Comptroller Brooke E. Lierman, in partnership with a coalition of financial officers from Maryland and five other states, released the following statement in response to the Trump Administration retracting $80 million federal funding from the City of New York:

As state financial officers, we are compelled to address the recent federal retraction of $80 million from New York City, funds that were legally allocated for essential services. Such unilateral actions by the federal government undermine the fiscal stability of our states and local governing units and set a concerning precedent. 

All states require the passage of balanced budgets, and each of us is dedicated to being responsible fiscal stewards of public money. This fiscal responsibility ensures economic stability and maintains trust with our bondholders, creditors, contractors, and the public. The unexpected withdrawal of previously allocated federal funds disrupts this balance, potentially destabilizing local and state economies. If allocations can be rescinded without warning, it jeopardizes the finality of our budgets and contracts, eroding public and private sector confidence in governmental financial commitments and contributing to negative financial outlooks for our local and state economies.  

We stand in solidarity with the New York City Comptroller and urge the federal government to restore the withdrawn funds promptly. Furthermore, we call for a clear commitment against such unilateral actions in the future, ensuring that states and municipalities can rely on federal allocations to maintain balanced budgets and uphold their financial obligations.  

Joining Comptroller Lierman in releasing this statement are: Delaware State Treasurer Colleen Davis, Illinois State Comptroller Susana A. Mendoza, Maryland State Treasurer Dereck Davis, Nevada State Treasurer Zachary Conine, Oregon State Treasurer Elizabeth Steiner, and Vermont State Treasurer Mike Pieciak.