Assemblyman Matt Slater’s (R,C-Yorktown) proposals, “Migrant Registration Requirements” (A.7319), and “Death By Dealer” (A.7985), were both shot down by Majority. Both of these proposals aimed to tackle New York’s ongoing migrant crisis and fentanyl epidemic.
In 2022, the nation witnessed a staggering 300 overdose deaths per day. To combat the lethal distribution of fentanyl, Slater created “Death By Dealer” which would have made dealers selling controlled substances that soon later resulted in the death of someone a crime.
Not only have controlled substances flooded our communities, but New York's migrant crisis has made every New Yorker second guess the state legislature's ability to problem-solve effectively. Immigration offices have been so overwhelmed that asylum-seekers are set to wait 10 years before they ever even appear in a courtroom. Slater’s denied proposal “Migrant Registration Requirements” would ensure those waiting for the next 10 years are registered, given background checks, and monitored as they wait for their court date.
The opportunity to bring these proposals out of committee presented a chance for New York to restore some sort of public safety. Instead, it proved New York Democrats have no intention of passing common-sense proposals and will gladly let prevalent issues remain at the forefront of New Yorkers' concerns.
“It’s beyond disappointing to see legitimate solutions to problems New Yorkers are facing get dismissed based on one-party pride,” said Slater. “We have lost far too many lives as a result of blatant ignorance. As lawmakers, it is our only duty to protect and serve the lives of our state and today New York Democrats have made a mockery of their troubles.”