NY Governor Andrew Cuomo Blames Weather for State’s Population Decline

On Tuesday, New York Governor Andrew Cuomo explained away the population loss as “climate-based.”

New York has been hemorrhaging residents for years, with no sign of stopping the outward flow. “I don’t see it reversing, and that’s the depressing thing,” said Kent Gardner, chief economist at the Center for Governmental Research in Rochester. “There’s no rabbit that can be pulled from the hat.”

While Cuomo maintains that people simply “want to fish,” and enjoy “warm weather,” those departing the state have complained of high taxes and lacking jobs. Cuomo’s Republican gubernatorial challenger, Dutchess County Executive Marc Molinaro, blames Cuomo for watching New Yorkers leave for states with lower taxes and better professional opportunities.

“Andrew Cuomo is confusing New York’s miserable business climate with the weather,” Molinaro said. “The governor’s claim that it’s all about the weather doesn’t hold water.” He pointed out that Maine, despite winters just as harsh as any in New York, is still experiencing steady growth.

New York presently leads the nation in international immigration, but also in net migration of residents to other states.