NY Governor Kathy Hochul on Fighting Texas Gerrymander and Budget Cuts

New York's Response to Texas Gerrymandering

• 🎯 Governor Kathy Hochul vows to use every power she has to push back against the extreme partisan gerrymander in Texas.
• ⚖️ She acknowledges Democrats' past attempts at good governance have not been reciprocated and that a more aggressive stance is necessary.
• ⏳ New York's constitution currently prevents redistricting changes for 10 years, but Hochul plans to push the legislature to amend the constitution, a process that would take until 2028.
• ⚔️ Hochul is not averse to exploring strategies like those used by Republicans, such as moving forward with a map and challenging it in court, but notes New York's courts have previously struck down maps favorable to Democrats.

Impact of Budget Cuts on New Yorkers

• 📉 A recent budget bill, passed with the help of seven New York Republicans, will result in nearly 2 million New Yorkers losing Medicaid, including 750,000 children.
• 🍎 Additionally, 300,000 families will lose food assistance, with the most severe impacts timed to occur after the midterm elections to minimize political consequences.
• 🏥 Five rural hospitals are on the verge of closing due to a $13.5 billion hit to the healthcare system, affecting not only Medicaid recipients but all residents who rely on these facilities.

Advice for Other Democratic States

• 📣 Hochul urges other Democratic governors and legislatures to "stand up" and "fight back" against Republican tactics, emphasizing that this is a critical moment for democracy.
• ✊ She highlights Donald Trump's actions in drawing out Democratic members of Congress, particularly disenfranchising communities of color, as a reason for urgent action.
• 💡 Her advice to states with more leeway than New York is to not sit on the sidelines and to recognize that these are different, more challenging times.

Political Strategy and Messaging

• 🧠 Hochul believes that voters will respond when their pocketbook, livelihood, or healthcare is directly impacted, citing her own past electoral success by weaponizing similar issues.
• 🗣️ She plans to actively inform constituents in Republican districts about the consequences of the budget bill, ensuring they know who is responsible.
• ⚡ While acknowledging the conniving nature of delaying consequences until after elections, Hochul is committed to fighting back and making sure Republicans face repercussions for their actions.