Local News for May 23, 2023

- Governor Asks SUNY To Evaluate Dorms For Housing Asylum Seekers -

Governor Kathy Hochul is asking SUNY to consider housing asylum seekers on it’s campuses this summer. The Albany Times Union reports all 64 SUNY schools are being asked to evaluate their dorms to help accommodate migrants coming from New York City. Hochul says she is only asking the colleges to house migrants until students return in the fall. Several upstate counties have issued states of emergency to prevent migrants from coming to their communities. These include Cortland, Broome and Tioga. Schuyler County let it’s emergency order expire over the weekend.

- Tompkins Legislature Chair Says Asylum Seekers Are Welcome -

Tompkins County is willing to accept migrants sent from New York City. Legislature Chair Shawna Black told county lawmakers the county is able to care for a limited number of migrants or asylum seekers. Black made the statement during last week’s legislature meeting. The legislature is working with county departments to determine how many migrants or asylum seekers can be accepted. Tompkins County declared itself a sanctuary community in 2017.