• Background
• Debate
• Comparison
• Actions

Background

• The division of New York into two separate states has been considered as far back as the ratification of the Constitution, when anti-Federalist politicians proposed to separate Upstate New York from New York City, which was largely in favor of the newly written Constitution.
• During the period of crisis immediately before the start of the Civil War, the Mayor of New York City, Fernando Wood, proposed the secession of NYC and Long Island from the United States as a separate nation to be called the Free City of Tri-Insula (i.e.: Manhattan Is., Staten Is., and Long Island). This idea was put forth on January 6, 1861. (Source: TeachingAmericanHistory.org) New York City at the time was somewhat pro-Confederate because of the revenues made by the shipment of cotton through the Port of New York, and was somewhat ant-Union because import tariffs collected in New York City accounted for 2/3 of the Federal Government's revenue, while NYC did not see benefits from this collection.

Debate

Reasons NYC cites for separation

• New York City gives several reasons why it should separate from the rest of New York state, or even secede from the United States as its own nation.
• NYC taxpayers provide $3.5 billion more to the state government in Albany than are spent back within metropolitan NYC.
• NYC residents are often isolated from the rest of New York state and of the nation as a whole with their liberal views and diversity. Explanations of this can be found at this source: (Source: New York Magazine)

• Mayor Bloomberg's office claims that NYC sends $11.4 billion more to Congress than it receives in services. This, along with decreased funding by the Department of Homeland Security for the prevention of further terrorist attacks in NYC (while at the same time providing for the defense of less well known, less high profile, and in the views of New Yorkers, less important targets) is another reason that NYC residents have cited for a division of NY state or secession. (Source: New York Press)

  Reasons Upstate NY cites for separation

• Upstate New York has several issues with the city of New York that it feels it is unable to address acceptably while still attached and therefore in some ways beholden to the city.

• Upstate New York has decreased in economic value recently and residents feel action should be taken to correct the downward slide but that the focus on New York City prevents this.
• This region is generally more conservative than the city, but cannot express its beliefs well with the generally liberal city included as part of the state. For example, many people in Upstate New York would like to have less restrictions on gun control, but New York has some of the strictest gun control laws in the country due to the urging of the representatives and voters of New York City.
• Strangely, both Upstate New York and New York City believe that a division would result in lower taxes for all, with both sides claiming that the other uses an unfair share of state tax revenues. At least according to New York Magazine (see above), the claim is true when used by NYC residents, but false when used by Upstate separation supporters.

Opposition to separation

Recent Actions

• In 2003, 2004, and 2006, Council Member Peter Vallone Junior from Astoria, Queens introduced a bill calling for a referendum in New York to decide whether or not to formally petition for a division of New York state. Reasons provided in the bill were the liberal/conservative split of New York City/rest of state, opposition to governor George Pataki, and desire for increased control by New York City over revenues from Wall Street. (Source: Int. No. 386)