NY governor calls Trump benefits executive order 'laughable'

 New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo on Sunday dismissed President Donald Trump's executive orders as “laughable" and ar chapter in federal government's botched response to coronavirus as he praised New Yorkers for mostly good behavior that has reduced infection rate in his state.

Democrat was particularly critical of Trump's Saturday anuncement that states must pay part of $400 weekly unemployment insurance benefits.

He told a telephone news conference that Trump's plan would likely cost New York state $4 billion.

“ concept of saying to states, you pay 25 percent of insurance, is just laughable," Cuomo said. “It’s just an impossibility. So ne of this is real on federal side. This is going to have to be resolved."

He said he didn't kw if Trump was “genuine in thinking executive order is a resolution or if this is just a tactic in negotiation. But this is irreconcilable for state. And I expect this is just a chapter in book of Washington COVID mismanment.”

Meanwhile, Cuomo praised New Yorkers for driving down rate of infections in state so low that only .78% of 65,812 tests performed Saturday came back positive.

He said 131 individuals in intensive care units also represented lowest number since early days of health crisis.

“It's great news," he said.

It was t all good through. Ar seven deaths were recorded.

Cuomo tried to keep pressure on local authorities to enforce rules meant to keep crowds from performing at bars and restaurants.

He said state police and state liquor authority inspectors were filling gaps in local enforcement by issuing 26 citations to bars and restaurants Saturday, including 16 in Queens.

“C'mon Queens," he said, continuing folksy style that has me him a frequent personality on national coronavirus st.

He also called out New York Police Department, saying it needed to “step up and help in New York City."

Cuomo's comments came as Democratic Senate Mirity Leer Chuck Schumer told a news conference that Trump's executive orders “do t come close to solving New York’s problems."

“Meet with us," he urged Republicans, saying Democrats will drop a trillion dollars from ir demands if Republicans raise what y're willing to spend by a trillion dollars.