Metro

De Blasio: City is hindered by Albany’s semi-colonial dynamic

Mayor de Blasio took aim at Gov. Cuomo on Sunday, saying the Big Apple is “hindered” by Albany’s “arbitrary” approval process, which has soured the relationship between the city and the state.

“There are still so many things that we need to go to Albany for approval on that, at this point in history, we shouldn’t,” de Blasio said on Bill Samuels’ radio show. “It’s a semi-colonial dynamic that really needs to be overcome at this point.”

Hizzoner went on to say that the city “can’t constantly be hindered by an often arbitrary approval process in Albany” and that “there has to be a rethinking of that relationship because we’re trying to get things done for people.”

De Blasio was responding to questions from Samuels about Cuomo potentially passing off about $650 million in Medicaid costs to the city.

He and the governor have battled for months in a feud that bubbled over last summer when the mayor public aired his grievances with Cuomo.

On Sunday, de Blasio said Cuomo assured him that Medicaid “cuts would not cost New York City a penny.” Last month, Cuomo presented a budget that would force the city to pick up the tab for Medicaid and CUNY expenses, costs the state usually takes on.

“My response has been one of appreciation for that clarification, but I’ve also said I’ll hold him to that commitment and that’s going to play out now over the next five, six weeks,” he added.

De Blasio also noted that many Albany lawmakers are siding with him on the issue.

“They do not think it is fair for the State of New York to supplant and transfer more and more costs from the state onto the city for Medicaid, nor do they think it’s appropriate for the City University,” he added.

The governor’s office has not yet responded to de Blasio’s comments.