’m going to do this alone? “

Cuomo also said that it would spell disaster for the country if some states did file for bankruptcy. “ You want to see that market fall through the cellar? Let New York  State declare bankruptcy, let Michigan declare bankruptcy, let Illinois declare bankruptcy , let California declare bankruptcy,” he said.

McConnell made clear in an interview with the conservative radio host Hugh Hewitt that he opposed funding  Democratic-majority states that were hit hard by the virus. “ Stopping Blue State Bailouts.” was the phrase he used to single out such states as California , New York and Illinois.  “ How ugly a thought .” Cuomo said.

“ For crying out loud , if there was ever a time to put aside your pettiness and your partisanship and this political lens you see the world through… if there’s anytime for humanity and decency now is the time,” he insisted.

Cuomo said that New York puts more money into the federal pot than it takes out while Kentucky, the state that Senator McConnell represents, takes more money out than it puts in. “Senator McConnell , who is getting bailed out here ?” he drawled. It’s your state that is living off the money that lives off the money we generate … your state is getting bailed out not my state.”

The governor also gave a staunch no when asked if he had spoken to McConnell and he does not plan on reaching out to him.

On another matter, the governor disclosed that some 21 percent of New York residents who underwent antibody tests showed that they had survived the coronavirus without knowing it, raising the possibility that many more residents than previously thought were immune to the disease.