Hochul Ignores Immigration, Lionizes Taylor Swift In Major Speech

For governors, an annual “state of the state” speech offers an opportunity to discuss the big issues affecting citizens. When Democratic New York Gov. Kathy Hochul delivered hers this week, however, she completely bypassed what has arguably become the most pressing matter in her state and the country.

Even as students and parents were learning in Brooklyn were learning that James Madison High School would be transitioning from a functioning school to a makeshift migrant shelter due to the unsustainable wave of migrants that have entered New York City in recent months, Hochul opted to ignore the border crisis altogether in her speech on Tuesday.

The governor did, however, find time in the address to fawn over pop star Taylor Swift, whom she referred to as a “philosopher.”

“She reminds us that everybody here was somebody else before,” Hochul said. “And although people might live fundamentally different lives, they still stand side-by-side on the subway platform, or sit at the counter, the diner, upstate or Long Island, united as New Yorkers. We all want our great state to succeed.”

Many of those “fundamentally different lives” she referenced, however, have been radically altered due to the influx of illegal immigration exacerbated by the Biden administration and her own policies.

In August, Democratic New York City Mayor Eric Adams expressed his disapproval of Hochul’s stance on immigration.

“I think on this issue the governor is wrong,” he said. “She’s the governor of the state of New York; New York City is in that state. Every county in that state should be a part of this.”

Of course, state Republicans have determined there is enough blame to go around on the Democratic side of the aisle.

“New York, including the governor, Gov. Hochul and Mayor Eric Adams welcomed illegal migrants into New York State and into New York City, and now they’re reaping the crises that have been created and the havoc this is causing,” said Rep. Elise Stefanik (R-NY) in August. “Not only do we not have the resources to pay for this, but 82% of New Yorkers say this is a serious issue in New York State.”