Attorney General Tish James has recused her office from defending the state over the right to shelter law in New York City, a disagreement with Gov. Kathy Hochul and a rare rebuke by the state's attorney of the executive. | Darren McGee/Office of Governor Kathy Hochul
Ecclesiastes 5:8 If you see the poor oppressed in a district, and justice and rights denied, do not be surprised at such things; for one official is eyed by a higher one, and over them both are others higher still
Important Takeaways:
- Attorney General Tish James took the rare step of declining to represent the state and its governor, fellow Democrat Kathy Hochul, by recusing herself from a case brought to force New York City to house those in need, including tens of thousands of migrants.
- Hochul believes the legal requirement to provide shelter to those in need only applies to New York City and not statewide as she fields criticism from suburban Democrats who don’t want migrants resettled in their towns.
- James disagrees because she views housing as a “human right” that applies across the state.
- The case over the so-called right to shelter law is playing out as the city struggles to house more than 58,000 asylum-seekers in its care.
- Hochul in a NY1 interview on Wednesday insisted James’ decision was based on a different interpretation of the law without going into detail.
- There have been moments in recent state history when attorneys general have refused to defend the state they are elected to represent, but recusals are rare.
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