EAST FISHKILL – Republican Assemblyman Anil Beephan (R, East Fishkill) is seeking to prevent the relocation of asylum seekers to Dutchess County through state legislation. His proposed law, is a “step to protect the interests of Dutchess County residents.”
Beephan’s proposal suggests that Dutchess County faces financial and infrastructural constraints that an influx of migrants would exacerbate. Such pressures, he said, could lead to the elimination of critical services that Dutchess County residents rely on daily.
The freshman lawmaker acknowledges the bill faces an uphill chance of passage given that the Democrats hold a super-majority in the assembly.
“I am trying to be realistic with things that we can do. Obviously, if this was a statewide bill, I know there would be no chance, which is why I made it targeted toward Dutchess County only. And many times, even in the minority, they allow us to pass local bills,” he said.
Beephan said this is a “local-based issue” and local representatives “should have the right to determine what happens in our districts.”
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