Republican presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy has slammed New York City’s $220 million contract with a Pakistan-owned hotel to house migrants, calling the deal ‘nuts’. This controversial decision is sparking intense debate about the city’s handling of the ongoing migrant crisis and the allocation of taxpayer funds.
New York State has approved a $237 billion budget that includes significant funding for migrant housing, housing development, and measures to combat retail theft and illegal cannabis operations. The plan also introduces stricter penalties for retail theft and assaults on public workers, as well as the creation of new hate crimes. Governor Kathy Hochul has praised the budget, highlighting its emphasis on housing policy and investments in healthcare and education. Affordable housing tax breaks, a ‘Good Cause Eviction’ provision, and a mayoral control extension for New York City schools are included despite criticism from tenant advocates and the real estate industry.
