Tuesday, September 1, 2026

Governor Hochul Calls on the Trump Administration to Stop Defunding the Police and Deliver the $87 Million in Federal Counterterrorism Funds Still Owed to New York


Trump Administration Recklessly Cut New York’s Counterterrorism Funding by $187 Million Last Year

President Trump Promised to Fully Restore New York’s Funding After Governor Hochul’s Relentless Advocacy and Direct Outreach

But the Trump Administration Restored Only $100 Million – Leaving New York Without $87 Million in Vital Counterterrorism Funding

Funding Directly Supports Intelligence Operations, Transit Hub Security, as well as Equipment Purchases, Training and Preparedness Efforts for Counties, Sheriffs and Police Departments

Governor Kathy Hochul today called on President Trump and Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Markwayne Mullin to fully fund New York’s counterterrorism efforts by releasing the $87 million in federal funds still owed to New York. Last year, the Trump Administration cut critical counterterrorism and homeland security funding in New York State by 86 percent, or $187 million. Governor Hochul fought this reckless cut by appealing directly to President Trump, who promised to fully restore New York State’s funding. After nearly one year of waiting, New York State is still owed $87 million to support intelligence operations, transit hub security, and equipment, training, and preparedness for sheriffs and police departments across the state.

“By holding this funding hostage, the Trump Administration is defunding the police,” Governor Hochul said. “New York State continues to be the nation’s number one terrorist target – and if President Trump and Secretary Mullin really care about public safety, they should stop playing games and fully fund our vital counterterrorism efforts.”


The funding, provided by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) through its Homeland Security Grant Program (HSGP), supports local law enforcement and regional homeland security preparedness efforts, including intelligence operations, mass gathering security, planning, equipment purchases, and training critical to sustaining and improving community prevention, protection, response and recovery capabilities. HSGP was created in 2003 in the aftermath of 9/11 and comprises three separate grants –– the State Homeland Security Program (SHSP), the Urban Areas Security Initiative (UASI) and Operation Stonegarden. Under SHSP and UASI, 80 percent of the funding is allocated to local entities while 20 percent is reserved for state projects. New York State received cuts to both its SHSP and UASI allocations.

Following an extended delay in 2025, DHS released the 2025 Notice of Funding Opportunity for HSGP, giving states the ability to access this critical funding. However, despite being the nation’s number one terrorist target, New York’s allocation was cut by 40 percent ($87 million). Then, without notice nor explanation, New York was cut an additional $100 million when DHS issued the awards on September 27, 2025. After dogged advocacy by Governor Hochul, President Trump committed to reversing these misguided cuts in October of 2025, when he stated on Truth Social that he was “…pleased to advise that [he] reversed the cuts made to Homeland Security and Counterterrorism for New York City and State. It was [his] Honor to do so. Thank you for your attention to this matter!” Almost one year later, New York State has only received $100 million of the amount owed following an order by a federal judge, with nearly $87 million outstanding.

Specifically, access to the remaining $87 million would ensure full funding of:

  • The NYPD’s intelligence analysts and counterterrorism unit;
  • The FDNY’s interoperable communication and radiological response capabilities;
  • Joint Task Force Empire Shield which is responsible for the New York National Guard presence in transit hubs.
  • New York State’s 12 certified bomb squads; and
  • Equipment purchases, training, exercises and preparedness efforts for counties, sheriffs and local police departments.

New York State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services Commissioner Terry O’Leary said, “Governor Hochul has made record investments in the State’s emergency preparedness and counterterrorism efforts, but New York State cannot do this alone. Having a commitment from our federal partners to fight terrorism is critical when it comes to the State's preparedness capabilities, and any further delay in fully funding these efforts is putting the safety and security of all New Yorkers at risk.” 

UASI Funding Cut

In New York, UASI funding is reserved for jurisdictions within the New York City metropolitan areas to sustain and enhance critical anti-terrorism and intelligence sharing programs. Allocations are determined by New York’s Urban Area Working Group (UAWG) which is comprised of New York City, Nassau County, Suffolk County, Westchester County, the City of Yonkers and the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey.

Estimated UASI Cuts by UAWG Member:

City of Yonkers 

-$947,959 

Nassau County 

-$947,959 

NYC 

-$55,671,592 

Port Authority 

-$3,814,724 

Suffolk County 

-$947,959 

Westchester County 

-$947,959 

Total 

-$63,278,152 


SHSP Cut

In New York, SHSP funding is directed to every county and the City of New York to support planning, equipment purchases, training, and other homeland security initiatives. Funding distributions are formula based and ensure funding goes to every county in New York State.

Estimated SHSP Cuts by County:

Albany County 

-$352,119 

Allegany County 

-$22,243 

Broome County 

-$115,981 

Cattaraugus County 

-$50,841 

Cayuga County 

-$49,252 

Chautauqua County 

-$63,551 

Chemung County 

-$54,019 

Chenango County 

-$34,953 

Clinton County 

-$47,663 

Columbia County 

-$28,598 

Cortland County 

-$19,066 

Delaware County 

-$31,775 

Dutchess County 

-$213,709 

Erie County 

-$699,608 

Essex County 

-$38,131 

Franklin County 

-$22,243 

Fulton County 

-$27,009 

Genesee County 

-$36,542 

Greene County 

-$36,542 

Hamilton County 

-$15,888 

Herkimer County 

-$28,598 

Jefferson County 

-$41,308 

Lewis County 

-$17,477 

Livingston County 

-$47,663 

Madison County 

-$39,720 

Monroe County 

-$358,760 

Montgomery County 

-$38,131 

Nassau County 

-$677,634 

New York City 

-$11,218,482 

Niagara County 

-$155,659 

Oneida County 

-$84,171 

Onondaga County 

-$242,307 

Ontario County 

-$63,552 

Orange County 

-$344,180 

Orleans County 

-$33,365 

Oswego County 

-$61,962 

Otsego County 

-$34,953 

Putnam County 

-$87,383 

Rensselaer County 

-$178,292 

Rockland County 

-$236,729 

Saratoga County 

-$92,150 

Schenectady County 

-$178,505 

Schoharie County 

-$30,187 

Schuyler County 

-$17,477 

Seneca County 

-$19,066 

St. Lawrence County 

-$58,785 

Steuben County 

-$41,309 

Suffolk County 

-$439,316 

Sullivan County 

-$66,729 

Tioga County 

-$22,243 

Tompkins County 

-$36,542 

Ulster County 

-$85,794 

Warren County 

-$25,420 

Washington County 

-$25,420 

Wayne County 

-$54,019 

Westchester County 

-$509,223 

Wyoming County 

-$22,243 

Yates County 

-$12,710 

Total: 

-$17,687,197 


NEW YORK STATE CELEBRATES RECOVERY MONTH WITH STATEWIDE OBSERVANCE

 

New York State Office of Addiction Service and Supports            

Landmarks Across New York State to be Lit Purple to Recognize the Importance of Recovery and Honor Those Affected by Addiction

Landmarks across New York State will be illuminated purple tonight to celebrate the beginning of Recovery Month, an observance held every September. Recovery Month highlights the importance of having recovery resources available and recognizes those in recovery from addiction.

“Overdose deaths in New York State have dropped 45% since 2022. That’s more than just a number. It reflects real people – friends, family, loved ones - who now have the opportunity to seek treatment and pursue life in recovery,” OASAS Commissioner Dr. Chinazo Cunningham said. “Recovery is an individual, lifelong journey that should be celebrated, and New York has made a commitment to ensure the estimated 2.9 million New Yorkers living in recovery are fully supported in every community.

The following state landmarks will be illuminated purple on the night of September 1st, which marks the start of recovery month.

  1. 1WTC
  2. Governor Mario M. Cuomo Bridge
  3. Kosciuszko Bridge
  4. The H. Carl McCall SUNY Building
  5. State Education Building
  6. Alfred E. Smith State Office Building
  7. Empire State Plaza
  8. State Fairgrounds – Main Gate & Expo Center
  9. Niagara Falls
  10. The “Franklin D. Roosevelt” Mid-Hudson Bridge
  11. Grand Central Terminal - Pershing Square Viaduct
  12. Albany International Airport Gateway
  13. MTA LIRR - East End Gateway at Penn Station
  14. Fairport Lift Bridge over the Erie Canal  
  15. Moynihan Train Hall
  16. Roosevelt Island Lighthouse

New York State recognizes four essential pillars to recovery, and has built a nation-leading system of services around these:

  • Health: Making informed, healthy choices that support physical and emotional well-being, and address the symptoms of addiction.
  • Home: A stable and safe place to live.
  • Purpose: Taking part in meaningful daily activities and having the independence and resources to participate in society.
  • Community: Relationships and social networks that provide support, friendship, love, and hope.

The state continues to make significant strides in expanding recovery services across the state. Recently, OASAS awarded nearly $6 million to expand youth-focused recovery services at recovery centers across the state. This funding supplements youth clubhouses, which offer services similar to recovery centers but with a focus on young people. In addition, through opioid settlement funding, the state has provided more than $31 million to support services at all recovery centers in New York.

Earlier this year, OASAS launched a new voluntary certification program for recovery residences, which is designed to expand recovery options and ensure that these programs meet a specific standard of care.

Peer support is also an important part of the addiction recovery services offered in New York. These peers are people with lived experience related to addiction, who can offer support to those experiencing similar challenges, and help them navigate their journey to recovery.

More information about OASAS recovery services is available here.

The New York State Office of Addiction Services and Supports oversees one of the nation’s largest systems of addiction services with approximately 1,700 prevention, treatment, harm reduction, and recovery programs serving over 731,000 individuals per year. This includes the direct operation of 12 Addiction Treatment Centers where our doctors, nurses, and clinical staff provide inpatient and residential services to approximately 8,000 individuals per year.

New Yorkers struggling with an addiction, or whose loved ones are struggling, can find help and hope by calling the state’s toll-free, 24-hour, 7-day-a-week HOPEline at 1-877-8-HOPENY (1-877-846-7369) or by texting HOPENY (Short Code 467369).  Available addiction treatment including crisis/detox, inpatient, residential, or outpatient care can be found on the NYS OASAS website.