Is New York Going To Be Split Into Two Different States?
The first secession in centuries in the United States could very well happen in New York state, as State Assemblyman Steve Hawley said he will push hard to divide New York City from upstate New York, in order to establish two separate states.
This is not the first time Hawley has proposed such legislation, but this time, he will ask each county to put the measure up for vote.
Hawley wants residents to voice their opinions on the issue to the governor and state legislators, and Hawley predicts the response to be overwhelmingly in favor of dividing the state.
Due to different political beliefs, lifestyles and qualities of life, New York is difficult to govern, especially when the differences between upstate New York and New York City are so vast.
People in Long Island and New York City are not seeing their tax dollars have the same value as residents upstate, as they are sending more in tax dollars than they are receiving in aid from the state.
The public educational system is another glaring difference between upstate and “downstate,” as the New York City schools receive nowhere near the level of funding upstate schools receive.
The pay for state legislators is another reason for secession. While the base salary of $79,500 may help one live a comfortable life upstate, it does not nearly cover the cost of living for those representing New York City, especially when they don’t have supplementary forms of income.
Priorities between those residing upstate and downstate are completely different, and to be properly represented, they need to be two entirely different states.
James Gilbert | Elite.
