County Democrats consider immigration plan
The Columbia County Democratic Committee heard from Canaan Supervisor Brenda Adams that the County Board of Supervisors has organized several workgroups to plan for a potential development where migrants could be sent to NYS counties from New York City, based on an initiative by NYC Mayor Eric Adams.
The workgroups include county agency directors from DSS, Department of Health, the Sheriff’s Department, and Emergency Services, among others, along with Columbia County Sanctuary Movement, which has been providing various services to migrants arriving in the county for over five years.
The various work groups are charged with preparing for this potential development by learning more about what a program for migrants would entail in the county, along with resource identification for potential future needs for migrants, funding resources, and an understanding of the legal status and immigration processes involved for this population.
To date, it is apparent that an influx of new migrant residents could tax the county’s resources. It would be important to continue to address needs of existing residents while developing additional resources for any significant increased population. Adams said that the county’s efforts are in preparation for a possible development, and said the county will be looking for local partners to provide services and resources if this occurs.
Comments from CCDC members noted that such an influx of new residents could be a resource for the county if immigration rules on work eligibility are relaxed, especially for the agricultural economy, as has been requested by NYS Governor Kathy Hochul. For those who agree on this point, members were urged to send letters of support to the Governor and to CD-19 Congressman Marc Molinaro. Stay tuned for future developments.
Board of Election News
Columbia County Democratic Board of Elections Commissioner Erin Stamper announced that the Columbia County Board of Elections website will be updated with details in coming days to reflect changes in NYS voting law and procedures related to the following:
--online registration will be available as of 6/1/23
--shorter timeframes for new voter registration are going into effect
Stamper also said that the Absentee Ballot portal is now open on the website, and that the temporary exemption for Covid has been discontinued. Requests for absentee ballots for the June primary election are currently being processed. If you have questions or want to clarify voting regulations, contact the BOE at (518) 828-3115 or by email: elections@columbiacountyny.com